The Business Journals - Week of April 26

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APRIL 26, 2021 VOL. 57, No. 17

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uction the constr A view ofestchester Ave. RP Group’s at 1133 W Gertman is The N ent.

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estchester County has become fertile ground for Cleveland-based developer The NRP Group, which in 2020 began construction nationwide on 21 projects with 4,865 housing units involving more than $1.3 billion in third-party capital.

“We’ve been focused on Westchester. It has so much going for it,” Jonathan Gertman, NRP’s vice president of development, told the Business Journal during a visit to a construction site at 1133 Westchester Ave. where a 303-unit apartment development will contain a mix of market-rate and affordable housing. » GROWTH MARKET

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Even with more federal money and proposed legislation, restaurants still hungry for business MAIN OFFICE TELEPHONE 914-694-3600 OFFICE FAX 914-694-3699 EDITORIAL EMAIL bobr@westfairinc.com WRITE TO 701 Westchester Ave., Suite 100J White Plains, N.Y. 10604-3407

BY KEVIN ZIMMERMAN kzimmerman@westfairinc.com

“

Mr. President, have pity on the working man,” Randy Newman once sang.

It’s a refrain that has been taken up by all kinds of small businesses during the pandemic, none more so than the restaurant industry. According to the National Restaurant Association, industry sales totaled $659 billion in 2020, with 12.5 million employees.

Impressive numbers on their face, but the association notes that, pre-Covid, those numbers were respectively expected to be nearly $900 billion and 15.6 million.

It estimates that 110,000 restaurants temporarily or permanently closed last year.

Scott Dolch, executive director of the Connecticut Restaurant Association (CRA), estimates that 600 have closed either temporarily or permanently since the pandemic began, but noted that more financial help is on the way.

The recently passed American Rescue Plan Act created a $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund to provide grants for restaurants sustaining financial losses during the pandemic. In other words, Dolch said, the government is taking pity on the working man.

Even so, he told the Business Journal, “I’m not sold that it’s going to be the lifesaver that some think.

I hope it is.”

The restaurant grants follow two rounds of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) grants that many Connecticut restaurants were able to take advantage of. Although the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which administers the loans, does not break recipients out by both sector and state, it said that as of April 14, nearly $3 trillion in PPP loans had been distributed to 45,034 Connecticut businesses.

Stung by criticism over how the first round of the PPP program was rolled out — amid lots of confusion, basically — the Restaurant Revitalization Fund website went up on April 17 and includes a sample application and program guide.

However, applications are not yet being received. The organization has not said when that will begin, but has indicated it will be in the short term.

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Publisher Dee DelBello Executive Associate Publisher Dan Viteri Managing Editor Bob Rozycki Associate Publisher Anne Jordan

“We’re focused on ensuring that the RRF program’s application process is streamlined and free of burdensome, bureaucratic hurdles — while still maintaining robust oversight,” SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman said in a statement.

“There are still a lot of unknowns,” Dolch said. “We’ve heard that the applications process could be open as early as the end of this month. But there’s going to be up to maybe 1 million applications.”

One of those applicants will be Christian Burns, principal of the Skal Restaurant Group, which includes Cask Republics in Stamford and Norwalk, and The Ginger Man in Greenwich.

“We’re most definitely applying for it,” Burns said. “We received our PPP funding, and hopefully this process will go smoothly.

We’re excited, because it can, and will, be helpful to us.”

Burns is also hoping for passage of Connecticut House Bill 6673, under which restaurants and caterers would continue to collect the 7.35% tax on meals and beverages but would only need to send 6.35% on to the state between July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022.

“We’re grateful that the state is even considering something like that,” he said.

“It’s a great bill that will help our industry recover,” Dolch agreed. “It was actually an idea that we had about 4½ months before the pandemic hit, but it never really went anywhere. Now FCBJ

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we’re talking with the governor, legislators and the DECD about it pretty seriously.”

Dolch said that most people are unaware that a typical full-service restaurant in the U.S. usually records about $2 million a year in sales, but operates at a 4% to 6% profit margin.

He further noted that many restaurants that were allowed to defer their rent payments during the height of the pandemic are now finding those bills coming due. “Something like (HB 6673), along with the RFF, can really help,” he said.

The other big challenge With outdoor dining once again a reality, an ever-increasing amount of residents getting vaccinated and monetary relief on the way, restaurants are now facing the unusual challenge of finding workers.

“For the last two or three weeks, it’s been a constant refrain — how do you get staff,” Dolch said.

According to the CRA’s latest data, about 98,000 employees are back to working in the hospitality sector — something that usually employs around 150,000.

“We were at around 127,000 in early October, when the weather started to turn,” he said.

The lack of staff can be attributed to several factors, including people finding other lines of work, fears that returning to a restaurant setting could compromise one’s safety and that one can earn more on unemployment. But Dolch

believes something else is afoot.

“Every single restaurant I’ve talked to says they’re seeing consumer confidence coming back up,” he said. “The problem is that everybody’s saying at the same time, ‘Come work with us, we’re hiring!’ People are looking to hire tens of thousands of employees across the state at the same time.”

“We’re getting fewer resume traffic now, for sure,” Burns said.

“It’s more difficult to find people.

It’s like the time has passed where you can just place an ad and have a lot of people coming in.”

Meanwhile, on April 19, Gov. Ned Lamont announced the state would further relax its Covid restrictions on restaurants.

Beginning May 1, the 11 p.m. curfew will be moved to midnight and on May 19, Connecticut will lift all pandemic-related restrictions on restaurants except the need to wear a mask indoors when not dining.

All remaining business restrictions will also be lifted the same day, except for the wearing of masks indoors.

For all of the positive signs out there, Dolch said he remains convinced that the sector won’t be back to “normal” until “the latter half of this year or even 2022.

“I want to get the industry back on its feet more quickly than anyone else,” he said. “Right now, everybody’s like, ‘Hey, we’ve had a couple of great days!’ That doesn’t make up for 13 months’ worth of loss.”

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Armonk lawyer sued four times for allegedly stealing from clients

BY BILL HELTZEL bheltzel@westfairinc.com

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n Armonk lawyer who was entrusted with millions of dollars from estates and real estate sales has allegedly stolen more than $2.6 million from clients.

J&L Mamaroneck Avenue Corp. accused Laurieanne DeLitta of stealing $950,000 from the sale of a Mamaroneck property, in a complaint filed April 1 in Westchester Supreme Court.

The J&L case is one of four strikingly similar lawsuits filed against DeLitta in the past six months.

DeLitta, of Briarcliff Manor, did not respond to an email asking for her side of the story.

She has practiced law since 2001 and she opened her own firm in Armonk in 2010.

Family law, real estate transactions and estate planning are among her practices, according to the firm’s website.

“One of her greatest accomplishments,” it states, “is that her clients typically return to her for all of their legal needs and refer their friends and family as well.”

In the J&L case, John R. Varamo Jr. of Stamford, hired DeLitta to handle the sale of a commercial building at 616 Old White Plains Road in Mamaroneck.

A West Harrison company agreed to buy the property for $950,000 and the funds were turned over to DeLitta to hold temporarily in her firm’s checking account.

Almost immediately after the deal closed, J&L claims, DeLitta made a variety of excuses for not turning over the money and then stopped responding to calls and emails.

J&L’s attorney, Jeffrey Klarsfeld of Manhattan, states in the complaint that several similar lawsuits have been filed against DeLitta.

Glen Wundeler of Ridgefield, Connecticut, sued her this past November. He had hired DeLitta in 2019 to handle the estate of his mother, Naomi Wundeler.

DeLitta received $999,157 from the sale

of a house in New Rochelle, according to the lawsuit filed by Nassau County attorney Mark E. Goidell. She distributed about $500,000, but allegedly told Wundeler that she needed to retain $600,000 for pending claims against the estate.

Wundeler kept demanding the money, but DeLitta, he alleges, “repeatedly fabricated stories … until she finally admitted in September 2020 that the funds were no longer in her escrow account, giving a fictitious explanation that her sister had stolen the money.”

Patricia Radogna hired DeLitta to handle the estate of her mother, Rose Suppa, who died in 2017. DeLitta had previously done legal work for Radogna’s parents, Rose, and Dominick, who died in 2011.

In January 2020, the estate sold Rose Suppa’s house at 611 Second St. in Mamaroneck for $500,000.

DeLitta received funds from the sale and from other estate assets to put in her firm’s bank account. After paying estate bills, DeLitta was holding $538,110, according to a lawsuit filed in October by White Plains attorney Justin Gardner.

DeLitta allegedly ignored Radogna’s inquires about the money, according to the complaint or made excuses for not being able to distribute the funds.

Deborah Vallarelli of St. Louis, Missouri, sued DeLitta in October, after she was divorced, to handle the sale of her house at 108 Florence St. in Mamaroneck.

She is the granddaughter of Rose Suppa, who DeLitta had represented, and DeLitta allegedly offered Vallarelli a discounted “family rate” to handle the transaction.

DeLitta was holding $518,456 from the sale of the house. Vallarelli was supposed to get $265,954, according to a lawsuit also filed

by Justin Gardner in October. Her ex-husband was to get $252,502.

Vallarelli received $22,460, according to the lawsuit, and a lot of excuses for not getting the rest of the money.

DeLitta allegedly told Vallarelli that she had inadvertently deposited the money in

the wrong account; she was at a funeral; she would send a check via FedEx; she was in the hospital with a kidney stone; someone had tried to commit wire fraud and the bank had frozen her account.

“Incredibly, Ms. DeLitta went so far as to falsely accuse plaintiff’s former husband, Joseph Vallarelli, as being the person responsible for this attempted wire fraud,” according to the complaint.

Joseph Vallarelli has received only

$20,000 for his share of the sale, the lawsuit states, and he has made a criminal complaint with the Mamaroneck Police Department.

J&L, Joseph Vallarelli and Wundeler have complained to the attorney grievance committee for the Ninth Judicial District, according to the lawsuits.

DeLitta “will be imminently disbarred as an attorney,” Wundeler claims, for “the theft of funds entrusted to her by her clients.”

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SUITE TALK

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Suite Talk: Jan Fisher, executive director at Nonprofit Westchester

he Covid-19 pandemic period has challenged the nonprofit sector at multiple levels. In this edition of Suite Talk, Business Journal Senior Editor Phil Hall speaks with Jan Fisher, executive director of the White Plains-based Nonprofit Westchester, on how the local nonprofit organizations have fared over the past 13 months and what the challenges lie ahead for them in the coming months.

Jan Fisher, executive director of Nonprofit Westchester.

Contributed photo.

were so greatly impacted and intersected with other issues.”

How has the nonprofit sector in Westchester been holding up over the past year?

“Adversity is not anything new to the nonprofit sector and nonprofit organizations.

During almost any crisis, our agencies, unfortunately, are the first to be cut and the first to be impacted. Yet the demand for our services increases during every crisis — whether it’s an economic downturn or a pandemic — and funding decreases.

“Our agencies are filled with brilliant CEOs, dedicated staff and our organizations continued to do what they always do: lift up the community, make sure people are stable and make sure that our economy is still func-

These have been our choices for businesses and nonprofits that are Making an Impact in our communities.

M A K IN G

I M PA C T AN

2 02 • JANUARY 18: René Hue, Murmuration 1 • JANUARY 25: Nic King, Proud Puffs • FEBRUARY 1: Judith M. Watson, Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center Inc. • FEBRUARY 8: Gary Bilekzikian, Guidecraft • FEBRUARY 15: Jonathan Winn, Thrown Stone Theatre Co. • FEBRUARY 22: Carlo Vona Jr., Paramount Stone Co. • MARCH 1: Peter Kempner, Kempner Properties • MARCH 8: Joshua Applestone, Applestone Meat Co. • MARCH 15: Michael Sachse, Dandelion Energy • MARCH 22: Donvil Collins, VeeKast • MARCH 29: George S. Kaufman, Kaufman Astoria Studios • APRIL 5: Jon Winkel, The Stamford Partnership • APRIL 12: Amiee Turner, Team Woofgang & Co. • APRIL 19: Ken Londoner, BioSig

If you would like to nominate a business or nonprofit that you feel is also making an impact, please send an email to Bob Rozycki at bobr@westfairinc.com

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tioning.

“Nonprofits employ one in eight people in Westchester and almost 20% of the workforce statewide. We’ve had workers making minimum wage and going to jobs where they endanger themselves. They supported all of Westchester through this pandemic and helped people get through. I’m very proud of how we have fared and what we have done.”

The nonprofit sector covers a wide range of endeavors, ranging from arts and entertainment to health care to helping smaller businesses. Were there particular sections within the nonprofit sector that have been hurt more than others? And if so, what is your organization doing to help those that are in greater need of assistance?

“The nonprofit sector does consist of a variety of organizations and we consider the ones that are providing frontline work, the human services agencies, which are different than other programs such as the arts, which provide solace and an economic engine and are critical to the economy and to people’s health and wellness, as well.

“However, during this pandemic, there was a 300% increase in the need for food.

In Westchester, there are still people that are food insecure and people that are hungry. So, the essential services that nonprofits provide is a very top issue. Affordable housing and homelessness prevention, physical and mental health, immigrant rights, youth safety and education were the areas that we focused on because we saw that people in those areas

Nonprofits rely on grants, philanthropic donations and donations from the general public. Do you see that picking up this year after the problems that many organizations had in fundraising during 2020?

“That really waits to be seen. We are very busy providing services. And in terms of fundraising, how we tell our stories and how we engage the community, the media and government to portray us as essential could go a long way in helping people to understand that they’re investing in something that’s important to all of Westchester or to the entire community, themselves included.

“The fact is when nonprofits provide childcare or services to people in nursing homes and residences for people with disabilities, we have multimillionaires from Westchester and people in the middle class who have family members in these places who are receiving nonprofit services. That’s a whole other conversation about why our society isn’t taking care of its most needy and why nonprofits have to go out and ask for additional funding.”

What is on your organization’s agenda for the remaining months of 2021 and into 2022?

“We are very, very focused on making certain that the benefits and the investments coming from New York state, Westchester County and the federal government are going to be implemented in a way that people can actually access them. And then, we’re going to continue to talk about the issues that we know and we’ve seen during the pandemic that have disproportionately influenced people of color — most sectors don’t like to talk about this other than the nonprofit sector, but it’s something that we do have to speak about.

“The population of Westchester is changing. It’s growing in terms of its Black, Latinx and Asian populations. And we know that people of color during the pandemic died of Covid at twice the level of white people.

We have seen the disproportionate impact on poor children in terms of access to broadband and Chromebooks and other things.

We are going to continue to respectfully and politely and factually engage the entire community in what we feel should be issues of concern to everyone if we want to have a fair and equitable community and a thriving Westchester.”

IN THE FAMILY JP Promotional of Ossining

BY BRIDGET MCCUSKER cmccusker@westfairinc.com

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f you’ve ever placed an order with JP Promotional Products, you might be surprised to find out just how small of a team you were doing business with. And that’s no mistake — JP’s father-daughter duo, Shari Pulver and Robert Rosenthal, have always believed in bringing the speed, efficiency and professionalism of a larger company to their customers, despite operating with just five members, including themselves, on their team.

The Ossining-based company supplies imprinted promotional products and fulfillment services, mostly to other businesses.

Before starting JP Promotional Products, Rosenthal ran a much larger business, the now-defunct Union Pen Co., which was in Greenwich.

“I’ve been in the industry well over 40 years,” he said. “We owned a large promotional products distributor and sold that in 2003 and then started small. And it’s more fun being small, to be honest with you. The other company, we had 175 employees, and now we have a handful, which is much better.

When I owned a large company, even though the ego was there, it wasn’t as much fun.”

Around the time Rosenthal bought Union Pen, Pulver — his stepdaughter and now the president of the company — was living in San Diego, working in technology sales. But, she was ready to return to New York in 2000.

“I was always in sales, that’s my background,” Pulver said. “Then when I moved home, Bob said to me, ‘Do you want to work for me, or put your resume out?’ I was turning about 30, and I said ‘Yeah, all right, I’ll come work for you.’ And here we are. So that’s how I got into the industry.”

“Basically, we bribed her to come home,” Rosenthal said.

Perhaps it was a bribe, but the father-daughter partnership proved highly successful. JP Promotional now makes a solid seven figures in sales and completes around 800 to 1,000 sales per year. Clients range from small and midsize businesses to large local companies such as Regeneron and White Plains Hospital, and even to national companies like Lockheed Martin and RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co. JP Promotional works with hundreds of vendors, supplying both generic and brandname products. They noted that people sometimes think they just sell pens for a living, but their offerings are very diverse.

Among the huge array of products they’ve converted to promotional items are sunglasses, blenders, Patagonia fleece jackets, water bottles, Bose headphones and watches from Tourneau. They offer many items with rushed shipping, turning them around in as

little as a day.

“Our target audience is anyone, any business, because almost every business has a product with their imprint on it,” Rosenthal said. “The bulk of clients are in the tristate area, but we’ve got accounts all over the place, from Missouri to California. It’s whoever finds us.”

Despite the small size of the team, Rosenthal and Pulver have always made it their priority to act like a big company.

“We started with zero 18 years ago — I mean nothing,” he said. “But we made a decision we were gonna act like a big company, not a small company. We spent money on things a small company wouldn’t normally spend on, especially a company with no

revenue at the time. So we’ve maintained that. We’ve had people compliment us on our team structure and how organized and efficient we are, when, you know, there’s five of us in total.”

“They think we’re a lot bigger than we are,” Pulver added.

Rosenthal shared a story from their early days as a company. After selling Union Pen, Rosenthal offered to do fulfillment services for a friend who remained at the company.

“Long story short, he got us a small fulfillment account guy selling TV comDate:— some 04/25/2021 ponents,” Rosenthal said. “We had two tiny Focus: Banking offices, not much bigger than this, and he Advertorial: Issue said, ‘Where shouldAnniversary I ship this stuff to?’

“So he shipped us several boxes that Mortgage

we piled all over the place. We got a UPS account and started shipping. Now, this was out of maybe 300 square feet of space. He emailed me one day saying what a great, efficient organization we have, because we ship so quickly and everyone is so attentive.

Meanwhile, we’re sitting on these boxes! And then he wanted to send over pallets of stuff to ship.

“We were down the street from (Westy Self Storage) in Elmsford, so I ran down and rented a room in Westy’s and I said, ‘You can ship it to our warehouse,’” he laughed. “And our warehouse was a room in Westy’s. And every day we’d run down and pick up the stuff that we needed to ship. But the point » JP PROMOTIONAL

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Growth market—

Westchester “has big employers and a well-educated workforce and employment growth. It has communities with tremendous assets and people with very on-average high incomes. It has access to water, to regional transit, regional road networks. It’s really well located and so close to so much economic activity and a wonderful place to be,” Gertman said.

The Westchester Avenue project site had been a dedicated office park and now is among the leaders in a trend to bring residential uses to office parks along what was branded as the Platinum Mile.

NRP’s projects in the county are: • Apartments at 1133 Westchester Ave. and on Webb Avenue in Harrison in partnership with Robert Weisz’s RPW Group; • The Renaissance at Lincoln Park in New Rochelle, in partnership with Guion Renaissance Housing Development Finance Corp., and Kensworth Consulting; • A 135-unit residence for active adults at the Colonial Terrace site in Cortlandt in partnership with the St. Katherine Group; and • A two-tower apartment project at 115 S. MacQuesten Parkway in Mount Vernon in partnership with Grandview Consulting Group and Kensworth Consulting.

Last year, the developer sold off four of it market-rate properties with a total of 1,326 units, generating more than $300 million in proceeds.

At the end of 2020, NRP had 51 active projects underway encompassing 12,000 residential units and involving $1.6 billion in construction costs. The company, which was founded in 1994, reported in January that it has developed more than 43,000 apartments, manages 23,000 residential units and has built developments in 16 states.

Gertman said that when NRP is considering whether to undertake a project, part of the review process is analyzing options for involving local development partners.

“Our thinking is that we bring real expertise, a lot of experience building apartments, a financial capacity and a lot of really good brain power and smart folks who know the business very well and know how to build and manage them at very high quality. This is a relationship business and finding trustworthy partners with high integrity that matches our core value means that we can be at places where we may not have previously had a footprint and can succeed there,” Gertman said.

Establishing a relationship with a local developer or property operator, he said, allows NRP to expeditiously learn the local mores and ways of doing things.

“For us, that’s been a huge element to our success locally, that we have a really symbiotic relationship and a positive relationship for both ourselves and our partner, to help them do something maybe they don’t have specific expertise in but in an area that they really know well and we’re

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A 303-unit apartment complex with rise at 1133 Westchester Ave. newer.”

Gertman commented that pundits love to declare that things are dead, whether they be suburban offices or even inner cities.

“Things don’t die, thankfully, in our business, but they evolve and cities are very much alive and are going to evolve.

Suburban areas are very much alive and are evolving,” Gertman said.

“I think we’ve just seen that there’s not such a separation anymore, such a strict line of separation, that we want to live close to where we work and to eat out and enjoy amenities close to where we live and work and things aren’t in such strict buckets as they once were and thankfully towns in Westchester are seeing that as well.”

Gertman said that the increasing acceptance of the live-work-play concept has been very important for NRP’s operations in Westchester as has the need for affordable housing and the fact that many municipalities require it in new developments.

“Our roots are in the affordable housing business. I think that’s part of why we have such a community-minded and partnership-minded approach to development,” Gertman said.

“It’s our DNA of how we started. Over the last dozen years we’ve gone from being builders of high-end affordable housing to WCBJ

high-end market-rate housing and what we see now especially in these dynamic close-in suburban areas is there’s a lot of crossover as well. We have all those tools in our tool belt to do affordable, to do market, to do mixed-use and to try to solve the challenges of any community where we operate.”

Gertman said that while getting a development off the ground requires a lot of calculating, drawing, planning and developing procedures, there also is something else.

“The magic is bringing all the talented minds in our company and outside of our company, whether its our partner, our city partner, our consultants such as our architects, our engineers, into the mix to find that recipe that’s going to work for that site and there are a lot of projects that we look at that we pass on,” Gertman said.

“We’re very disciplined about what we go into and very disciplined about how we evaluate opportunities but I think very creative in finding solutions. Our business is very much a puzzle and putting the disparate pieces together to create the puzzle at the end that we see that’s part of the fun of it. We have a lot of great people that can help us put the puzzle pieces together but it doesn’t always work and there are things we’d like to do that we just don’t get the chance to pursue.”

Gertman said that the pandemic had an impact on operations, but not as great as it theoretically could have had it not been for adoption of extensive safety protocols and the fact that NRP had been using computer technology in its basic daily operations long before the virus appeared.

“We were already enabled for our workforce to work from home; we already had communication systems on all of our construction sites,” Gertman said. “Our construction team was incredibly nimble and managed to keep all of our construction sites going except for one which was shut down due to local regulations.

We were able to keep building and keep building safely.”

Gertman said that he’s noticed a trend toward proactive planning in Westchester in the last few years that allows developers to come into a municipality and know the rules of the road they’ll have to follow in advance of starting the approval process.

“Communities feel they have control over their land use process; it’s their vision and developers benefit by knowing the rules of the road and then doing what we do best within them. Westchester is a very sophisticated place and folks have a very strong sense of their local identity,” Gertman said.

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Desegregate CT renews push for alterations to zoning laws

BY KEVIN ZIMMERMAN kzimmerman@westfairinc.com

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he issue of affordable housing — particularly controversial Senate Bill 1024 — is continuing to draw battle lines between those who feel reform has long been needed and those who essentially feel things are more or less fine as they are.

As originally written, SB 1024 would have required municipalities to allow the construction of mixed-use developments with at least four apartments within a halfmile of transit stations (the transit-oriented development or TOD option) or a quarter-mile of commercial corridors, designated as “Main Streets” — without developers needing to seek approval from local planning and zoning.

The TOD and Main Street portions were removed from the bill by the state Planning and Development Committee earlier this month; it is now with the Office of Legislative Research and the Office of Fiscal Analysis.

But Sara Bronin, founder and lead organizer of DesegregateCT — the group that has been pushing for passage of the legislation — said at an April 1 press conference that her group would continue to seek inclusion of those portions, a statement she reiterated at an April 15 online forum hosted by the

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Clockwise from bottom left: Emily Hamilton of the Urbanity Project at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University; Evonne Klein, interim CEO of the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness; Michael Coulom, program director at DesegregateCT; and Jenny Scheutz, a senior fellow in the Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings.

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group.

Restoring those provisions would be “a smart way” to rehabilitate those areas, as well as further support small businesses located there.

“We have six short weeks to really make some progress,” Bronin said, referring to the state legislature’s scheduled adjournment on June 9.

To that end, the group is holding a series of virtual meetings with communities around the state, including Ridgefield on April 29 and Darien on May 6.

Objections to SB 1024 and similar bills aimed at providing more affordable housing to lower-income families have centered on the belief that such legislation would be an overreach on the part of the state, which would mandate that municipalities receive direction from it and thus lose their ability to shape their own communities.

Bronin cited two legal precedents she said prove that municipalities do not, in fact, have those rights. The so-called “Dillon Rule” issued in Iowa in 1868 holds that local governments have no inherent powers, while the ruling by the Connecticut Supreme Court in 1995’s Moore v. Ganim lawsuit said that “municipalities in Connecticut have no independent authority or independent responsibility; they are administrative units

of the state and can do only what the state authorizes or delegates them to do.”

As for another argument against SB1024 — that its passage would establish a “one size fits all” approach to zoning — Bronin argued that Connecticut already has such an approach, with single-family housing on large lots the rule rather than the exception in most communities. As proof, she offered data from the CT Data Collaborative that showed that 90.5% of the housing in the state is single-family “as of right.”

The latter term refers to a zoning ordinance that specifically permits a proposed use and development of land without the imposition of special conditions or discretionary approval from local zoning officials.

In addition, Bronin dismissed as a “myth” that SB1024’s passage would hurt single-family homeowners. Instead, those homeowners can make additions to their existing homes or properties and become landlords for extra income — increasing property values by up to 50%, she said — while towns would still be able to regulate architectural standards.

“We’re stuck in a 1950s mindset in the year 2021,” Bronin said. “We need more housing and more variety” to appeal to prospective residents.

To bolster her case, she cited data showing that construction of multifamily units in Rhode Island from February 2020 to February 2021 was up by 450%. Minneapolis during the same period recorded a 78% increase, while the U.S. as a whole saw a 17% rise. Connecticut recorded a 30% decrease, she said.

Bronin also indicated that Gov. Ned Lamont is presumably in favor of DesegregateCT’s efforts by noting his appearance at an April 10 dedication ceremony for the financial closing of the second phase of a the rehabilitation of the 42-unit Armstrong Court development in Greenwich.

“As I tell folks who sometimes get a little edgy about affordable housing, I like that the people who work in my town can afford to live in my town,” Lamont, a Greenwich resident, said. “That’s called community and that’s what makes a community special. Connecticut is trying to do the best we can there, and Greenwich has really taken the lead.”

‘Segregation a problem in Connecticut’ In a subsequent panel discussion, Evonne Klein, interim CEO of the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness and former first selectwoman of Darien, said the current zoning statutes are representative of “deliberate decisions (that) were made (in) a concerted effort to segregate our state.”

After Klein, who also served as the state’s commissioner for housing, said that, “Segregation is a problem in Connecticut,” Jenny Scheutz, a senior fellow in the Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings, noted that while “segregation” is often thought of in racial terms — something that is illegal — some practices can be viewed

TWB CLC Signorelli 7.375” w x 7.125” h as economically segregationist, such as the 1-18-21 housing situation in Connecticut.

As an example, Scheutz said that with minimum lot sizes needed for single-family homes — some as large as 4 acres — the resultant prices become prohibitive for lower-income families, a practice she said “winds up

at George Mason University — said that as a researcher she neither endorsed nor opposed legislation of any kind.

Still, she said, the current situation “puts Connecticut out of step with most of the country.” While a typical new construction project for a single-family home is on a lot of about 8,000 square feet, she said, “Connecticut requires 40,000 to 80,000 square feet, which can really constrain the housing supply and makes it much more expensive than it needs to be.”

Klein added that for developers, the costs of “going back and forth” to planning and zoning hearings with attorneys could be alleviated by the passage of legislation like SB1024, and free up “money that could be better used for development.”

De se gre gateCT ’s suppor ters include the Sierra Club, Preservation Connecticut, Fairfield County’s Center for Housing Opportunity, the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness and dozens of others.

Sara Bronin, founder and lead organizer of DesegregateCT. separating people by race.”

While zoning does not intentionally lead to discrimination, it can still wind up being so, she said.

Another panelist, Emily Hamilton — senior research fellow and co-director of the Urbanity Project at the Mercatus Center

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APRIL 26, 2021

9

STARTUP SPOTLIGHT

The Abbey Inn & Spa finds its footing amid the pandemic’s tumult

BY PHIL HALL phall@westfairinc.com

I

n concept, The Abbey Inn & Spa found itself in the right place at the right time.

The venue hotel was located within the converted Episcopal Sisters of St. Mary’s Convent at a Revolutionary War site within Peekskill and its 42-room boutique hotel overlooking the Hudson River made it an ideal setting for weddings, special events, conferences and quiet vacations.

As for timing, The Abbey readied itself to open for business at the start of springtime, in perfect synchronization with the launch of wedding season. But, alas, there was a bit of a problem.

“You know that we opened on March 18 of last year?” said Gilbert Baeriswil, The Abbey’s general manager. “So, obviously, the first two months were slow.”

Initially, The Abbey opened its hotel rooms to first responders and medical personnel serving the region in the initial surge of the Covid-19 pandemic while its restaurant Apropos was not able to open.

“And then,” Baeriswil continued, “about mid-May we started to pick up when we

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had a write-up in The New York Times and Bloomberg. That’s when the market found out about us.”

While The Abbey got off to a slowish start — the venue hosted 13 weddings last year — Baeriswil was nonetheless satisfied that its business began to take root.

“This year, we’re going very strong and still booking,” he said. “We had one wedding in March and the next one is May. We’re sending a contract out for June and then we have one for September.”

Managed by the Hay Creek Hotels chain, The Abbey offers wedding planners its 2,183-square-foot Highlands Ballroom, set in the former sanctuary of the original convent building — with some of the original stainedglass windows offering bold illumination of the setting.

The venue’s Cellar Tasting Room, a combination wine cellar and dining room, is positioned for rehearsal dinners, and wedding parties are pointed to the spa or one of the nearby golf courses for pre- or post-ceremony relaxation.

Baeriswil reported The Abbey still operates under state pandemic edicts, with a cap on 110 people, or 75% capacity, for its indoor WCBJ

and outdoor events as well as a 75% capacity on its restaurant, which offers a farm-to-table ingredient lineup for its menu.

If there was one fortunate aspect of opening at the start of the pandemic, Baeriswil said, it was that the venue never had to reconfigure and adapt to meet the health safety protocols imposed on it by the state.

“From day one,” he said, “we went with social distancing, sanitizing and taking temperatures not only for the associates but for anyone coming into the building. We use the fumigating machine and anything else that needs to happen in order to ensure the safety of the guests and the restaurant patrons.

“In the restaurant,” he added, “we have the tables with the six-foot gap in between and we rotate the tables. As of next week, we’ll have outdoor dining with 13 tables.”

Baeriswil has relied mostly on social media and word of mouth to promote The Abbey, but as the pandemic starts to recede,

(top) The Highlands Ballroom, constructed in the sanctuary of the convent that was located on the site now occupied by The Abbey.

Contributed photo. (bottom) An aerial view of the property with the Hudson River below. Photo via The Abbey Inn & Spa’s Facebook page. he is slowly ratcheting up more traditional promotional strategies, including a happy hour at the restaurant’s bar and a Mother’s Day special promotion including a threecourse meal and special hotel rates for those treating their moms to a weekend’s vacation.

And despite being open at a limited capacity for a little over a year, The Abbey has already made an impact in the hospitality world. Earlier this year, it ranked third in the USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice 2020 honors for new hotels, while also receiving “The Knot Best of Weddings 2021” and the “WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award 2021” from two of the most prominent online wedding industry resources.

JPMorgan Chase makes climate pledge

BY PETER KATZ pkatz@westfairinc.com

J

PMorgan Chase says that between now and the end of 2030 it will be working to finance and facilitate various efforts to create more than $2.5 trillion worth of actions that advance climate change solutions and contribute to sustainable development.

Chase said it will bring together its capital and expertise to help clients, customers and communities.

Jamie Dimon, chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase, said, “Climate change and inequality are two of the critical issues of our time and these new efforts will help create sustainable economic development that leads to a greener planet and critical investments in underserved communities.”

Dimon said that JPMorgan is committed to doing its part.

“Business, government and policy leaders must work together to support long-term solutions that advance economic inclusion, bolster sustainable development and further the transition to a low-carbon economy,” Dimon said.

JPMorgan explained that $1 trillion of the effort would be focused on cleaner energy and facilitating the transition to a low-carbon economy. It noted that since 2016, it has financed $210 billion in similar projects.

It also plans to finance and facilitate transactions that support socioeconomic development and quality of life in developing countries and in developed markets will focus on small business financing, home lending and affordable housing, education and health care.

Dimon and JPMorgan Chase were the targets of critics recently when Dimon’s 2021 letter to shareholders highlighted the company’s commitment to clean energy while failing to note that, according to the critics, JPMorgan has provided $317 billion in fossil fuel financing since the Paris Agreement on climate change was adopted, 33% more than any other bank.

Ben Cushing of the environmental activist Sierra Club reacted to that letter by saying, in part, “Financing clean energy does not cancel out the climate impact of being the world’s largest fossil fuel funder, and no amount of hot air from Jamie Dimon can change that. The business plans of fossil fuel companies, especially those that are expanding exploration and production while we need a rapid managed decline, are fundamentally at odds with achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. Any bank that refuses to acknowledge that is not a climate leader. ” Last year, during a speech to the Society of the Four Arts in Miami, Dimon declared, “Climate is a serious issue. And there are potential catastrophic outcomes. Most of Florida will be gone in 30 years.”

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APRIL 26, 2021

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CONTRIBUTING WRITER

| By Norman G. Grill

With the federal tax deadline extended, here are some suggestions

BY NORMAN G. GRILL

T

he federal income tax filing deadline for individual taxpayers, including those who pay self-employment tax, has been extended to May 17 for the 2020 tax year. There is no need to file any forms for this automatic federal tax filing and payment relief.

Individual taxpayers will automatically avoid interest and penalties on the taxes paid

by May 17. However, penalties, interest and additions to tax will begin to accrue on any remaining unpaid balances as of that date.

The extended tax return due date applies to any individual who files a federal individual income tax return or has a federal tax payment reported on one of the forms that would otherwise be due April 15, 2021: Forms 1040, 1040-SR and 1040-PR. Additionally, foreign trusts and estates with federal income tax filing or payment obligations that file Form 1040-NR now have until May 17, 2021.

The extended deadline also applies to schedules, returns and other forms that are filed with a Form 1040 or are required to be filed by the due date of the Form 1040, such as Schedules H, Schedule SE and Forms 965-

A, 3520, 5329, 5471, 8621, 8858, 8865, 8915-E and 8938.

This extended deadline does not apply to any other type of federal tax or any federal information returns, including estates, trusts, corporations and other businesses.

Nor does it apply to quarterly estimated payments related to self-employment income, dividends and rental income, all of which were due April 15.

File as soon as possible for refunds Even with the new deadline, however, taxpayers should consider filing as soon as possible, especially those who are owed refunds.

Filing electronically with direct deposit is the fastest way to get refunds and can help some taxpayers receive any remaining stimulus payments they may be entitled to.

Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond the May 17 deadline can request a filing extension until Oct. 15, 2021, by filing Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. If you think you need an extension, please contact the office as soon as possible.

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Filing Form 4868 gives taxpayers until Oct. 15 to file their 2020 tax return; it does not grant an extension of time to pay taxes due.

Taxpayers should pay their federal income tax due by May 17 to avoid interest and penalties.

Contributions to IRAs and Health Savings Accounts The May 17 extended deadline also applies to individuals making 2020 contributions to their individual retirement arrangements (IRAs and Roth IRAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), Archer Medical Savings Accounts (Archer MSAs), and Coverdell education savings accounts (Coverdell ESAs).

The date for reporting and payment of the 10% additional tax on amounts included in gross income from 2020 distributions from IRAs or workplace-based retirement plans is also automatically postponed until May 17, 2021.

Estimated tax payments This relief does not apply to estimated tax payments that were due on April 15. These payments were still due on April 15. Taxes must be paid as taxpayers earn or receive income during the year, either through withholding or estimated tax payments. In general, estimated tax payments are made quarterly to the IRS by people whose income isn’t subject to income tax withholding, including self-employment income, interest, dividends, alimony or rental income.

Most taxpayers automatically have their taxes withheld from their paychecks and submitted to the IRS by their employer and do not need to pay estimated taxes.

State tax returns The extended federal tax filing deadline of May 17 only applies to individual federal income returns and tax (including tax on self-employment income) payments that are normally due April 15. As such, taxpayers also will need to file income tax returns in 42 states plus the District of Columbia. State filing and payment deadlines vary and are not always the same as the federal filing deadline and it is up to individual states to decide whether to extend tax return deadlines.

Unclaimed refunds deadline extended to May 17 There is a three-year window of opportunity to claim a refund on prior-year tax returns. If taxpayers do not file a return within three years, the money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury. For tax year 2017 Federal income tax returns, the normal April 15 deadline to claim a refund has also been extended to May 17. Taxpayers must properly address, mail, and ensure the tax return is postmarked by the May 17, 2021, due date.

Taxes are complex and mistakes can be costly. This column should not be taken as advice. Consider retaining a tax professional for assistance.

Norm Grill, CPA, (N.Grill@GRILL1.com) is managing partner of Grill & Partners, LLC (www.GRILL1.com), certified public accountants and consultants to closely held companies and high-net-worth individuals, with offices in Fairfield and Darien, 203-254-3880.

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JP Promotional—

is, we made it sound like we were a big company and that helped us grow over the years.”

JP Promotional’s size and level of success make it unique in the industry, where midsize companies are somewhat rare.

“In our industry, there are supposedly 22,000 distributors,” Rosenthal said, and “21,500 are small, mom-and-pop, $300,000-a-year companies.

There’s only a handful of our size. Now, there are some $600 million to $700 million distributors. We’re not a small one, but we’re not a $700 million distributor.”

According to Pulver, their customer orientation and emphasis on service is what makes them stand out and keeps clients coming back in an industry in which, as Rosenthal noted, anyone can undercut someone in price.

“We’ve lost orders literally over pennies,” Rosenthal said. “The only thing that differentiates us is that we go above and beyond with the extra service.”

“Anyone can place an order,” Pulver said.

“Like Bob said, there are thousands of us out there. It’s the service and the follow-up, beating the customer to the punch. Just being one step ahead. It’s the service, it’s being around, being accessible. My customers, if I don’t reply in 10 minutes they get worried — they’re going to call someone, they think something happened. Service, service, service, and do it with a smile.”

Clients are also often pleasantly surprised to learn of the family-run aspect of the company.

“A lot of people, even people in large organizations, like the family approach,” Rosenthal said.

“If I’m out and I say I’m that I’m going to pass this off to Bob, and then they thank me and say ‘Please, tell your colleague Bob that he did great,’ I’m like ‘Well, he’s also my dad’ and they love it,” she said.

“People, they get that sense of hand-holding and family and that we care. You’re not just a number, like when you go to one of those bigger companies. You’re dealing with a family, you know? And people get a real kick out of it, too — it’s actually pretty funny. It gives you that warm and fuzzy (feeling). And we think that we treat our employees the same way. Because they hear our nonsense all day, we talk about home things too, so you have to be pretty comfortable to be around that.”

For many small businesses, 2020 was a year that saw huge losses and even closures.

Rosenthal and Pulver chalk it up as a decent year for JP Promotional. Even with many large businesses deciding to cut spending, they retained many accounts that decided to put funding not spent on travel, meet-

Robert Rosenthal and Shari Pulver. ings and parties toward their employees, in the form of gifts and other perks, which Rosenthal and Pulver were happy to arrange.

“We did a lot of gifting, (businesses) really set nice budgets for the individuals, which they normally wouldn’t have done,” Pulver said. “I noticed that some really turned to focus on the employees, to try to make them feel good and send them gifts. We did one project that was really cool. We did jigsaw puzzles with their logo on it. And that was a gift we did in the beginning of the pandemic, because everyone was home. So people were getting really creative with that sort of thing and really giving back to their employees.”

JP Promotional was also able to fulfill sales for personal protective equipment such as surgical masks, face shields, hand sanitizer and barriers from their existing and new vendors.

As for 2021, Rosenthal and Pulver are beginning to see businesses resuming their buying of regular promotional items, a sign, they hope, that things will rebound and return to normal.

Their close relationship extends outside the business, too. Dad and daughter live just five minutes away from each other, and even vacation together with their family.

“We go away together, so we move the office to wherever we are at that time,” Pulver said. “We can be anywhere doing our job.”

Despite their success, there are no plans to add any other family members anytime soon.

“Max at two family members,” Pulver said. “We don’t need any more.”

“It took us long enough to figure out how to work together without killing each other, so we’re not gonna introduce another option into this, that’s for sure,” Rosenthal said.

Only 17% of Westchester CEOs see improving business climate

BY PETER KATZ pkatz@westfairinc.com

M

any chief executive officers at Westchester businesses think the state isn’t doing enough to help businesses succeed and economic conditions are getting worse, according to the 14th Annual Upstate Business Leader Survey from the Siena College Research Institute sponsored by the Business Council of New York State Inc. Westchester CEOs interviewed for the survey gave opinions to the pollsters that essentially parallel the results coming from CEOs throughout New York state.

The Siena survey was conducted from January through March of this year using mail and internet interviews with 1,036 business leaders from the Capital Region, Central/Mohawk Valley New York, the Finger Lakes region, the MidHudson region, the Southern Tier region, Westchester and Western New York.

Ninety-one Westchester CEOs participated. A breakout of Westchester results was provided by The Business Council of Westchester.

When looking ahead to what they

think might be in store for their businesses, 43% of the CEOs said they anticipate growing revenues, 27% said revenues will stay the same and 29% said they expected revenues to decline.

Only 17% expressed the view that the general business climate in Westchester is improving while 56% said that it is remaining the same and 27% expressed the belief that it is worsening.

Just under half, 49%, of the CEOs said they expect economic conditions in New York to be better in 2021 while 42% said they expect economic conditions to grow worse this year.

The opinions held about the job being done by state government were largely negative with 23% saying that the state government is doing an excellent (2%) or good (21%) job of creating a climate to help businesses succeed.

Decreasing revenues were reported by 74% of the CEOs, decreasing profitability among 66%, and a decrease in demand for their products or services among 53%. Sixty-one percent reported that Covid-19 has increased their costs of doing business.

The use of office space has been

reduced by 28% of the CEOs surveyed, with 55% not planning to cut back on office occupancy at least for now.

There was scattered optimism with 58% saying they expect to emerge from the pandemic as a stronger business that is well-positioned to be successful.

Forty-three percent anticipate growing revenues, 27% said revenues will stay the same and 29% expected revenues to decline.

“In response to the pandemic, CEOs had to change many of the ways that they do business,” said Don Levy, director of the Siena College Research Institute.

“CEOs across upstate have faced an incredibly difficult year for business.

Economic conditions have been difficult for all, devastating for some.”

Statewide, 75% of CEOs have received federal funds to assist them in either keeping their business open or to adapting to Covid-19 requirements, according to the Siena survey. While 47% were satisfied with New York’s management of the pandemic, only 40% were satisfied with the federal government’s response.

“Many CEOs were hit hard by the

pandemic’s effects. Revenues, profits and demand were down and costs were up, including 62% saying that Covid-19 safety measures had a significant financial impact on their business,” Levy said.

“Forty-percent think that state restrictions were too strict but more, 58% believe the state’s restrictions were about right.”

Fifty-seven percent have increased the ability for their employees to work from home and 48% of those plan to keep this change indefinitely. Thirteen percent have reduced their office space and 42% have increased technology support for their employees and 47% have increased technical security measures.

Levy said that optimism among CEOs may grow as stimulus money permeates the economy, more people are vaccinated and pent-up consumer demand becomes real spending.

“While many express frustration with not only the pandemic’s effects but also with what they see as a lack of business friendly policies coming from Albany, 61% predict that their company will be in business in New York 10 years from today,” Levy said.

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APRIL 26, 2021

15

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

| By William D. Winters

Post-pandemic considerations for business owners

BY WILLIAM D. WINTERS

T

he other day, I spoke with a business owner who shared how she tapped into her personal savings, reduced her salary and stopped contributing to her retirement plan in order to keep her company and employees afloat during the Covid-19 pandemic. She’s hardly an anomaly.

While her sacrifice is to be applauded — along with that of the countless others who made hard choices, including lowering

their tax withholdings, shedding office space, obtaining PPP funding and/or EIDL loans or coming up with clever ways to forge forward — now is the right time for business owners and senior leaders to regroup and replenish, including thinking about their own long-term plans and financial health.

Look ahead A business and future equity in it, through hopes of selling it and living off the residuals or future profits, cannot substitute for proper

retirement planning. As we saw this past year, a sudden economic shift can foil the best laid plans, which is why a more diverse approach is recommended.

One smart step is to bring in a financial adviser to help calculate your true cost of living once you’re not running or working day-to-day in the business. Ideally, this professional will help you put together a financial plan that includes retirement, asset protection and an estate plan. They can also review retirement plan options, including a

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Simplified Employee Pension-IRA, (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees) SIMPLE IRA, Solo 401k or SIMPLE 401k and help determine which is the best fit for the business structure. A target-date fund can help automate the process, since it adjusts the balance of fixed-income investments and stocks based on age and projected retirement timing, and be a wise option to explore.

Start saving (again) Too few businesses had healthy emergency funds in place before the pandemic and a lack of cash on-hand can lead to major financial instability. This can be due to a shift outside of the business owners’ control, such as an economic downturn or global health crisis or something as simple as a lack of access to materials. Start rebuilding that important safety net with a few simple, but savvy financial moves.

A best practice is to keep at least 10% of your annual revenue in savings, socking away chunks of money when business is booming and automating a minimum contribution outside of that.

It’s also helpful to consider unexpected expenses and plan for them in the budget and to look back at what kept your business functioning during the recent crisis and make note. Keep a close eye on operating expenses, but also think about seasonal shifts and plan ahead for them. Most businesses have a peak season or slower time of year.

Most all of, keep your focus on the future and ways to anticipate the realities of running your business.

Rethink retirement While it’s tempting to shy away from contributing to retirement, doing so can be beneficial as it reduces your current tax bill and helps those dollars grow tax-deferred until they are needed in retirement. Different plans work best for different businesses, and the best option depends on the number of employees, corporate structure and other factors. Typically, a SEP-IRA, a SIMPLE IRA, a Solo 401k and a SIMPLE 401k are the four main options to consider.

While drastic measures helped many a business owner fight their way through and stay solvent, it’s the vision and bold belief in the future that got most entrepreneurs to where they were before the pandemic. It’s time to return to that mindset, not only to grow businesses again, but to stimulate the economy and to grow jobs and opportunities for employees. Most of all, with the right approach, business owners can ensure they enjoy the fruits of their hard labor and sacrifices for many years to come.

William D. Winters is a managing director at Tompkins Financial Advisors in Mount Kisco, New York. He can be reached at bwinters@tompkinsfinancial.com and 914-946-1277 ext. 33020.

FOCUS ON

BANKING WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNALS

Webster Bank, Sterling Bancorp merging in $10.3 billion deal

BY KEVIN ZIMMERMAN kzimmerman@westfairinc.com

W

ebster Financial, based in Waterbury, Connecticut, and Sterling Bancorp of Montebello, New York, plan to combine in an all-stock merger of equals transaction with a total market value of approximately $10.3 billion.

If approved, the merger would create a bank with $63 billion in total assets, $52 billion in deposits, $42 billion in loans and more than 200 branch locations in the Northeast.

Under the terms of the agreement, Sterling will merge into Webster, with Sterling’s shareholders receiving a fixed exchange ratio of 0.463 of a Webster share for each share of Sterling stock they own.

Following the closing of the transaction, Webster shareholders will own approximately 50.4% of the combined company, and Sterling shareholders will own approximately 49.6%, on a fully diluted basis.

The combined company will retain the Webster name, establish a new corporate headquarters in Stamford and have a continued multicampus presence in the greater New York City area and in Waterbury.

“We are excited to combine the best of both companies to create an industry leader,” said Sterling President and CEO Jack L. Kopnisky, who will serve as executive chairman of the combined company for 24 months after closing, and will continue in a consulting capacity for an additional 12 months thereafter.

“The increased capabilities and scale of our two organizations are attractive propositions for our clients, communities, shareholders and colleagues.”

“We are bringing together two high-performing organizations with strong cultural and business model alignment to create a powerhouse Northeast

bank,” Webster Chairman, President and CEO John R. Ciulla said in a statement.

“This combination provides exceptional financial benefits and enables us to more aggressively invest in key businesses and activities to enhance value for our customers, our communities, our shareholders and our bankers.”

Ciulla will be president and CEO of the new firm, adding the chairman title two years after the deal is finalized.

The combined company’s executive management team will be composed of executives from both companies, including Luis Massiani as chief operating officer and Glenn I. MacInnes as chief financial officer.

The board of the combined company will have 15 directors, consisting of eight from Webster and seven from Sterling, including Kopnisky and Ciulla.

William L. Atwell, lead independent director of Webster, will serve as lead independent director for 24 months after closing, after which that role will be assigned to a legacy Sterling director.

In addition to the aforementioned details, the new firm expects to benefit from the ability to more aggressively grow and invest in Webster Bank division HSA Bank, a national provider of health savings accounts that currently has a 12% market share.

The combined company is projected to generate $440 million per year of excess capital after organic growth and dividends, available for both capital investments and share repurchases.

The merger is expected to close in the fourth quarter, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals and approval by the shareholders of each company.

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as lead financial adviser to Webster and rendered a fairness opinion to its board of directors. Piper Sandler & Co. also

Sterling President and CEO Jack L. Kopnisky.

Webster Chairman, President and CEO John R. Ciulla.

rendered a fairness opinion to Webster’s board. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is serving as legal counsel to Webster.

Citigroup Global Markets Inc. acted as lead financial adviser to Sterling and rendered a fairness opinion to its board of directors. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods

Inc. also rendered a fairness opinion to Sterling’s board. Squire Patton Boggs (U.S.) LLP is serving as legal counsel to Sterling.

Earlier this year, M&T Bank announced plans to acquire Bridgeport’s People’s United Financial for $7.6 billion.

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Synchrony’s Margaret Keane reflects on her C-suite journey

BY PHIL HALL

job through the career office at St. John’s, because they were paying $5.50 an hour for you to make collection calls.”

Keane recalled the call center experience was crucial for her professional development.

“I learned very early on about hard work,” she said. “I’m a big believer in hard work. You can learn a lot of things about a person by every job that they have — just the responsibility of showing up, doing their job, being there on time, not calling in sick, all those things.”

But she also pointed out that the nature of her job taught her the importance of bringing a holistic approach to work that is often emotionally difficult.

“That has never left me: The idea of empathy, of people falling down and need-

phall@westfairinc.com

O

n April 1, Margaret Keane stepped down as CEO of Stamfordheadquartered Synchrony after seven years at the helm, moving to the role of executive chairwoman of the company’s board of directors. During her tenure as chief executive, Keane was among the powerful and prominent women in the U.S. financial services industry.

However, in the recent Fairfield Dolan Lecture presented online by Fairfield University, Keane recalled that her path to the upper echelons of the financial services world began in a modest setting.

“I grew up in a big family in Queens, New York, and was attending St. John’s University,” she said. “I actually got the

ing help to pick themselves up, people making mistakes, maybe overextending,” she said.

“I’ve always had this sense of empathy, really making sure you’re helping the customer and I think that’s played through my entire career. Understanding where customers are challenged and making sure that we’re helping them is something that is in the forefront of my thinking.”

Keane’s journey in the financial services world took her to Citibank’s trainee programming, which began a 16-year career at the company before switching to General Electric Capital. Looking back, she expressed gratitude to Citi, noting “there were not a lot of women in big roles and I actually had a very big role there,” but said she left because her work-life balance was

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awry and “I wasn’t feeling it anymore.”

The move from Citi in New York to GE Capital in Connecticut came with one jolting culture shock.

“I initially worked in Danbury and I didn’t realize they were all Red Sox fans up there,” she said, with a laugh, adding that her ascension through the GE Capital ranks was the result of “hard work, my ability to get things done. I’m one of those people that people know I’ll get it done.”

When GE Capital spun off Synchrony as a separate company in 2014, Keane became one of only two women running an independently traded U.S. bank valued at more than $10 billion — the other was Beth Mooney at KeyCorp. Looking back, Keane theorized her ability to rise in a profession where very few women hold chief executive roles was based on her ability to “viewed differently than the rest of the crowd.”

“I think that’s really pivotal,” she said.

“I think women lead differently — we saw through the pandemic where countries led by women seemed to have less issues, and I think there’s a couple of reasons why. I do think women have less ego — it’s not to say we don’t have one, but I do think we are solution-oriented, so we want to fix the problem and we’ll turn to the most knowledgeable person around and say, ‘What do you think?’

“I’ve seen men sometimes think that they knew all the answers,” she continued.

“To be honest, the further you move up in an organization, the less you know, and the people around you are the ones who know what’s happening in the operation. You have to trust and rely on those people to really tell you what’s going on.”

Still, Keane isn’t absenting herself from her career success, adding, “I’ve always had great confidence in myself. It’s the one area that I have to say, every woman needs to continue to work on, which is that little voice in their head that says, ‘How do I get here, I don’t think I belong here? I’m not the smartest person in the room.’ That little voice is the voice that I think holds women back sometimesw and you’ve just got to keep fighting through that voice.”

As for the next generation of executives moving up through the ranks, Keane advocated building and becoming part of a support network that encompasses all demographics within a corporate environment.

“I wouldn’t have gotten where I got to if I didn’t have men supporting me along the way,” she said. “We need to create an environment where everyone’s participating, and the more inclusive your organization, the better the innovation and ideas are going to be. And if you create that, as a foundation of your company, it is going to open up more opportunity for the company.”

Union Savings Bank joins the instant debit card issuance revolution

BY KEVIN ZIMMERMAN kzimmerman@westfairinc.com

I

n an increasingly time-constrained world, waiting several days for a new or replacement debit card has become less acceptable for many bank customers — a reality that Danbury’s Union Savings Bank is embracing.

“We have a pretty vigorous voice of the customer system at our organization,” said Peter Scotch, the bank’s senior vice president, director of Innovation Center. “We’re always listening to what they’re asking for and eliminating the week to 10 days it normally took to receive their debit card was at the top of the list.”

When an existing customer’s debit card is lost, stolen or compromised, Scotch said, visiting a branch to obtain a replacement card that’s printed and issued on the spot can be a great benefit.

To start the card replacement process, one of the bank’s customer service team members verifies the customer’s identity, then prints the card, all of which takes place in a secure environment. The customer then activates the card and selects a personal identification number over the phone via

a secure interactive voice response system.

Instant issuance also allows for new customers to gain full access to their funds when the account is opened so that they can begin using their card immediately.

USB also offers digital instant issuance to serve what Scotch said is an increasing number of customers using mobile wallets on their iPhones and Apple Watches to make purchases. As for other services like Google Pay and Samsung Pay, Scotch said that while they are not directly linked to the bank’s mobile app, customers can easily set up those options as well.

For added protection, USB offers Debit Card Controls — available within the USB Mobile app — which allows customers to turn debit cards on or off in real time, reducing the risk of fraud if cards are misplaced.

While instant issuance is becoming less of a rarity in the banking world — First National Bank, PNC and Bank of America are among those offering the service — Scotch said it is still new enough to give a smaller mutual bank (Union Savings Bank has approximately $2.8 billion in assets and operates 25 offices throughout western Connecticut) a competitive edge.

Last year, a survey by Independent

Banker magazine found 17% of community bank CEOs named instant issuance as the technology they were considering to meet operational needs.

“Experts say (such technology) can enhance the customer experience, enable card personalization, decrease costs and generate revenue,” the publication said.

The timing for USB is particularly fortuitous, Scotch said, given the jump in U.S. retail sales announced earlier this month.

“A lot of people received their stimulus checks,” he said, “which resulted in a huge bump in debit card activity. We’ve seen a ton of usage from that.”

USB customer reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, Scotch said. Noting that instant issuance was in part a direct outgrowth of USB’s rolling out of a contactless debit card last year, he said, “We are always on the lookout for the new products and services that our customers want to see.”

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Good Things RACE TO FIGHT AGAINST CHILDHOOD HUNGER Filling in the Blanks kicked off its fourth annual Unite to Fight 5K, a virtual event allowing runners and walkers to participate anytime, anywhere between April 25 through April 30. The race seeks to build community and raise funds for Filling in the Blanks to fight childhood hunger by providing children in need with meals on the weekends.

Since the pandemic’s start last March, food insecurity rates have skyrocketed and one in four children is now food insecure. Specifically in Connecticut, 53,000 more children became food insecure in 2020. Most will get breakfast and lunch from school every weekday, but many will go from Friday lunch until Monday breakfast without a decent meal. Filling in the Blanks is an organization that fills in those weekend gaps by providing each child in its program with a backpack filled with healthy food for the weekend.

Founded in 2013 by two Fairfield County residents, Tina Kramer and Shawnee Knight, Filling in the Blanks is a nonprofit organization that has grown from serving 50 kids to serving more than 3,000 kids in Fairfield and Westchester counties. It has partnered with 65 local schools delivering Weekend Meal Bags to food-insecure children in Bridgeport, Fairfield, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford and Westport in Connecticut and Bedford Hills and Mount Kisco in New York.

The Unite to Fight 5K run/walk event will raise funds to help Filling in the Blanks restock its inventory.

To learn more about Filling in the Blanks and how it is fighting childhood hunger in your community, visit fillingintheblanks.org. To register for the run/ walk or donate, visit fillingintheblanks. org/events.

SERVICE DOGS WALKATHON, VIRTUALLY THIS YEAR

NICHOLAS CENTER and SPECTRUM DESIGNS CELEBRATE GRAND OPENING

BluePath Service Dogs will host its virtual walkathon Saturday, May 15.

On Saturday, May 15, BluePath Service Dogs of Hopewell Junction will host its fifth annual walkathon — this year, virtually. The event, which begins with an online kickoff at 10 a.m., will raise funds in support of BluePath’s mission to provide autism service dogs, offering safety, companionship and opportunities for independence.

As with many nonprofits, BluePath Service Dog’s mission continues despite the uncertain times. The virtual walkathon, which is open to all ages, will help ensure the organization’s important work extends

BluePath’s Clancy has helped 14-year-old Alex Millman lead a safer, fuller life.

beyond the pandemic. Following the online kickoff, participants will head out to walk in their own communities and at their own pace.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one out of every 54 children born today will develop an autism spectrum disorder. It is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States.

Each BluePath dog comes with thousands of hours of training from dedicated volunteers and professional staff. While the cost to prepare these incredible dogs

is upwards of $40,000, BluePath provides its service dogs — and intensive, ongoing follow-up support — completely free of charge.

Walkathon registration, which includes a BluePath T-shirt, is $30 for the first participant and $20 for additional participants. To learn more or register, visit bluepathservicedogs.org/events. Sponsorship opportunities are still available; for more information, contact Erica Stanzione at 914-804-4023 or erica.stanzione@ bluepathservicedogs.

CWCF TO AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS AT ANNUAL FUNDRAISER

Ted S. Miller, copresident of The College of Westchester Charitable Foundation.

Courtesy of College of Westchester Charitable Foundation.

The College of Westchester Charitable Foundation (CWCF) in White Plains will salute frontline workers and White Plains Hospital at its annual Scholar Recognition event, to be held May 25.

The virtual program, titled Saluting Our Stars, is a fundraiser for scholarships

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that will help the nine selected students finance their higher education. Since its establishment 16 years ago, the CWCF has provided more than $350,000 to more than 150 students.

“The exceptional scholarship recipients have been chosen to pursue pro-

fessions in health care, technology and business at The College of Westchester,” said Ted S. Miller, copresident of CWCF. The event will be livestreamed on the college website at 5 p.m. May 25. Sponsorship opportunities are available at the CWCF’s website.

The Nicholas Center (TNC) and Spectrum Designs (SD) — partner organizations whose shared goal is to support community engagement, peer connection, support, vocational training and employment for young adults with autism and related developmental disabilities, will celebrate their grand opening on Thursday, April 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The formal program and ribbon-cutting at noon will include speakers from the state and county, and from both organizations’ leadership and founding families.

TNC and SD work hand in hand to ensure that the individuals in their care and employ receive personalized, extensive pre- and on-the-job training.

Over the past 10 years, this collaborative model has improved the quality of life for so many families across Long Island. In 2018, the organizations were encouraged to replicate this model in Westchester County. They received strong support from the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council and opened in Pleasantville.

“We are proud to have expanded our services to Westchester County … We have worked to advance inclusion, bridge gaps in service disparities and support the needs of people with autism across Long Island and now in Westchester,” said Nicole Sugrue, cofounder and executive director.

Spectrum Designs is a full-service custom apparel and promotional items business with a social mission: to help individuals with autism lead full and productive lives.

To learn more, visit The Nicholas Center, tncnewyork.org and Spectrum Designs Foundation, spectrumdesigns. org.

Information for these features has been submitted by the subjects or their delegates.

SPIRITUAL CENTER TO HOST PROGRAM ON AGEISM

ONLINE GALLERY INAUGURAL EXHIBITION

Kelly A. Scott

FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY NAMED JAMES W. COOPER FELLOW Kelly A. Scott, a member of the family law practice at Pullman & Comley LLC in Bridgeport has been named to the Connecticut Bar Foundation’s (CBF) James W. Cooper Fellows Class of 2021, an honor bestowed upon outstanding Connecticut lawyers, judges and teachers of law.

“Kelly is a talented and tireless lawyer who devotes her time and expertise to best serve her clients’ needs,” said Campbell D. Barrett, chair of Pullman’s family law practice “To be recognized as a James W. Cooper Fellow is a great honor and it further solidifies Kelly as a rising star in the legal community.”

Representing clients in all areas of matrimonial and family law, Scott received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Connecticut School of Law, with honors, and her Bachelor of Arts degree from Fordham University.

The Fellows Program is named in honor of James W. Cooper, who was a prominent New Haven attorney and former president of the CBF and the Connecticut Bar Association. Among its goals is the exploration of ways to improve the administration of justice for the benefit of all.

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. The firm has offices in Bridgeport, Hartford, Stamford, Waterbury and Westport, Connecticut; White Plains, New York; and Springfield, Massachusetts.

Online gallery Cynthia Byrnes Contemporary Art in Westport is presenting an exhibition titled “Zeitgeist: Then Everything Changed,” the inaugural virtual exhibit with Artsy, the leading global online marketplace for art.

«Zeitgeist: Then Everything Changed» is the first of a three-part exhibition reflecting on the unexpected challenges and victories of 2020. Through examining reaction to the pervasive social and cultural shifts caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the exhibition simultaneously highlights its effect on the art market — specifically, the increasing role that digital technology will play in its future.

“The timing of this inaugural exhibition acknowledges the current moment of transition — the optimistic potential of our collective 2021 experience — while simultaneously reflecting on the emotions of early 2020, when it all began,” said Cynthia Byrnes, founder and director of Cynthia Byrnes Contemporary Art. Featuring artists working across

Virtual exhibition, Zeitgeist: Then Everything Changed.

a variety of media, each of the installments will reflect on the initial phase in the progression of the pandemic as it rippled through virtually every aspect of contemporary life.

“Zeitgeist: Then Everything Changed” will be online until June 20. For more information, visit the interactive online gallery on Artsy.

Revolutionizing the art curation and

specification process, Cynthia Byrnes Contemporary Art is the first interactive and collaborative online gallery experience of its kind. Providing art advisory, curation and full-service project management for residential and commercial projects.

Artsy is the largest global online marketplace for discovering, buying and selling fine art by leading artists.

EXPLORING SARGENT’S COMPLEX PORTRAITS OF WOMEN

Trinity Spiritual Center in Southport will host an exclusive livestream event with the globe-trotting writer, activist and expert on ageism Ashton Applewhite, on Thursday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. She will address a topic with universal relevance in a world of longer lives: “How can we make age bias as unacceptable as any other form of prejudice?” This special event is free and open to all.

The author of “This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism,” Applewhite is a thought leader recognized as an expert on ageism. Age bias cuts work lives short, stunts sense of self and one’s place in the world and harms health.

The event will open with a screening of Applewhite’s TED Talk, “Let’s End Ageism” that currently has nearly 1.65 million views. A moderated discussion will be followed by Q&A with the audience. To come prepared, check out her website.

“All prejudice relies on othering — seeing a group of people as other than ourselves,” says Applewhite. “The strange thing about ageism that the ‘other’ in this case is us — our own future selves.”

While there is no charge for the participation in this event, registration is required at https://tinyurl.com/ tscmay6 or call 203-255-0454.

CONNECT WITH westfair communications John Singer Sargent - La Carmencita 1890.

John Singer Sargent - Madame Gautreau Drinking a Toast, 1883.

On Monday, May 3 from 1 to 3 p.m., The Greenwich Decorative Arts Society will present “Hostesses, Circumnavigators, Watercolorists and Exotic Dancers: How Nineteenth-Century Women’s Culture made John Singer Sargent,” a lecture

by Paul Fisher, professor of American studies at Wellesley College.

Earlier generations of art historians often noticed how complex and remarkable Sargent’s portraits of women tend to be. But are these “Sargent’s women,” or do the women in the portraits actually manifest the momen-

tous changes in women’s roles during Sargent’s lifetime? This talk explores Sargent’s rich depictions of women and the many ways in which his work actually owes a great debt to 19th-century women’s culture.

The lectures will be held remotely on Zoom and will be free to members. The fee for nonmembers is $25 payable in advance by mail. For reservations and information, contact greenwichdecorativearts@gmail.com, @ greenwichdecorativearts1 or greenwichdecorativearts.org.

westfaironline.com wagmag.com John Singer Sargent - The Breakfast Table, 1883.

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Good Things WESTCHESTER COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH AWARDS The Westchester County Board of Health and County Executive George Latimer recently presented the 2020 and 2021 Public Health Awards to nine individuals and three organizations in recognition of their outstanding contributions to public health in Westchester.

Latimer presented the winners with proclamations honoring their achievements and said, “These awards help us highlight the important role that public health plays in our daily lives to preserve, protect and promote the health of Westchester residents.

After the past 15 months, we have a much keener understanding and appreciation both for the importance of public health and for the people who look out for the health of our population.”

The awards included the Dr. Harold Keltz Distinguished Public Health Service Award for 2020 to the Open Door Family Medical Center for its Baby Box Program; the 2021 Dr. Harold Keltz Distinguished Public Health Service Award for 2021 to Amy Kirschen-

LATINO U COLLEGE ACCESS LEADERSHIP TRANSITION

baum of New Rochelle and Neighbors Link in Mount Kisco; the 2020 J.R. Tesone Youth Public Health Service Award to Hana Zalvan of Briarcliff Manor; and the 2021 J.R. Tesone Youth Public Health Service Award to Nolan James of Larchmont.

The board also recognized six public health volunteers for their service to the community.They included Kathryn Joblon, a Montrose resident: At Home on the Sound, an organization that helps Larchmont, Mamaroneck and Rye Neck; Ellen Herlihy of North Salem; Molly Howson of Rye; Caitlyn Carpenter of Mamaroneck; and Milan Acosta of New Rochelle.

County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, M.D., said, “Improving public health takes creativity, commitment and collaboration and we are grateful to all the honorees, the nominees and to all our nonprofit partners for helping to fulfill the health department mission of promoting and protecting public health.”

CLC TO HOST DANCE PARTY Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County (CLC), the second-largest center-based early childhood education nonprofit in Connecticut, will host “This Magic Moment” dance party Friday, June 4 at the Greenwich Audubon Center from 7 to 10 p.m. The event will take place outdoors under an open-sided tent and will feature the music of DJ April Larken.

Guests can register individually or come as a Dance Pod Team to compete for a prize or just dance the night away. This is not a seated dinner unless guests reserve a table.

Light bites, small plates and desserts will be individually plated and served throughout the evening. In-person capacity is limited and precautions will be taken following CDC, state

and local guidelines for a safe and enjoyable evening.

“Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County plays a critical role in helping and educating children and their families in our community. We are looking forward to reuniting in person with our supporters for our most important fundraiser of the year,” stated CLC CEO Marc E. Jaffe. “We enable more parents of young children to work than any other nonprofit in southwest Connecticut,” explained Jaffe.

Tickets are $300 per person or a reserved VIP Dance Pod Table with seating for six people is $2,500. Purchase online at clcfc.org.

Founder and CEO Shirley Acevedo Buontempo, MPA, of Latino U College Access Inc. (LUCA) in White Plains will transition into a new role within the organization effective July 1. She will be succeeded by LUCA’s Deputy Executive Director Cosette Gutierrez, MBA, who will assume the role of executive director.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to live my life’s purpose doing work that makes such an incredible difference in the lives of the students and families we serve,” said Acevedo Buontempo. “I am grateful to our Board of Directors, our partners, volunteers and funders for their support of our vision and mission. Cosette has been an invaluable partner. Her talent, passion and commitment to our work give me great confidence as I pass on the baton of leadership.”

As the founder of LUCA, Acevedo Buontempo has built one of the leading college access and success organizations in Westchester County. In her 10 years leading the organization, what began with only two students from one high school grew to reach more than 6,000 students in four partner school districts. Throughout her tenure, she has led advocacy efforts and spoke in support of initiatives that advanced educational equity for Latinx students.

Acevedo Buontempo will remain an integral part of LUCA’s future in a full-time role as founder and strategic growth officer.

Shirley Acevedo Buontempo

Cosette Gutierrez

“We are incredibly grateful for the extraordinary commitment Shirley has given to launch LUCA from a start-up to a well-established organization,” said Steve Moroney, chairman of the Board of Directors.

“LUCA has a transformational impact on the lives of both the community and students we serve. We are thrilled Shirley will continue to support our board and Cosette as we launch ambitious goals for the future.”

Cosette Gutierrez’s unanimous appointment by the board of directors assures a seamless transition for ongoing dedication and commitment to LUCA’s mission. A dynamic and engaging executive, Gutierrez has had a successful career in nonprofit, retail and financial services. She earned a

bachelor’s degree from the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.

Founded in 2012, Latino U College Access is a social impact organization that transforms lives by making college dreams a reality for low-income, first-generation, Latino youth. It guides students, who have demonstrated academic ability, through individualized coaching and culturally relevant programming as they navigate higher education to successfully enroll in schools that meet their financial and academic needs, enabling them to graduate on time and career-ready. To learn more about LUCA or to make a donation in support of its mission, visit latinou.org.

ACCOUNTANTS JOIN HVEDC BOARD

RUTH TAYLOR SCHOLARSHIPS SEEKING APPLICATIONS Westchester County graduate students pursuing careers in social work or public health are invited to apply for scholarship assistance through the Ruth Taylor Scholarship Fund, which was established as a tribute to Ruth Taylor upon her retirement as the county’s commissioner of public welfare and in recognition of her nearly four decades of service. The annual awards are sponsored by United Way of Westchester and Putnam, Westchester County government and the Urban League of Westchester County.

Applicants must be residents of Westchester County and enrolled in graduate studies in social work or public health on a full-time basis. The submission deadline for all applications and supporting documents is

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Monday, June 14.

Financial need, public service and scholastic capacity are part of the evaluation criteria. Recipients must maintain the minimum cumulative university GPA (grade point average) for the duration of the award. Awards are issued annually and students are eligible to apply if they have not previously received the scholarship. A change in major or enrollment status (to part time) will result in loss of the scholarship award.

Inquiries can be directed to: Sabrina Ponzini, impact coordinator at United Way of Westchester and Putnam, via email at sponzini@uwwp.org or download the application and cover letter at uwwp.org/ ruthtaylorscholarships.

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A. Michael Bucci

Bradley Cummings

Matthew VanDerbeck.

Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. (HVEDC) in Poughkeepsie has added UHY LLP (UHY), a licensed CPA firm, to its Advisory Board of Directors. The firm will be represented by partners A. Michael Bucci, Bradley Cummings and Matthew VanDerbeck.

“We are thrilled to have the expertise of UHY LLP on the advisory board.

Working with Michael, Bradley, Matthew and their team, we will help to

foster economic growth in the region.

We look forward to working together on projects that will have a meaningful impact on our community and the future of our economy,” said Mike Oates, president and CEO of HVEDC. And in return, “UHY is thrilled to join the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. as an Advisory Board member. HVEDC plays a vital role in the Hudson Valley and we look forward to

being a resource in support of their mission. This partnership allows us to collectively invest in the community and in turn succeed together,” said Bucci, who together with Cummings and VanDerbeck possesses decades of experience in income tax, small-business consulting and governmental and corporate accounting and auditing. Their offices are located in Hudson, Kingston and Catskill.

TACKLING FOOD WASTE WITH RECOVERY INITIATIVE BCA: 25 YEARS AND NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Anthony J. Enea

ENEA GIFTS LAW SCHOOL Pace University’s Elisabeth Haub School of Law in White Plains has announced a scholarship gift of $25,000 from elder law attorney Anthony J. Enea, a 1985 Haub Law graduate and managing member of Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano LLP in White Plains and Somers. The Anthony J. Enea Elder Law Scholarship will make awards to a fifth-semester third-year student who has excelled in elder law courses in his or her first two years of law school at Haub Law. “We are grateful for the generosity of esteemed attorney Anthony J. Enea in providing this scholarship,” said Haub Law Dean Horace Anderson.

“Anthony has dedicated his career to elder law and this scholarship will lend support to students at Haub Law who share the same interest in protecting the rights of seniors, the disabled and their families. We are honored to have the support of Anthony as a friend, alumnus of Haub Law and member of our Board of Visitors.”

“The Law School taught me the importance of giving back to our legal community,” said Enea. “My decades of involvement in both the state and Westchester County bar associations, as well as the lectures I give and the articles I write, are directly attributable to my desire to give back and help mentor.”

In 2018, Enea was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award at the annual Law School Leadership Awards Dinner. He is president of the Westchester County Bar Foundation and chair of the New York State Bar Association’s 50-plus Lawyers Section.

Information for these features has been submitted by the subjects or their delegates.

Feeding Westchester’s Food Recovery Program kept 3.4 million pounds of nutritious food out of local landfills last year – delivering it to those most in need.

Food waste is a major problem around the world causing serious environmental, financial and cultural implications, including in Westchester County. On Earth Day, April 22, Feeding Westchester, the county’s largest nonprofit hunger-relief organization, called attention to the ongoing problem of food waste and its partnership with local farmers, wholesalers and retailers to keep nutritious food out of landfills and in the hands of those who need it most.

The Natural Resources Defense Council estimates that 40% of food in the United States is wasted – the equivalent of $165 billion each year. And, according to a 2021 Food Waste Study released by Woodard

& Curran, Westchester is also generating a significant amount of food waste – roughly 125,000 tons annually among commercial businesses with an additional 85,537 tons from residential homes.

Even with this staggering amount of discarded food, roughly one in six individuals across New York state struggles with hunger. This includes more than 200,000 Westchester residents who are either food insecure or at risk and in need of assistance.

“While these numbers can be overwhelming to digest, we have the power to effect real change,” said Ryan Brisk, senior director of operations at Feeding Westchester. “The way we purchase, store, consume

and discard food can add up to a massive collective impact.”

Feeding Westchester’s Food Recovery Program includes nearly 100 farmers, wholesalers and retailers. Last year, 3.4 million pounds of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy products were rescued through the program – the equivalent of 2.8 million meals. In the first quarter of 2021, Feeding Westchester diverted 810,935 pounds of nutritious food from ending up in landfills.

Every $1 donated to Feeding Westchester provides up to three meals for local children, seniors and families struggling with hunger. To find help or give help, visit feedingwestchester.org or call 914- 923-1100.

LIFTING UP WESTCHESTER’S HONOREES Husband and wife Matt Darnall and Kathleen Kiernan were recently honored at White Plains-based Lifting Up Westchester’s Community of Hope virtual gala. Darnall is the lead developer at Element Capital, an alternative investment managing firm founded by Jeffrey Talpins, a longtime supporter of Lifting Up Westchester and a sponsor of the gala.

“We are grateful to Lifting Up Westchester for the incredible work they do on behalf of our community,” said Oren Eisner, president of the Jeffrey M. Talpins Foundation. “And we are thrilled that Matt and Kathleen were honored by Lifting Up Westchester. Matt is brilliant at finding creative solutions to challenging problems and it is no surprise that he applies his skills and commitment to making our community better for everyone. Element is honored to support Matt and Lifting Up Westchester’s important work.”

“We are grateful to leaders like Jef-

Amy Dates Carbone, Sandra Caruso and Stephanie Latham have been welcomed to the Board of Directors of the Breast Cancer Alliance (BCA) in Pound Ridge. “They bring years of experience, energy and passion to our board,” Yonni Wattenmaker, BCA’s executive director, said of the new members.

“They will help advance our mission and get closer to our ambitious goal of 100% breast cancer survival rate by 2030. We are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the founding of BCA and the future has never looked more promising.”

Each of the new members or a relative has experienced cancer. Carbone spent nearly two decades as an executive in corporate communications on Wall Street and served as a spokesperson for Citibank. Caruso, an attorney, was an associate with several New York City law firms, focusing on medical and hospital practice litigation. Latham is an executive with Facebook, leading one of its largest sales and marketing teams in San Francisco after living in Connecticut.

Breast Cancer Alliance, a national foundation, is one of the largest private noncorporate breast cancer organizations in the United States and has received the 4-star top rating from Charity Navigator and earned a platinum rating from Guidestar. Breast Cancer Alliance invests in innovative research, breast surgery fellowships, regional education, dignified support and screening for the underserved.

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Matt Darnall and Kathleen Kiernan.

frey Talpins who have been the driving force behind the charitable efforts of their company,” said Anahaita N. Kotval, CEO of Lifting Up Westchester. “Matt and Kathleen have devoted their talent and resources to help individuals who have fallen on hard times and we are grateful for the opportunity to honor them for their commitment to

our community.”

For four decades as one of the county’s largest social service nonprofits, Lifting Up Westchester makes sure that residents in need have critical resources, access to health care and education and the strong support systems needed to regain their independence.

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APRIL 26, 2021

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Good Things PERSON-TO-PERSON CHARITY GOLF OUTING MEDIACOM NAMED A 2021 U.S. BEST MANAGED COMPANY Mediacom Communications Corp. in Middletown, a member of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation Board of Advisors, has been selected as a 2021 U.S. Best Managed Company. Sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, the program recognizes outstanding U.S. private companies and the achievements of their management teams.

The 2021 designees are U.S. private companies that have demonstrated excellence in strategic planning and execution, a commitment to their people and fostering a dynamic, resilient culture, as well as strong financials, all while facing the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite major challenges and immense pressure, they continued to lead with purpose and the vision to make significant contributions to their industries, communities, workforces and the economy.

“For over a quarter of a century, the dedicated men and women of Mediacom have worked tirelessly to ensure the smaller markets we serve receive the same or better telecommunications services as America’s largest cities,” said Rocco B. Commisso, Mediacom’s founder, chairman and CEO. “During this past year, the team at Mediacom has gone above and beyond for our communities by rapidly connecting thousands of homes with low-cost internet services, supporting local food banks and preparing our advanced broadband network to meet the demands of more people than ever before working and studying from home.”

Mediacom Communications Corp. is the fifth-largest cable operator in the United States and the leading gigabit broadband provider to smaller markets primarily in the Midwest and Southeast.

Information for these features has been submitted by the subjects or their delegates.

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APRIL 26, 2021

Darien’s Person-to-Person (P2P) will hold its inaugural golf outing Thursday, June 3 at the Stanwich Club in Greenwich. Funds raised through this event will support P2P’s mission to provide individuals and families in lower Fairfield County with essential resources to help them overcome daily challenges and put them on a path toward economic stability. Established in 1968, P2P serves the communities of Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Weston, Westport and Wilton.

This year’s golf outing was originally slated for 2020 but was postponed due to the pandemic. While the outing may have been postponed, P2P has been open and operational throughout the pandemic, providing more food and more emergency financial assistance than in any other 12-month period in its more than 50-year history. To put it into context, the P2P food program distributed 71% more groceries in the 12 months after the pandemic started: that is enough groceries for more than two million meals or roughly 5,800 meals a day.

Tracey Riccardi, the event co-chair, and her husband Mike Riccardi, CEO of Tudor and P2P board president, are both active members of the P2P community and dedicated to supporting the community during this unprecedented crisis. “P2P plays a vital and lifesaving role for thousands of families in our local community,” the Ricciardis said.

Gary Merjian

PELHAM COUNTRY CLUB’S NEW GENERAL MANAGER AND COO

Tracey Riccardi and Mike Riccardi

Participation in the golf outing is open to all, with a range of sponsorship opportunities as well as foursome and individual play options; costs range from $1,000 to $15,000. The outing features a round of golf (assigned tee times) with tournament scoring, food and beverage

throughout the day and access to all amenities, including golf carts, caddies, the practice range and putting green.

For information about sponsorship levels or to register, visit p2pHelps.org/ golf or contact event coordinator Shelley Terry at golf@p2pHelps.org.

UNITED WAY SEEKS APPLICATIONS FROM NONPROFITS FOR COVID RELIEF GRANTS

The United Way of Westchester and Putnam located in White Plains is accepting grant proposals from nonprofits in Westchester and Putnam counties. The organization will be awarding grants up to $5,000 to nonprofits directly helping underprivileged populations, those who are employed but are living paycheck to paycheck, those who are displaced or those actively impacted by Covid-19.

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Since the start of the pandemic, United Way of Westchester and Putnam has administered more than $1.7 million in grants to local nonprofits.

“The health and economic crisis created by the Covid-19 pandemic disproportionately affected the marginalized members of our society. The nonprofit community has been working tirelessly to respond to community needs and our

United Way is committed to supporting their efforts,” said Tom Gabriel, United Way of Westchester and Putnam CEO. The grant application is online at uwwp.org/covid-19-responsegrant and the proposal submission deadline is 4 p.m. on Monday, May 24. United Way of Westchester and Putnam will disburse the grants in June 2021.

Pelham Country Club (PCC) has gained a new general manager and COO with experience as an executive for more than 20 years at the St. Regis Hotel in New York City. Gary Merjian brings his expertise to PCC and will enhance member experiences through reimagining the club’s food and beverage programing and overall club amenities.

Most recently, as director of catering, food and beverage and event management at The St. Regis, Merjian was responsible for all of the luxury five-star property’s catering sales and management and the renovation of its 16,000-square-foot banquet space. Merjian also served as the assistant director of catering at the legendary Waldorf Astoria Hotel for nearly 15 years supervising operations. A resident of New Canaan, Merjian graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in hotel, restaurant and tourism administration.

“Working closely with an executive search firm we considered many excellent candidates for this role, with Gary Merjian being our unanimous choice,” said Jeffrey Marcks, president of Pelham Country Club. “We were very impressed with Gary’s knowledge of food and beverage operations but also found him to be well-versed in all aspects of general club leadership and departments.”

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PURCHASE COLLEGE RANKED

BY PRINCETON REVIEW Purchase College, State University of New York (SUNY) in Purchase is listed as one of the “Top 200 Best Value Colleges” in the nation by The Princeton Review in its “2021 Best Value College Guide.”

The guide evaluates colleges in terms of which offer the best ROI (return on investment), based on more than 40 data points that cover academic offerings, cost/financial aid, career placement services, graduation rates and student debt as well as alumni salary levels and job satisfaction.

In the profile of the college, The Princeton Review points out that Purchase offers well-respected conservatory programs and a wide range of programs in the liberal arts and sciences.

“The colleges that we designate as our ‘Best Values’ this year are truly a select group: they comprise only about 1.2% of the four-year undergraduate institutions in the U.S.,” said Rob Franek, editor-in-chief of The Princeton Review. “...

As important to today’s college applicants and their parents: These colleges have a comparatively low sticker price and/or generous financial aid offerings.”

Purchase College, part of the State University of New York (SUNY) network of 64 universities and colleges, was founded in 1967 by Governor Nelson Rockefeller.

His aspiration for Purchase was to create a dynamic campus that combined conservatory training in the visual and performing arts with programs in the liberal arts and sciences.

WJCS GALA: A VIRTUAL SUCCESS The Westchester Jewish Community Services 2021 Virtual Gala on April 13 was a huge success, raising more than $700,000 for the nonprofit human service agency that serves 20,000 Westchester residents every year.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer and New York State Senator Shelley B. Mayer were recognized at the virtual gala for their support.

“We are so grateful to all the attendees of our 2021 Gala and the support of our generous donors and partners in government and community organizations,” said Seth Diamond, WJCS CEO. “The funds we raised are vitally needed in this challenging time and will be used

to help us address critical mental health, LGBTQ+, caregiver, Covid recovery, youth and family, disability, geriatric and Jewish programming needs.”

The gala, which honored Scarsdale resident Sarah Kayle and Rye Brook resident Suzi Randolph, included a performance by the Platt Brothers (Ben, Henry and Jonah) of the song “Ahavat Olam” (translation from Hebrew: Love of the World), which was preceded by a recorded message by Henry Platt about why the song is so fitting for the mission and work of WJCS. Founded in 1943, WJCS is the largest provider of outpatient, licensed, community-based mental health services in Westchester County.

NEW TRINITY SPIRITUAL CENTER APPOINTS FOUNDING/ACTING DIRECTOR The rector and vestry of Trinity Episcopal Church, located in the historic seaside district of Southport at 651 Pequot Ave., recently announced the appointment of Mark Grayson as the founding/acting director of Trinity Spiritual Center, a vital new initiative aimed at inspiring the community with a range of thoughtprovoking learning opportunities, open public events and meaningful service experiences.

Trinity Spiritual Center marks an important, new chapter for the 300-yearold parish as it advances its mission of providing a 21st Century Episcopal community that inspires spiritual growth, nurtures connections and promotes charitable service in the Greater FairfieldBridgeport area. Through its engaging programming open to people of all faiths,

Trinity Spiritual Center invites participation by the broader community regardless of religious beliefs.

“I am thrilled that Mark has agreed to lead the many volunteers who are working to establish our Spiritual Center at Trinity Southport,” said Peggy Hodgkins, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church.

“His gifts as a social entrepreneur and lifelong spiritual seeker are exactly what we need in order to make our vision of creating a communal space dedicated to self-discovery and genuine connection happen.”

Grayson has been a leader on the national education scene for more than 25 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Harvard University and an MBA in Marketing from Columbia Business School.

CUSTOM SET-UP FOR MINI-GOLF TOURNAMENT

Will Holey, Jim Bamber, friend and Dana Santr at the hot dog truck.

The Parsonage Cottage Junior Advisory Board will host its second annual “Tee Party” at Parsonage Cottage Senior Residence in Greenwich on Sunday, June 13. Registration is now open at parsonagecottage.org.

The mini-golf tournament will be played on a custom course setup on the beautiful grounds of Parsonage Cottage.

Check-in is at 11 a.m. for 18 holes of miniature golf; 12:15 p.m. for the second round.

Prizes will be awarded for best round, best team attire and hole in one. The cost is $100 for a foursome. Additional options include a Hole Sponsor for $300 and a Tee Party Event Sponsor at $1,000. Parsonage Cottage is also accepting monetary and prize donations.

Player registration includes lunch provided by Walter’s Hot Dog Truck and Gofer Ice Cream Stand.

“We are really looking forward to

Tee Party Event Flyer. Contributed photos.

being outside again and welcoming supporters to play mini-golf. The residents truly enjoy watching the grounds abuzz with excitement and young people,” said Executive Director Penny Lore.

For more, contact Penny Lore at 203-869-6226 or penny@parsonagecottage.org.

WOMEN HELPING WOMEN

Melinda A. White

Amanda Hack

Lisa Tretler

The Women Enterprise Development Center Inc. (WEDC) in White Plains, a nonprofit organization helping women to start, strengthen and succeed in business, recently announced the election of three directors to its Board of Directors: Melinda A. White, Amanda Hack and Lisa Tretler.

White, an Armonk resident, has more than 10 years of experience as a senior executive at Wells Fargo and more than 27 years of experience as a financial professional starting at The Bank of New York.

A graduate of Fairfield University, she received a bachelor of science degree in finance.

Hack, a Scarsdale resident, is an executive with 20 years of marketing and strategy experience working with clients to develop competitive marketing positions and strategies. She holds a mas-

ter of business administration degree from Harvard University and a bachelor of arts degree from Dartmouth College.

Tretler, with more than 25 years of professional experience, is principal and founder of Business Boosters Consulting, a firm focused on professional development, entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship and business growth. She received a bachelor of arts degree in economics and international relations from the University of Pennsylvania, an MBA from Wharton and a master of arts degree in international affairs and Spanish from the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania.

“We are delighted to welcome these three talented women to the

WEDC board,” said Anne M. Janiak, WEDC CEO. “They not only bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise, but they also bring a strong commitment to helping women and minority business owners to grow and prosper.”

WEDC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has been empowering women and minority entrepreneurs to build successful small businesses since 1997 in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley.

The organization provides comprehensive, high-quality business training programs, one-on-one business counseling, networking opportunities, assistance with loan applications and with MWBE certification. All programs and services are offered in English and Spanish.

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Fairfield and Westchester Counties

DOCTORS of DISTINCTION

Saluting those who go beyond the diagnosis

2021

DEADLINE: July 1 • NOMINATE AT: westfaironline.com/dod2021/ Historically, once-a-century a catastrophic health crisis hits the world like what we are experiencing right now. In Westchester and Fairfield counties the dramatic and courageous response of our health providers gives us the opportunity to give them a special tribute and recognition.

HERE’S YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO NOMINATE THOSE WE CAN’T THANK ENOUGH

AWARD CATEGORIES: All In The Family No Land Too Far Cutting Edge Caring For All Female Trailblazer Promise For The Future • Team • • • • • •

Urgent Care Lifetime Achievement • Power Couple • Health Executive Of The Year • Oustanding Nurse • Telehealth • •

SAVE THE DATE: September 23 WestfairOnline For sponsorship inquiries, contact: Marcia Pflug at mpflug@wfpromote.com or 203-733-4545.

PRESENTED BY:

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APRIL 26, 2021

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HEALTH CARE PARTNERS:

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CELEBRATE FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • WESTCHESTER COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • APRIL 26, 2021

WALLAUER CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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allauer Paint & Decorating Centers have been serving Westchester, Rockland and Putnam 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 in its 15 stores across the region.

One hundred years ago, Co-founder Clarence Wallauer gave up his job as a paint salesman and opened the very first Wallauer store. Today, two great granddaughters are still involved with the day-to-day operations. The company philosophy has always been ‘Good old-fashioned family values, a team approach, and integrity.’ It is these principles that have enabled the organization to reach a milestone of 100 years in business, achieved by only the best of American companies.

The secret to Wallauer’s success isn’t a secret at all according to company COO

Edward Klein. “It really comes down to having a knowledgeable group of people who know their craft and provide excellent customer service.”

To celebrate the 100th anniversary, a $100 gift certificate will be awarded to one shopper in every store every month through December. To register visit wallauer.com/100. In addition, Wallauer will offer a “buy-one paint sample, get a second one at ‘100%’ off” throughout the year. Visit wallauer.com/specials/ for details.

Wallauer offers interior and exterior paints and stains, including low-odor paints, washable finishes and more from Benjamin Moore and is the largest Benjamin Moore paint, hardware and decorating retailer in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam. Wallauer offers home design services in six locations and offers Ace Hardware Departments in five.

Wallauer supports home and commercial contractors with a variety of services, including estimates, job specs and submittals. It has dedicated sales reps who will visit the job site with the

Celebrating

The first Wallauer location was in White Plains and it remains the headquarters today. contractor to assist with job estimates, write commercial specs and prepare color drawdowns. They also assist with enrollment in the Benjamin Moore Contractor Rewards program. Wallauer is the only dealer to offer auto submission of receipts for contractors.

Wallauer locations include White

Plains, Bedford Hills, Carmel, Mohegan Lake, Ossining, Pelham, Port Chester, Scarsdale, Yonkers, Yorktown Heights, New Rochelle, Ardsley, Lewisboro/Cross River, Nanuet and Mahopac. Shop online and pick-up in store at www.shop.wallauer.com For more information visit wallauer.com/ or call 914-948-4000.

of Fix Ups, Touch Ups, Freshen Ups and More We go beyond paint too. In Store or Virtual color and design consultations are available. Ask our professional window design experts about window coverings including blinds, shades, shutters and draperies.

Sign up for a chance to

WIN A $100 GIFT CARD

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE

Text “WALLAUER100” to 914.416.5353

Benjamin Moore Paint Sample Sku: BJMBOGOWBJ

Every month, every Wallauer location will give away a $100 gift card to a lucky winner!

Sign Up To Win

shop.wallauer.com Shop Online Pick Up In Store

Locations in Westchester, Putnam & Rockland Counties visit wallauer.com

Offer valid for one (1) free Benjamin Moore© Color Sample when you purchase one (1) Benjamin Moore© Color Sample from participating retailer. Excludes Aura© and Century©. Must present this coupon to redeem – no copies will be allowed.

Products may vary from store to store. Subject to availability. Offer cannot be combined with other offers, discounts or promotions, or applied toward prior purchase. Retailer reserves the right to terminate, cancel or modify the offer at any time without notice. Offer expires 12/31/2021. Benjamin Moore & Co., Aura, Benjamin Moore Century and the Triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks licenses to Benjamin Moore & Co. 11/20

S2 • ANNIVERSARY ISSUE • APRIL 26, 2021

CE LE B

ING OUR 30T T H RA

AR YE

We believe every marketing challenge has a creative solution and that success lies in compelling story telling.

Let us tell your story.

Want to know more?

Google 'GMG Public Relations' and read what some of our clients have to say.

Public Relations Ad Campaigns Marketing Support Social Media Event Management Graphic Design Risa B. Hoag President risa@gmgpr.com

NYS & NYC Certified Women’s Business Enterprise

Westchester: 914-996-8100 Rockland: 845-627-3000

www.gmgpr.com Member: BCW | RBA | RBWN | PRSA

APRIL 26, 2021 • ANNIVERSARY ISSUE • S3

Founding Partners: Geoffrey Thompson, Elizabeth Bracken‑Thompson, and Dean Bender

35 years

CELEBRATING 35 YEARS AS WESTCHESTER’S PREMIER COMMUNICATIONS, PR AND ADVERTISING AGENCY Thompson & Bender is the unrivaled leader in delivering strategic PR, advertising, social media, event marketing, messaging, and integrated communications that help their clients succeed. They utilize the latest media platforms for digital campaigns, with lead generation, search engine optimization, ad words, content creation, and deep-dive analytics to maximize clients’ ROI. The acclaimed agency’s continued recognition includes the Business Hall of Fame Award, the 2017 Small Business Award, and in 2019 and 2020 they were voted Best PR and Advertising Agency, Best in Graphic Design, and Best Social Media Agency.

For 35 years, the full-service agency’s talented team has created strategic marketing plans and award-winning work for the “who’s who” of regional Fortune 500 corporations, healthcare, higher education, real estate, retail, hospitality, media, government, and not‑for‑profit organizations.

1192 PLEASANTVILLE ROAD, BRIARCLIFF MANOR, NY | (914) 762-1900

THOMPSON‑BENDER.COM S4 • ANNIVERSARY ISSUE • APRIL 26, 2021

COMMUNITY-FOCUSED

BUSINESS-MINDED A century ago, a small group of local leaders formed what would become Ridgewood Savings Bank. They worked tirelessly to get their business off the ground, growing the bank from a staff of three to 35 branch locations throughout New York.

We’re proud of our legacy as a local business, and we’ll work just as hard for our community’s next success story: your business.

Let’s Get Down to Business | RSB100.com © 2021 Ridgewood Savings Bank | Member FDIC

APRIL 26, 2021 • ANNIVERSARY ISSUE • S5

A 30-YEAR CAREER IN PUBLIC RELATIONS BEGAN WITH A PHONE CALL TO THE BUSINESS JOURNAL

I

t took 15 phone calls but Risa Bell finally got Mills Korte to pick up the phone and hear her out. As a result, Mills wrote an article about Risa and her business, The Corporate Stork, which she started with her mom as her assistant.

That was 35 years ago, and Risa Bell is now Risa Hoag and Mills Korte was the editor of the Westchester Business Journal back in 1986. It was a direct result of that interaction and the article placement that led Risa, now Risa Hoag, to start GMG Public Relations in 1991.

With three decades of experience under her belt, Risa feels like she has seen it all, from working with celebrities, handling the PR for Scotland, and mitigating minor disasters, and she says she has loved every minute of it.

One story she recalls from early on involved a local inventor. “I had booked a client for an interview with Women’s Day magazine. The interview was set for 9:00 am on a Friday morning. Of course I thought the client would be thrilled and instead she responded, ‘9am! You expect me to be up that early? Make it later in the day! I was shocked and of course we parted ways,” Hoag quips.

Over the years she has attended many trade shows with clients to assist with onsite media relations. From toy fair at Javitz to CES in Vegas, and she had the sore feet to prove it. At one CES show she was working with a small electronics firm launching 3D TV. At the end of the first night the team was heading back to their cars to go to the hotel. Risa was supposed to get a ride from the president; when they got to the lot, it was closed and the car was there, but no one else and he didn’t have the key.

“It was desolate, so we nervously walked until we found an open bar, well, not quite a bar, if you know what I mean.

We asked for the number for a taxi, yes this was before cell phones. Eventually a car pulled up. I was being dropped at a hotel that had the only available room in the area. I had to navigate my way to the room, through a dark hallway. When I opened the door I thought it was a storage closet. It had boxes, one small bed and a sink...... yup, that’s it! No bathroom, no shower! I was terrified to stay but thoroughly exhausted from the previous ordeal, so I managed to fall asleep. I was up at 5 am the next morning and informed the president that if he didn’t find me an-

other room in a hotel with a name I could recognize, I was taking the first flight back to NY! A room was found and the show was successful,” states Hoag.

One of Risa’s fondest memories was handling the Public Relations for the Scottish Tourism Board. Having honeymooned there, she was well-versed in the country and all the reasons to promote travel. When the Tartan Day parade was scheduled to be held in NYC in 2000, Risa reached out to CBS Sunday Morning and pitched a story on the history of the kilt. “The producer said she would do the piece if I could get Sean Connery who was leading the largest pipe and drum parade in history in NYC during Tartan Week. I had access to his assistant who said that Sir Sean would love to be included in the spot. The interview would take place during the Tartan Ball. There was an enormous fire near our hotel that night which forced me and the kilt maker to take a rikshaw to the Waldorf Astoria, he in his pin stripe kilt and me in my ball gown. We managed to get to the hotel in time to coordinate the interview. And perhaps the most memorable moment of my career was having Sean Connery walk up to me that evening and say, “Risa, it’s so nice to meet you.” The segment aired and was seen by millions but of course that predated selfies!”

Another favorite story was when Risa worked for Morton’s The Steakhouse “I was asked to be the photographer for the grand opening of the Brooklyn Morton’s. I arrived early to find the perfect spot for the ribbon cutting, set up my tripod, cleaned my lens and I was all set to go. As the restaurant filled up with VIPs and Morton’s staff, I got excited knowing that I would have an opportunity to photograph New York City’s Mayor Michael Bloomberg. By the time he arrived, the restaurant was packed, not only with guests and VIPs but with photographers from various newspapers and other media. Fortunately, since I was the official Morton’s photographer, I was able to go to the front door to get isolated shots with Morton’s CEO and the new GM without interference. When it was time for the official ribbon cutting, I returned to my “perfect spot” only to find it was obliterated by all the other photographers and everyone else who had crowded in for the momentous occasion. Being short, I knew there was no way I was going to

S6 • ANNIVERSARY ISSUE • APRIL 26, 2021

David Hochberg and Risa Hoag.

get a good shot without moving around.

So I got a few good ribbon cutting shots by ducking down into to the crowd and looking up! And when it came time for the bigger group shot it was time for drastic measures! I couldn’t see anything! So I whipped off my heels and jumped on one of the brand new Morton’s booth seats and was able to get a fabulous shot of Mayor Bloomberg who took the opportunity to look directly at me while everyone else was looking the other way! I had the shot framed along with the date and Morton’s grand opening information and sent it to him, thanking him for looking in my direction at just the right moment.

When I called to confirm he had received

it, his assistant told me it was hanging on his wall in Gracie Manson.”

While Hoag’s work often focuses on pitching stories for her clients and traditional public relations, GMG also provides support for advertising campaigns, branding, graphic design, social media, and event management. Current clients include a mix of for profit and nonprofit organizations; Rockland Community College, SUEZ, Wallauer Home Design, Coupe Theatre Studio, Down to Earth Living, Trion Real Estate Management, M1 Capital, Statewide Abstract, and Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland, to name a few. For more information visit www.gmgpr.com

Celebrating 130 Years of Helping Our Clients Succeed!

Bruce Blasnik, Partner 203.705.4120 bblasnik@pkfod.com

George Whitehead, Partner 914.341.7086 gwhitehead@pkfod.com

pkfod.com

APRIL 26, 2021 • ANNIVERSARY ISSUE • S7

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ROBISON: 100 YEARS OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY

ver since Eben Robison founded the company in 1921 from a small office in Hartsdale to today, Robison has worked to give its customers personalized service. The premiere, fullservice home comfort company, turns 100 this year.

Robison is a family-run organization led by brothers David and Daniel Singer, and supported by an experienced management team. Dedicated to customer satisfaction, its service center is staffed by highly trained customer service representatives and technicians who are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to its customers’ needs, quickly and efficiently.

In celebrating its special anniversary, Robison has looked back at its long history in Westchester and Putnam, one that reflects important changes in society that have shaped the entire home energy industry.

“Today people are looking for a company to provide all their home needs,’’ said David Singer, co-president of Robison. “Being comfortable and safe is more important than ever these days when people are spending more time than ever in their homes.’’

Operating out of its headquarters in Port Chester, New York, Robison supplies home heating oil and clean-burning biofuel, natural gas, electricity; installs and services heating and air conditioning systems; provides quality plumbing services 24/7; and delivers solutions for indoor air quality.

Dan Singer, co-president of Robison, said that Robison has succeeded over the years because of its ability to read consumer trends and to change with the times.

“It’s really all about whatever the customers need for their home. Now a days people are concerned with carbon footprint, so we offer environmentally friendly products, bio-fuels, electricity, and more and with Covid-19, people are concerned with air quality in their homes and businesses, and we can help with that too,’’ he said.

TWO COMPANIES COME TOGETHER TO CREATE A NEW BUSINESS MODEL

Robison is the result of two successful heating oil companies coming together and evolving into a home service company.

Lee Silano, a customer for more than 50 years, said she remembers seeing

Eben Robison, the founder of Robison, walking around downtown Hartsdale greeting residents with a smile. The architectural engineer opened the company’s first office in downtown Hartsdale in 1921. Living above his shop, he and his wife ran the company.

Around the same time, 1928, Dan and David’s grandfather, Harry Singer, founded Original Oil, which served the five Boroughs of New York. The two companies merged in the 1980s, starting a more than three-decade expansion, which revitalized the company and consolidated all four corners of Westchester and Putnam into one company.

Through training, purchase of new equipment and technologies, the company transitioned from an oil company to full-service business providing for all homeowners’ needs.

David Seicol, who has worked for Robison for more than 30 years, said that Robison’s success has been tied to customer service and offering products that people need. “I’ve seen a lot of companies come and go in the time that I’ve been working here. The fact that they are a family-owned company and really care about their customers’ experience has really helped them grow within the market, which is very important.”

MEETING THE CHANGING NEED OF THE CUSTOMER

Robison has stayed committed to evolving in order to meet the changing needs of its customers. That meant embracing the latest technology and becoming a “one-stop shop” for all energy needs.

When deregulation came to New York state in the 1990s, Robison was one of the first companies to start providing customers with electric service. At the same time, Robison began offering natural gas customers the same reliable at-home service as oil customers. “We developed the full-service model for natural gas,’’ said David Robison.

Volatility in pricing during the 1990s created upheaval in the oil business, giving Robison the opportunity to acquire some of its largest competitors. Robison purchased 15 or more local/regional companies, consolidating its base from Mount Vernon to Brewster.

“The acquisitions quadrupled the size of our company and created the necessary density in our service area to maxi-

S8 • ANNIVERSARY ISSUE • APRIL 26, 2021

David Singer and Dan Singer, co presidents of the energy company. mize efficiency,’’ said Dan Singer. “We had to reevaluate all our operations and bring in new technologies in routing, communications, inventory control and sales. All of which was accomplished while still delivering best-in-class service to the customers.”

The story did not end there, Robison continued to expand, purchasing one of the largest HVAC companies and adding air conditioning services, followed by plumbing and green energy. Dan Singer said that Robison offers nonsulfur, biofuel oil products that are closest to natu-

ral gas in carbon output. The company also purchases Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) so they know that the energy contributed to the grid is sourced 100% green.

Robison’s latest additions: Rug cleaning and chimney service. And it’s not likely to stop there, according to David Singer.

“We will be keeping our ears to the ground for the latest developments,’’ he said. “We will always be there for our customers, providing them with the latest technology to meet their needs.’’

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@RobisonEnergy RobisonOil.com APRIL 26, 2021 • ANNIVERSARY ISSUE • S9

Westchester 445 Hamilton Avenue 14th Floor White Plains, NY 10601 New York City 500 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10110 Hudson Valley 300 Westage Business Center Fishkill, NY 12524 Connecticut 733 Summer Street Stamford, CT 06901

T 914 761 1300 | F 914 761 5372 cuddyfeder.com

S10 • ANNIVERSARY ISSUE • APRIL 26, 2021

50 Years of Serving the Community.

50 years ago, Cuddy & Feder was founded by a simple handshake between two preeminent attorneys who set up shop and started practicing law together in a colonial home on Maple Avenue in White Plains, New York. Today, we’re a group of more than 60 professionals in four offices that have proudly played a part in the transformation of skylines and the emergence of Westchester, Fairfield and the Hudson River Valley as major economic centers. It’s our connection to the communities and people we serve that we most celebrate and honor as part of our firm’s 50th anniversary. Cuddy & Feder’s core values of excellence, service, respect, support, commitment and community in service to others extend beyond just the practice of law. It’s what makes our firm unique. To mark our anniversary, we are leaning in deeply, expanding our donations, our time and efforts, and rededicating ourselves to the community through pro bono legal and not for profit work. Please join us in that commitment to one another as we celebrate 50 years in the community.

Facts & Figures U.S. BANKRUPTCY COURT White Plains & Poughkeepsie Local business cases, April 14 - 20 Hometown Restoration LLC, New Rochelle, 21-22213-RDD: Chapter 11, assets $1,470,023, liabilities $2,308,273.

Attorney: Dawn Kirby.

U.S. DISTRICT COURT, White Plains Local business cases, April 14 - 20 Cotina White, Yonkers vs Tri-County Care, Monsey, 21-cv3230-NSR: Job discrimination.

Attorney: Paul N. Cisternino.

Nest International Inc., Gloucester City, New Jersey vs Mavis Tire Supply, Millwood, 21-cv-3232-KMK: Breach of contract.

Attorney: Gavin P. Lentz.

Trustees of the National Plus Plan, White Plains vs. The Metro Group Inc., Long Island City, Queens, 21-cv-3257-KMK: E.R.I.S.A. delinquent contributions Attorneys: Jennifer Oh and David C. Sapp Jr. Devash Farms Ltd., Monsey vs.

NYSW Beverage Brands Inc., Halcott Center, New York, 213264-CS: Trademark infringement.

Attorney: Stephen Wagner.

Derek Trivelli, Sharon, Connecticut vs. Putnam Hospital Center, LaGrangeville, 21-cv-3291-PMH: Employment discrimination.

Attorney: Nathaniel K. Charny.

Francisco Pascual, et al, vs.

Mount Kisco Diner, et al, 21-cv3333-KMK: Fair Labor Standards Act. Attorney: Maureen Hussain.

Rectangle Medical Dental Payments, Denton, Texas, et al, vs. Retriever Health, Valhalla, et al, 21-cv-3378-CS: Contract.

Attorney: Sal F. DeLuca.

Congregants of Mosdos Chofetz Chaim vs. Chofetz Chaim Inc., Monsey, et al, 21-cv3390-NSR: fraud Attorney: Michael L. Levine.

D.P. Wolff Inc., Katonah vs.

Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland, Schaumburg, Illinois, 21-cv-348-PMH: Miller Act. Attorney: Austin S. Brown.

April 11 – 17

DEEDS Above $1 million Li Mo, Elizabeth and Stephen Pan, White Plains. Seller: Protano LLC, Mamaroneck. Property: 935 Protano Lane, Mamaroneck town.

Amount: $2.2 million. Filed April 12.

SGF Trust, Mount Kisco. Seller: 109 Upper Hook LLC Katonah.

Property: 109 Upper Hook Road, Bedford. Amount: $2.9 million.

Filed April 12.

ON THE RECORD

Below $1 million CAPC USA Fund I LLC, New Brunswick, New Jersey. Seller: NJCC-NYS CRF REO Subsidiary LLC, New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Property: 22 Frazier Place, Yonkers.

Amount: $354,122.15. Filed April 12.

Dranoel LLC, New York City.

Seller: George F. McNamara, Katonah. Property: 51 Meadow Lane, Bedford. Amount: $360,000.

Filed April 12.

Harrison Hoffman, Los Angeles.

Seller: Armonk Creations LLC, White Plains. Property: 97 High St., North Castle. Amount: $750,000.

Filed April 12.

Lyndel Corp., Brewster. Seller: 5 Nepperhan Avenue LLC, Cold Spring. Property: Smith Ridge Road, Lewisboro. Amount: $50,000. Filed April12.

MNB Realty Development Corp., Yonkers. Seller: City of Yonkers. Property: 46 Chase Ave.,Yonkers. Amount: $170,500.

Filed April 12.

Robert J Whiting, Yorktown Heights. Seller: Carmine J. Mazzeo, Irrevocable Living Trust, Cortlandt Manor. Property: 167C Carriage Court, Yorktown. Amount: $332,000. Filed April 12.

Splinter Construction Corp., Somers. Seller: Herbert M. Wyman, trustee and Jessica Furer, trustee.

Property: 160 Barnegat Road, Pound Ridge. Amount: $700,000.

Filed April 12.

Zimmerman 75 LLC, White Plains. Seller: Emilia Rivera, Riverside. Property: 75 McKinley Ave., B1-1, White Plains. Amount: $390,000. Filed April 12.

JUDGMENTS Kul Construction Inc., Yonkers. $39,5648.73 in favor of New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal, Garden city. Filed April 16.

MM Painting Services, Dobbs Ferry. $10,230.74 in favor of Last Chance Funding Inc., Lake Success, New York. Filed April14.

LIS PENDENS The following filings indicate a legal action has been initiated, the outcome of which may affect the title to the property listed.

Fox Hill Condominium Board Management, et al. Filed by US Bank NA. Action: foreclosure of a mortgage in the principal amount of $355,300 affecting property located at 49 Victor St., Yonkers 10701. Filed March 30.

Gemini Capital Group LLC, et al. Filed by Deutsche Bank National Trust Company. Action: secure the mortgage sum of $591,300, affecting property located at 218 Battle Ave., White Plains 10606.

Filed April 16.

Riverview Condominium Association Board of Directors, et al. Filed by US Bank Trust NA. Action: seeks to foreclose on a mortgage to secure $95,000 affecting property located at 57 Hudson View Hill, aka 57 Hudson View Hill, Unit 1-4, aka 57 Hudson View Hill, Unit 57, Ossining 10562.

Filed April 13.

Sherwood Lumber Corp., et al. Filed by the State of New York Mortgage Agency. Action: seeks to foreclose on a mortgage to secure $326,750 affecting property located at 50 Davis Ave., Valhalla 10595.

Filed April 11.

westchester county

MECHANIC’S LIENS Bowery Bloomingdale LLC, as owner. $49,551.25 as claimed by King Steel Ironwork Corp., Brooklyn. Property: 120 Bloomingdale Road, White Plains. Filed April 13.

Interlaken Owners Inc., as owner. $3,100 as claimed by Servicemaster Restoration By Mar, Eastchester. Property: 12 Field End Lane, Unit 2L, Westchester, Section 65J, Block 1, Lot 11. Filed April 16.

NEW BUSINESSES

Caren Cohen LMSW, 960 Green Meadow Lane, Mamaroneck 10543, c/o Caren Cohen. Filed April 15.

Coles Cakes New York, 63 Bridleside Lane, North Salem 10560, c/o Nicole Utschig. Filed April 13.

Doras Cleaning Sevices, 199 N. Broadway, Yonkers 10701, c/o Dora Bonsu. Filed April 16.

Fyah Flow Records, 23 E. Third St., Apt. B23, Mount Vernon 10550, c/o Kevon Antony Simms. Filed April 12.

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

Jar Wealth Advisory Group, 20 Burling Lane, No. 403, New Rochelle 10801, c/o Juan Antonio Rodriguez. Filed April 15.

SOLE PROPRIETORSHIPS

Soop Technologies, 4 Shadow Brook Pkwy, Chappaqua 10514, c/o Dame Andre Thomas. Filed April 13.

A.M. General Constructing & Landscaping, 6 Ann St., West Harrison 10604, c/o Sonia C. Alvarez Nupez. Filed April 12.

Amberstone Home Improvements, 330 Richbell Road, B2, Mamaroneck 10543, c/o Ignacio Alejandro Posada. Filed April 15.

Amy Pace LMSW, 49 Mulberry Lane, New Rochelle 10804, c/o Amy Pace. Filed April 15.

Barcoo Rentals, 206 S. 14th Ave., Mount Vernon 10550, c/o Wayne Barcoo. Filed April 15.

C&E Barbecue Supplies, 257 Valentine Lane, Yonkers10705, c/o Christopher Montanez. Filed April 15.

Candlesopedia, 2101 Palmer Ave., No. 204, Larchmont 10538, c/o Regina Padagas. Filed April 13.

Takis Realty Corp, Yonkers.

Seller: One Fort Hill Realty Corp., Rye Brook. Property: 1 Fort Hill Road, Yonkers. Amount: $5 million.

Filed: March 31.

VKF Services, 207 Woodland Hills Road, White Plains 10603, c/o Vicki K. Felder. Filed April 16.

PATENTS Automatic generation of training cases and answer key from historical corpus. Patent no.

10,984,324 issued to Corville Allen, et al. Assigned to IBM, Armonk.

Context-aware sensitive information detection. Patent no.

10,984,316 issued to Mu Qiao, et al.

Assigned to IBM, Armonk.

Customer rating as part of a card transaction. Patent no.

10,984,428 issued to Pravin Parekh.

Assigned to Mastercard International, Purchase.

Denoising a signal. Patent no.

10,984,814 issued to Dimitrios Dimitriadis, et al. Assigned to IBM, Armonk.

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

FCBJ

WCBJ

APRIL 26, 2021

27

Facts & Figures Dynamic cognitive issue archiving and resolution insight.

Patent no. 10,984,352 issued to Al Chakra, et al. Assigned to IBM, Armonk.

Enhanced chaincode analytics provenance in a blockchain.

Patent no. 10, 984,352 issued to Luis Bathen, et al.

Assigned to IBM, Armonk.

Extended-length payment account-issuer identification numbers. Patent no. 10,985,929 issued to Jason Lacoss-Arnold, et al. Assigned to Mastercard International, Purchase.

Handling multipipe connections. Patent no. 10,986,188 issued to Michael Brooks, et al. Assigned to IBM, Armonk.

Identifying complaints from messages. Patent no. 10,984,388 issued to Srinivasan Sivaraman, et al. Assigned to IBM, Armonk.

Method and system for distribution of data insights. Patent no. 10,984,396 issued to Adam Hosp. Assigned to Mastercard International, Purchase.

Nonhuman animals expressing exogenous terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase. Patent no.

10,980,221 issued to Lynn Macdonald, et al. Assigned to Regeneron, Tarrytown.

Smart mounting of storage devices. Patent no. 10,986,180 issued to Thomas Gnech, et al. Assigned to IBM, Armonk.

Soft temporal matching in a synonym-sensitive framework for question answering. Patent no. 10,984,328 issued to Stephen Boxwell, et al. Assigned to IBM, Armonk.

System and method for monitoring and visualizing emotions in call center dialogs by call center supervisors. Patent no. 10,986,228 issued to Thomas Zimmerman, et al. Assigned to IBM, Armonk.

28

APRIL 26, 2021

Tunable on-chip nanosheet resistor. Patent no. 10,986,228 issued to Zhenxing Bi, et al. Assigned to IBM, Armonk.

Using media information for improving direct marketing response rate. Patent no.

10,984,432 issued to Eben Haber, et al. Assigned to IBM, Armonk.

Verifying the correctness of a deflate compression accelerator. Patent no. 10,985,778 issued to Timothy Siegel, et al. Assigned to IBM, Armonk.

Visualization of analysis results of contents. Patent no.

10,986,003 issued to Mihoko Hasegawa, et al. Assigned to IBM, Armonk.

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BOARD JUDGMENTS Failure to carry insurance or for work-related injuries and illnesses, April 15 to April 21, 2021

El Bloque Grocery & Deli Corp., Yonkers. Amount: $26,000.

The Birch Collective WP LLC, White Plains. Amount: $56,000.

Hudson Valley Elder Care Inc., New Rochelle. Amount: $6,000.

HUDSON VALLEY

J&G 2013 Corp., Yonkers.

Amount: $13,000.

James Garvin, Somers.

Amount: $581,000.

Jari’s Little Corner Inc., Mount Vernon. Amount: $37,500.

JCM Pizzeria Corp., Yonkers.

Amount: $2,500.

Just Fresh Deli & Grocery Corp., Yonkers. Amount: $500.

LJ Installation Corp., New Rochelle. Amount: $1,500.

MB Brickoven LLC, Ardsley.

Amount: $500.

2 Brocom LLC, White Plains.

Amount: $500.

MCC Brands LLC, Purchase.

Amount: $7,500.

Amparo’s Light Inc., Mount Vernon. Amount: $36,000.

My Cleaners C&C Inc., Ardsley. Amount: $7,000.

Angie’s Wine & Spirits LLC, Mamaroneck. Amount: $40,000.

Peekskill Underground Inc., Jefferson Valley. Amount: $4,500.

Avaar Advisor Group Inc., Purchase. Amount: $28,000.

Phoenix Dental PLLC, Thornwood. Amount: $25,500.

Brett’s Auto LLC, Yonkers.

Amount: $22,000.

CAC Cleaning and Restoration Inc., Elmsford.

Amount: $28,000.

Prime Tri State LLC, White Plains. Amount: $27,500.

QCNY Corp., Yonkers.

Amount: $27,500.

Carpal Auto Center Inc., Elmsford. Amount: $2,500.

Samuel Katz, Scarsdale.

Amount: $5,000.

CNV Enterprise Corp. d.b.a. Leonardo’s Auto Repair, Peekskill.

Amount: $28,500.

The B Nail Experience and Beauty Lounge LLC, Scarsdale. Amount: $14,250.

FCBJ

WCBJ

DEEDS Below $1 million 3R Properties LLC, Mount Kisco.

Seller: Meron Six LLC, Monroe.

Property: 2201 Barclay Manor, No. 22a, Newburgh. Amount: $53,000.

Filed March 15.

Advanced Business Solutions LLC, Baltimore, Maryland. Seller: HSBC Bank USA, Depew. Property: 43 Roosevelt Ave., Middletown.

Amount: $179,000. Filed Jan. 27.

T&H Homes Inc., Middletown.

Seller: Davellian LLC, Central Valley. Property: Lot 2, Town of Wallkill. Amount: $58,500. Filed March 29.

AMS Builders LLC, Chester.

Seller: Martin Nowak, Middletown.

Property: 5-7 Blanchard St., Middletown. Amount: $50,000. Filed March 26.

Gold Score Properties Inc., Monroe. Seller: G&G Realty 1 LLC, Monsey. Property: 248-250 North St., Middletown. Amount: $165,000.

Filed March 25.

Gamez Lucia Berrios, Yonkers.

Seller: Hoang & Nguyen Brothers LLC, Newburgh. Property: 104 Laurel Drive, New Windsor. Amount: $335,000. Filed March 25.

Binyunim LLC, Monroe. Seller: Forest Estates 28 LLC, Suffern.

Property: 11 Mountain Road, Monroe. Amount: $700,000.Filed March 18.

JUDGMENTS Crystal Health Corp., Monroe. $302,670.99 in favor of Keybank NA, Buffalo. Filed April 14.

Faith In Motion LLC, Middletown. $ 57,227.88 in favor of 437 LLC, Newburgh. Filed April 13.

Fuller Builders Inc., Port Jervis. $36,606.19 in favor of Alice Ryll, Glen Spey. Filed March, 24.

John D. Madura, Pine Island. $80,387.99 in favor of Stokes Seed Company of Niagara Falls Inc., Buffalo. Filed April 14.

Patricia Schaller, Campbell Hall. $96,152.27 in favor of Campbell Hall Rehabilitation Center, Campbell Hall. Filed April 13.

LIS PENDENS The following filings indicated a legal action has been initiated, the outcome of which may affect the title to the property listed.

Chrysler First Credit Corp Nop. Action: seeks to foreclose on a mortgage to secure $240,000 affecting property located at 28 Johns Road, Middletown 10941.

Filed April 14.

Miller Chris and Rywalt John, to Bank of America N.A. Action: seeks to foreclose on a mortgage to secure $100,000 affecting property located at 907 Courtland Drive, Newburgh 12550. Filed April 14.

MECHANIC’S LIENS Erie Property Group LLC, as owner. $6,462.83 as claimed by Liftco Elevator Group Inc., Spring Valley. Property: 12 John St., Middeltown. Filed April 6.

Kevin Anderson and Kecia Anderson-King, as owner. $71,475 as claimed by Apex Contracting & Remodeling Solutions Inc., Tomkins Cove. Property: 31 Points of View, Warwick. Filed April 15.

NYS Office Of Parks Recreation & Historical Preservation, as owner. $129,000 as claimed by Custom Metal Fabricating Inc., Emmaus, Pennsylvania. Property: 374 Temple Hill Road, New Windsor.

Filed April 16.

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

SOLE PROPRIETORSHIPS Btcorrin Inc., 162 Route 17K, Newburgh 12550, c/o Greg Sierota.

Filed April 2.

Eclipse Pool & Spa Svcs Corp., 59 Buena Vista Terrace, Central Valley 10917, c/o Victor Noel Bracero. Filed April 2.

Greenhill Contracting, Inc., P.O. Box 10, , Esopus 12429, c/o Anthony Aebi. Filed April 2.

Hudson Tattoo Supply Inc., P.O. Box 60, Highland Fals 10928, c/o John Balzarini. Filed April 2.

Made In Calabria Inc., 33 Albert St., Middletown 10940, c/o Nicola Parrotta. Filed March 19.

Master Realty Group Inc., 21 Virginia Ave. Monroe 10950, c/o Hershel Lowy. Filed April 2.

R&W Delivery Inc., 28 Kyleigh Way, Middletown 10940, c/o Romando Walker. Filed April 2.

Sushi Queen Inc., 155 Wawayanda Avenue, Middletown 10940, c/o Qing Li, Incorporator. Filed April 2.

Vhal Ventures Inc., 28 Wild Turkey Lane, Rock Tavern 12575, c/o Vanessa Mansharamani. Filed April 2.

Facts & Figures BUILDING PERMITS Commercial Ocean North Pools LLC, Stamford, contractor for Mercedes Ahumada. Construct in-ground swimming pool, spa and safety barrier at 2 Spring St., Riverside.

Estimated cost: $38,600. Filed March 2021.

Oceanview Pool & Patio, Southport, contractor for Sean and Hill Grogan. Construct in-ground swimming pool, spa and safety barrier at 90 Club Road, Riverside.

Estimated cost: $140,000. Filed March 2021.

Pickwick Properties LLC, Greenwich, contractor for Pickwick Properties LLC. Perform replacement alterations at 3 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich. Estimated cost: $850,000. Filed March 2021.

SAJO Inc., Mont Royal QC, Canada, contractor for 22 Elm Place Company LLC. Remodel retail space, finish floors, doors and light fixtures at 356 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich. Estimated cost: $300,000. Filed March 2021.

Vivint Solar Developer LLC, Lehi, Utah, contractor for Vivint Solar/Sunrun Sunrun. Install roof-mounted solar panels at 1800 W. Ashton Blvd., Stamford. Estimated cost: $9,384. Filed March 17.

Vivint Solar Developer LLC, Lehi, Utah, contractor for Vivint Solar/Sunrun Sunrun. Install roof-mounted solar panels at 1800 W. Ashton Blvd., Stamford. Estimated cost: $8,160. Filed March 4.

Vivint Solar Developer LLC, Lehi, Utah, contractor for Vivint Solar/Sunrun Sunrun. Install roof-mounted solar panels at 1800 W. Ashton Blvd., Stamford. Estimated cost: $22,440. Filed March 4.

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:

Vivint Solar Developer LLC, Lehi, Utah, contractor for Vivint Solar/Sunrun Sunrun. Install roof-mounted solar panels at 1800 W. Ashton Blvd., Stamford. Estimated cost: $6,528. Filed March 18.

Vivint Solar Developer LLC, Lehi, Utah, contractor for Vivint Solar/Sunrun Sunrun. Install roof-mounted solar panels at 1800 W. Ashton Blvd., Stamford. Estimated cost: $20,400. Filed March 1.

Vivint Solar Developer LLC, Lehi, Utah, contractor for Vivint Solar/Sunrun Sunrun. Install roof-mounted solar panels at 1800 W. Ashton Blvd., Stamford. Estimated cost: $7,072. Filed March 19.

Residential Alisberg Parker Architects, Old Greenwich, contractor for OG Retail Partners 220 SBA LLC. Remove rear wood stairs and concrete walkway at 220 Sound Beach Ave., Old Greenwich. Estimated cost: $3,400. Filed March 2021.

Aywasi Design & Construction, Bridgeport, contractor for Mike and Callie Reynolds. Remodel master bathroom, install new tile, plumbing fixtures and lighting at 19 Holly Way, Cos Cob. Estimated cost: $32,695. Filed March 2021.

BG Construction, New Canaan, contractor for Philp Day. Replace kitchen cabinets, install new appliances and finish hardwood floors at 14 North St., Old Greenwich.

Estimated cost: $28,000. Filed March 2021.

Glow Home Solutions, Old Greenwich, contractor for Christian Whamond. Spilt bathroom into two and install windows at 135 Riverside Ave., Riverside. Estimated cost: $18,000. Filed March 2021.

The Home Depot USA Inc., Atlanta, Georgia, contractor for Scott Doughman. Remove and replace four similar windows, no structural changes at 2455 Paces Ferry Road, Stamford. Estimated cost: $4,796. Filed March 10.

The Home Depot USA Inc., Atlanta, Georgia, contractor for Scott Doughman. Remove and replace two similar windows, no structural changes at 2455 Paces Ferry Road, Stamford. Estimated cost: $2,070.

Filed March 29.

ON THE RECORD

Home Exteriors LLC, Bethel, contractor for Renato Guimaraes.

Remove existing roof and re-roof 29 Taylor Ave., Stamford. Estimated cost: $11. Filed March 31.

Houdre, Herve, Greenwich, contractor for Herve Houdre. Reconstruct garage after tree damage at 12 Wildwood Drive, Greenwich.

Estimated cost: $55,000. Filed March 2021.

Jeff Newton Construction LLC, Fairfield, contractor for Jeff Newton. Renovate two bathrooms at 111 May St., Stamford. Estimated cost: $60,000. Filed March 10.

JFC Real Estate Development LLC, Stamford, contractor for Lisa Miranda. Convert three-family house into two-family house at 226 Selleck St., Suite B, Stamford.

Estimated cost: $250,000. Filed March 10.

JFC Real Estate Development LLC, Stamford, contractor for Desiree Harbacek. Renovate master bathroom, add lights to bathroom and kitchen at 51 Forest Ave., Unit 21, Old Greenwich. Estimated cost: $40,000. Filed March 2021.

JKT Construction Inc., Garden City, New York, contractor for Anthony Dimino. Alter existing one-story commercial building with a proposed boutique fitness studio at 839 Suitewart Ave., Stamford. Estimated cost: $250,000.

Filed March 10.

Knight & Grabowski Construction LLC, Stamford, contractor for Steve Grabowski. Perform replacement alterations at 193 Hope St., Stamford. Estimated cost: $25,000.

Filed March 2.

Lang, Christopher J., Norwalk, contractor for Giovanna Franchi.

Perform the construction of a new fiberglass in-ground pool to include an existing wall as marked on the plot plan at 169 Westport Ave., Stamford. Estimated cost: $55,000. Filed March 9.

LG Home Improvement Contractor LLC, Ridgefield, contractor for Michelle Ashear Klem.

Renovate kitchen at 20 Soundview Road, Stamford. Estimated cost: $24,000. Filed March 15.

LSC Construction, Easton, contractor for Dune Holdings LLC. Add new bathroom, remodel kitchen, relocate existing bath and closet at 6 Benedict Place, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $120,000.

Filed March 2021.

Luk, Waichak, West Hartford, contractor for David Nelson.

Perform replacement alterations at 21 Outlook Ave. Apt 3, Stamford.

Estimated cost: $2,000. Filed March 10.

M&M Constructions LLC, Wilton, contractor for Marek Mroz.

Remove existing roof and install new roof over the existing garage.

Remove siding and replace with new clapboard at the back and left side of the house at 110 Pheasant Run Road, Stamford. Estimated cost: $30,000. Filed March 11.

Macora, Claudia Shia, Cos Cob, contractor for Claudia Shia Macora. Increase size of kitchen, create space in attic for a new master bedroom, bathroom and walk-in closet at 102 Orchard St., Unit 1/2, Cos Cob. Estimated cost: $45,000.

Filed March 2021.

Magna Construction Limited LLC, Stamford, contractor for Frank Lovello. Tenth-floor fit-out at 30 Piave St., Stamford. Estimated cost: $250,000. Filed March 18.

Maraia Building & Remodeling LLC, Torrington, contractor for Scott Doughman. Remove and replace 7 windows, same size with no structural changes at 96 Barbero Drive, Stamford. Estimated cost: $6,420. Filed March 12.

Marcelo Home Improvement LLC, Fairfield, contractor for Cindy Garcia-Diego. Renovate kitchen at 1235 Black Rock Turnpike, Stamford. Estimated cost: $8,500.

Filed March 12.

Massucco, Chris, Norwalk, contractor for Chris Massucco.

Remove all existing plumbing fixtures, tile and replace with new fixtures and tile at 85 Spring Hill Ave., Stamford. Estimated cost: $7,500. Filed March 1.

Mathews, Dennis R, Hamden, contractor for Dennis Mathews.

Change one-family dwelling to a two-apartment house at 66 Glemby St., Stamford. Estimated cost: $40,000. Filed March 4.

McPhee Electric Ltd. LLC, Farmington, contractor for David Ford. Install new LED light pole at front of property, including (1) two-foot small-cell antenna along with associated equipment cabinet and submeter at 505 Main St., Stamford. Estimated cost: $25,000.

Filed March 19.

Merritt Construction LLC, Monroe, contractor for Ben Gershel.

Perform replacement alterations at 42 Squire Road, Stamford.

Estimated cost: $1,200,000. Filed March 8.

fairfield county

Mitigation Reconstruction LLC, Norwalk, contractor for James Moran. Rebuild exterior wall and install overhead garage door at 173 Main St., Stamford.

Estimated cost: $20,300. Filed March 15.

MMR Construction Inc, Stamford, contractor for Benno and Marlin Meier. Remodel kitchen, renovate bathrooms and add new bath at 45 Overlook Drive, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $100,000.

Filed March 2021.

MP Construction LLC, Trumbull, contractor for Maurizio Paniccia. Create one new office in vacant space at 108 Roaden Road, Stamford. Estimated cost: $18,716.

Filed March 4.

Murphy & Sons Inc., Cos Cob, contractor for Timothy Murphy.

Remove existing roof and re-roof 78 Valley Road, Stamford. Estimated cost: $6,800. Filed March 10.

Nordic Custom Builders of Connecticut, Cos Cob, contractor for Grace Jachmich. Trim millwork, plumbing, tile and paint upgrades at 19 Suburban Ave., Cos Cob. Estimated cost: $200,000. Filed March 2021.

Panchal, Renata B., Old Greenwich, contractor for Renata B. Panchal. Perform replacement alterations at 47 Hillcrest Park Road, Old Greenwich. Estimated cost: $50,000. Filed March 2021.

Pavarini North East Construction Company LLC, Stamford, contractor for Andrew Zeiss.

Phased Alteration starting with interior demolition to core per submitted plans. Updated plans to follow at 30 Oak St., Third floor, Stamford. Estimated cost: $195,000. Filed March 23.

Petretti & Associates LLC, New York, New York, contractor for Lisa Miranda. Reduce to core, floors 12 and 13 at 270 Madison Ave., Stamford. Estimated cost: $150,000.

Filed March 12.

Pimpinella Construction Company Inc., Stamford, contractor for Lisa Miranda. Install a patio, 57’x17,’ with pavers and a flat roof covering all sides at 708 W. Hill Road, Stamford. Estimated cost: $65,000. Filed March 16.

PMB Services LLC Stamford, contractor for Pedro Mauchi.

Install emergency automatic generator powered by two propane tanks at 113 Knickerbocker Ave., Stamford. Estimated cost: $2,500.

Filed March 23.

Posigen Connecticut LLC, Hartford, contractor for Caren and Peter St. Phillip. Install roof-mounted solar panels at 30 Jeffrey Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $51,480. Filed March 2021.

Power Home Remodeling Group LLC, Chester, Pennsylvania, contractor for Erik Brinkerhoff.

Remove existing roof and replace roof, shingles, ice and water mitigation, deck armor and tape seams at 2501 Seaport Drive, Stamford.

Estimated cost: $23,286. Filed March 24.

Precision Contracting & Design LLC, Stamford, contractor for Michael Torello. Replace existing shingle roof and ridge vent, plywood decking, two existing skylights, add two additional skylights, remove insulation, spray new insulation and remodel a full bathroom at 26 E. Hill Road, Stamford. Estimated cost: $27,900.

Filed March 23.

Pro Custom Solar LLC, South Plainfield, New Jersey, contractor for Judith Dighello. Remove and dispose old roofing materials, replace with 7 squares of Owen Corning, teak color, ice and water barrier at 3096 Hamilton Blvd., No. B, Stamford. Estimated cost: $3,888. Filed March 17.

Pro Custom Solar LLC, South Plainfield, New Jersey, contractor for Angelina Falcon. Install roof-mounted solar panels at 3096 Hamilton Blvd., No. B, Stamford.

Estimated cost: $14,749. Filed March 2.

Property Group of Connecticut Inc. Stamford, contractor for Lisa Miranda. Renovate and add to existing structure to create three-story six-unit building with retail space on the first floor and parking on grade at 25 Crescent St., Stamford. Estimated cost: $1,500,000. Filed March 29.

Sound Beach Partners LLC, Stamford, contractor for 13 Field Point Drive LLC. Finish basement, attached garage, rear porch and patio at 13 Field Point Dive, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $2,100,000.

Filed March 2021.

Stonecrest Builders, Ridgefield, contractor for Jason and Lika Safriet. Construct new single-family dwelling at 33 Willowmere Circle, Riverside. Estimated cost: $3,000,000. Filed March 2021.

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

FCBJ

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APRIL 26, 2021

29

Facts & Figures COURT CASES Bridgeport Superior Court DiCostanzo, Steven, Bridgeport.

Filed by James Scott, Bridgeport.

Plaintiff’s attorney: Moore O’Brien & Foti, Middlebury. Action: The plaintiff suffered a collision allegedly caused by the defendant and sustained severe damages and injuries. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other a further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no.

FBT-CV-21-6103866-S. Filed Feb. 16.

Frolo, Matthew, et al, Yorktown Heights, New York. Filed by Kenny Davis, Stamford. Plaintiff’s attorney: Bradley Denkovich & Karayiannis PC, Bridgeport.

Action: The plaintiff suffered a collision allegedly caused by the defendant and sustained severe damages and injuries. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate.

Case no. FBT-CV-21-6103909-S. Filed Feb. 16.

Humphrey, Bradley James, Mapleton, Maine. Filed by Roger McKenzie, Bridgeport. Plaintiff’s attorney: Moore O’Brien & Foti, Middlebury. Action: The plaintiff suffered a collision allegedly caused by the defendant and sustained severe damages and injuries. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. FBTCV-21-6103861-S. Filed Feb. 16.

Lavorgna, Robert M., et al, North Haven. Filed by Jose Carlos Silva Ramos, Bridgeport. Plaintiff’s attorney: Marc Alan Krasnow, Bridgeport. Action: The plaintiff suffered a collision allegedly caused by the defendant and sustained severe damages and injuries. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. FBTCV-21-6103932-S. Filed Feb. 17.

Sekley-Dandrea, Karen L., Norwalk. Filed by Yesid Gil-Monsalve, Norwalk. Plaintiff’s attorney: Marc Alan Krasnow, Bridgeport. Action: The plaintiff suffered a collision allegedly caused by the defendant and sustained severe damages and injuries. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. FBTCV-21-6103747-S. Filed Feb. 9.

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APRIL 26, 2021

Danbury Superior Court Dakota Partners Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts. Filed by Ferrandino Enterprises LLC, Ridgefield.

Plaintiff’s attorney: Mark Allen Smith, Mount Kisco, New York.

Action: The plaintiff performed lawn maintenance services on a property and defendant agreed to pay for such services. However, defendant has neglected to pay the plaintiff and as a result the plaintiff suffered damages. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate.

Case no. DBD-CV-21-6038330-S. Filed Jan. 25.

Oswald, Mary Ellen, et al, Danbury. Filed by Savings Bank of Danbury, Danbury. Plaintiff’s attorney: Christopher Gerard Winans, Danbury. Action: The plaintiff is owner and holder of a promissory note of the defendant who agreed to pay monthly payments. The defendant has failed to pay the entire balance of principal and interest due. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. DBDCV-21-6038467-S. Filed Feb. 10.

Penacampos, Rick, Danbury.

Filed by Danbury Hospital d.b.a.

Nuvance Health, Danbury.

Plaintiff’s attorney: Eric Herman Opin, Milford. Action: The plaintiff provided medical services to the defendant. However, the defendant has neglected to pay plaintiff the unpaid balance. As a result, the plaintiff suffered damages. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages in excess of $2,500, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. DBD-CV-216038128-S. Filed Jan. 5.

Saraceni, James, et al, Bridgeport. Filed by Wilmington Savings Fund Society d.b.a. Christ, Fairfield. Plaintiff’s attorney: Glass & Braus LLC, Fairfield. Action: The plaintiff was assigned the mortgage property of defendant who has defaulted on the terms of the agreement and has failed to pay the plaintiff the amount due.

The plaintiff claims foreclosure of the mortgage, possession of the property premises, monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. DBDCV-21-6038419-S. Filed Feb. 3.

Showah, Aura d.b.a.Widow Brown’s Cafe et al, New Milford.

Filed by Jo-Ann Perez, New Milford. Plaintiff’s attorney: Trantolo & Trantolo LLC, Waterbury. Action: The plaintiff suffered a collision allegedly caused by the defendant and sustained severe damages and injuries. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. DBDCV-21-6038384-S. Filed Jan. 29.

Mase, Vincent E., et al, New Haven. Filed by Pamela H. Ives, Riverdale. Plaintiff’s attorney: John R Harness, Stamford. Action: The plaintiff suffered a collision allegedly caused by the defendant and sustained severe damages and injuries. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. FST-CV-21-6050858-S. Filed March 15.

Stamford Superior Court

Maurer, Corrine A., et al, Cos Cob. Filed by Ina King, Shelton.

Plaintiff’s attorney: Papcsy Janosov Roche, Norwalk. Action: The plaintiff suffered a collision allegedly caused by the defendants and sustained severe damages and injuries. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. FST-CV-21-6050810-S. Filed March 10.

170 Glover Avenue LLC, Stamford. Filed by QSR Steel Corporation LLC, Hartford. Plaintiff’s attorney: Charles I. Miller Law Offices, West Hartford. Action: The plaintiff and defendant entered a contract, where plaintiff provided construction services. The defendants breached the contract by refusing to pay the unpaid balance and as a result the plaintiff suffered damages. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. FSTCV-21-6050325-S. Filed Feb 8.

HPP-Three LLC, Stamford.

Filed by QSR Steel Corporation LLC, Hartford. Plaintiff’s attorney: Charles I. Miller Law Offices, West Hartford. Action: The plaintiff and defendant entered a contract in which plaintiff provided construction services. The defendants breached the contract by refusing to pay the balance and as a result the plaintiff suffered damages. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. FST-CV-216050327-S. Filed Feb. 8.

Lecomte, Nichols L., et al, Greenwich. Filed by Retained Realty Inc., New York, New York. Plaintiff’s attorney: Martin Legal PLLC, Plainville. Action: The plaintiff claims a foreclosure of the mortgage and immediate possession of the mortgaged premises.

The plaintiff seeks monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. FSTCV-21-6050336-S. Filed Feb 9.

DEEDS Commercial

WCBJ

Russell Road Wellington LLC, Unionville, Pennsylvania.

Seller: DV Wellington LLC, Berwyn, Pennsylvania. Property: 600 Wellington Drive, Fairfield. Amount: $2,634,632. Filed March 5.

TAF Real Estate Investments LLC, Amagansett, New York.

Seller: August February LLC, Greenwich. Property: 185 Riverside Ave., Riverside. Amount: $10. Filed March 17.

The 2021 DJH Family Trust, Greenwich. Seller: David Han and Jee-Sun Han, Greenwich. Property: 628 Lake Ave., Greenwich.

Amount: $6,300,000. Filed March 16.

TST Real Estate Management III LLL, Bedford, New York. Seller: Charles V. Guasco and Barbara N. Guasco, Greenwich. Property: 56 Spring St., Greenwich. Amount: $690,000. Filed March 18.

129 Myrtle Ave. LLC, Stamford.

Seller: RLR Realty Inc., Stamford. Property: 129 Myrtle Ave., Stamford. Amount: $872,500. Filed March 2.

Zion Properties LLC, Norwalk.

Seller: Marganth Properties LLC, Darien. Property: 520-528 Main Ave., Norwalk. Amount: $3,950,000. Filed March 4.

Bruce Park Sports Properties LLC, Norwalk. Seller: APH 15 South Street LLC, Norwalk. Property: 15 South St., Unit 1A, Norwalk.

Amount: $260,000. Filed March 4.

Residential

Calhoun, Robert B. and Molly F. Calhoun, Greenwich. Seller: LCAR Holdings LLC, Greenwich.

Property: 390 Round Hill Road, Greenwich. Amount: $5,495,000.

Filed March 16.

Dzikiewicz, Katherine Marie, Bridgeport. Seller: Party of Four LLC, Darien. Property: 70 Strawberry Hill Ave., Unit 1-3C, Stamford.

Amount: $190,000. Filed March 3.

Garden Homes Fund, Stamford.

Seller: The First United Methodist Church, Stamford. Property: 1114 Hope St., Stamford. Amount: $1,800,000. Filed March 4.

Hermoza, Matthew, New Rochelle, New York. Seller: David Montanari Holdings LLC, Stamford. Property: 80 County St., Unit 2T, Norwalk. Amount: $152,000.

Filed March 4.

Linell, Thomas R., Weston. Seller: 300 Bullard Street LLC, Fairfield.

Property: 292 Bullard St., Unit 292, Fairfield. Amount: $605,000. Filed March 10.

FCBJ

Morocho, Luis A., Greenwich.

Seller: Dunwoodie LLC, Greenwich. Property: 106 Sheephill Road, Greenwich. Amount: $867,500.

Filed March 17.

Appel, Marc and Vicki Appel, Warwick, New York. Seller: Farid Suleman, Orchid, Florida. Property: Unit B11, The Town & Country Condominium Association, Greenwich. Amount: $1. Filed March 16.

Barber, Laura and Ander Perez, East Elmhurst, New York. Seller: Klevian Postol, Norwalk. Property: 19 Emerson St., Norwalk. Amount: $545,000. Filed March 8.

Barnes, Demore and Shauna Lang, Fairfield. Seller: Pasquale D. Alianiello and Janine M. Alianiello, Fairfield. Property: 472 Mill Hill Road, Fairfield. Amount: $1,230,000. Filed March 10.

Barskaya, Elena, New York, New York. Seller: Barbara J. Soroca and Herbert Soroca, Stamford. Property: 385 Erskine Road, Stamford.

Amount: $950,000. Filed March 4.

Block, Robert L., Fairfield. Seller: Jacob Rutter and Ashley Rutter, Stamford. Property: 216 Sterling St., Fairfield. Amount: $460,000. Filed March 10.

Brooks, Kirstie and Michael Esposito, Norwalk. Seller: Sharon Goodman and Nathan Goodman, Norwalk. Property: 5 Crocus Lane, Norwalk. Amount: $562,000. Filed March 8.

Calderon, Jonathan Phillip, Norwalk. Seller: Ruth Calderon, Norwalk. Property: 25 Chestnut St., Apt. 4-1, Norwalk. Amount: $200,000. Filed March 10.

De la Cruz, Felix S., New York, New York. Seller: Angela Diecidue, Stamford. Property: 44 Pleasant St., Unit 31, Stamford. Amount: $280,000. Filed March 5.

Emanuel-Cerdas, Juan F. and Jessica Emanuel, Norwalk. Seller: Ana C. Montero, Norwalk. Property: 12 Pettom Road, Norwalk.

Amount: $380,000. Filed March 4.

Fishback, Birche and Alexandra Fishback, Greenwich. Seller: Stephen R. Tobias and Madalyn Tobias, Greenwich. Property: Lot 8, North Maple Avenue, Greenwich.

Amount: $1. Filed March 18.

Glowacki, Brian R. and Jessica Bayleigh Glowacki, Fort Lee, New Jersey. Seller: Edward Smith and Katherine Smith, Fairfield.

Property: 125 Jackman Ave., Fairfield. Amount: $795,500. Filed March 11.

Haidinger, Terri Anne and Robert N. Haidinger, Greenwich.

Seller: Robert N. Haidinger and Terri Anne Haidinger, Greenwich.

Property: 21 Birdsong Place, Riverside. Amount: $1. Filed March 16.

Heetman, Daniel James, Stonington. Seller: Edward Santandrea and Mary Joan Santandrea, Fairfield. Property: 103 Bungalow Ave., Fairfield. Amount: $475,000.

Filed March 5.

Johnson, Carl and Barbara Johnson, Trumbull. Seller: Ian Shearson, Stamford. Property: 85 Franklin St., Unit 6, Stamford.

Amount: N/A. Filed March 3.

Keyes, Stephen N. and Kristen S. Keyes, Greenwich. Seller: Andrew W. Jones and Catherine P. Jones, Greenwich. Property: 80 Birch Lane, Greenwich. Amount: $2,250,000. Filed March 16.

Kraeger, Kevin, Rye, New York.

Seller: Daniel I. Basil, Riverside.

Property: 52 Prospect St., Greenwich. Amount: $715,000. Filed March 18.

Kuscsik, Megan, Stamford.

Seller: Ivan Tolentino, Stamford.

Property: 127 Greyrock Place, Apt. 1711, Stamford. Amount: $257,000.

Filed March 1.

Facts & Figures Livingston, Latoya, Silver Spring, Maryland. Seller: Nancy Y. Mallory, Stamford. Property: 135 Courtland Ave., Unit 17, Stamford. Amount: $436,500. Filed March 3.

Manousos, Andrew C. Norwalk.

Seller: Carol J. Doshna, Stamford.

Property: 237 Sylvan Knoll Road, Stamford. Amount: $200,000.

Filed March 1.

Minaya Vargas, Fior Daliza and Israel Navarro, Norwalk.

Seller: Johnny Rodriguez, Norwalk.

Property: 33 Ponus Ave., Norwalk.

Amount: $375,000 Filed March 5.

Neal, Michael A. and Kathleen O’Grady, Fairfield. Seller: Christopher J. Palumbo and Leigh L. Palumbo, Greenwich. Property: 255 Old Dam Road, Fairfield. Amount: $480,000. Filed March 10.

Nieto, Rey J., Norwalk. Seller: Susan M. Bookhout, Norwalk.

Property: Unit 98, Rowayton Woods Condominium, Norwalk.

Amount: $350,950. Filed March 9.

O’Malley, Beth, Milford. Seller: Kim Duch Nielsen and Pamela Huntley Nielsen, Norwalk. Property: 32 Briar St., Norwalk. Amount: $1,199,000. Filed March 9.

Orsino, Paul J. and Kelly E. Orsino, Norwalk. Seller: Anderson Soares and Ashling Soares, Fairfield. Property: 14 Andrassy Ave., Fairfield. Amount: $435,000. Filed March 8.

Peck, Nicholas, Greenwich. Seller: Amy Messing, Greenwich. Property: 56 Orchard Place, Unit East, Greenwich. Amount: $1,725,000.

Filed March 17.

Peterson, Drew, Greenwich. Seller: Dallas G. Molerin, Greenwich.

Property: Unit 429, The Common II, Greenwich. Amount: $380,000.

Filed March 17.

Pezas, Nicholas and Deanna Clark-Esposito, Brooklyn, New York. Seller: Arthur Revechkis, Stamford. Property: 65 Cousins Road, Stamford. Amount: $721,500.

Filed March 3.

Pietrangeli, Jason and Lisa Golden, Norwalk. Seller: Ann R. Herold, Monroe. Property: 13 Weed Ave., Norwalk. Amount: $520,000.

Filed March 10.

Rankin, Leeann, Stamford.

Seller: Stephanie Reid, Stamford.

Property: 59 Liberty St., Unit 8, Stamford. Amount: $229,000. Filed March 2.

Rodriguez, Claudia and Jorge E. Lastres, Stamford. Seller: Thomas Scott and Andrea Scott, Pinehurst, North Carolina. Property: 44 Strawbery Hill Ave., Unit 7E, Stamford. Amount: $208,000.

Filed March 1.

Scampone, Dean, New Fairfield.

Seller: Julius William Rorant, et al, Greenwich. Property: 25 Henry St., Greenwich. Amount: $525,000.

Filed March 18.

Schmedlen, Daniel G. and Nida Stankunas Schmedlen, Greenwich. Seller: Timothy W. Jay and A. Kathleen Jay, Greenwich. Property: 15 Old Mill Road, Greenwich.

Amount: $0. Filed March 18.

Sinanaj, Selvi, Stamford. Seller: Wafa O. Elkady, Stamford. Property: 44 Strawberry Hill Ave., Unit 12N, Stamford. Amount: $325,000.

Filed March 2.

Sinclair, Jamie Lynn and Louie Huang, Norwalk. Seller: Irla Landry, Norwalk. Property: Unit 7, Blue Mountain Common, Norwalk.

Amount: $775,000. Filed March 8.

Soares, Anderson and Ashling Soares, Fairfield. Seller: John D. Lett and Janet L. S. Lett, Fairfield.

Property: 276 Towne House Road, Fairfield. Amount: $937,500. Filed March 8.

Stern, Thomas and Amy Stern, Brooklyn, New York. Seller: Kevin Christen and Brooke Christen, Fairfield. Property: 726 Reef Road, Fairfield. Amount: $850,000. Filed March 5.

Suarez Lopez, David Daniel and Ivonne Ferrer, Stamford. Seller: Sebastiano Cornelio, Riverside.

Property: 59 Liberty St., Unit 35, Stamford. Amount: $390,000.

Filed March 2.

Taraz, Manouchehr Graham and Sean Howard Taraz, Fairfield. Seller: Alexander Testani, Fairfield. Property: 105 Churchill St., Fairfield. Amount: $625,000.

Filed March 8.

Tunney, Bryan J. and Theresa M. Hatton, Cos Cob. Seller: Bryan J. Tunney, Cos Cob. Property: 221 Orchard St., Cos Cob. Amount: $0.

Filed March 17.

Van Beusekom, Nancy and Anthony Van Beusekom, Clifton Park, New York. Seller: Raymond J. Palmieri and Maureen A. Palmieri, Fairfield. Property: 54 Meadow Court, Unit 54, Fairfield. Amount: $780,000. Filed March 4.

Walter, Cheryl and John Walter, Stamford. Seller: Patricia M. O’Connor, Stamford. Property: Unit 8, Colonial Court, Stamford. Amount: $725,000. Filed March 4.

Wilks, Osei and Stefanie Siller, Stamford. Seller: Pawel Kuczykowski and Karolina Kuczykowski, Stamford. Property: 217 Bridge St., Unit C-3, Stamford. Amount: $385,000. Filed March 2.

Wong-Mason, Mary and Scott A. Mason, Stamford. Seller: Rose Wong, Amy Wong and Mary Wong, Stamford. Property: 34 Marva Lane, Stamford. Amount: $420,000. Filed March 3.

Zaklinskaya-Coates, Olga V., Stamford. Seller: Paul J. Orsino and Kelly E. Sasso, Norwalk. Property: 71 Aiken St., Unit P4, Norwalk.

Amount: $320,000. Filed March 8.

JUDGMENTS Bardos, Daniel E., Norwalk. $5,000, in favor of Unifund Corp., Westbrook, by Calistro & Airone, Westbrook. Property: 51 N. Bridge St., Norwalk. Filed April 5.

Disette, Darlene D., Norwalk. $10,740, in favor of Absolute Resolutions Investments LLC, Stamford, by Cohen, Burns, Hard & Paul, West Hartford. Property: 460 Newtown Ave., Norwalk. Filed April 5.

Guarna, Rosa and Nicholas Guarna, Stamford. $61,479, in favor of ENGS Commercial Finance Co., Itasca, Illinois, by Janine M. Becker, Stamford. Property: 24 Applebee Road, Stamford. Filed April 6.

Rodriguez, Eddie, Fairfield. $2,928, in favor of McKesson FCU, Stratford, by Grady & Riley LLP, Waterbury. Property: 359 Fairland Drive, Fairfield. Filed April 8.

Beudert, Michele F., Greenwich,

by Michael R. Lowitt. Lender: Stifel Bank & Trust, 12655 Olive Blvd., Suite 250, St. Louis, Missouri. Property: 11 W. End Ave., Old Greenwich.

Amount: $300,000. Filed Feb. 19.

Burland, Thomas and Leah Burland, Fairfield, by N/A. Lender: Citizens Bank NA, 1 Citizens Plaza, Providence, Rhode Island. Property: 17 Ermine St., Fairfield. Amount: $540,000. Filed March 1.

Calitro, Austin Michael, Norwalk, by Jason J. Morytko. Lender: Total Mortgage Services LLC, 185 Plains Road, Milford. Property: 18 Ivy Place, Norwalk. Amount: $352,000. Filed March 4.

Chaudhary, Sangeeta and Sujit Chaudhary, Stamford, by Michael R. Lowitt. Lender: Home Point Financial Corp., 9 Entin Road, Suite 200, Parsippany, New Jersey.

Property: 1385 High Ridge Road, Stamford. Amount: $437,500. Filed March 2.

Dimick, Patrick, Fairfield, by Kurt Wehmann. Lender: TD Bank NA, 2035 Limestone Road, Wilmington, Delaware. Property: 110 Farmstead Hill Road, Fairfield.

Amount: $275,000. Filed March 1.

Horn, Stoddard AM and Sarah M. Horn, Norwalk, by Andrew S. Gale. Lender: JPMorgan Chase Bank NA, 1111 Polaris Pkwy., Columbus, Ohio. Property: 9 Red Oak Lane, Norwalk. Amount: $482,400.

Filed March 3.

Larosee, Hillary and Eric Larosee, Greenwich, by Robert V. Stevens. Lender: Guaranteed Rate Affinity LLC, 1800 W. Larchmont Ave., Chicago, Illinois. Property: 43 Burdsall Drive, Greenwich.

Amount: $570,275. Filed Feb. 19.

MORTGAGES

Maldonado, Eva A., Stamford,

by Elliot Dubin. Lender: Freedom Mortgage Corp., 907 Pleasant Valley Ave., Suite 3, Mount Laurel, New Jersey. Property: 58 Cambridge Road, Stamford. Amount: $362,619, Filed March 3.

Barbour, Matthew David and Kelly Sue Barbour, Fairfield, by N/A. Lender: Caliber Home Loans Inc., 1525 S. Belt Line Road, Coppell, Texas. Property: 140 London Terrace, Fairfield. Amount: $496,850.

Filed March 1.

Marra, Jason R. and Kelly A. Marra, Greenwich, by J. Brian Fatse. Lender: Webster Bank NA, 145 Bank St., Waterbury. Property: 41 Rainbow Drive, Riverside. Amount: $939,000. Filed Feb. 19.

Barwinski, Matthew and Michelle Barwinski, Stamford,

by Tamara Peterson. Lender: Guaranteed Rate Affinity LLC, 1800 W. Larchmont Ave., Chicago, Illinois.

Property: 362 RockRimmon Road, Stamford. Amount: $585,000. Filed March 1.

Moreno Pacheco, Francis Y. and Jose Manuel Baca Rivera, Norwalk, by Louis J. Colangelo.

Lender: Caliber Home Loans Inc, 1525 S. Belt Line Road, Coppell, Texas. Property: 27 Newfield St., Norwalk. Amount: $372,000. Filed March 2.

Ondricek, Nathan Levi and Megan Ondricek, Norwalk, by Antonio Faretta. Lender: Nationstar Mortgage LLC, 8950 Cypress Waters Blvd., Dallas, Texas. Property: 39 Scribner Ave., Norwalk.

Amount: $415,000. Filed March 1.

Xtreme Painting LLC, 68 Willowbrook Ave., Stamford 06902, c/o Jacqueline Castro. Filed March 8.

Reyes, Fredy G., Fairfield, by Enrico R. Constantini. Lender: Citizens Bank NA, 1 Citizens Plaza, Providence, Rhode Island. Property: 151 Burroughs Road, Fairfield.

Amount: $475,233. Filed March 1.

Adaptive messages on a multifunction device. Patent no.

10,986,241 issued to Noah Ullman, et al. Assigned to Xerox, Norwalk.

Schaefer, Carolyn, Greenwich, by Robert B. Potash. Lender: Quicken Loans LLC, 1050 Woodward Ave., Detroit, Michigan. Property: 71 View Street West, Greenwich.

Amount: $501,600. Filed Feb. 19.

Walter, Cheryl and John Walter, Stamford, by Samuel D. Bush.

Lender: JPMorgan Chase Bank NA, 1111 Polaris Pkwy., Columbus, Ohio.

Property: 168 Colonial Road, Apt., 8, Stamford. Amount: $580,000.

Filed March 4.

NEW BUSINESSES AB Risk, 6 Landmark Square, Fourth floor, Stamford 06901, c/o Connected Risk Solutions LLC. Filed March 5.

Angelic Skin Compliments, 298 Montauk Drive, Stamford 06902, c/o Skin Compliments by Laren.

Filed March 9.

Croissant Pretzel, 100 Greyrock Place, Stamford 06901, c/o Mourad Boujid. Filed March 5.

Enviroment Cleaning Service, 14 Clarks Hill Ave., Apt. 3 (left), Stamford 06902, c/o Catalina Diaz Florez. Filed March 9.

Global Tax Network Global Tax, 1266 E. Main St., Unit 700, Stamford 06902, c/o Network US LLC. Filed March 2.

GTN, 1266 E. Main St., Unit 700, Stamford 06902, c/o Global Tax Network US LLC. Filed March 2.

KB Risk, 6 Landmark Square, Fourth floor, Stamford 06901, c/o Connected Risk Solutions LLC. Filed March 5.

Sarcrafticly, 27 Vista St., Stamford 06902, c/o Ashley L. Boyd. Filed March 2.

Shiro Inc, 172 Bedford St., Stamford 06901, c/o Chen Xia Li. Filed March 2.

Verma, Aniruddh, Meriden.

Seller: Jing Cao, Great Neck, New York. Property: 53 William St., Unit C, Stamford. Amount: $390,000.

Filed March 2.

FCBJ

WCBJ

PATENTS

Automatically estimating skill levels and confidence levels of drivers. Patent no. 10,967,871 issued to Stefan Marti, et al. Assigned to Xerox, Norwalk.

Employee task verification to video system. Patent no.

10,984,355 issued to Michael Mongeon, et al. Assigned to Xerox, Norwalk.

Fairing bond fixture. Patent no.

10,981,673 issued to David Littlejohn, et al. Assigned to Sikorsky Aircraft, Stratford.

Metal nanoparticle ink composition. Patent no. 10,982,107 issued to Hojjat Jamali, et al. Assigned to Xerox, Norwalk.

Media handling between modules robust to paper curl. Patent no. 10,981,742 issued to Carlos Terrero, et al. Assigned to Xerox, Norwalk.

System and method for processing and enhancing achromatic characters of scanned digital documents. Patent no.

10,986,249 issued to David Metcalfe. Assigned to Xerox, Norwalk.

System and method to detect and adjust image background.

Patent no. 10,986,250 issued to David Metcalfe, et al. Assigned to Xerox, Norwalk.

Vice President, Engineering (Greenwich, CT): Integrate third party cloud-based solutions with computer systems.

Build and extend workflows and event signaling to ensure timely information delivery between critical systems.

Lead projects through the software development lifecycle. Utilize object oriented programming and programming principles. Work with C#, SQL, MS SQL Server, and Transact-SQL. Req’s Bachelor’s degr plus 8 yrs progressively responsible exp.

Mail resume to: AQR Capital Management, LLC, ATTN: S. Rao, 2 Greenwich Plaza, Greenwich, CT 06830. Must Ref: D032. AQR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/ VET/DISABILITY

APRIL 26, 2021

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APRIL 26, 2021

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WCBJ

LEGAL NOTICES Notice of Formation of MLBD LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on March 10, 2021. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 35 Mark Mead Road, Cross River, NY 10518. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. #62821 Notice of Formation of Hibbert RE 1 LLC Articles Of Organization filed with SSNY on 3/03/2021.

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, 1646 Castle Lawn Court, Naperville, Illinois 60565.

Purpose: any lawful purpose. #62822 VIRGINIA ROAD HOLDINGS LLC. Filed 3/12/2021. Office: Westchester Co. SSNY designated as for process & shall mail copy to: 2055 Flatbush Ave, Bklyn, NY 11234. Purpose: General. #62823 61 Seminary LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 11/4/2020. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 2545 Dunning Dr., Yorktown Heights, NY 10598. General Purpose #62825 Anita Greenwald, LLC. Filed 3/3/21 Office: Westchester Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 13 Greenbriar Circle, Armonk, NY 10504 Purpose: All lawful #62826 Notice of Formation of KVBridge LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 3/18/2021. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as LLC's agent upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 1051 The Parkway, Mamaroneck, NY 10543. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. #62827

Notice of Formation of Honey Badger Advisors, LLC Articles of Organization filed with SSNY on 02/24/2021.

Office Location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 125 Central Avenue / B9, Rye, NY 10580. Purpose: any lawful purpose. #62828 Notice of Formation of MKD NOTARY SERVICES LLC Art. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 03/24/2021.

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, PO BOX 80, ARDSLEY, NY 10502 #62830 Notice of Formation of: MLucia Designs LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/08/2021. Office location: Westchester County.

SSNY is designated as agent of LLC whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 165 Oakland Ave, Eastchester, NY 10709. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. #62831 Notice of Formation of CTCS Capital LLC. Art. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 2/22/21. Office Location: Westchester County.

Bruno Oliveto designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Bruno Oliveto, 26 1st Street 8022, Pelham, NY 10803.

Purpose: any lawful purpose. #62832 Latafood LLC Art of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/04/2021 Office: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, Adam Dreksler 700 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 Purpose: Any lawful purpose. #62833

Agovino Management LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 3/23/2021. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 909 Midland Ave., Yonkers, NY 10704.

General Purpose #62834 Notice of Formation of 153 Southside Holdings LLC: Art. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 03/19/2021.

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, 153 Southside Ave, Hastings on Hudson, NY 10706.

Purpose: any lawful purpose. #62835 Law Office of Kaliopi Kavalos, PLLC. Art. of Org. filed 10/16/07. Office in West. Co. SSNY designated for process and shall mail to Kaliopi Kavalos, 67 Amity St, Meriden, CT 06450. Purpose: Law #62836 Notice of Formation of TRPS LARK LLC. Art. of Org. filed with Secy of State (SSNY) on 3/31/2021. Office: Westchester Cty. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 343 Trenor Dr., New Rochelle, NY 10804.

Purpose: any lawful purpose. #62837 Voltron Properties, LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 3/25/2021. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 767 Wilmot Rd., Scarsdale, NY 10583.

General Purpose #62838 Notice of Formation of Prezidental Transportation Services, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 3/31/21. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Prezidental Transportation Services LLC, 36A W 1st Street, Mt. Vernon, NY 10550.

Purpose: any lawful act or activity. #62839

Notice of Formation of Debbie Oette Realtor LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/26/2021. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 703 Pelham Rd, New Rochelle, NY 10805. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. #62840 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC). NAME: The Suites at 303 South Broadway, LLC. Articles of Organization for LLC filed with New York Secretary of State (SSNY) 4/5/21. Office Location: Westchester County New York. SSNY is designated agent upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to LLC at, c/o Stark Business Solutions, Inc. 445 Hamilton Avenue, Suite 1102, White Plains, NY 10601. Purpose: Any lawful purpose #62841 Thumbs Up Handyman LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/16/2021. Office: Westchester County.

Registered Agent Inc. designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to Registered Agents Inc. at 90 State Street, Suite 700, Office #40, Albany, NY 12207.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose. #62842 Lake Ave Pharma LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 4/2/2021. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 130 Lake Ave., Yonkers, NY 10703. General Purpose #62843 Notice of Formation of AMARA AMOUR LLC Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/10/21. Office location: Westchester County.

SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 8 Adams Street #1, Mt. Vernon, NY 10550.

Purpose: any lawful act or activity. #62844

Sealed bids will be received as set forth in instructions to bidders until 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at the NYSDOT, Office of Contract Management, 50 Wolf Rd, 1st Floor, Suite 1CM, Albany, NY 12232 and will be publicly opened and read. Bids may also be submitted via the internet using www.bidx.com. A certified cashier’s check payable to the NYSDOT for the sum specified in the proposal or a bid bond, form CONR 391, representing 5% of the bid total, must accompany each bid. NYSDOT reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Electronic documents and Amendments are posted to www.dot.ny.gov/doing-business/opportunities/const-notices. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all Amendments are incorporated into its bid. To receive notification of Amendments via e-mail you must submit a request to be placed on the Planholders List at www.dot.ny.gov/doing-business/opportunities/const-planholder. Amendments may have been issued prior to your placement on the Planholders list.

NYS Finance Law restricts communication with NYSDOT on procurements and contact can only be made with designated persons. Contact with non-designated persons or other involved Agencies will be considered a serious matter and may result in disqualification. Contact Robert Kitchen (518)457-2124.

Contracts with 0% Goals are generally single operation contracts, where subcontracting is not expected, and may present direct bidding opportunities for Small Business Firms, including, but not limited to D/W/MBEs. The New York State Department of Transportation, in accordance with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally-assisted programs of the Department of Transportation and Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 200, Title IV Program and Related Statutes, as amended, issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all who respond to a written Department solicitation, request for proposal or invitation for bid that it will affirmatively insure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability/handicap and income status in consideration for an award.

Please call (518)457-2124 if a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the letting.

Region 08: New York State Department of Transportation 4 Burnett Blvd., Poughkeepsie, NY, 12603 D264463, PIN 881461, Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, Westchester Cos., Traffic Signal Upgrades, Installation of transfer switches, at approximately (63) various locations, Dutchess, Orange, Ulster & Westchester, Bid Deposit: 5% of Bid (~ $40,000.00), Goals: MBE: 4.00%, WBE: 8.00%, SDVOB: 6.00%

Reich Fam Investors 4 LLC, Art. Of Org. filed with SSNY 4/16/2021. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail process to: c/o Keith Reich, 12 Burling Ave., White Plains, NY 10605. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. #62845 Notice of Formation of Russell Speeders Car Wash of Mt. Vernon LLC, Art. of Org. filed with SSNY on 4/13/21. LLC 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, 607 Main Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851. Purpose: any lawful purpose. #62846

FCBJ

Notice of formation of Limited Liability Company.

Name: Casa Celina XP LLC (ìLLCî). Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (ìSSNYî) on April 13, 2021. NY office location: Westchester County.

The SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

The SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to Casa Celina XP LLC, P.O. Box 413, Bedford, NY 10506. Purpose/character of LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity. #62847 Notice of Formation of Secrets Of 7, LLC Art. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 4/20/21. 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, 5 W 4TH ST., APT 25, MT. Vernon, NY 10550.

Purpose: any lawful purpose. #62848

WCBJ

Notice of Formation of Elice’s Closet LLC filed with SSNY on April 15, 2021. Office: Westchester County, NY. Corporation Service Company designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to LLC: 80 State Street, Albany, NY 12207.

Purpose: any lawful act or activity. #62849 Notice of formation of Hartsbrook Consulting LLC. Arts. Of Org. Filed NY Sec. of State 1/20/2021. Princ. Office: Westchester Cty. Sec. of State designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. Sec. of State shall mail a copy of any process to the LLC, 59 Fieldstone Dr., No. 25, Hartsdale, NY 10530. Purpose: any lawful activity. #62824

APRIL 26, 2021

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2021

NOMINATE TODAY SUBMISSION DEADLINE: JULY 16 at westfaironline.com/csuite2021/

HONORING LEADERSHIP AND OUTSTANDING ORGANIZATIONS IN WESTCHESTER AND FAIRFIELD COUNTY.

EVENT DATE: October 14, 2021 • 5 pm Nominations may be entered for those who work in the following roles, or who manage these responsibilities.

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NOMINATION CATEGORIES: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or the controller / financial leader Chief Technology Officer (CTO/CIO) or the technology executive Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or the top executive Chief Operating Officer (COO) Chief Medical or Marketing Officer (CMO) OR NOMINATE YOUR SENIOR EXECUTIVE THAT DESERVES HONORS, ACCOLADES OR ACKNOWLEDGMENT. WestfairOnline

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