Good Things

WINE, MUSIC ICON, WINERY COLLABORATE

Civil Rights Exhibition At Fdr Presidential Library

When elected to the Presidency in 1932, Franklin Delano Roosevelt vowed to help the poor and impoverished caught up in the worldwide financial collapse. Among those severely affected were Black Americans, who also endured segregation and Jim Crow laws designed to keep them relegated to the outskirts of society.

On June 3, the FDR Library and Museum in Hyde Park formally opened “Black Americans, Civil Rights and The Roosevelts, 1932-1962.” Developed in collaboration with a distinguished committee of scholars, the extensive collection of memorabilia and interactive displays assembled for the exhibit includes documents, photos, newsreels and artifacts — many on display for the first time — from the Roosevelt Library’s rich holdings and from private collections nationwide. The materials on display catalog the unrelenting efforts of many during the early Civil Rights movement, as well as First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s interactions with Black leaders of the mid-century freedom struggle. Through riveting photographs and sound recordings, the Roosevelt Library hopes to inspire and tell the story of the struggle for equal treatment and respect.

“This is an exciting time for the FDR Library,” said William Harris, director of the FDR Museum, who was joined on opening day by FDR Library trustee Basil Smikle, Ph.D., assistant teaching professor at Rutgers University-Newark, who helped organize the exhibition.

“Black Americans, Civil Rights and The Roosevelts” will be on open to the public at FDR’s Library & Museum in Hyde Park through Dec. 31.

Growing its partnership with former New York Yankees centerfielder, wine jazz music icon Bernie Williams and Millbrook Vineyards & Winery launched its 2023 Jazz Summer Concert Series on Father’s Day weekend with a performance from Williams and his band and the second release of Bernie’s Blend wines – a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and the addition of two new wine varieties – a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, crafted and blended by Williams and Millbrook’s winemaking team, and adorned with label artwork by Williams’ daughter. Tickets to the 2023 Summer Concert Season performances, including Williams’ performance, are now available on the Millbrook Winery website.

The relationship between Millbrook Winery and Williams began during a visit to the winery in 2021, when Williams, a long-time Westchester resident, was captivated by the vineyards and the wine. A chance encounter with the winery's Vice President and General Manager David Bova led to a conversation about Williams' background with the New York Yankees and his passion for both jazz music and the artistry of winemaking, which ultimately led to the Bernie’s Blend collaboration. Keen on releasing authentic wine varieties that he is proud of, Williams worked closely with Millbrook Winery’s winemaker Ian Bearup, to taste-test each of the wine barrels and thoughtfully blend and craft each of the wines.

“Working with a New York professional legend like Bernie Williams is an

Media Firm Receives Grant From Junior League

LMC Media in Mamaroneck is the recipient of a $1,500 grant to support the summer semester of the Future Filmmaker program from. The Junior League of Westchester (JLWOS). The funds will serve to help LMC continue to grow the pilot program with the goal of expanding in the 2023/2024 school year.

Nicole Rusinowicz, president of JLWOS, said, “On behalf of the Junior League of Westchester on the Sound …we can’t wait to see how this program grows and we’re so pleased to be able to contribute to this important STEAM opportu- nity for area students.” honor and a privilege,” said Bova. “It allows us to create something truly special, as well as reinforce our commitment to showcasing the very best of our community and its unique talents….”

Each semester, a local high school student is chosen to serve as LMC’s resident student filmmaker. Any interested student can apply. Students are hired by LMC and given access to a full suite of filmmaking equipment. Students can create, film and edit on their own schedule during their residency. In addition to equipment, LMC also provides pre-production, production and post-production guidance from professional filmmaking staff, as well as a budget, actors and filming schedule with deadlines.

Established in 1982 on a former dairy farm in New York's Hudson River Valley, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery produces a range of high-quality wines. Guests are welcome for daily tastings in the restored Dutch barn and guided tours are offered on weekends. Millbrook Vineyards & Winery was the first vineyard in the Hudson River Region of New York state dedicated exclusively to the production of vinifera grapes. Founded on principles of innovation and experimentation, today, it produces between 13,00015,000 cases of wine annually.

Guests can visit the winery yearround. It is open daily from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit MillbrookWine. com or connect with the winery on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Mount Vernon Animal Shelter Restoration Funded

The dedicated efforts of New York State Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow resulted in the allocation of $1 million in funding by New York state for the much-needed restoration of the Mount Vernon Animal Shelter. While expressing his excitement for the reopening of the animal shelter, former Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas also voiced his disappointment with the current administration's handling of its closure due to a rodent infestation.

Thomas strongly criticized the decisions, which ignored New York state inspection reports directing the hiring of an exterminator to address the rodent infestation. Thomas emphasized that the neglect allegedly stemmed from a priority problem rather than a lack of financial resources.

The restored shelter will offer expanded services, including spay and neuter programs, as well as affordable veterinarian services addressing behavioral, dietary and other health needs of pets.