Suburban Street News

For the first time, Westchester residents can access the award-winning “Westchester County Parks Backyard Magazine” – anytime, anywhere -- in a new online format.

The new “2010 Backyard Magazine” is a full-color guide that features comprehensive information about parks, programs and services that are available through the parks system. For the past several years, the magazine has been printed and distributed throughout Westchester. This year the magazine will only be available online as an “e-magazine.”

“This is a great example of using technology to deliver services to residents at a low cost,” County Executive Robert P. Astorino said. “By having this publication accessible online, the county has saved $100,000 in printing and delivery costs.”

With just a click, residents can log on to the County Parks homepage and can “page” through the e-magazine to explore a wealth of information ranging from how to obtain a resident Park Pass, where they can swim, golf, boat, camp and fish, and find out about bicycling, in-line skating and trailways. There is information about everyone’s favorite sites, too, like Playland, County Center and Muscoot Farm.

As an added feature, it has many direct links to website pages for useful information, including an interactive map of the 50 Westchester county parks and facilities. The link to the e-magazine can also be e-mailed to friends or family.

“Cerebral Palsy of Westchester Honors Board President Richard Osterer”

On Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at 5pm, Cerebral Palsy of Westchester will be dedicating our White Plains Residence for adults with developmental disabilities, located at 266 D Bryant Avenue, to Richard N. Osterer.

Richie Osterer truly personifies the family legacy of service and generosity that was established by his wonderful parent, David and Marty Osterer. In 1949 they began devoting themselves to raising awareness and funding and built an organization dedicated to helping children and adults with special needs. Richie grew up with United Cerebral Palsy of Westchester, (now Cerebral Palsy of Westchester), as a central focus in his life. When the time came, he stepped up to continue his parent’s extraordinary mission and lead the agency forward.

Richie joined the Cerebral Palsy of Westchester Board of Directors in 1970 and has served as President since 1990. Like his parents, he has devoted his extraordinary energies, talents, and resources to this organization. Under Richie’s remarkable stewardship, CP/W has continued to grow and thrive. The agency now offers comprehensive, state-of-the-art educational, recreational, vocational, residential, day treatment, and rehabilitation services to people with disabilities of all ages. Richie has guided CP/Westchester through countless challenges and changes, building a small army of staff, Board members, friends and volunteers, who join forces to help consumers reach their potential and realize their dreams.

Thanks to Richie’s commitment and convictions, the Osterer legacy lives on. His lovely wife Venita is a longtime member of the Board and a treasured volunteer. Their terrific children: Robin, Rod and Marty, share their parent’s giving nature and get involved. All three have at various times volunteered or worked at the agency and Rod has been a valued member of the Board for four years.

WHITE PLAINS , NY, July 2010 – Temple Israel Center’s newly appointed assistant rabbi and three veteran Jewish educators will help lead an exciting and engaging new year of activities focused on the theme of prayer, through a wide variety of worship, learning across age groups, concerts and social programs.

Rabbi Michael Goldman, who started today as Temple Israel Center’s Assistant Rabbi, brings a diverse background working with students, youth, adults, the elderly and Russian immigrants to help open doors to new members and deepen engagement with current members. Further broadening its leadership talent, Temple Israel Center in White Plains also announced the creation of a position of Director of Congregational Learning, as well as the appointments of a new Nursery School Director and an Assistant Religious School Director .

“With an influx of new clergy and educational leaders, we are launching the Jewish calendar year focused on prayer, becoming a home for Jewish learning and spirituality to enrich the lives of all members,” said Senior Rabbi Gordon Tucker, himself a world-renowned veteran Jewish educator and spiritual leader.

Rabbi Goldman brings to Temple Israel Center 20 years of rabbinical and educational experience, including the past five years as Rabbi for Jewish Life and University Jewish Chaplain at Duke University in Durham, NC. At Duke, Goldman served as a spiritual leader, counselor, educator and mentor. He was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in New York City in 2005 and holds degrees in Russian language. His diverse background includes working with Russian immigrants in Oregon and Soviet fishermen on a fishing trawler in the Bering Sea. At Temple Israel Center, he will serve with Rabbi Tucker, who has defined his own mission as promoting education for all ages, the spirituality of worship and the obligation to reach out to those in need in our own and the larger community.

“I am committed to attracting new members and deepening engagement with current members by helping Jews find and reinforce connections in their lives among religion, spirituality, ethics, social and cultural activities,” said Rabbi Goldman.

For his part, Senior Rabbi Gordon Tucker said: “Rabbi Goldman’s ability to draw on his diverse professional religious, cultural and educational experience is ideal for the rich diversity of Jewish life in Westchester County, especially at Temple Israel Center.”

To broaden its commitment to Jewish learning, Temple Israel Center appointed Religious School Director Nancy Parkes to the new position of Director of Congregational Learning. Since joining Temple Israel Center from Orangetown Jewish Center in 2006, Parkes has introduced vibrant and expanded programming to encourage the integration of Judaism into young students’ lives, and the lives of their families. She will now lead a comprehensive program across age groups to promote lifelong learning and Jewish reflection and thought.

Also joining Temple Israel Center are Nursery School Director Abbe Rosner, formerly director of early learning center at the Jewish Federation of Greater Clifton/Passaic in New Jersey, and Assistant Religious School Director Lisa Schwartz, formerly an elementary school teacher at the Reuben Gittelman Hebrew Day School in New City, NY. Students with learning challenges, including those on the autism spectrum, receive a Jewish education at Temple Israel Center.

The 840-member-strong synagogue is inviting prospective members to join now and take advantage of the new staff and activities, in time for a new religious school and nursery school year, as well as traditional and uplifting worship for the New Year holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur . New and prospective members are invited to meet new friends, Temple Israel Center’s staff and clergy over a glass of wine and hors d'oeuvres on Oct. 17 . In addition, High Holiday seating is available. To learn more, visit www.templeisraelcenter.org

In addition to Senior Rabbi Gordon Tucker and Assistant Rabbi Michael Goldman, Temple Israel Center’s clergy includes the renowned Cantor Jacob Mendelson, a world-class liturgical musician who has taught and mentored hundreds of other cantors, and Ritual Director Rabbi Dina Shargel.

Saratoga Springs, NY – As part of the reorganization of its administration, SUNY Empire State College President Alan R. Davis today announced that David M. Henahan has been appointed director of communications effective July 13, 2010.

"Dave's ability to successfully manage critical communications issues, and his experience and knowledge of SUNY and New York state government make him the right person for the job. I am delighted he will be joining our team and I am eager to begin our work together," said Davis. "As part of our team, Dave must now communicate strategically to enable the college to garner even more support from our many stakeholders including the public, our alumni, elected officials, and business and community leaders so we can meet the growing need for nontraditional teaching and learning."

As director of communications, his primary responsibility will be the development, implementation and management of an integrated communications plan that will raise the profile of the college across the state of New York, nationally and internationally. Henahan will report to Empire State College Vice President for Communications and Government Relations Mary Caroline Powers.

"It is a very exciting and challenging time for public higher education and the college's new strategic Plan Vision 2015 and SUNY's overall plan, The Power of SUNY, provide the direction needed to enhance and improve public higher education for New York," said Henahan. "I look forward to meeting the challenges before us by managing a broader set of responsibilities as we work together to raise awareness of Empire State College's successes with adult learners, unique mentor-learner relationship, and its international educational efforts."

Among other duties, Henahan also will serve as college spokesperson, establish strategic media relations, and work with various college constituencies and colleagues in the Office of Communications and Government Relations to create publications and events to support and increase recognition of the college.

Henahan is currently director of media relations at SUNY System Administration. He began his SUNY career January 1998 in the System Administration press office and earned increased responsibilities in media relations, issues management and became the primary spokesperson for the SUNY chancellor.

Previously, Henahan served as a media coordinator for the New York State Assembly's Communications Services and prior to that produced news and documentaries for Broadcast News Networks. He holds a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York College at Purchase. Henahan is married to Joyce Wolf and they reside in Saratoga Springs.

White Plains, NY - (February 2010) – Carly Williams has been named Senior Sales Manager – Business Travel & Leisure at The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester.

The daughter of Washington diplomat, Williams lived in eight countries and traveled extensively, before launching her career in the hospitality industry in 2005.

“Carly Williams comes to us with a solid background in sales and event planning. Her extensive travel and knowledge of different counties and cultures brings a sophistication that is a great fit for The Ritz Carlton, Westchester and its clients,’’ said Marcie McGeehan, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester.

Prior to coming to The Ritz Carlton, Westchester, Williams served as Business and Leisure Travel Sales Manager at The Liberty Hotel in Boston (2008-2009) where, among other duties, she was in charge of planning and executing special events including the Head of the Charles Regatta.

Previously, Williams held the positions of Business and Leisure Travel Sales Manager with Hyatt Hotels and Resorts in Boston, Ma. (2006-2008) and Marketing and Public Relations Executive with the Marriott Vacation Club International in St. Thomas (2005-2006). Originally from Washington, D.C., Williams is a graduate of the University of Dayton, where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Relations and Marketing.

Williams said she is excited about joining The Ritz Carlton, Westchester leadership team.

“Of course the goal is to increase revenue by attracting more corporate and leisure clients, but I think that comes naturally when you pay attention to detail and provide guests with a unique experience. That is something The Ritz-Carlton prides itself on,’’ said Williams.

Westchester County Director of Tourism elected to NYS Hospitality & Tourism Association Board of Directors

Albany , November 20, 2009 – Kim Sinistore, Director of Tourism at the Westchester County Office of Tourism, White Plains, was recently elected to the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association (NYSH&TA) Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2010.

NYSH&TA is a not-for-profit trade organization representing more than 1,400 member businesses and individuals in the lodging and attractions industry. NYSH&TA's mission is to provide a strong voice for the New York state hospitality and tourism industry, and to protect and enhance the financial welfare of the industry.

The election took place at the NYSH&TA Board of Directors meeting at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City, on Sunday, November 8.

“I am honored to become a board member of the oldest state lodging association in the country, NYSH&TA", states Kim Sinistore, Director of Tourism for Westchester County, "The mission of NYSH&TA is very important, especially in these challenging times and it’s vital that our voices be heard about the importance and economic impact of the hospitality and tourism industry.”

Hartsdale, July 8– The second largest Rotary Club in New York State, the White Plains Rotary, conveyed its highest honor upon its outstanding members, the Paul Harris Fellows. Harriet Lerner performed a year-long project where she was able to utilize her over ten years of public relations. experience. She served as Director of Programs, reaching out to speakers in the community or selecting the most interesting among those who wrote in asking to speak.

“I am deeply honored to have received the Paul Harris Fellow designation, said Lerner, who pointed out that the global work of Rotary International is funded in part by the Paul Harris Fellows Program, which permits Rotary Clubs to contribute $1,000 to the Rotary foundation in a person’s name. Over the years the White Plains Rotary Club has distinguished itself in naming and contributing on behalf of over 125 individuals as Paul Harris Fellows.

“It was a pleasure to work in tandem with President Georgene Mongarella, and to be associated with a wonderful Rotary such as ours, said. Lerner. It makes a big difference, especially in times like these. I consider it an immense opportunity not only to serve but also to meet extraordinary people.” she added.

Purchase, NY (July 1, 2009) – Today, Manhattanville College begins another chapter in its historic and illustrious history as it officially welcomes Molly Easo Smith as its 11^th President.

A teacher and scholar of Shakespeare and Renaissance drama, President Smith comes to Manhattanville after a long career in academia as a faculty member, Honors Director, Chair, Dean, and most recently, Provost, at liberal arts centered institutions.

Passionately committed to student, faculty, and staff development and the concept of life-long learning, she brings to Manhattanville a deep interest in traditions and a desire to chart bold and sustainable directions for the College by engaging the entire community. President Smith believes in the transformative power of education, in inclusion and diversity as foundations for institutional excellence, and in the imperative to engage individually and collectively with the larger question of our place and purpose in the world and the universe.

Born and raised in India, President Smith attended the University of Madras, where she received her BA and MA degrees in English; she has since lived in several US States as well as Scotland, where she taught at the University of Aberdeen. She attributes her success and strengths to faculty and colleagues at universities in

India

, and the

who served as her inspiration.

President Smith has published two books on Shakespeare and his contemporaries as well as several essays in scholarly journals. Recently, she embarked on a journey of reflection by writing short stories based on her experiences in the southern Indian states of Madras (now Tamil Nadu) and Kerala.

President Smith looks to continue, and expand upon, Manhattanville’s rigorous academic and co-curricular programs, which prepare students for ethically and socially-responsible leadership in a diverse, global, challenging, and interconnected world.

– White Plains Hospital Center (WPHC) has announced the appointment of the following physicians as Medical and Dental Staff Department Directors and Section Chiefs.

Paul D. Fragner, MD, of Armonk was appointed Section Chief of Orthopaedics at White Plains Hospital Center. Dr. Fragner received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Upstate Medical University of New York. He completed his orthopaedic residency at Downstate Medical University and completed his fellowship in Hand and Microvascular Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. In addition to his position as Attending Physician at White Plains Hospital Center, Dr. Fragner is a Clinical Instructor at the Yale University School of Medicine and is a Medical Consultant for the New York Rangers Hockey Team. Dr. Fragner is board certified in Orthopaedic Surgery and in Hand Surgery. He is a partner at Bone and Joint Associates in North White Plains, New York and has been an active member of the medical staff at White Plains Hospital Center since 1995.

Steven Meixler, MD, of White Plains was appointed Director of the Department of Medicine and Section Chief of Internal Medicine at White Plains Hospital Center. Dr. Meixler received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Boston University Medical School. He completed his residency at NYU Manhattan VA Medical Center and his fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care at NYU Bellevue Hospital Center. Dr. Meixler is board certified in Internal Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, and Pulmonary Disease Medicine. Dr. Meixler has an office in White Plains and has been an active member of the medical staff at White Plains Hospital Center since 1990, where he also served as Chief of the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.

Jonathon Wynn, MD, FACC, of Scarsdale was appointed Section Chief of Cardiology at White Plains Hospital Center. Dr. Wynn received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency at SUNY Upstate Medical Center. Dr. Wynn completed a fellowship in Cardiology at The Albert Einstein College of Medicine and a Senior Fellowship in Cardiology Arrhythmia Service at The Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Wynn is board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease. He has an office in White Plains and has been an active member of the medical staff at White Plains Hospital Center since 1987. Dr. Wynn is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology.

“Cerebral Palsy of Westchester Honors Board President Richard Osterer”

Westchester County Director of Tourism elected to NYS Hospitality & Tourism Association Board of Directors