December 2009 Progress.Qxd 11/21/2014 12:53 PM Page 1

December Progress 2014:December 2009 Progress.qxd 11/21/2014 12:53 PM Page 1

Advertising Supplement to The Pennysaver by The Yonkers Chamber of Commerce December 5, 2014 Business Hall of Fame 2014 Hundreds of well wishers Appliances received the Business gathered November 20th at Growth Award, Mr. Henry Empire City at Yonkers Raceway Djonbalaj of HD Real Estate to celebrate the 121st Annual received the Outstanding Business Hall of Fame Dinner. Business Community Leader In 2001, the Yonkers Chamber of Award, and the Westchester Commerce created a Business School for Special Children Hall of Fame, to recognize received the Chairman’s Award. Yonkers businesses and to thank Chamber President, Kevin them for their years of service to Cacace, presented the awards to our City and for being such an these most deserving honorees. important presence in our com- A list of past inductees is munity. This year, the Yonkers found on page 2. The Chamber Chamber of Commerce inducted of Commerce, located at 55 Main the following businesses into Street, 2nd floor, invites you to their Hall of Fame: Yonkers come see our Business Hall of Municipal Housing Authority Fame, prominently displayed in Business Hall of Fame 2014 Inductees received the Lifetime L-R: Leonard Spano (Westchester School for Special Children); Henry Djonbalaj the Board of Directors room. Achievement Award, Curto’s (HD Real Estate); Joseph Shuldiner (Yonkers Municipal Housing Authority; Jonathan Giannettino (Curto’s Appliances).

Stuffing a Bus with Pajamas! Once again the Yonkers ual Chamber members, who con- Chamber of Commerce Women tributed to the success of this in Business Committee spear- event. headed the drive to collect paja- Every year in Westchester mas and books throughout the County in November, the Pajama City, and on November 5th, they Program conducts a week-long “Stuffed a Bus” with local busi- bus collection! Hundreds of chil- ness owners and government rep- dren and adults, schools, busi- resentatives who helped support nesses, and libraries participate this wonderful project. The in this increasingly popular event Yonkers Chamber of Commerce to help local children in need. is grateful to the following The goal this year was to collect organizations and businesses that 4,000 pajamas and 3,000 new joined forces for this worthy books on the bus and deliver all cause: the Yonkers Public the gifts to children in need by Schools, the Yonkers City Court, Thanksgiving so that on St. John’s Riverside Hospital, Thanksgiving night the children Yonkers Federation of Teachers, can go to sleep in their new, Women in Business Committee stuff the bus with this year’s donations. Empress Ambulance and individ- warm pajamas. December Progress 2014:December 2009 Progress.qxd 11/21/2014 12:53 PM Page 2

Yonkers Progress December 5, 2014 2

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Our Business Hall of Fame 2001: 2006: 2010: Yonkers Raceway American Sugar Refining, Inc. Saint Joseph’s Seminary and Angelo R. Martinelli Liberty Lines Alfred Weissman Real Estate College Chairman Martin Walshin, Inc. Hudson Valley Bank Mahopac National Bank Futurama Home Furniture Thomas McSpedon Kawasaki Rail Car Royden A. Letsen, Esq. Veneruso, Curto, Schwartz & Treasurer 2002: Flynn Memorial Home 2007: Curto, LLP Howard Berman Park Hill Optical, Inc. Stew Leonard's Counsel Tacos el Poblano Saw Mill Auto Wreckers, Inc. 2011: Sound Associates Robert Galterio Westchester Community College, The Westchester Bank Yonkers Extension Site News 12 Westchester Chairman Emeritus 2003: Agar Truck Sales Regency Extended Care Center Richmond Children’s Services Kevin T. Cacace Empress Ambulance D.C. Ranieri Insurance President Family Service Society 2008: Yonkers Contracting Corporation Farrauto & Berman 2012: Loria Corporation Struever Fidelco & Cappelli, LLC John Acciavatti 2004: Ralph “RJ” Puma Homes for America Holding, Inc. Greg Arcaro Beck Chevrolet Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center Hon. Michael Spano The Polish Center WESTMED Medical Group Curt Arditi Gus Nathan John Chiappetta Allan Eisenkraft 2009: 2013: Paul Cocozza. PFC Abstract Community Planning Council of Paul Cocozza 2005: Peter Smith Yonkers Joseph Cianciulli Thomas Conneally Schools of the Sacred Heart SUMA Yonkers Federal Credit St. John's Riverside Hospital Ronald Corti Cross County Shopping Center Union St. Joseph's Medical Center Graphite Metallizing Corp. Charles Ferguson Richard Komosinski Westchester Office World Mike Grenadier Brian Harrington Robert Heinemann The Yonkers Progress is Caryn Helfer produced by the Yonkers Moira Kiernan Joseph Marra Chamber of Commerce. Thomas McSpedon To advertise in the Yonkers Michael Minerva Progress, contact Carmine Mollica Jeanne Martinelli at Anthony Mormile (914) 963-0332. Patricia Mulqueen Editor Paul Ranieri Jeanne Martinelli Ronald Rienas Alexander Sajdak Layout and Design Fred Salvino In Memoriam Tri-State Media John Saraceno Joseph Shuldiner The Yonkers Chamber of Commerce mourns the loss of our dear friend, Carol Martinelli, wife of our Chairman of the Board, Correction Stephen Szulhan Angelo Martinelli, who passed away suddenly on November 19th Apologies to “Best Pizza Winner” Wilson A. Terrero at the age of 89. Former First Lady of the City of Yonkers, Carol Louie and Johnnies Pizza Café for printing the wrong address in our Best of Yonkers John Tolomer was known for her kindness and sweetness. She was a devoted edition of the Progress this past September. Here is the correct information: Mario Trombetta mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who generously gave back to the community, chairing the Daffodil Drive for the Louie and Johnnie’s Pizza Café Vincent Volino American Cancer Society and organizing meals for the Homeless 887 Yonkers Avenue Eben Walker Shelter, just to name a few. She will be greatly missed. Rest in Yonkers, NY 10704 (914) 423-3300 Bernice White-Gaynor peace, Carol. www.louieandjohnnies.com Open 7 days a week December Progress 2014:December 2009 Progress.qxd 11/21/2014 12:53 PM Page 3

Yonkers Progress December 5, 2014 3

and service to our community at our become a member and join the hun- 22nd Annual “Women of Excellence” dreds of businesses that are making a Luncheon, hosted by our dynamic difference here in our City. Women in Business Committee and we As you know, our main networking From the Desk of thank our Corporate Sponsor, Cross events for our membership are monthly The central theme of the holiday and promote a progressive city. County Shopping Center, for their gen- breakfasts and are sponsored by various season is giving,Jeanne whether gifts for fami- MartinelliWe will be distributing new erosity and support. Special thanks go Chamber Members. ly and friends, or by giving back to your Directories in 2015 so now is a good to Chairwoman, Moira Kiernan of community by volunteering or donating time to join our Chamber so your busi- Hudson Valley Bank, and Luncheon to various organizations. I am so proud ness can be included in this beautiful Co-Chairs Anita Morck (Yonkers that the Yonkers Chamber of Commerce publication. Parking Violations Bureau) and Connie not only gives during the holiday season, We also look forward to our new Liardi (Sterling Bank) and the entire but gives generously throughout the interactive website which will be WIB Committee for the successful year. Once again the Women in unveiled shortly. event. Over 300 guests enjoyed a Business Committee sponsored a drive We hope you agree that our work scrumptious lunch at the beautiful for the Pajama Program, collecting paja- on “The Progress” in 2014 was some of Fairways at Dunwoodie. We are also mas and books for children in need. We our best yet. We strive to produce a proud to announce that $500 scholar- also thank the Women in Business newspaper that is informative, fun and ships were awarded to 3 outstanding Committee for collecting food for the has a strong pulse on what is going on High School Seniors from the Yonkers Westchester Food Bank at our Women in in our beautiful city and we were Public Schools who each received the Business Luncheon. In 2015, the pleased to distribute it to your door in Virginia Eyler Scholarships, named for Season’s Greetings Women in Business Committee is spear- the Penny Saver. The Yonkers Chamber our dear friend and former committee heading a collection for the Furniture of Commerce is the voice of business in member. Special thanks go out to Five and warm wishes Sharehouse in May and volunteering for Yonkers, and the Progress is our voice. Star Premier Residences for donating the Habitat for Humanity in June. Each year, the Chamber produces three one of the scholarships. Next year’s for a happy, healthy Other initiatives we have supported editions of the Progress: Women in luncheon is set for Wednesday, March throughout the year are JCY Reading Business in March, Best of 25th at the Fairways at Dunwoodie. and prosperous Buddy’s Program, a “Wish List” drive at Yonkers/Back to School in September, Nomination forms for next year’s hon- New Year from Elizabeth Seton Pediatrics, Westchester and our Business Hall of Fame/Holiday orees will be distributed shortly. Our Creative Arts Therapy, and helping our issue in December. Please contact the 28th Annual Chamber Golf Classic was Chairman, Yonkers Public High School students Chamber office if you would like to held this year at the beautiful Pelham find jobs and internships. advertise. Remember, the Penny Saver Country Club. The weather was perfect Angelo R. Martinelli We are also happy to provide e-mail reaches 45,000 Yonkers homes and the and a great day of golf and delicious blasts to our Chamber members who are newspaper remains in our website buffet supper were enjoyed by all. A President Kevin Cacace hosting special events that benefit our archives. special thank you goes to our Board of community. The end of the year is a time to Directors member John Acciaveti of and the Board of Here at the Yonkers Chamber of look back on the previous year and look Yonkers Contracting Corp, for chairing Commerce we are proud of the business- forward to the next. With that in mind, this event. Directors and staff of the es and members we serve. For more than I want to share some of last year’s I am happy to report that the Yonkers Chamber of one hundred years, the Yonkers highlights, as well as a sneak preview Chamber Membership is growing and Chamber of Commerce has served as the for the coming year. Four outstanding that we welcomed many new members Commerce. voice of the business community and individuals were recognized this year this year. Please contact me at the our mission has remained to serve, build for their professional accomplishments Chamber Offices if you would like to

PS&SYonkers Engineering, Chamber Inc. of CommerceDr. John Sayegh/Broadway welcomes Chiropractic ourImport newest & Export Empire members Business Society 55 Main Street 260 South Broadway 115 Linden Street, 1st Floor Third Floor Suite LT Yonkers, NY 10701 Yonkers, NY 10701 Yonkers, NY 10705 Phone: (914) 484-5008 Phone: 914-509-8615 Phone: (914) 968-7821 Fax: (914) 965-4367 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (914) 968-1237 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.psands.com E-mail: [email protected] Lolita Brown, Owner Andrew Grundy, Senior Associate Website: www.drjohnsayegh.com Wholesale Retail/Special Gifts Engineering/Consulting John Sayegh, DC Chiropractic Services Fibertech Networks, LLC. Castle Royale 303 Wolfs Lane 92 Waverly Street I Train With Juan Pelham, NY 10803 Yonkers, NY 10701 76 Main Street Phone: (914) 319-5991 (914) 965-2559 Tuckahoe, NY 10707 Website: www.fibertech.com E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (914) 473-3026 Joanne Piquion, Marketing Manager Website: www.castleroyaleny.com Fax: (914) 355-3434 Fiber Optic Networks Loretta Spano, Manager Website: www.itrainwithjuan.con Catering Juan Gonzalez, President Personal Trainer/Fitness Center December Progress 2014:December 2009 Progress.qxd 11/21/2014 12:53 PM Page 4

Yonkers Progress December 5, 2014 4 December Progress 2014:December 2009 Progress.qxd 11/21/2014 12:53 PM Page 5

Yonkers Progress December 5, 2014 5 Member Profile: St. John’s Riverside Hospital In this season of Thanksgiving, St. nership with the Lake Erie College of St. John’s emergency department, For 145 years St. John’s has been a John’s Riverside Hospital is thankful Osteopathic School of Medicine facing a 5% increase in patient volume, safe haven in times of emergency and for the incredible accomplishments that (LECOM), we quickly became a top 5- has redesigned its patient process, lead- crisis as well as abeacon of strength we have achieved over the past four destination for these medical students, ing to greater efficiency and enhanced and hope for this community. We years. We are celebrating our talented who choose among 200 hospitals patient satisfaction and recently, the appreciate the trust you have placed in and dedicated team of physicians, nurs- nationwide in the LECOM system. We American Heart/Stroke Association us by choosing St. John’s to meet your es and staff… a team that has pushed also established a surgical residency awarded St. John’s emergency depart- healthcare needs. relentlessly toward the goal of getting program, working with Lincoln ment with its third Gold plus Stroke Wishing you all a warm holiday better for you… our patients and our Hospital in Manhattan. The first nurs- Center designation. season! community. ing school in the county, the Cochran St. John’s hasraised the bar for all Ronald J. Corti Proving how seriously we feel School of Nursing, has challenged its our services and programs. Webecame President & CEO about improving our quality scores, St. students to set higher standards and the market leader in robotic orthopedic John’s has worked toward and achieved goals. I’m happy to report that this partial knee replacements and achieved top decile performance in the four, year’s graduates achieved a 100% pass a 5 star rating in Maternity care for the CMS required, core metrics including rate on the New York State licensing eighth straight year. Our HOPE Center, heart failure, heart attack, pneumonia exam for registered nurses. a designated Aids Center, was named a and the surgical care improvement St. John’s has executed a complete Best Practices outpatient program in project. In fact, we have exceeded the financial turnaround over the past four New York State. We have been recog- national benchmarks set for each of years. Taking a hospital that was losing nized for excellence in quality cancer these measures! Our patient satisfaction money and turning it into one that has care with an outstanding achievement scores are increasing each and every increased its market share, increased its award from the Commission on Cancer day as our compassionate and caring volume and made a profit each year is and our Ashikari Breast Center contin- nursing and ancillary staff deliver out- due to the hard work of our tremen- ues to be the prominent surgical oncol- standing care to our patients. douslydedicated physicians and ogy practice in Westchester County, We have recruited a remarkable employees. We have invested in theon- receiving certification from the team of board-certified physicians, going renovations of our facilities, National Accreditation Program for trained at the finest academic facilities including the creation of more private Breast Centers. As we plan for the New in the country, to practice here in our rooms, so that we may provide the best Year, St. John’s is developing a surgical community and we entered the world possible environment for your health- robotics program and a center of excel- of medical education. Forming a part- care. lence in joint replacement.

Louie and Johnnie’s Pizza Café 887 Yonkers Avenue

Yonkers, NY 10704

(914) 423-3300 www.louieandjohnnies.com Voted Best Pizza in Yonkers, 2014

Holiday Catering Available December Progress 2014:December 2009 Progress.qxd 11/21/2014 12:53 PM Page 6

Yonkers Progress December 5, 2014 6 Chamber Network Events

Our friends from Empire City enjoy golf at Pelham country Club at the 28th annual Outing. Chamber president Kevin Cacace (r) with Peter Smith, President of the Carvel Foundation.

Enjoying dinner at the golf outing are members of the Empress Ambulance winning four- The Martinelli’s are well represented at this year’s outing (l to r) Judge Michael Martinelli, some. former City Council President, Richard Martinelli and Chamber Marketing Director Jeanne Martinelli.

Sandy Albanese of Aflac and Juan Gonzalez of I Train with Juan at the September Welcoming Keynote speaker, Police Commissioner Charles Gardner (c) are (l to r), Breakfast. Kevin Cacace, Angelo Martinelli, Alex Sajdak, Mayor Mike Spano and Mike Melnicke, President of Regency Extended Care, our breakfast sponsor.

Costco store manager, Joel Brandstom, (2nd from Left), welcomes keynote speaker The chamber welcomes new members Dr. John Sayegh and Jorge Baez at the Mayor Mike Spano. Also pictured are Chamber President Kevin Cacace and Chamber November Networking breakfast, sponsored by Costco. chairman Angelo Martinelli. December Progress 2014:December 2009 Progress.qxd 11/21/2014 12:53 PM Page 7

Yonkers Progress December 5, 2014 7

Chamber of Commerce “Best of Yonkers”

Kevin Cacace and Angelo Martinelli at the “Best of Yonkers” awards Night at Alamo Best Hairdresser winner Franco Osso (c) of Hair Dimensions, with Best Bank winners Draft House. Patricia Marlow (l) and Robin Alrabaa of Hudson Valley Bank.

Best Dog Groomer from “Dogs World” with Chairman Angelo Martinelli. Angelo Martinelli (c) with Best Senior Housing of Yonkers winner, the Municipal Housing Authority of Yonkers.

Vanessa Osso (l) of Hair Dimensions with Amani Marji of Hudson Valley Bank. Angelo Martinelli congratulates Grassy Sprain Pharmacy, this year’s winner of “Best Pharmacy in Yonkers”.

Anna Artuso’s Pastry Shop on McLean Avenue are all smiles receiving this year’s Jeanne Martinelli congratulates Best Landscaper Michael Carballano. recognition for “Best Italian Pastry” award. December Progress 2014:December 2009 Progress.qxd 11/21/2014 12:53 PM Page 8

Yonkers Progress December 5, 2014 8 New Member Profile: Dr. John W. Sayegh Dr. John Sayegh has been prac- We are able to assist with nutri- ticing in Yonkers for 21 years. I tion and weight loss as well as well- was born and grew up in Yonkers, ness and maintenance care. BROADWAY CHIROPRACTIC attending Sacred Heart High Children can also benefit from Dr. John W. Sayegh School. Chiropractic care increasing overall Being a Chiropractor allows me health picture, strengthening the 260 SOUTH BROADWAY to serve the community by helping immune system and all systems of SUITE LT people get well. My office deals the body. with patients’ who have neck and I also accept most major insur- YONKERS, NY 10705 back pain, headaches, radiating pain ance plans and have affordable self- to upper and lower extremities. We pay plans as well as family plans. I (914) 968-7821 our excellent at treating injuries see patients from new born babies from Auto accidents and work relat- to senior citizens and have office ed injuries. hours from 9 am to 7 pm. New Member Profile: Fibertech Networks Fibertech has built and operates one of delivered on end-to-end fiber optics FICON - 1 Gig to 100 Gig firm ATLANTIC-ACM, sweeping first the fastest growing metro fiber optic infra- built directly into our end user building place awards for brand, sales represen- structures in the Northeast. The company locations. These last-mile fiber services • Private Line – TDM, DS1, DS3, tatives, provisioning, customer service, has more than 11,000 route miles of net- allow customers greater availability and OCX up to OC 192 network performance and billing. work operational in 30 markets across flexibility compared to other legacy • Internet – from 3 Mg to 100 Gig Further information about the com- the Northeast. carriers. • Colocation pany can be found at www.fibertech.com or by contacting The company has built more than Fibertech offers the following services: 175 miles of fiber infrastructure in All of these services are backed by our Westchester Market Manager, Westchester County, NY, including • Dark Fiber the company’s award-winning customer Joanne Piquion at 914-319-5991 or Yonkers. We own every mile of our service. For nine consecutive years, [email protected]. • Layer 2 Ethernet Point-to-Point or entire 30-market network footprint, so Fibertech has received the highest serv- Ring Configurations - 3 Mg to 100 Gig customers are assured cost-effective ice and operations honors in an indus- services and faster provisioning times. • Wave Services - DWDM - Fibre try-wide customer survey conducted by Fibertech’s broadband services are Channel, GDPS, Infiniband, ESON and Boston-based research and consulting December Progress 2014:December 2009 Progress.qxd 11/21/2014 12:53 PM Page 9

Yonkers Progress December 5, 2014 9 December Progress 2014:December 2009 Progress.qxd 11/21/2014 12:53 PM Page 10

Yonkers Progress December 5, 2014 10

Special salute to “Business Hall of Fame” Honorees Business Hall of Fame 2012 Honorees Lifetime Achievement Award: Municipal Housing Authority of Yonkers The Municipal Housing Authority lease privately owned apartments for the City of Yonkers (MHACY) was and/or houses. established in 1938 and formally recog- At present the Authority adminis- nized in Article 1 Section 3 of the NYS ters 3193 vouchers and 2079 units of Public Housing Law of 1939. It is gov- public housing and indirectly adminis- erned by a seven member Board of ters another 209 units of affordable Commissioners, five of whom are housing built through a mixed-finance appointed by the Mayor and two of approach and managed privately. whom are elected by the residents. MHACY presently is spearheading The Authority has numerous pow- the redevelopment of two of its apart- ers. In addition to normal property ment complexes, the former Mulford related duties such as the power to pur- Gardens and Cottage Place Gardens. In chase, sell, contract, lease, collect rent, partnership with private developers and bring law suits, etc., the Authority has the City, the Authority demolished the the power to issue bonds and take prop- 550 unit Mulford Gardens complex. erty through eminent domain. 209 units of mixed-income housing MHACY primarily administers two have been built and occupied and Joseph Shuldiner, Executive Director programs, the public housing program another 56 units are in construction at in which the Authority owns and man- the site right now. At Cottage, building on the southeast corner of lows: Hon. Arthur J. Doran, Jr., ages units of housing throughout the Schoolhouse Terrace, a two building Warburton Avenue and Willow Street. Chairman; Lawrence Sansone, Vice City for eligible residents and the 120 unit building complex with 50 sen- Working with the City of Yonkers, the Chairman; Resident Commissioner, Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) ior and 70 family units, is nearing com- Authority is designing a plan for the Maxine Battle; Resident Commissioner, program through which eligible partici- pletion on the old Public School #6 entire Ashburton Corridor between Joan Deierlein; Teresa Drain, Dalphine pants are provided with rent supple- site. Construction has recently begun Racine and Nepperhan Avenues. Meadows, Louis Nigrello, Joseph ments that enable them to afford to on the next phase, a 51 unit family The Authority’s Board of Shuldiner, Executive Director; Joan Commissioners is comprised as fol- Magoolaghan, General Counsel.

Business Growth Award: Curto’s Appliances

Curto’s Appliance has grown Viking and Bertazzoni displays in from its humble beginnings on Westchester NY. The showroom is Ashburton Avenue, to an “appliance adjacent to towns such as Bronxville, wonderland” at its brand new show- Scarsdale, Hartsdale, Eastchester, room located at 1966 Cenetral Park New Rochelle, Larchmont and only Avenue, Yonkers, Mario Curto, along minutes from Riverdale, Manhattan with his brother Joe and sister, Lena, and Bergen and Fairfield Counties. opened the doors to Curto’s ince Through the years, Curtos has 1948 with little dollars in their pock- retained a prominent presence in the et...but with plenty of determination Yonkers business community. and hard work they were able to Marianne and Frank Giannettino thrive. have been running the family busi- In May 2014 Curto’s relaunched ness after her dad, Mario’s retire- Jonathan Giannettino, Appliance Dude by opening its new, state of the art ment 20 years ago. Frank...aka “the appliance needs throughout the coun- ues - stellar service - respect for the appliance showroom at 1966 Central appliance superstar” has a committed Park Ave in Westchester County NY, and loyal following throughout the try via our internet sales. Jonathan consumer and humility.” just minutes north of New York City. tri-state area. has also been instrumental in the Without the support of the City The Phase 1 relaunch offers the With the emergence of the inter- opening of our new showroom which of Yonkers, our loyal customers and largest appliance showroom in net, Jonathan Giannettino decided to has been a two year process! our hard working team at Curto’s, Westchester County featuring live join his family’s business and has As we grow, the principles this dream would not have become a kitchen displays and the largest taken Curto’s to new heights. We instilled by Mario, Joe and Lena reality. The Curto founding fathers Thermador, SubZero/Wolf, Liebherr, have now expanded to serve the have remained constant “family val- would truly be proud. December Progress 2014:December 2009 Progress.qxd 11/21/2014 12:53 PM Page 11

Yonkers Progress December 5, 2014 11 Special salute to “Business Hall of Fame” Honorees Business Hall of Fame 2012 Honorees Chairman’s Award: Westchester School for Special Children for Special Children”. During Leonard’s Law-Enforcement The Westchester School moved to its career, he always had a hand in education. Yonkers location in 1992 purchasing the for- Over the course of his career, he taught many mer Blessed Sacrament High School at 45 classes in the Police Academy and was a New Park Ave. The campus sits on close to two and York State and FBI Certified Police Instructor. half acres in downtown Yonkers employing Beginning in 1996, Leonard also worked as an 170 people and educating close to 250 chil- Adjunct Professor at Westchester Community dren. Over 100 of the employees are Yonkers College, Manhattan College, Empire College residents. and Concordia College. Some of the courses The Westchester School views all chil- he taught included: The Principles of dren, regardless of functioning level or special Investigation, Probation and Parole, Intro to needs, as children with potential for growth the Criminal Justice System, Business Leonard Spano, Executive Director and development. Historically, educational Communications, and Business Strategic programming, particularly for the severely Planning. While at Concordia College, he also Education, specifically the education of Medical College, established a day school pro- handicapped was primarily concerned for eas- served as the Assistant Director of the Adult disabled children, is in the midst of great gram for multiply handicapped children in ing the burden of those who cared for these Accelerated Degree Program. change…change that brings both new prob- Westchester County. Over the next few years, children. Changes in legal standards and In 2000 Leonard left the DEA Task Force lems and new opportunities. However, our the School established a reputation of excel- socio-philosophical perspectives made this an to run for PBA President. He won the election past experiences have shown us that any prob- lence and became a recognized and valued excessively limited and limiting approach. and went on to lead the Westchester County lem can be overcome by the concerted efforts resource in Westchester County and the sur- Our rational for program and selection of edu- Police Union, serving as CEO for over 250 of a dedicated staff. rounding communities. Ten years later, in cational objectives is based upon the develop- members ensuring safe and equitable working The Westchester School promotes a feel- February 1982, the County assumed control mental needs of the individual child. conditions for all. ing of understanding and respect with regard and responsibility for all programs conducted Leonard Spano is the Executive Director In 2007, Leonard retired from the County to our employees and the children that we by the Mental Retardation Institute, with the of the Westchester School for Special Children. Police and accepted a position as Deputy serve. We believe that the key to our success exception of the day school. Leonard is a lifelong resident of the City of Director of the Westchester School. Leonard lies in the quality and dedication of our people. At that time there was discussion con- Yonkers and prior to accepting the position of Spano first became involved with the School Each employee plays a critical role in provid- cerning closing MRI. Both the staff and the Deputy Director in 2007, he was employed by by serving on the Westchester School’s Board ing the best possible service for our children. parents of the children in attendance joined the Westchester County Police Department for of Directors beginning in 1996 and was elect- Our first and most important responsibili- together in support of the program. The 23 years. Leonard was assigned to various posts ed and served as Chairman of the Board from ty is to do todays’ job as well as you possibly Medical College agreed to continue as the including Second in Command of the 2004-2007. He oversaw the schools’ budget can. In doing this we not only maintain the Parent Organization with the understanding Westchester County Drug Enforcement and overall management of school operations. high standards that have been established, but that this program would be established as a Administration Federal Task Force from 1991- In 2010, Leonard Spano was appointed we also expand our horizons and take advan- separate entity. One year late, February 1983, 2000. He and his colleagues won numerous Executive Director of the School. tage of the new opportunities that are develop- this was accomplished when a Charter was awards and commendations for their effort in Leonard holds a Master’s Degree in ing for agencies such as ours. granted by the Board of Regents of the reducing the availability of drugs in the metro- Public Administration from Marist College and In January 1972, the Mental Retardation University of the State of New York. The MRI politan area arresting mid-high level narcotic a Bachelor of Science from Iona College. Institute (MRI), a division of New York day school became “The Westchester School traffickers.

Outstanding Business Community Leader Award: Henry Djonbalaj - HD Real Estate gestions on how to make the business cli- Electricians. The key feature at this memo- mate more cohesive to its patrons. He has rial is an actual section of a steel beam from encouraged the city to look into increasing one of the Twin Towers. It is a permanent parking availability, improving street light- tribute to all the men and women of Yonkers ing, increasing police presence and honor- who lost their lives on that tragic day. ing all residents by hanging flags on ethnic Henry is extremely optimistic about holidays. both the Real Estate market AND the con- Henry Djonbalaj, President HD Real Estate Henry, along with his colleagues on tinued success and improvement of the City the McLean Merchants Association of Yonkers. With the love and support of his Henry Djonbalaj, an Albanian immi- the company has expanded to include two (MAMA), have been successful in creating beautiful wife Marian and his two wonder- grant, came to the United States in 1974 offices and a successful sales team of the city’s annual McLean Avenue St. ful children, Adrian and Emilia, he contin- along with his parents, 2 brothers and 3 sis- approximately 31 sales agents. Henry saw Patricks Day Parade and the annual Mc ues to work hard on the Boards of The ters looking for a new life. He then moved to opening a second office as not only a busi- Lean Avenue Fall Festival. Both events Lincoln Park Taxpayers Association, The the City of Yonkers in 1988 and has been ness opportunity but as a way to better serve bring a tremendous amount of business and Untermyer Park Performing Arts Council, trying to make it the best it can be ever the community. As Vice Chairman of the comradery to East Yonkers. The Aisling Irish Community Center Board since. McLean Avenue Merchants Association, One of Henry’s proudest achievements and most recently, the Yonkers Green City Henry started in real estate back Henry is a very strong believer in the growth to our community is the creation of the Advisery Committee. in1984. He was a successful residential and and vitality of the Mc Lean Avenue business September 11th Memorial Site at Conor With all his business experience and commercial real estate broker in Manhattan district. He can often be seen walking up Park on McLean Avenue. He elicited the determination, we all look forward to what and the Bronx before establishing HD and down the avenue meeting with mer- help of various City of Yonkers departments Henry Djonbalaj has in store in the future Realty in Yonkers in 1997. Since that time, chants to discuss their needs and taking sug- along with the Yonkers DPW and Local 3 for the City of Yonkers. December Progress 2014:December 2009 Progress.qxd 11/21/2014 12:53 PM Page 12

Yonkers Progress December 5, 2014 12

Gift Baskets

Gift Certificates Free wrapping on bottles

For all your holiday needs

17611761 CentraCentrall ParkPark AvenueAvenue Yonkers,Yonkers, NYNY 1071010710 HighridgeHighridge ShoppingShopping CenterCenter (914)(914) 793-6110793-6110 (914)(914) 793-6111793-6111 FaxFax (914)(914) 793-9239793-9239 December Progress 2014:December 2009 Progress.qxd 11/21/2014 12:53 PM Page 13

Yonkers Progress December 5, 2014 13 December Progress 2014:December 2009 Progress.qxd 11/21/2014 12:53 PM Page 14

Yonkers Progress December 5, 2014 14

Holiday Greeting and Congratulations to this year’s honorees

Pre-Season Sign Up Discounts Available December Progress 2014:December 2009 Progress.qxd 11/21/2014 12:53 PM Page 15

Yonkers Progress December 5, 2014 15 December Progress 2014:December 2009 Progress.qxd 11/21/2014 12:53 PM Page 16

Yonkers Progress December 5, 2014 16

Special Holiday Gifts needed

The Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center is a specialty nursing facility for medically fragile children with complex clinical conditions and disabilities. This year the Yonkers Chamber of Commerce would like to collect holiday gifts for these most-deserving children and young adults.

Holiday Wish List 2014: ***All toys, clothes and donations must be new due to heightened infection control precautions.

Additionally, we cannot accept any plush toys*** For Babies and Infants: For Toddlers +: For School Age + Teens Mobiles - Clothes Sesame Street songs on CD’s Backpacks - Baby dolls (realistic) Lamaze company infant toys Sesame Street DVD’s Children’s Books and CD’s Mozart Music Cube Children’s Musical CD’s Gift Cards (All Variety) Boppy Pillows - Boppy Pillow covers Pop up - Cause and Effect Toys Scrapbooking Supplies Bumboo Chairs Phonics Radios Clothes - All Sizes Leap Start See and Say’s (comfortable, loose fitting - no Turtlenecks) Leap Frog Products Winter Coats - All Sizes

** Additionally we always need new clothes, winter coats of all sizes, socks of all sizes. All donations can be dropped at the Chamber office, 55 Main Street. Thank you. Your kindness to this most worthy cause, is greatly appreciated.

Come to Windy Farms Nursery for the best selection of live trees and holiday wreaths at unbeatable prices Premium Fraser Firs 5’ – 14’ Custom Wreaths 10” – 3’ Poinsettias Table Top Trees White Pine Roping Pine Cones Fire Wood WINDY FARM GARDEN CENTER

330 McLean Avenue, Yonkers 914 969-6459 718 543-0912 Fax: (914) 966-1468

* Open Monday thru Saturday, 8 am-6 pm, Sundays 9am-5pm

All major credit cards accepted

* Delivery available

Visit our website at www.windyfarm.net December Progress 2014:December 2009 Progress.qxd 11/21/2014 12:53 PM Page 17

Yonkers Progress December 5, 2014 17

Best Wishes from

MADISON SECURITY GROUP, INC. Excellence in Security Service

2931 Westchester Avenue • Bronx, NY 10461 Office: 718-239-0136 • Fax: 718-239-0942 RZAmadisonsg.com www.madisonsecuritygroup.com

Richard Zimmer President December Progress 2014:December 2009 Progress.qxd 11/21/2014 12:53 PM Page 18

Yonkers Progress December 5, 2014 18 Kids and Cops The Yonkers Police Athletic League (PAL) is based on the belief that interaction with the youth of today develops stronger relationships and fosters positive attitudes towards good citizenship. The PAL serves as an important link between youngsters, police and community volunteers, which offers opportunities to create positive relationships through athletic and cultural activities. These activities help to build individual self-esteem through team play and hard work. This is why the PAL goes much deeper than sports, but more importantly, helps to build the youth of our community into well adjusted, responsible young adults. Programs include Boxing, Baseball, Softball, Basketball, Karate and flag Football. In addition, trips are taken to Playland, NY Mets and Yankees games and to St. John’s University Basketball Games. Each year the PAL hosts annual events including a Special Needs Holiday Party, Easter Egg Hunt, Golden Gloves Boxing, Suburbia Roller Derby, Poster Contest and Annual Luncheon to name a few. Their message is based on the following principles: to guide youngsters toward responsible and mature citizenship, to promote a drug-free alternative for the youth in our City, to provide a common platform of growth for our police officers and youngsters with citizens and to foster the American principle of good will, friendship and sportsmanship. Contributions to this worthwhile cause are greatly appreciated. The Police Athletic League of Yonkers is located at 127 North Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701. December Progress 2014:December 2009 Progress.qxd 11/21/2014 12:53 PM Page 19

Yonkers Progress December 5, 2014 19 December Progress 2014:December 2009 Progress.qxd 11/21/2014 12:55 PM Page 20

Yonkers Progress December 5, 2014 20

Holiday Happenings

SANTA | FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT | FREE PARKING

Santa has Arrived! Now – December 24th Capture the magic of the holiday season with a visit to Santa! Santa is available to share wishes and take family photos at his winter wonderland home, located near Gap! Each child who with visits with Santa will receive a FREE gift, plus a holiday treat! Be take sure to see Santa before he leaves to deliver gifts on December 24th at 5PM. photos Make Cross County Shopping Center Your Holiday Shopping Destination! With an amazing selection of stores, free parking, lots of dining options and family-friendly entertainment, Cross County Santa!Santa! Shopping Center is more than a mall, it’s an experience. Join us throughout the season to enjoy nightly holiday shows where the lights dance to music, plus be sure to stay informed of the holiday events by connecting with us at Facebook.com/ CrossCountyShoppingCenter.