Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Sheriff Monte, an enrollment representative for EmblemHealth, who was on-site to help families access zero-to-low-cost health insurance. Conte, a Bronx native now living in Westchester, shares a personal connection to the New Rochelle YMCA, having played sports there as a youth. He notes the striking physical changes to the facility, particularly the newly renovated gym, and emphasizes that EmblemHealth is present at the fair to ensure residents can affordably visit primary care physicians and specialists.

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Ray Hall, the Board Chair of the YMCA, reflects on his long history with the organization since moving to New Rochelle in 1977. Recently retired from a 40-year career as a supervisor at a mental health center in Washington Heights, Ray discussed the Y’s role in stress management for the community. He emphasizes the importance of sports and physical activity in providing a positive outlet for teenagers and mentions the Y's efforts to provide scholarships and discounted rates for families struggling with the high cost of housing in the city. 

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Nedavia Franco, a Pre-K instructor at the YMCA who has been teaching for five years. Franco explains that the Pre-K program focuses on "learning through play," which allows children to build foundational skills for kindergarten without feeling pressured. She highlights that the most challenging aspect of her work is helping children with "social-emotional development," teaching them how to regulate their emotions, take turns, and communicate effectively.

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Lisa Teddone, the YMCA’s Chief Financial Officer. Lisa, whose own children learned to swim at the Y in the late 1990s, described how a combination of Westchester County legislative funding, city partnerships, and federal grants, including an educational grant from Congressman Jamaal Bowman, allowed for critical upgrades to the gym and pool. She passionately advocates for the Y's "deep end" philosophy, teaching children confidence and serious life skills through their high-level aquatics programs.

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Dr. Beverly Sheppard, a retired pediatrician with 40 years of experience, discusses her role on the New Rochelle YMCA board. After retiring from her practice in Queens, Dr. Sheppard joined the YMCA to focus on her own health journey and give back to an organization that has served her family across generations. 

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Doreen Manzella, Pre-K Teacher at the YMCA, who has served as a lead teacher for 10 years. Manzella shares her "second act" career story, explaining that she went back to school at age 37 to earn her Associate's and Master's degrees after raising her own daughters. Formerly an assistant engineer in the music business, she shifted to education to make a difference in the lives of bilingual families and new residents, helping them access vital community resources and prepare children for kindergarten. 

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Dafne Ginn, the Manager of Membership, Community Outreach, and Operations at the New Rochelle YMCA. Ginn reveals the extensive planning required for the event, noting that preparations for the 2027 celebration begin immediately the following Monday with sponsor thank-yous and data analysis. She describes her long but rewarding days, emphasizing that her passion stems from seeing community members achieve their wellness goals, whether it's learning to swim or improving physical mobility. 

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Christine Chung, Marketing Director for Columbia University Irving Medical Center. The conversation centered on the opening of a new outpatient care facility, making top-tier healthcare more accessible and convenient for local residents.

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with New Rochelle YMCA board member Charles Vento. Charles shares his deep history with the facility, recalling how his high school used the Y as their home court for varsity basketball. Vento speaks passionately about the revitalization of the YMCA, describing its transformation from a facility with structural issues like holes in the roof and a crumbling pool to a beautiful, modern center with upgraded amenities. 

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Bram Fierstein, a former board chair. They discussed the revitalization of the YMCA, the YMCA's success, and the organization not just as an institution, but as a lifestyle that caters to everyone from children to seniors. 

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Angela Cermele, the director of patient satisfaction and relations at Montefiore New Rochelle. During the conversation, Angela highlights the expansive reach of the Montefiore Health System,and the importance of community initiatives like Healthy Kids Day in ensuring children across the county receive the care and support they need.

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Angela Alvarez Hultberg, the Healthy Living Program Coordinator and Fitness Director at the New Rochelle YMCA. The conversation highlighted Angela’s philosophy on maintaining long-term wellness through consistent movement, proper hydration, and a diet centered on whole, unprocessed foods. 

The Business Council of Westchester recently hosted its highly anticipated annual Swing Into Spring networking event, which took place on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Held at the elegant Surf Club On The Sound in New Rochelle, the evening provided a spectacular backdrop for professionals to network and have fun. Attendees took full advantage of this signature seasonal gathering to celebrate the community's recent successes while forging vital new business connections. The event was a resounding success, offering a premier space for members to enrich their existing relationships and spark fresh collaborations in a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere. It was truly a cornerstone evening for Westchester's professional landscape!Westchester Talk Radio host Joan Franzino interviewed Subomi Macaulay, the founder and CEO of the Yonkers-based nonprofit Subomi’s Children. Macaulay explained that her organization focuses on youth empowerment and community outreach by teaching children the three principles of success: patience, persistence, and problem-solving.

The Business Council of Westchester recently hosted its highly anticipated annual Swing Into Spring networking event, which took place on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Held at the elegant Surf Club On The Sound in New Rochelle, the evening provided a spectacular backdrop for professionals to network and have fun. Attendees took full advantage of this signature seasonal gathering to celebrate the community's recent successes while forging vital new business connections. The event was a resounding success, offering a premier space for members to enrich their existing relationships and spark fresh collaborations in a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere. It was truly a cornerstone evening for Westchester's professional landscape!Westchester Talk Radio host Joan Franzino interviewed John Turiano, a Coldwell Banker real estate agent and local influencer known as @MrWestchesterNY. Drawing on his twenty-year background as an editor for Westchester Magazine, Turiano described himself as a "knowledgeable guide" rather than a traditional salesperson, emphasizing his ability to match clients with neighborhoods that fit their specific "vibe," such as the laid-back atmosphere of the Rivertowns versus the country club style of the Sound Shore. 

The Business Council of Westchester recently hosted its highly anticipated annual Swing Into Spring networking event, which took place on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Held at the elegant Surf Club On The Sound in New Rochelle, the evening provided a spectacular backdrop for professionals to network and have fun. Attendees took full advantage of this signature seasonal gathering to celebrate the community's recent successes while forging vital new business connections. The event was a resounding success, offering a premier space for members to enrich their existing relationships and spark fresh collaborations in a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere. It was truly a cornerstone evening for Westchester's professional landscape!Westchester Talk Radio host Joan Franzino spoke with Dawid Wiacek, the founder of The Career Fixer. Dawid, a career coach with over a decade of experience, discussed his philosophy of empowering professionals to overcome internal hurdles and even conducted a brief coaching demonstration to illustrate the "energy shift" that comes with pursuing one's creative goals.