Westchester Talk Radio

Relive the magic of outdoor cinema with the White Plains Hospital Screenings Under the Stars series at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla. Nothing quite compared to the simple joy of watching a favorite film under the stars on a warm summer night, blending the enchantment of movies with the peaceful serenity of nature. Families and friends gathered with picnic blankets and plenty of snacks to enjoy these fun, free community evenings. Set against the stunning backdrop of Kensico Dam Plaza, the beloved series provided local residents with the perfect setting to relax, bond with loved ones, and make unforgettable summer memories together.Westchester Talk Radio host Andrew Castellano sat down with Manny Menjivar, the owner of K&S Catering, which was established in 2023 and named after his two children, Cadian and Sebastian. Menjivar discussed his journey from running a remodeling business called Handy Manny to launching a family-operated catering service and opening a full-service cafe located at 520 White Plains Road in Tarrytown. He outlined their diverse menu offerings, including daily soups, a salad bar, and grilled items, while also sharing their presence at local community gatherings, the White Plains Farmers Market, and upcoming seasonal markets. Manny expressed gratitude for the local support and highlighted how rewarding it is to operate the business alongside his family.

Relive the magic of outdoor cinema with the White Plains Hospital Screenings Under the Stars series at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla. Nothing quite compared to the simple joy of watching a favorite film under the stars on a warm summer night, blending the enchantment of movies with the peaceful serenity of nature. Families and friends gathered with picnic blankets and plenty of snacks to enjoy these fun, free community evenings. Set against the stunning backdrop of Kensico Dam Plaza, the beloved series provided local residents with the perfect setting to relax, bond with loved ones, and make unforgettable summer memories together.Westchester Talk Radio host Andrew Castellano interviewed Nick Pereyra from Splash Car Wash in White Plains. Nick shared what customers can anticipate when visiting their 170 South Kensico Avenue location, highlighting their commitment to friendly service, efficient teamwork, and high-quality results. He explained their community outreach efforts at local events, where they offer promotions like discounted or free car washes to engage with residents. Nick also emphasized their hands-on approach to client service and five-star detailing services, reassuring listeners that despite the company's regional expansion across multiple states, their focus remains steadfast on personal customer care and community connection.

Relive the magic of outdoor cinema with the White Plains Hospital Screenings Under the Stars series at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla. Nothing quite compared to the simple joy of watching a favorite film under the stars on a warm summer night, blending the enchantment of movies with the peaceful serenity of nature. Families and friends gathered with picnic blankets and plenty of snacks to enjoy these fun, free community evenings. Set against the stunning backdrop of Kensico Dam Plaza, the beloved series provided local residents with the perfect setting to relax, bond with loved ones, and make unforgettable summer memories together.Westchester Talk Radio host Andrew Castellano spoke with Kristen Alouisa, the Executive Director of the American Heart Association. During the interview, they highlighted the strong partnership between White Plains Hospital and the Heart Association, particularly through senior vice president Dawn French, who serves on the organization's board. She explained how easy it is to learn hands-only CPR in as little as 90 seconds, noting the organization's goal to have at least one person trained in CPR in every household by 2030. Additionally, they discussed the importance of managing blood pressure, mitigating stress, getting quality sleep, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits to combat heart disease.

Jersey Shore Talk Radio host Andrew Castellano interviewed Carlo Castronovo, the owner of G'ZEPPS Old School Italian Pizza & More in Old Bridge, New Jersey. Carlo shared the history of his family business, which began when his parents immigrated from Sicily and opened a pizzeria in New Jersey. After briefly moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting, where he even landed a line on 90210, Castronovo returned to New Jersey in 2007 to take over the restaurant. The two discussed the business's evolution, including its recent dining room expansion, adapting during COVID-19 by offering contactless car pick-ups, and the rebranding from "Giuseppe's" to "G'ZEPPS," a name inspired by local high school staff and the eatery's friendly mascot. TAKE A LISTEN!!

Award-winning TV Sports Producer and Harrison native Fred Gaudelli discusses his legendary career "in the booth" as the man behind the scenes guiding so many of the most iconic and memorable sporting events for more than 40 years on Westchester Talk Radio (westchestertalkradio.com), "The Sports Report" with host John Marino. Fred will be inducted into the Westchester Sports Hall-of-Fame, part of the Class of 2026, on Wednesday November 4th at the County Center in White Plains.

Spending the summer on Block Island is an unforgettable escape, and stopping by Aldo's Bakery in Old Harbor is a must-see tradition. For over 50 years, this family legacy has served scratch-made pastries, fresh bread, house-made ice cream, and their famous boat-to-boat harbor delivery. Even the crew from Block Island Talk Radio stopped by to celebrate the island's favorite spot, because a visit to Aldo's always feels like coming home.Block Island Talk Radio host Andrew Castellano spoke with Mary Olson-Menzel, author of the national bestseller What Lights You Up. Mary discussed her transition from corporate career coaching to writing her book, which provides readers with actionable advice to discover their passions and find joy in their work. She emphasized the importance of bringing one's authentic self into the workplace, introduced the Japanese concept of Ikigai (the intersection of passion, skill, need, and compensation), and shared details about her upcoming follow-up book focused on leadership.

Spending the summer on Block Island is an unforgettable escape, and stopping by Aldo's Bakery in Old Harbor is a must-see tradition. For over 50 years, this family legacy has served scratch-made pastries, fresh bread, house-made ice cream, and their famous boat-to-boat harbor delivery. Even the crew from Block Island Talk Radio stopped by to celebrate the island's favorite spot, because a visit to Aldo's always feels like coming home.Block Island Talk Radio host Andrew Castellano spoke with Mac Brown, a bartender at Aldo's Restaurant who grew up on Block Island year-round. Mac offered a local's perspective on island life, describing the close-knit year-round population of roughly 1,000 residents compared to the high-season swells of 10,000 to 15,000 daily visitors. He shared his experience attending the island's small K–12 school, working in the fast-paced restaurant industry since childhood, and what it's like serving classic Italian family-style food and drinks to summer crowds. 

Spending the summer on Block Island is an unforgettable escape, and stopping by Aldo's Bakery in Old Harbor is a must-see tradition. For over 50 years, this family legacy has served scratch-made pastries, fresh bread, house-made ice cream, and their famous boat-to-boat harbor delivery. Even the crew from Block Island Talk Radio stopped by to celebrate the island's favorite spot, because a visit to Aldo's always feels like coming home.Block Island Talk Radio host Andrew Castellano sat down with Leo Leone, who manages Aldo's Mopeds & Bicycles. Leo explained that he was born into the family business and shared his passion for helping visitors explore the island via mopeds, bicycles, golf carts, and convertible rentals. The pair discussed the unique hurdles of managing seasonal operations, such as annual hiring and navigating safety concerns regarding tourists drinking alcohol while operating rental vehicles. Leo also highlighted the continuous evolution of their business to keep offerings fresh for returning multi-generational families. 

Spending the summer on Block Island is an unforgettable escape, and stopping by Aldo's Bakery in Old Harbor is a must-see tradition. For over 50 years, this family legacy has served scratch-made pastries, fresh bread, house-made ice cream, and their famous boat-to-boat harbor delivery. Even the crew from Block Island Talk Radio stopped by to celebrate the island's favorite spot, because a visit to Aldo's always feels like coming home.Block Island Talk Radio host Andrew Castellano spoke with Aldo Leoni and Stephen Papa about the history and legacy of Aldo's Bakery. Aldo shared that his family business traces back to 1955 when his father started baking on Block Island, eventually opening the bakery in 1969. They recounted the iconic tradition of his father taking pastry-laden skiffs out to boats in the harbor while singing opera—a service Aldo jokingly called the original "Uber Eats." Stephen discussed the logistical challenges and deep dedication required to run a seasonal business for over 50 years, highlighting their signature 16% butterfat ice cream, homemade gelato, and newly remodeled candy store. 

On Friday July 24, 2026, Uncle Leo's & Rosny Café officially celebrated its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new location on 345 Main Avenue in Norwalk, Connecticut. The event brought together members of the Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, local business owners, friends, and family to welcome the fresh new spot to the community. The café offers a warm, welcoming environment where guests can enjoy high-quality food, warm coffee, and friendly conversation. From fresh-baked breads, bagels, and golden, flaky pastries to delicious hot meals and sweet treats, everything is made with care and served with positive energy. During his interview with Fairfield County Talk Radio host Andrew Castellano, original founder Leo Spinelli detailed the history of Uncle Leo's, which began 15 years ago with a shop in Georgetown after a lifetime in baking that started at age 16. Leo shared that his late wife originally came up with the name "Uncle Leo's," and he spoke about continuing her legacy by personally delivering leftover donuts, bagels, clothing, and furniture to local food pantries, hospitals, and community members in need. He also shared the story of how he first met Rosny in the produce aisle at Caraluzzi's, which eventually led to their strong friendship, partnership, and the expansion of the brand into Bethel and Norwalk.

On Friday July 24, 2026, Uncle Leo's & Rosny Café officially celebrated its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new location on 345 Main Avenue in Norwalk, Connecticut. The event brought together members of the Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, local business owners, friends, and family to welcome the fresh new spot to the community. The café offers a warm, welcoming environment where guests can enjoy high-quality food, warm coffee, and friendly conversation. From fresh-baked breads, bagels, and golden, flaky pastries to delicious hot meals and sweet treats, everything is made with care and served with positive energy. In his conversation with Fairfield County Talk Radio host Andrew Castellano, store owner Rosny Aguilar shared his excitement about seeing his long-held dream come to fruition three years after first pitching his vision to Andrew. Rosny explained his goal of creating a warm, comfortable space where guests can enjoy high-quality baked goods, hot meals, and coffee while experiencing positive community energy. He detailed his 17 years of foundational experience learning the trade at DeCicco & Sons followed by a year at Caraluzzi's, emphasizing how he applies those lessons today by trusting, teaching, and empowering his staff.

It's the annual summer tradition, the free Robison Summer Concert Series at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla. Set against the scenic backdrop of Westchester County's historic stone dam, this popular community tradition offers an eclectic mix of live music and tribute acts. On Thursday July 23rd, 2026, the concert featured a special performance by the Queen tribute band Xtreme Queen. Guests brought coolers, bring lawn chairs or blankets, and their love of great music! All under the stars. Host Andrew Castellano sat down with Zach Lerman, Regional Sales Manager for Robison, to discuss the company's sponsorship of the summer concert series. Lerman shared that supporting free community events allows Robison to connect personally with its 10,000+ local customers and give back to Westchester County. He detailed Robison's wide range of services - including heating oil delivery, HVAC, air conditioning, heat pumps, and geothermal solutions - and noted how joining the Star Group family has enhanced their resources while keeping their century-long commitment to local, trusted service intact.

It's the annual summer tradition, the free Robison Summer Concert Series at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla. Set against the scenic backdrop of Westchester County's historic stone dam, this popular community tradition offers an eclectic mix of live music and tribute acts. On Thursday July 23rd, 2026, the concert featured a special performance by the Queen tribute band Xtreme Queen. Guests brought coolers, bring lawn chairs or blankets, and their love of great music! All under the stars. Westchester Talk Radio host Andrew Castellano spoke with S. Thomas, AKA "Freddie Mercury," lead singer of the Queen tribute band Xtreme Queen. During their chat, they discussed the band's excitement for performing at the Kensico Dam Plaza for the first time and highlighted what sets their show apart, including a special recreated performance of Queen's legendary 1985 Live Aid concert. They also touched on their setlist of iconic hits, their interactive crowd energy, and upcoming tour stops, including performances in Atlantic City and at the Mount Airy Casino. 

Westchester Magazine's 2026 Best of Westchester Party brought high energy to the Glen Island Harbour Club last night, delivering a vibrant tribute to the county's standout local talent. Set against a picturesque waterfront backdrop, the celebration treated guests to an evening of award-winning cuisine, live entertainment, chic local boutiques, and creative vendor activations. Westchester Talk Radio was also on hand to capture the excitement and cover the evening's highlights. Overall, it was a lively gathering highlighting the top businesses and creators that make Westchester exceptional, and honoring the dedicated readers whose support makes it all possible.Westchester Talk Radio host Joan Franzino spoke with Tina Gashi, owner of Craft Barbers, which won "Best Barbershop" for the fifth consecutive year. Tina detailed the operations behind their Bronxville and Scarsdale locations, emphasizing punctual, appointment-based scheduling, affordable precision haircuts, and an upscale customer experience that includes a complimentary beverage bar for clients.

Westchester Magazine's 2026 Best of Westchester Party brought high energy to the Glen Island Harbour Club last night, delivering a vibrant tribute to the county's standout local talent. Set against a picturesque waterfront backdrop, the celebration treated guests to an evening of award-winning cuisine, live entertainment, chic local boutiques, and creative vendor activations. Westchester Talk Radio was also on hand to capture the excitement and cover the evening's highlights. Overall, it was a lively gathering highlighting the top businesses and creators that make Westchester exceptional, and honoring the dedicated readers whose support makes it all possible.Westchester Talk Radio host Joan Franzino sat down with Nella Decarlo, owner of Bea's Cakes Bakery in Armonk, which won "Best Birthday Cake". Nella shared her story of working at the bakery before taking ownership eight years ago, maintaining beloved staple recipes while adding fresh offerings like monthly cookie flavors and mini donuts, and engaging directly with the community both in-store and on social media.

Westchester Magazine's 2026 Best of Westchester Party brought high energy to the Glen Island Harbour Club last night, delivering a vibrant tribute to the county's standout local talent. Set against a picturesque waterfront backdrop, the celebration treated guests to an evening of award-winning cuisine, live entertainment, chic local boutiques, and creative vendor activations. Westchester Talk Radio was also on hand to capture the excitement and cover the evening's highlights. Overall, it was a lively gathering highlighting the top businesses and creators that make Westchester exceptional, and honoring the dedicated readers whose support makes it all possible.Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone included local music educators Mike and Miriam Risko, owners of Mike Risko Music in Ossining. Celebrating 31 years in business, the couple discussed running their community music school and retail store, offering instruction in guitar, voice, drums, piano, and band instruments, while also performing together across the region in acoustic and electric ensembles.

Westchester Magazine's 2026 Best of Westchester Party brought high energy to the Glen Island Harbour Club last night, delivering a vibrant tribute to the county's standout local talent. Set against a picturesque waterfront backdrop, the celebration treated guests to an evening of award-winning cuisine, live entertainment, chic local boutiques, and creative vendor activations. Westchester Talk Radio was also on hand to capture the excitement and cover the evening's highlights. Overall, it was a lively gathering highlighting the top businesses and creators that make Westchester exceptional, and honoring the dedicated readers whose support makes it all possible.Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone featured photographer and media specialist Mike Dardano, founder of Buzz Potential. Mike shared his background in national advertising and public relations, explaining how he transitioned into event photography and local corporate branding. He emphasized the importance of putting subjects at ease, mastering lighting, and delivering authentic visual media for community events.

Westchester Magazine's 2026 Best of Westchester Party brought high energy to the Glen Island Harbour Club last night, delivering a vibrant tribute to the county's standout local talent. Set against a picturesque waterfront backdrop, the celebration treated guests to an evening of award-winning cuisine, live entertainment, chic local boutiques, and creative vendor activations. Westchester Talk Radio was also on hand to capture the excitement and cover the evening's highlights. Overall, it was a lively gathering highlighting the top businesses and creators that make Westchester exceptional, and honoring the dedicated readers whose support makes it all possible.Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone highlighted digital strategy with Mickey Azirov, founder of Sparktrail Marketing. Mickey discussed helping local small and medium-sized businesses grow their online presence through social media management, video production, and search engine optimization. He stressed the value of authentic storytelling and showcasing the human side of a business over generic AI content.

Westchester Magazine's 2026 Best of Westchester Party brought high energy to the Glen Island Harbour Club last night, delivering a vibrant tribute to the county's standout local talent. Set against a picturesque waterfront backdrop, the celebration treated guests to an evening of award-winning cuisine, live entertainment, chic local boutiques, and creative vendor activations. Westchester Talk Radio was also on hand to capture the excitement and cover the evening's highlights. Overall, it was a lively gathering highlighting the top businesses and creators that make Westchester exceptional, and honoring the dedicated readers whose support makes it all possible.Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone featured Matt Klewan, Senior Market Manager for Empress Gin, who showcased a portfolio of unique spirits including Empress Gin and Dirty Monkey Whiskey. Matt explained the botanical process behind Empress Gin, infused with butterfly pea flower to give it an indigo hue that shifts color when mixed, and introduced Dirty Monkey, an allergen-free, naturally flavor-infused peanut butter and banana whiskey.

Westchester Magazine's 2026 Best of Westchester Party brought high energy to the Glen Island Harbour Club last night, delivering a vibrant tribute to the county's standout local talent. Set against a picturesque waterfront backdrop, the celebration treated guests to an evening of award-winning cuisine, live entertainment, chic local boutiques, and creative vendor activations. Westchester Talk Radio was also on hand to capture the excitement and cover the evening's highlights. Overall, it was a lively gathering highlighting the top businesses and creators that make Westchester exceptional, and honoring the dedicated readers whose support makes it all possible.Westchester Talk Radio host Joan Franzino spoke with Lisa Bonanno of SPCA Westchester in Briarcliff Manor, winner of "Best Animal Shelter/Rescue". Bonanno highlighted the shelter's history since 1883, its rescue and adoption efforts for domestic and farm animals, its low-cost veterinary clinic, and its dedicated humane law enforcement team that investigates animal cruelty across Westchester County.

Westchester Magazine's 2026 Best of Westchester Party brought high energy to the Glen Island Harbour Club last night, delivering a vibrant tribute to the county's standout local talent. Set against a picturesque waterfront backdrop, the celebration treated guests to an evening of award-winning cuisine, live entertainment, chic local boutiques, and creative vendor activations. Westchester Talk Radio was also on hand to capture the excitement and cover the evening's highlights. Overall, it was a lively gathering highlighting the top businesses and creators that make Westchester exceptional, and honoring the dedicated readers whose support makes it all possible.Joan Franzino sat down with Lillian Raic, COO of Oasis Day Spa, which took home the award for "Best Massage." Lillian, who was celebrating her 25th year with the company, detailed the spa's wide array of offerings in Dobbs Ferry and Manhattan, including Swedish and deep tissue massages, rooftop outdoor treatments, body wraps, and specialized hydrotherapy salt scrubs featuring European Vichy showers.

Westchester Magazine's 2026 Best of Westchester Party brought high energy to the Glen Island Harbour Club last night, delivering a vibrant tribute to the county's standout local talent. Set against a picturesque waterfront backdrop, the celebration treated guests to an evening of award-winning cuisine, live entertainment, chic local boutiques, and creative vendor activations. Westchester Talk Radio was also on hand to capture the excitement and cover the evening's highlights. Overall, it was a lively gathering highlighting the top businesses and creators that make Westchester exceptional, and honoring the dedicated readers whose support makes it all possible.Joan Franzino spoke with Josh Pele, a full-time celebrity magician and mentalist who was performing on-site at the event. Josh shared his transition from being a high-level youth soccer player facing a career-ending injury to building a full-time magic business. He described performing mind-reading and close-up card tricks at corporate events, private shows, and major venues like the World Cup VIP suites.

Westchester Magazine's 2026 Best of Westchester Party brought high energy to the Glen Island Harbour Club last night, delivering a vibrant tribute to the county's standout local talent. Set against a picturesque waterfront backdrop, the celebration treated guests to an evening of award-winning cuisine, live entertainment, chic local boutiques, and creative vendor activations. Westchester Talk Radio was also on hand to capture the excitement and cover the evening's highlights. Overall, it was a lively gathering highlighting the top businesses and creators that make Westchester exceptional, and honoring the dedicated readers whose support makes it all possible.Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone met with Lauren Foti, an instructor and social media manager at Pure Barre Mount Kisco. Lauren demystified barre workouts, explaining how the low-impact, ballet-inspired isometric movements, core work, and stretching benefit people of all ages and athletic backgrounds, including runners, dancers, and hockey players, by building core stability and long, lean muscle.

Westchester Magazine's 2026 Best of Westchester Party brought high energy to the Glen Island Harbour Club last night, delivering a vibrant tribute to the county's standout local talent. Set against a picturesque waterfront backdrop, the celebration treated guests to an evening of award-winning cuisine, live entertainment, chic local boutiques, and creative vendor activations. Westchester Talk Radio was also on hand to capture the excitement and cover the evening's highlights. Overall, it was a lively gathering highlighting the top businesses and creators that make Westchester exceptional, and honoring the dedicated readers whose support makes it all possible.Veteran radio broadcaster Jimmy Fink of 107.1 The Peak spoke with Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone about his decades-long career in rock radio. Fink reflected on his time at legendary stations like WPLJ and K-Rock, his current afternoon drive shift and "10 at 10" feature on The Peak, and his ongoing passion for introducing listeners to new music alongside classic rock favorites. 

Westchester Magazine's 2026 Best of Westchester Party brought high energy to the Glen Island Harbour Club last night, delivering a vibrant tribute to the county's standout local talent. Set against a picturesque waterfront backdrop, the celebration treated guests to an evening of award-winning cuisine, live entertainment, chic local boutiques, and creative vendor activations. Westchester Talk Radio was also on hand to capture the excitement and cover the evening's highlights. Overall, it was a lively gathering highlighting the top businesses and creators that make Westchester exceptional, and honoring the dedicated readers whose support makes it all possible.Joan Franzino interviewed Jessica Woodford, owner of Cooking by Jessica, who was named "Best Caterer." Jessica recounted her journey from working in early childhood education to earning a culinary degree, competing on the Food Network's *Cooks vs. Cons*, and catering events ranging from intimate date-night dinners to high-profile political fundraisers. She attributed her success to her high-energy personal rapport with clients and her passion for creating memorable dining experiences. 

Westchester Magazine's 2026 Best of Westchester Party brought high energy to the Glen Island Harbour Club last night, delivering a vibrant tribute to the county's standout local talent. Set against a picturesque waterfront backdrop, the celebration treated guests to an evening of award-winning cuisine, live entertainment, chic local boutiques, and creative vendor activations. Westchester Talk Radio was also on hand to capture the excitement and cover the evening's highlights. Overall, it was a lively gathering highlighting the top businesses and creators that make Westchester exceptional, and honoring the dedicated readers whose support makes it all possible.Westchester Talk Radio host Joan Franzino interviewed Jessica Langlitz, Assistant Manager at Valley Greens Dispensary in Peekskill, which won "Best Cannabis Dispensary" for the second consecutive year. Jessica talked about her background in the industry and explained how the dispensary stands out by fostering a warm, bright, and welcoming "homey" atmosphere rather than a cold or sterile retail environment.

Westchester Magazine's 2026 Best of Westchester Party brought high energy to the Glen Island Harbour Club last night, delivering a vibrant tribute to the county's standout local talent. Set against a picturesque waterfront backdrop, the celebration treated guests to an evening of award-winning cuisine, live entertainment, chic local boutiques, and creative vendor activations. Westchester Talk Radio was also on hand to capture the excitement and cover the evening's highlights. Overall, it was a lively gathering highlighting the top businesses and creators that make Westchester exceptional, and honoring the dedicated readers whose support makes it all possible.Joan Franzino caught up with Daniela Chica, a medical aesthetician at Elite Beauty Med Spa in White Plains, which took home the award for "Best Facial." Chica explained that their team focuses on tailored, unhurried treatments alongside in-depth client education. She outlined their diverse facial options, ranging from customizable skin health treatments and diamond microdermabrasion to acne bootcamps and LED light therapies, for both men and women. 

Westchester Magazine's 2026 Best of Westchester Party brought high energy to the Glen Island Harbour Club last night, delivering a vibrant tribute to the county's standout local talent. Set against a picturesque waterfront backdrop, the celebration treated guests to an evening of award-winning cuisine, live entertainment, chic local boutiques, and creative vendor activations. Westchester Talk Radio was also on hand to capture the excitement and cover the evening's highlights. Overall, it was a lively gathering highlighting the top businesses and creators that make Westchester exceptional, and honoring the dedicated readers whose support makes it all possible.Executive Director of the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, Catherine White, sat down with Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone to highlight the vital role the chamber plays in supporting local businesses. White discussed their growth, now serving over 300 members, and highlighted key initiatives such as ribbon-cutting and milestone anniversary celebrations for legacy businesses, educational business weeks, and community events like the annual New Rochelle Thanksgiving Parade. 

Westchester Magazine's 2026 Best of Westchester Party brought high energy to the Glen Island Harbour Club last night, delivering a vibrant tribute to the county's standout local talent. Set against a picturesque waterfront backdrop, the celebration treated guests to an evening of award-winning cuisine, live entertainment, chic local boutiques, and creative vendor activations. Westchester Talk Radio was also on hand to capture the excitement and cover the evening's highlights. Overall, it was a lively gathering highlighting the top businesses and creators that make Westchester exceptional, and honoring the dedicated readers whose support makes it all possible.Westchester Talk Radio host Joan Franzino interviewed Besarta Sinanaj, the Marketing Director for The Benjamin Restaurant Group, which was celebrating winning "Best Steakhouse" for Benjamin Steakhouse and "Best Seafood Restaurant" for The Sea Fire Grill. Besarta detailed the group's presence across Manhattan and Westchester, highlighting the recent opening of their waterfront Sea Fire Grill location in Yonkers. She discussed growing up in the family-run business and explained how the group focuses on building genuine, long-term relationships with every customer. 

Westchester Magazine's 2026 Best of Westchester Party brought high energy to the Glen Island Harbour Club last night, delivering a vibrant tribute to the county's standout local talent. Set against a picturesque waterfront backdrop, the celebration treated guests to an evening of award-winning cuisine, live entertainment, chic local boutiques, and creative vendor activations. Westchester Talk Radio was also on hand to capture the excitement and cover the evening's highlights. Overall, it was a lively gathering highlighting the top businesses and creators that make Westchester exceptional, and honoring the dedicated readers whose support makes it all possible.Ben Zoffness (*Zoffness College Prep*) Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Ben Zoffness, founder and president of Zoffness College Prep. Ben shared how he helps high school students prepare for college entrance exams, such as the SAT and ACT, along with providing college admissions counseling and essay support. He emphasized the importance of building a personal connection with students, keeping them engaged through humor, and helping them find authentic motivation without relying heavily on AI tools for their personal statements.

Set against the scenic backdrop of the Larchmont Yacht Club, the Business Council of Westchester's annual Summer Soirée on July 8 brought together a dynamic crowd of over 200 local executives and professionals. The mid-summer gathering blended a relaxed, coastal atmosphere with premier networking opportunities, allowing attendees to forge key regional connections over great food and conversation. Westchester Talk Radio was also on-site, capturing the energy of the evening and capturing insights through exclusive interviews with BCW members.Host Joan Franzino interviewed Noam Bramson, the newly appointed Executive VP of Government Affairs and Economic Development for the BCW. Only five days into his role, the former 18-year Mayor of New Rochelle detailed his primary responsibilities, which involve clearly communicating the business community's priorities to government leaders and encouraging well-planned regional growth. He also reflected on the long-term legacy of his administration's successful public-private downtown revitalization efforts in New Rochelle.

Set against the scenic backdrop of the Larchmont Yacht Club, the Business Council of Westchester's annual Summer Soirée on July 8 brought together a dynamic crowd of over 200 local executives and professionals. The mid-summer gathering blended a relaxed, coastal atmosphere with premier networking opportunities, allowing attendees to forge key regional connections over great food and conversation. Westchester Talk Radio was also on-site, capturing the energy of the evening and capturing insights through exclusive interviews with BCW members.Host Joan Franzino spoke with filmmaker, musician, speaker and educator Anthony Aibel, who discussed his upcoming comedic series *Anxieties*. He highlighted that the project features notable figures like Emmy winner Judd Hirsch and a cameo by Steven Spielberg, with voiceover work from CNN veteran Tony Harris. Abel also touched upon his 10-year tenure as the music director for the Westchester Symphony Orchestra and his current work presenting educational programs at regional senior and assisted living centers. 

Set against the scenic backdrop of the Larchmont Yacht Club, the Business Council of Westchester's annual Summer Soirée on July 8 brought together a dynamic crowd of over 200 local executives and professionals. The mid-summer gathering blended a relaxed, coastal atmosphere with premier networking opportunities, allowing attendees to forge key regional connections over great food and conversation. Westchester Talk Radio was also on-site, capturing the energy of the evening and capturing insights through exclusive interviews with BCW members.Host Joan Franzino sat down with Veronica Vaiti, who co-founded Bhava Therapy Group with her husband 15 years ago. Vaidi explained that her generalist, experiential psychotherapy practice serves individuals, families, and couples from ages 5 to 65 and older. She emphasized their holistic approach to unpacking how emotional trauma and core beliefs physically manifest in the body, and noted that they deliberately accept major health insurance plans to keep their resources highly accessible to the Westchester community.

The 5th Annual Impact Golf Outing, hosted by Tony Pec, took place at the Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Courses in the Bronx on June 25, 2026, solidifying its status as the #1 largest charity golf outing and networking event in the Tri-State area. This isn't your typical day on the green. It's an immersive experience built on community, generosity, and professional growth, all uniting 288 golfers around one shared mission: supporting Blythedale Children's Hospital. Spanning 36 holes, the event featured over 65 premier Tri-State vendors offering incredible food, drinks, and samples at every single hole. From the first tee to the final putt, attendees were able to network with top businesses and enjoy an unforgettable day of connection, making a massive impact for a truly meaningful cause.Westchester Talk Radio host interviewed Stefano Clemente of DigiFab USA, a custom fabrication and 3D-printing company based in Mamaroneck, New York. Stefano explained how the company can transform any digital file or concept into a tangible object using advanced, cost-effective technologies like resin and powder printing. Focusing heavily on automotive parts and promotional prototypes, he debunked the myth that high-quality manufacturing prototypes have to be expensive, explaining how DigiFab helps entrepreneurs and businesses bring their ideas to life quickly and affordably.

The 5th Annual Impact Golf Outing, hosted by Tony Pec, took place at the Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Courses in the Bronx on June 25, 2026, solidifying its status as the #1 largest charity golf outing and networking event in the Tri-State area. This isn't your typical day on the green. It's an immersive experience built on community, generosity, and professional growth, all uniting 288 golfers around one shared mission: supporting Blythedale Children's Hospital. Spanning 36 holes, the event featured over 65 premier Tri-State vendors offering incredible food, drinks, and samples at every single hole. From the first tee to the final putt, attendees were able to network with top businesses and enjoy an unforgettable day of connection, making a massive impact for a truly meaningful cause.Westchester Talk Radio host Andrew Castellano caught up with Eric Kelly, Vice President and partner at Safe Shield Insurance, to discuss his background and his company's client-first philosophy. Eric, who performed well on the course and previously won the event's "Beat the Shark" challenge, explained how he worked his way up from a college intern to a company partner. He emphasized that Safe Shield sets itself apart in the age of AI by ensuring a real human agent always answers the phone and proactively shops for the best client rates every two to three months.

The 5th Annual Impact Golf Outing, hosted by Tony Pec, took place at the Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Courses in the Bronx on June 25, 2026, solidifying its status as the #1 largest charity golf outing and networking event in the Tri-State area. This isn't your typical day on the green. It's an immersive experience built on community, generosity, and professional growth, all uniting 288 golfers around one shared mission: supporting Blythedale Children's Hospital. Spanning 36 holes, the event featured over 65 premier Tri-State vendors offering incredible food, drinks, and samples at every single hole. From the first tee to the final putt, attendees were able to network with top businesses and enjoy an unforgettable day of connection, making a massive impact for a truly meaningful cause.Westchester Talk Radio host Jim Feldman spoke with Dwayne Keanu, owner of The Old Fashioned Cocktail Company, about his vintage-style mobile beverage business. Dwayne shared that the company was born during the COVID-19 pandemic after his long hospitality career was disrupted. He highlighted their specialized setup, including a unique "speakeasy" concept and a custom Piaggio Ape tap truck imported from Italy, which they use to serve custom golf-themed cocktails and local brews from Simple Motive Brewing Co. across more than 150 events a year.

The Nonprofit Westchester Summer Celebration & Networking Party is the premier annual event for local charity leaders, business professionals, and government partners in the region. Hosted at the scenic Hudson River Museum in Yonkers, NY, on June 24th, 2026, the evening offers an excellent opportunity to unwind, build new relationships, and celebrate the local nonprofit sector. Attendees can enjoy outdoor networking, refreshments, and guided museum tours led by junior docents. The event also highlighted the vital impact of the sector, featuring remarks from prominent local leaders, such as New York State Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.Jim Marx from Prime Capital Financial spoke with Westchester Talk Radio host Andrew Castellano about his wealth management and financial planning work at Prime Capital Financial. Jim shifted his focus to retirement plans a quarter-century ago after noticing a massive market migration away from traditional pensions and toward 401(k) structures. During the segment, the broadcast also spotlighted the vibrant nature of the NPW summer networking event, which brought together more than 370 members at the Hudson River Museum. Jim also noted that he supports the vital community work of Nonprofit Westchester and its executive director, Jan Fisher.

The Nonprofit Westchester Summer Celebration & Networking Party is the premier annual event for local charity leaders, business professionals, and government partners in the region. Hosted at the scenic Hudson River Museum in Yonkers, NY, on June 24th, 2026, the evening offers an excellent opportunity to unwind, build new relationships, and celebrate the local nonprofit sector. Attendees can enjoy outdoor networking, refreshments, and guided museum tours led by junior docents. The event also highlighted the vital impact of the sector, featuring remarks from prominent local leaders, such as New York State Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.Jayselle Trancoso-Liburd from the Child Care Council of Westchester spoke with Westchester Talk Radio host Joan Franzino about her four-year tenure as a business development specialist for the Child Care Council of Westchester. She described the agency as a "one-stop shop" that connects parents with quality care while helping child care providers successfully manage their operations. Jayselle uses a combination of one-on-one consulting, group classes, and Zoom meetings to educate owners on the serious financial and legal responsibilities of child care. She emphasized that attending NPW events helps maintain the public awareness necessary for local providers to find these vital structural supports.

The Nonprofit Westchester Summer Celebration & Networking Party is the premier annual event for local charity leaders, business professionals, and government partners in the region. Hosted at the scenic Hudson River Museum in Yonkers, NY, on June 24th, 2026, the evening offers an excellent opportunity to unwind, build new relationships, and celebrate the local nonprofit sector. Attendees can enjoy outdoor networking, refreshments, and guided museum tours led by junior docents. The event also highlighted the vital impact of the sector, featuring remarks from prominent local leaders, such as New York State Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.Hope Checkley from Checkley & Associates spoke with Westchester Talk Radio host Joan Franzino about her accounting practice, which has been established for 20 years and has specialized in nonprofits for the last nine. Hope detailed the unique complexities of nonprofit finances, emphasizing that organizations must follow strict GAAP and AICPA guidelines. Hope works flexibly with local budgets to protect their operational independence.

The Nonprofit Westchester Summer Celebration & Networking Party is the premier annual event for local charity leaders, business professionals, and government partners in the region. Hosted at the scenic Hudson River Museum in Yonkers, NY, on June 24th, 2026, the evening offers an excellent opportunity to unwind, build new relationships, and celebrate the local nonprofit sector. Attendees can enjoy outdoor networking, refreshments, and guided museum tours led by junior docents. The event also highlighted the vital impact of the sector, featuring remarks from prominent local leaders, such as New York State Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.Eleanor Cotter from Green Pen Strategies LLC spoke with Westchester Talk Radio host Joan Franzino about her work as a primary grant writer and strategic advisor. She helps nonprofits secure sustainable, long-term funding so they can focus on their core missions rather than endless fundraising cycles. Eleanor explained that her legal training is highly advantageous because government funding stems directly from legislation, giving her a deep understanding of complex compliance requirements.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins discusses his office's accomplishments throughout the first half of 2026, highlights the numerous festivities around the County this summer and details Westchester's America 250 celebrations on Westchester Talk Radio (westchestertalkradio.com), "The Cup of Joe Political Show" with host John Marino, produced by Sharc Creative.

The Andrew Gurgitano Memorial Golf Outing is an annual Westchester County community event that beautifully honors the lasting legacy of Andrew Gurgitano. Held on June 22, 2026, at the beautiful Knollwood Country Club, the routine gathering features a full day of golf, a barbecue, and shared camaraderie. Andrew was a warm, caring, kind-hearted person known for his incredible smile and easygoing spirit. Tragically, he passed away from natural causes at the young age of 16. His deepest passions were his family, his friends, and his profound love for the game of baseball. Both on and off the field, he perfectly exemplified hard work, determination, integrity, and sportsmanship. His positive energy and enthusiasm inspired not only his teammates, but all who were lucky enough to know him, ensuring that his memory continues to make a meaningful impact through this wonderful community event.Westchester Talk Radio was there, and host Andrew Castellano spoke with Sean Dertinger from Rockland Country Club. Sean said that he was invited to the tournament by friends, one of whom was a close friend of the late Andrew Gurgitano. Sean was thrilled to come out to the Knollwood Country Club to play in the outing, support the Gurgitano family, and honor Andrew's memory.

The Andrew Gurgitano Memorial Golf Outing is an annual Westchester County community event that beautifully honors the lasting legacy of Andrew Gurgitano. Held on June 22, 2026, at the beautiful Knollwood Country Club, the routine gathering features a full day of golf, a barbecue, and shared camaraderie. Andrew was a warm, caring, kind-hearted person known for his incredible smile and easygoing spirit. Tragically, he passed away from natural causes at the young age of 16. His deepest passions were his family, his friends, and his profound love for the game of baseball. Both on and off the field, he perfectly exemplified hard work, determination, integrity, and sportsmanship. His positive energy and enthusiasm inspired not only his teammates, but all who were lucky enough to know him, ensuring that his memory continues to make a meaningful impact through this wonderful community event.Westchester Talk Radio was there, and host Andrew Castellano spoke with Leigh Wilkins, Director of Catering & Event Sales at Knollwood Country Club. Leigh expressed to Andrew how meaningful it was to host the 11th annual outing. She noted that the club went above and beyond to personalize the event, including using orange decorations to honor Andrew's favorite color. Leigh also talked about the seamless cooperation between the venue and the organizers, highlighting a successful tournament despite a brief rain delay. She and Andrew expressed excitement for future collaborations, including the upcoming 27th Annual John Gioffre Memorial Golf Outing.

The Andrew Gurgitano Memorial Golf Outing is an annual Westchester County community event that beautifully honors the lasting legacy of Andrew Gurgitano. Held on June 22, 2026, at the beautiful Knollwood Country Club, the routine gathering features a full day of golf, a barbecue, and shared camaraderie. Andrew was a warm, caring, kind-hearted person known for his incredible smile and easygoing spirit. Tragically, he passed away from natural causes at the young age of 16. His deepest passions were his family, his friends, and his profound love for the game of baseball. Both on and off the field, he perfectly exemplified hard work, determination, integrity, and sportsmanship. His positive energy and enthusiasm inspired not only his teammates, but all who were lucky enough to know him, ensuring that his memory continues to make a meaningful impact through this wonderful community event.Westchester Talk Radio was there, and host Andrew Castellano spoke with Joe Cosentino, owner of Westchester Realty Consultants / Morris Park Realty/ Cosentino Realty Group. Joe discussed his own podcast, Coffee with Joe, before sharing real estate wisdom with Andrew. He described the local market (covering areas like the Bronx and Westchester) as highly competitive with low inventory, advising buyers to have their finances ready. In contrast, he noted that the Florida market is currently experiencing a surplus of inventory.

The Andrew Gurgitano Memorial Golf Outing is an annual Westchester County community event that beautifully honors the lasting legacy of Andrew Gurgitano. Held on June 22, 2026, at the beautiful Knollwood Country Club, the routine gathering features a full day of golf, a barbecue, and shared camaraderie. Andrew was a warm, caring, kind-hearted person known for his incredible smile and easygoing spirit. Tragically, he passed away from natural causes at the young age of 16. His deepest passions were his family, his friends, and his profound love for the game of baseball. Both on and off the field, he perfectly exemplified hard work, determination, integrity, and sportsmanship. His positive energy and enthusiasm inspired not only his teammates, but all who were lucky enough to know him, ensuring that his memory continues to make a meaningful impact through this wonderful community event.Westchester Talk Radio was there, and host Andrew Castellano sat down with Sergio "Fabian" Gurgitano, Andrew Gurgitano's father. Fabian spoke passionately to Andrew about keeping his son's memory alive. Andrew was an avid athlete who played baseball as a pitcher and outfielder for the Harrison Huskies before tragically passing away in 2014 during his junior year. Fabian highlighted their website, AG14golf.com, where people can donate. Funds raised are reinvested into local youth sports programs, as well as an annual Harrison vs. Rye memorial baseball game that awards scholarships.

The Andrew Gurgitano Memorial Golf Outing is an annual Westchester County community event that beautifully honors the lasting legacy of Andrew Gurgitano. Held on June 22, 2026, at the beautiful Knollwood Country Club, the routine gathering features a full day of golf, a barbecue, and shared camaraderie. Andrew was a warm, caring, kind-hearted person known for his incredible smile and easygoing spirit. Tragically, he passed away from natural causes at the young age of 16. His deepest passions were his family, his friends, and his profound love for the game of baseball. Both on and off the field, he perfectly exemplified hard work, determination, integrity, and sportsmanship. His positive energy and enthusiasm inspired not only his teammates, but all who were lucky enough to know him, ensuring that his memory continues to make a meaningful impact through this wonderful community event.Westchester Talk Radio was there, and host Andrew Castellano spoke with Adam Hadi about his experience. Adam attended the outing to honor the memory of Andrew Gurgitano. While he did not know Andrew personally, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to support the cause after hearing about how much Andrew was loved.

Westfair Communications hosted its 2026 C-Suite Awards on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the Mansion on Broadway in White Plains, NY. The evening celebrated outstanding senior executives and organizations across Fairfield and Westchester Counties, highlighting the visionary strategies and innovative initiatives driving the local economy. It brought together regional leaders and decision-makers to honor stories of resilience and leadership, emphasizing how individual business success helps elevate the entire community.Regginald Jordan, Vice President and Executive Director of Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital, also spoke with host Joan Franzino. Reggie explained that his primary responsibility is servicing the hospital's CEO and exploring opportunities to develop clinical programs and recruit physicians to meet local healthcare needs. He discussed current initiatives aimed at addressing diabetes on both an inpatient and outpatient basis to prevent costly hospital readmissions, and announced the upcoming ribbon-cutting on June 25th for a newly renovated emergency department that will triple the size of their current facility.

Westfair Communications hosted its 2026 C-Suite Awards on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the Mansion on Broadway in White Plains, NY. The evening celebrated outstanding senior executives and organizations across Fairfield and Westchester Counties, highlighting the visionary strategies and innovative initiatives driving the local economy. It brought together regional leaders and decision-makers to honor stories of resilience and leadership, emphasizing how individual business success helps elevate the entire community.Marissa Weidner, the Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at Webster Bank, spoke with Westchester Talk Radio host Joan Franzino at the event. Marissa discussed the varied nature of her role, noting that her responsibilities can change every 30 minutes, ranging from regulatory compliance to brand awareness campaigns and community engagement initiatives. She highlighted her oversight of a $6.5 billion community investment strategy designed to drive real impact, which she credits alongside her supportive team for helping her earn the award that evening.

Westfair Communications hosted its 2026 C-Suite Awards on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the Mansion on Broadway in White Plains, NY. The evening celebrated outstanding senior executives and organizations across Fairfield and Westchester Counties, highlighting the visionary strategies and innovative initiatives driving the local economy. It brought together regional leaders and decision-makers to honor stories of resilience and leadership, emphasizing how individual business success helps elevate the entire community.Glen LeBlanc, Chief Lending Officer at Fairfield County Bank, shared his insights with host Joan Franzino during the celebration. Glen, who manages a team of lenders and administrative assistants to finance businesses and commercial real estate projects across Westchester and Connecticut, detailed his long career which uniquely included a 12-year stint as a "junk man" in his family's salvage yard business. He emphasized that his hands-on experience running a family business gave him a profound understanding of what business owners undergo to maintain operations, purchase inventory, and make payroll, allowing him to better serve his banking clients today.

Westfair Communications hosted its 2026 C-Suite Awards on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the Mansion on Broadway in White Plains, NY. The evening celebrated outstanding senior executives and organizations across Fairfield and Westchester Counties, highlighting the visionary strategies and innovative initiatives driving the local economy. It brought together regional leaders and decision-makers to honor stories of resilience and leadership, emphasizing how individual business success helps elevate the entire community.Anthony Pili, Senior Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer at Orange Bank and Trust, spoke with host Joan Franzino at the 2026 C-Suite Awards. Anthony discussed his progression within the company, rising from the director of cash management to his current role leading the bank's future-facing initiatives. He detailed how the mid-tier organization differentiates itself by bringing top-tier, national-level banking technology to a local level for regional businesses, non-profits, and municipalities. Anthony emphasized his team's hands-on approach as consultants, providing risk mitigation tools and walking clients through the process of setting up and utilizing technology to streamline their banking operations.

On Monday, June 1, 2026, the Westchester Parks Foundation (WPF) and supporters of Camp Morty kicked off a brand-new tradition with the inaugural Camp Morty Charity Golf Classic. Held at the scenic Maple Moor Golf Course, the "Swing into Spring" event brought the community together for a fantastic day on the green featuring great food, drinks, and exciting on-course challenges. Most importantly, the debut outing successfully raised vital funds to support Camp Morty's mission, ensuring local children are given a magical summer to remember.Westchester Talk Radio host Andrew Castellano sat down with Camp Morty Director Devon Mincey during the inaugural Camp Morty Charity Golf Classic at Maple Moor Golf Course. Mincey shared his passion for making the summer camp experience accessible to all children in Westchester County, highlighting that the program is entirely free for eligible participants. He discussed the camp's structure, noting that it serves around 700 campers over a six-week season divided into junior and teen sessions. Mincey also revealed an exciting new character-development initiative for the upcoming summer: a "bead necklace system" designed to provide positive reinforcement and foster traits like honesty, caring, and respect among the campers.