The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

The Inside Press

Headquartered in the Hamlet

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IBM Corporate Headquarters in Armonk. Photos are courtesy of IBM.
IBM Corporate Headquarters in Armonk. Photos are courtesy of IBM.

By Sarah Ellen Rindsberg

Today, when the name “Watson” is mentioned, it invariably refers to the eponymous IBM creation that trounced the two biggest Jeopardy! champions back in 2011 (unless, of course, one is referring to James Watson, no slacker himself in the discipline of unraveling the mystery of DNA). Behind this triumphant Jeopardy! player is the vast array of resources and knowledge known as IBM (International Business Machines), your friendly corporate neighbor in Armonk. Corporate headquarters is located at 1 New Orchard Road and the legal division occupies the building at 1 North Castle Drive, together on over 400 acres of land.

IBM began in 1911 when three firms merged, creating a mouthful called the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company. An industrious fellow named Thomas J. Watson, Sr. joined its ranks in 1914, became its leader and transformed the firm into Big Blue–IBM’s moniker. Yes, indeed, the Jeopardy! winner owes its name to the firm’s founder. Much more to come on the contemporary Watson’s antics and accomplishments.

The company’s product line evolved swiftly from commercial scales, time clocks and punch card tabulators into gigantic computers. The contemporary marketing mix is a far cry from the original variety of hardware. Today’s firm provides extensive consulting services, software and hardware. “Software is a much larger component of what we do,” observes Stanley S. Litow, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs.

Thomas J. Watson’s philosophy became IBM’s singular-word slogan.
Thomas J. Watson’s philosophy became IBM’s singular-word slogan.

IBM’s illustrious CEOs included, among others, the founder’s son: Thomas J. Watson Jr. In 2012, Virginia (Ginni) Rometty took the helm, managing the company whose financial stats at the end of 2013 read: revenue $99.7 billion; net income $16.4 billion; total assets $126.2 billion. When Rometty is not conducting business in the global marketplace, she is often found in Armonk and at nearby sites in Westchester.

Executives chose to move the firm from New York City to Armonk in 1963 for many of the same reasons as its fellow suburbanites: “It’s attractive, near transportation and in close proximity to other divisions in Westchester and New York City,” Litow says. Locations nearby include Somers, Yorktown Heights (The Thomas J. Watson Research Center) and White Plains. Another key factor was the firm’s rapid growth, necessitating a sizable space which could readily accommodate a campus structure.

Big Blue places a high priority on the local community. In 1995 when the firm subdivided its property, approximately 23 acres were donated to the Town of North Castle to be used as a park. This parcel was fully equipped with playing fields, tennis courts, a basketball court, playgrounds and a field house; all, much appreciated and used by community members of all ages.

Community involvement continues in many forms including “take your child to work day”; this nationwide program, usually held during the school year, is held, instead, by IBM in the summer to accommodate the local schools’ academic calendars. In preparation for this year’s “take your child to work day,” the spirit team in Armonk decided to expand the purview of the day to include a broader message: that of community service. This year, employees decided to incorporate “the importance of making a difference in the community where we live and work,” explains Mary Murray, Program Manager for Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs. One hundred backpacks filled with school supplies specifically for middle school students were assembled in partnership with The Sharing Shelf, a program of Family Services of Westchester. The Sharing Shelf distributes the backpacks each year to needy children in 15 school districts in Westchester County.

A practice Jeopardy! session for the showdown between Ken Jennings, Brad Butler and Watson.
A practice Jeopardy! session for the showdown between Ken Jennings, Brad Butler and Watson.

Armonk resident and IBM employee Joao Perez moved here from his native Brazil in 2000, and has become passionate about helping students at the John F. Kennedy magnet school in Port Chester, a Westchester community where 90% of the population is Hispanic. In a country where the dropout rate for Hispanics is about 70%, Perez and IBM wanted to see how they could reduce this number. “Human Resources found the key time [for retention] is between fifth and sixth grade,” Perez says. Mentors from IBM help the fifth graders with math and science. In addition, IBM has given a grant for a state-of-the-art garden and donated personal computers. While in fifth grade, the students are taken on a tour of Columbia University to raise their aspirations. “I was a speaker at graduation several times,” Perez says proudly.

In addition, IBM provides goods and services to community organizations. Last year two servers were donated to Family Services of Westchester. This organization, which provides support to families, children and individuals, also received two impact grants which include workshops run by IBMers. In the tech roadmap workshop, IBMers worked with members of Family Services to determine “what technology they currently have and envision what they’ll need five years down the road,” Murray says. A workshop on strategies for social media was also conducted at that time.

In October, the ECCC (IBM is known for its abundance of acronyms, this one representing Employee Charitable Contribution Campaign) embodies the spirit of giving back. Local organizations are invited in during the campaign to discuss their work and present volunteer opportunities. This endeavor is linked to IBM’s emphasis on education. Employees are encouraged “to constantly learn new things and build up their professional skills. One of the ways to build skills is through volunteering,” Murray adds.

IBM is also accessible and responsive to requests for volunteers. At ibm.biz/communityorg, schools and nonprofits may complete a template to describe their volunteer needs. This information is posted for IBMers to peruse and choose.

One of IBM’s current products and services includes the tools to analyze big data. Herein lies a valuable application of Watson’s capabilities: the prompt delivery of healthcare advice to save lives. In collaboration with Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Watson’s cognitive computing skills shine. By sorting through patient records containing treatment and outcomes, Watson is able to deliver viable treatment options in seconds flat.

This type of care is not limited to MSKCC. “Hospitals all over the world learn from it,” Litow adds. And Watson doesn’t even need to make house calls, his expertise is delivered globally via the cloud.

Sarah Ellen Rindsberg was raised with a white THINK plaque on her desk, a vestige of her mother’s tenure at IBM as one of the first female programmers in 1955.

Second Saturday Divorce Workshop

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Meet a group of professionals who will address the legal, financial, family and personal issues of divorce in a logical and compassionate way.
With the guidance of trained professionals, participants can gain a greater understanding of the confusing divorce process.
The next workshop is Saturday-September 13th, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., and will continue the 2nd Saturday of every month. Cost is $45. 100% of proceeds will support the not-for-profit, Wife.org.

Where: Workshops will be held at 100 South Bedford Road, Suite 340, Mount Kisco.

To register or for more information email: mishelle@secondsaturdaywestchester.com
Visit www.secondsaturdaywestchester.com to learn more

Cider and Donuts and FUN – Oh My!

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Looks like somebody fished his donut wish!
Looks like somebody fished his donut wish!

by Heather Skolnick

Block off your calendars! The 3rd Annual Armonk Cider & Donut Festival is scheduled for Sunday, September 14th, 2014 at Wampus Brook Park. The event is sponsored by the Armonk Chamber of Commerce and celebrates the Fall Season and Armonk’s history. What better way to celebrate Fall than by enjoying Cider and Donuts with our local Armonk merchants, friends and neighbors outdoors in the wonderfully crisp Fall weather?

The origin of the event stems from Armonk’s history as a destination for cider and donuts at the former Shultz’s Cider Mill, together with the desire to create a festival to unite the town’s residents. Last year’s event Chair Sue Allison-Dean of Naturescapes said, “Although Shultz’s Cider Mill is no longer here, their cider and donuts still live in our fondest memory. “ Thus in 2012, she said, “the idea was born.” The event started very small with only a table of cider and donuts. Last year, the event expanded exponentially, including a wide range of family friendly activities. There were games, a bounce house, contests and more. What could be more fun than apple juggling and donut fishing? It was a wonderful family day that was well attended by the community–in fact, Sue said she was thrilled with the turn out! With such a successful event last year, for the 3rd Annual festival this year, Sue anticipates even more businesses will participate with new fun activities. Expect lots of family fun coordinated by this year’s chair, Edie Martinucci from the Armonk Library. There will be many more apple and donut themed games, prizes and even a silent auction. While activities are still being finalized, apple carving, dunk tanks, apple bowling and donut jenga are just some new ideas being tossed around.

The festival is all about community fun for the whole family.
The festival is all about community fun for the whole family.

Edie said, “I am enthusiastic that this year’s Cider and Donut Festival will once again bring families to downtown Armonk for an activity filled afternoon…Donut fishing, pie eating, apple juggling and apple picking will return and I am confident the Chamber of Commerce members will surprise us with some new and inspired activities to make this another successful festival year.”

Donuts are provided by Beascakes Bakery, and are their famous cinnamon sugar variety. Owner Julie Dickens said that “Anytime the town participates in an event, I always want to be a part of it–anything good for the town is also good for business!” The Chamber members participated in many ways, by sponsoring not just food but also activities and music.

Armonk resident Megan Elkowitz and her family attended last year. She said, “We went because it was something new for us to check out in our community. It had a very ‘small town feel.’ The donuts and cider were delicious and affordable. It was very family and pet friendly with cute games for the preschool/elementary age.” Asked if she will go again, she said she certainly would stop by!

Who doesn’t love a bouncy castle?
Who doesn’t love a bouncy castle?

The Festival is open to all, and activities will range from live music to pie eating contests. Most activities will be tied to the theme of Cider & Donuts. The Festival follows “Jamie’s 5K ‘Run for Love’” so plan on coming early to either get some exercise at the run or cheer on your neighbors before enjoying the best donuts and cider the area has to offer! As Edie said, “Fall foliage, bluegrass tunes in the air, cider and donuts–sounds like the perfect recipe for success to me!”

Heather Skolnick, her husband and three children reside in New Castle, joined by their donut-loving dog Freddie. Heather works for a fashion retailer designing systems that support the evolution of how people shop. When not at the playground mastering the jungle gym, the family is actively training to compete in all cider and donut related events at the Festival this year!

The pies the limit – bring your appetite and enjoy!
The pies the limit – bring your appetite and enjoy!

Taking Worthwhile Risks

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AerialistsHC1307_X_300_C_YBy Randi J. Brosterman

Safety rules–driving safely, behaving safely, and exercising appropriate caution are all necessary for our survival.   So here’s the question: Can risk taking be a good thing? Certainly, thoughtfulness and preparedness are needed, and a willingness to seize the 
moment when opportunity comes knocking.

In my first job out of college, I was miserable. Working until 11 p.m. daily, the window of time between my work clothes and my pajamas got smaller and smaller, until there was no time for my blue jeans in between. I quit my job without another job in hand, thinking that at age 24, I needed to have enough guts to go find another job on my own. I was gainfully and happily employed within three months.

Later, in the spring of 1987, I interviewed for a summer job between my two years of MBA education. Although I was well qualified, the interviewer told me she had no positions available. I said, “Well, you have my resume, I have your card…if you sell a big project this summer, call me.” As I was walking out of her office, I turned to her and said, “The risk you run in not hiring me is your competition will.” I’m not sure where I got the chutzpah at age 26 to say something so brash, but she called me back the next day; she had created a summer position for me.

At about the same time in my life, on the personal front, I learned to scuba dive, traveled alone to Southeast Asia and entered into long-term relationship. Each of these choices felt risky and scary, but pushing through my fear enabled me to establish some of the most satisfying aspects of my life.

Nine years later, I was presented with the opportunity to move to a start-up, mid-market business within my firm. I had only one requirement, which I was not shy about voicing. I wanted to know if I would have an opportunity to become a partner. It was the best career move I ever made

Leadership experts I’ve long admired often liken risk-taking to a trapeze act –you don’t have an act unless you are willing to let go of the bar! Over time, I’ve learned to live by these words.

We live in a town where safety is our overriding concern. As the 2014 HGHS class Salutatorian shared at this year’s commencement, “We are among the most privileged people on the planet…we live in a bubble.”

So how do we begin to think about moving out of our comfort zone, when safety is our overriding concern? What are healthy risks, that don’t compromise our safety, yet help to move us forward to new places?

As I learned from my statistics professor in college, there is a clear difference between a risk and a gamble. A risk is something you can assess, assign probabilities to outcomes, and calculate an expected result. A gamble has none of these attributes.

Taking risks can involve travelling to new places, changing professions, or walking away from an unhealthy relationship. Taking risks involves self-empowerment to try something new, to speak out, rather than be silent, to choose constructive action, instead of settling for passivity.

Self-empowerment to pursue one’s passion has the potential to result in true happiness. Optimism and constructive risk taking can be healthy and fun. So here are a few guiding principles that have worked for me and might resonate with you:

  1.  Desired outcome. Envision what you would like the outcome to be.
  2. Preparation. Do your homework, come to situations prepared.
  3. Stretch zone. Be willing to move out of your comfort zone.
  4. Self-empowerment. Move past the fear: be brave.
  5. Letting go. Be willing to let go of the bar.

I recently decided to retire from the firm where I was a partner for 15 of 26 years. At 55 years old, I have once again decided to let go of the bar. Risk taking at this time of life has a whole new resonance for me. There is still plenty of fear mixed with a world of excitement. While I’ve had a great career to date, I’m looking forward to the next chapter.

My experience taking risks in life and in the business world has consistently led to new and interesting opportunities. Looking back, I take great pride in these moments, which ultimately led to greater happiness for me, personally and professionally.

Randi Brosterman is a local resident who seeks to inspire leadership in women through self-empowerment.

What to do about CLIQUES

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By Margaret Mak

sad-girlNot all groups of friends are cliques, but cliques are those groups who purposely leave others out. This can be especially hurtful to school-age kids who are outside of the clique. To help these children deal with being on the fringe:

  • Remind them to stay open to friendships outside 
 of the clique.
  • If they really want to be friends with someone in the  clique, invite just that person over to hang out.
  • Most importantly, reassure them not to take it out on themselves. Encourage them to be confident, true to themselves AND be kind to everyone, not just a select few.

Margaret Mak is the Director of Eye Level Learning Center of Pleasantville, located at 71 Wheeler Avenue. Eye Level (formerly E.nopi) is a 30-year-old supplemental education program with a philosophy that every child has the potential to learn and master math, reading and writing. “We enable students to realize this potential by bringing the instructional materials to the eye-level of your child,” states Mak. For more information, please contact her at 914-741-0407 or email eyelevelpleasantville@gmail.com.