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Armonk Cover Stories

Local Programs Inspire the Retired

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by Helen Meurer

The North Castle Public Library offers many interesting community programs as well as books, periodicals and audio-visual materials.
The North Castle Public Library offers many interesting community programs as well as books, periodicals and audio-visual materials.

Byram Hills High School isn’t the only place with active seniors. Not every empty nester is looking to fly the Armonk coop. There’s plenty for seniors to do here right in town. The North Castle Library’s main location has many wonderful free programs for adults, with nourishment for body as well as mind. Tai Chi on Saturday mornings is a great way to get your energy flowing. Want to learn Italian? Mara de Matteo is at the library every Tuesday evening leading beginners and more advanced students throuh the delights of the Italian language and culture. There are talks on Art History, you can learn to play Mah Jongg or join the First Tuesday’s book club. Adult Services Librarian Edie Martimucci is expanding the range of programming to include poetry and creative writing workshops in the Fall. Feeling befuddled by your new iPad or tablet? Call the library to make an appointment for help with any digital device or with navigating the Internet–you can get a personal one-on-one on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and at the branch library on Thursdays. There is a wheelchair accessible entrance on Whipoorwill Road East.

The Hergenhan Recreation Center on Maple Avenue has a whole slew of programs for seniors (60 and over). Drop in on Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to do ceramics, play ping pong, do chair Yoga, or just chat with old and new friends. Also year round on Mondays and Thursdays is a walking program at 10 a.m. (weather permitting). The Fall brochure can be found on the town’s website, with details on an AARP Defensive Driving class, a decluttering workshop, Balance and Flexibility classes, Line Dancing, and Zumba. If you are no longer driving, you can get a ride to ShopRite on Fridays. Liz Thomas, the Senior Recreation Leader, also has some trips lined up–the City Island Nautical Museum in August; the Empire City Casino, Yonkers in September; and South Pacific on Broadway in October.

Armonk’s compact downtown has expanded into Armonk Square, anchored at the eastern end by DeCicco’s market, where seniors (62 and over) can get a 5% discount on all non-sale items every Wednesday. It’s a lovely area to walk around, maybe grab a coffee or a frozen yogurt, or just sit and enjoy the outdoors. Nearby, the Mariani Gardens on Bedford Road is a beautiful place to take a stroll, or browse through the shaded design store “Spruce,” and have breakfast or lunch in the charming café.

A new Assisted Living Facility, The Bristal.
A new Assisted Living Facility, The Bristal.

A new assisted living facility, The Bristal on Business Park Drive, opened in March offering studio, one and two bedroom units plus a dedicated memory-issues wing. All residents enjoy a considerable range of amenities including a beautiful outdoor pool, patio gardens, beauty salon, spa, café style lounges with a pool table, a lovely restaurant serving several entrée choices at lunch and dinner, organized trips and 24/7 LPN coverage. Recreation Director Toni Schmidt has put together a variety of programs. There are two indoor theatres where residents can watch TV or films, and also enjoy specially scheduled virtual tours of museums during which a guide will showcase the art and answer questions–a fantastic interactive approach to expanding residents’ horizons. The Bristal Better U™ developed with Hofstra University Continuing Education is a wonderful educational program in which residents learn about many subjects–from political science to climate change–via webinars (interactive online seminars) with accredited professors. Close to 50 seniors (a little less than 1/3 maximum occupancy) already call The Bristal home.

Anyone for tennis? If Wimbledon and the US Open are your thing, there are four all weather tennis courts at the Armonk Community Park on Business Park Drive. There are also two platform tennis courts–if you haven’t tried it, platform (or paddle) tennis is a great fast-paced doubles game that’s played mostly in winter; it’s great exercise, and all your tennis skills come into play.

If you like cycling, but are looking for a statelier bicycle, check out the ‘step through’ bicycles at Hickory and Tweed–a throw back to when ladies wore skirts.

So, what are you waiting for? Leave the senior slump to high school students, and take advantage of all there is to do right here in Armonk!

Helen Meurer lives in Westchester, favorite things: working on sustainability issues, caring for the environment, sunsets over the Hudson, cycling around town, hiking, reading, writing, hanging out with family and friends.

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.

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!

Meet Skip Beitzel, Armonk’s Citizen of the Year

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Skip Beitzel, proud owner of Hickory & Tweed.
Skip Beitzel, proud owner of Hickory & Tweed.

by Miriam Longobardi

When Skip Beitzel began working at Hickory & Tweed as a Horace Greeley High School freshman, he never dreamed he would one day own the store, let alone have the distinction of being named Citizen of the Year by the Armonk Chamber of Commerce. Yet, what started as regular family outfitting excursions (Skip, his parents and brother and sister are all avid skiers) soon led to Skip’s ongoing employment (he worked throughout his high school years, during college breaks and summers). And employment led to a deep and lasting friendship with former Hickory & Tweed owner Jimmy Ross.

After graduating college, Skip worked in the advertising business, living and working in New York City for several years. He had always kept in touch with Ross but was nonetheless completely taken by surprise when the two ran into eachother on vacation. Their chance encounter led to more than casual conversation; as they were catching up, Ross mentioned he was thinking of selling the store and asked if Skip might be interested in its purchase. At the time, Skip thought there was no way that his friend would really sell as he had founded the store and developed the business. He asked Ross’s wife if she thought her husband was really serious and she assured Skip that he was. That conversation sparked his interest, causing Skip to consider all the “what if’s.” Within six months, the transaction was complete! Jimmy Ross moved to Aspen, and Skip (reverse-commuting to Armonk until his apartment lease ended) found himself the proud new owner of the store in which he was practically raised.

Inside Hickory & Tweed with Michaela Beitzel (center) between two other fashion buyers, Debbie Coldwell (left) and Geri Moore (right).
Inside Hickory & Tweed with Michaela Beitzel (center) between two other fashion buyers, Debbie Coldwell (left) and Geri Moore (right).

Knowing the business he built was going to his long-time employee and friend must have been a source of comfort to Ross upon retiring. Unfortunately, retirement was all-too short-lived. Several years after moving to Aspen, Ross passed away. Skip’s sadness over this loss was still apparent to me when we spoke. “Jimmy taught me absolutely everything I know,” Skip recalls, speaking fondly of his late friend. “It’s still hard to believe he’s no longer with us.” Skip strives to maintain the wonderful traditions and standards of excellence that Ross began noting that the store’s continued thriving success is as much a testament to Ross’s mentorship as it is an ongoing personal and professional satisfaction.

Today, 25 years later, Skip and Hickory & Tweed continue to outfit generations of families. Skip’s wife Michaela is the buyer for the store and keeps the merchandise fresh and innovative. Skip and Michaela have three sons and they too are all avid skiers. The older two, Mac and Chase, both in their twenties, work in the city. Their younger son Ryder is in high school.   In addition to his children, Skip says he has been blessed with mentoring many local young men and women who have worked for him over the years. Some of his employees have gone on to get married after having met and gotten to know one another in the store. In fact, Skip was recently at a wedding of a former employee who is one of four brothers, all of whom worked at Hickory & Tweed. Having siblings from the same family all coming to work for him is another testament to Skip’s character as a fair and caring employer.

Quality merchandise and outstanding customer service keep a loyal customer base. “In the fall, it is not unusual to have three generations of the same family all shopping here together. Grandparents with their children and grandchildren all share a sport together. Once we even had four generations!” Skip’s commitment to his customers and contribution to the community are well-known amongst the people of Armonk (and well beyond), so it is little wonder that he was recognized by the Armonk Chamber of Commerce with the prestigious Citizen of the Year award. Chamber of Commerce Vice-President Christopher Carthy describes Skip as someone in whom one can place a lot of trust. “Today buying a bike is a really big deal, much more so than years ago. When I went to buy a bike I went straight to Hickory & Tweed. I knew Skip would tell me everything I need to know,” he said. “When I need to bring the bike in for service appointments I know he stands behind what he sells.” Indeed, everyone who walks into his store knows they are in good hands with Skip Beitzel, and that they can look forward to many more years of excellent selection and service.

Miriam Longobardi is a freelance writer, fourth grade teacher and single mother of two daughters living in Westchester. A breast cancer survivor, she volunteers for the American Cancer Society, has completed four marathons and travels the world. Follow her on Twitter@writerMimiLong.

Feedback Indicates that Armonk Square Bolsters Downtown

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Emily Schmalholz (L) and Emily Leon (R) enjoy coffee and conversation in the inviting plaza.
Emily Schmalholz (L) and Emily Leon (R) enjoy coffee and conversation in the inviting plaza.

By Tom Aucherlonie • Photos by Todd Shapera

If you speak with local stakeholders, you will hear that Armonk Square has brought change for the better to downtown Armonk.

Residents and merchants both recount that, since its opening, Armonk Square has attracted greater local and out-of-town traffic; that more people have been coming and staying in this newly revitalized downtown retail center.

The three-building development is located in the middle of downtown. It includes two comparatively tall structures that face Main Street (Route 128), with various shops, 10 apartment units and a pedestrian plaza in the middle. A third building, which includes a DeCicco’s grocery store 
and the Fortina restaurant, faces Maple Avenue.

The buildings share a common parking lot, which is also meant for downtown shopping outside of the complex. As with space on surrounding streets, parking in the lot is free.

The development, which began opening last June, is the work of a local trio: brothers Dominick and John Dioguardi, and Alan Zaretsky.

Giving a tour of the site and explaining details of the project for this story, Dominick Dioguardi, a 29-year resident of Armonk, talked about the property’s long history. The site, which included vacant land, had been “on the town’s planning (board) to be something for over 30 years,” he said. Prior to the trio’s involvement, several other developers were linked with the site and came up with various proposals. The current team was close to developing an earlier iteration with a different configuration–tenants were already set but the project was halted due to the recession of 2008.

Judy Barrella helps Mikki Meyer check out the latest for little fashionistas at Jagger and Jade.
Judy Barrella helps Mikki Meyer check out the latest for little fashionistas at Jagger and Jade.

What ultimately got approved and built came after the departure of another retailer. Dioguardi discussed the subsequent loss of A&P, which was located nearby and will be replaced with a CVS, and he explained that many people considered that having a market in the middle of town would be advantageous.

Construction took approximately one year, and the first to open were DeCicco’s and Fortina in June, according to Dioguardi. Retailers in the other two buildings have mostly opened. The only empty storefront will soon be home to the Peachwave frozen yogurt shop, which Dioguardi anticipates opening this May.

Neil Lesher, owner of Bowls Handcrafted Salads & Soups, is among the new merchants. A resident of the Mount Pleasant section of the Byram Hills school district, Lesher has a history of business ownership and wanted to continue. He called the place “conducive to walking and shopping” and said it is a “really upscale terrific spot for people to enjoy their time alone and with their families.”

John Nealon, co-owner of Fortina–he said it has “straightforward Italian food” and talked about its beer and wine–felt that business has so far been great. He also noted that the community has been supportive.

Armonk Square not only includes new merchants, but is also a new home to those already well-established in town. These include Tazza Cafe, Lilies & Lace, jewelry store Susan Blake, and Dry Cleaning by Fredericks.

Susan Blake, the owner of her eponymous store, was asked about the place’s impact on Armonk. She called it “uplifting,” and also noted she has had new customers from Armonk.

Skip Beitzel, who has owned the Hickory & Tweed ski shop for 25 years–the store has been in business for more than five decades and is adjacent to Armonk Square–thinks there are more people walking on Main Street as a result of the new face of downtown. He also said that 
it gives Armonk more reason for being seen as a shopping locale.

A colorful view from above and inside DeCicco’s upscale market on the Square.
A colorful view from above and inside DeCicco’s upscale market on the Square.

Neal Schwartz, who is president of the Armonk Chamber of Commerce and owns the Tutoring Club, called Armonk Square a “net plus” and feels it has brought life to town. Schwartz agrees that more people from outside of town are coming. He also feels that the downtown is more connected. Asked about traffic, Schwartz said there is a “little bit more,” but added that it seems to regulate itself.” Regarding the arrival of DeCicco’s, he agrees that it has not only filled the void left by A&P, but added to residents’ desire for more of a specialty shop.

North Castle Supervisor Michael Schiliro is also among those who feel there has been an impact. Based on his own experience and feedback, he agrees that more people from out of town have been coming, along with more residents staying.

Tom Auchterlonie, originally from northern Westchester, is a freelance journalist and the former local editor of Chappaqua-Mount Kisco Patch.