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Greyston Bakery Implementing Mindful Business Strategies

March 6, 2016 by The Inside Press

Making a Difference Since 1982

“I’ve been on the production floor at Greyston and met many of the employees there. I can tell you, there’s no better organization than Greyston in fighting poverty. Please join me in support of this extraordinary organization.” –Ben Stiller, Chappaqua Resident, pictured (right) with Greyston Employee Bernard Anderson — “I’ve been on the production floor at Greyston and met many of the employees there. I can tell you, there’s no better organization than Greyston in fighting poverty. Please join me in support of this extraordinary organization.” –Ben Stiller, Chappaqua resident, pictured (right) with Greyston employee Bernard Anderson

By Janine Crowley Haynes

Here in Northern Westchester, you may not know of Greyston Bakery by name, but, perhaps, you know Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream. Based in Southwest Yonkers, Greyston Bakery delivers 35,000 pounds of brownies per day to Ben & Jerry’s. Greyston’s decadent, mouthwatering baked goods are also sold at Whole Foods and available on their website at Greyston.com. On the packaging of their products is the Greyston mission statement: Bakers on a Mission. We Change Lives. That’s one weighty claim. How could a bakery have the audacity to make such a declaration?

Mindfulness seems to be the buzzword of late, but mindfulness is an age-old concept to describe zen-like philosophical principles. Most of us associate mindfulness with yoga and meditation. Today, the word is being used extensively–mindful living, mindful eating, mindful parenting, mindful shopping, mindful business practices, etc. But…what does it actually mean? Mindfulness is derived from, but not limited to, Buddhist philosophy. It’s about being self-aware of the choices made in the present and how the decision-making process affects the outcome of the future. Philosophically speaking, mindfulness has the potential to change one’s trajectory, path, and eventual outcome in the future. Making mindful decisions is not limited to caring for one’s own wellbeing and prosperity. It also includes feeling a deep sense of responsibility and moral obligation to give back, serve, and uplift those in our communities and beyond for the greater good of humanity.

However, when a company decides to implement mindful principles as part of its business model, how exactly does that translate in the real world? What’s the impact on its success? In addition to turning a profit, is it possible for companies to uplift and enhance the lives of its employees and extend its reach into the community to effect positive change?

That’s one tall order. Yet, Greyston Bakery has been fulfilling that order since its inception in 1982. This is NOT your ordinary bakery. Founder and Buddhist Monk Bernie Glassman opened Greyston Bakery 34 years ago. His intention was to solve the serious social issues of high poverty and unemployment rates in Southwest Yonkers by employing the so-called unemployable. Glassman believed that business success and social justice are two sides of the same coin.

One key principle the Greyston business model is based on is Open Hiring. It benefits those who would not be considered employable by most companies’ standards. In Greyston’s 2015 Fast Facts – Mapping a Solution to Poverty pamphlet, it reads, “…The Bakery has a fundamental commitment to social justice through our Open Hiring policy in which individuals are offered employment regardless of educational attainment, work history, incarceration or past social barriers. Anyone with a positive attitude and strong work ethic is given a chance to transform their life for the better….” Basically, there’s no box to be checked on the application that delves into the applicant’s past. A prospective employee is put on a waiting list, and, when a position opens up, Greyston interviews the next person on the list.

To be clear, Greyston Bakery is a for-profit company. However, all the proceeds go to the Greyston Foundation which, in turn, provides various social programs offered to its employees as well as the community it serves. To say the least, Greyston is a multidimensional, nationally-recognized social enterprise. Since 2008, Greyston became a Certified B Corp, meaning it has to meet “…rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency…B Corp certification evaluates an entire company (e.g. worker engagement, community involvement, environmental footprint and governance structure) rather than looking at just one aspect of a company…”* In addition, Greyston has achieved Level 3 SQF Certification–the highest level in food safety and quality.

Greyston’s commitment to sustainability utilizes rooftop solar panels as well as creating a rooftop garden for employees to tend to and reap its rewards.

There are several philosophical plaques that hang along one of the walls in The Bakery’s environmentally conscious architectural structure. In addition to mindfulness, Greyston implements another important principle known as PathMaking. The plaque reads, “PathMaking…is both a guiding philosophy and a program at Greyston. The PathMaking philosophy is our belief that individuals can be supported to achieve wholeness (self-sufficiency) that comes from having a well-balanced, satisfying and integrated personal, spiritual and professional life. The PathMaking program at Greyston provides direction, support and referrals to all members of the Greyston Mandala–employees, clients and the board in the areas of personal and professional development and organizational success.”

Once hired, Greyston maps out a tailored-made path for the employee. Greyston mindfully considers all the aspects and challenges facing the individual–both in their work environment as well as in their personal life. Then, the new employee is placed in a nine-month apprenticeship program and provided support through various social programs offered by the Greyston Foundation.

Greyston’s Workforce and Development programs offer educational support, training, and business skills. The Greyston Childcare Center provides childcare and youth services for employees with children. Affordable housing is also available for those in need. What’s important to note here is that everything offered through the Greyston Foundation is within walking distance of the Bakery and/or accessible via public transportation. There are countless examples of the great works Greyston is doing for its community.

One example is, in collaboration with the City of Yonkers, Mayor Mike Spano, and New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, there are now 441 plots of community gardens scattered throughout Southwest Yonkers. In 2014, these gardens produced 27,200 pounds of produce.

So, up here living in Northern Westchester, why should we care about Greyston’s efforts in Southwest Yonkers?

Greyston bakers making their famous Blondies.

President and CEO Mike Brady wants to extend its reach and share Greyston’s successful, prosperous and inspirational story beyond Southwest Yonkers. Clearly, Greyston is making a positive impact on its community by providing real, substantive solutions for the difficult problems of poverty and unemployment. And…it all leads back to the road of implementing mindful business strategies–a path worthy of following. Just don’t forget to stop and savor the brownies along the way. For more information, visit www.greyston.com

Janine Crowley Haynes, Chappaqua resident, freelance writer & author of My Kind of Crazy: Living in a Bipolar World.

*triplepundit.com

Greyston Employees on a Path to a Prosperous Future

Employee: Celia Robertson
Age: 35
Years employed: 15
Position: Line Staff
Her inspirational story: At the age of 20, Celia Robertson was hired by Greyston Bakery. It was her first job. She knew of The Bakery because her brother was a mixer at the time. To describe Robertson as an enthusiastic employee is an understatement. “I just love what Greyston stands for and the opportunities it provides,” Robertson states. She is a mother of two children–Khaliyah, 12, and Joseph, 8. “My daughter is already a great baker,” says Robertson, beaming with pride. As a single mother, she is grateful to have access to the child and youth services offered through the Greyston Foundation. Her aspirations beyond Greyston Bakery include opening a restaurant in Southwest Yonkers offering Jamaican and Creole cuisine.
Employee: Curtis Savage
Age: 24
Years employed: 3
Position: Quality Assurance Technician
His inspirational story: “When I was a teen, I was going down a dark path, cutting class, hanging out with the wrong crowd…It wasn’t good,” says Savage. His employment options were limited because he did not complete high school. Savage is one of many employees who have and are benefitting from Greyston’s Open Hiring policy. “My life changed when I was hired by Greyston,” he states. Savage is a father of three children: Samantha, 6; Nicholas, 3; and Curtis, 2. After having children, Savage’s perspective shifted. “I want my kids to have the best of everything,” says Savage. He is grateful for the support offered through the Greyston Foundation including childcare as well as taking advantage of the business and training programs through Greyston’s Workforce and Development Center. Savage is working on getting his GED and certification in food safety. When asked what his aspirations are for his future beyond Greyston Bakery, Savage confidently replied, “I plan on going to college, focusing on healthcare…then work towards becoming an RN.”

Save the Date: June 15

A key fundraiser benefitting the Greyston Foundation will be held on June 15 at Chef/Owner Peter Kelly’s Xaviars X2O on the Hudson in Downtown Yonkers. For additional info, please contact karent@greyston.org.

Chat with the Chamber of Commerce: You Asked, They Answered!

March 4, 2016 by Inside Press

A Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce “Ask me Anything” event at Crabtree’s Kittle House gave 14 business owners and consultants a chance to share their business acumen with New Castle residents. The casual gathering drew visitors who were invited to rotate from table to table in ten minute segments following introductions of each presenter at the podium.

Good humor was in abundance. “I’ll try to be brief,” said Vinnie Milazzo, owner of the Chappaqua Village Market, “but I do have four years of stories to tell.” Local healer Benadette Bloom described herself as a “medical intuitive.” “I’ll also teach you to do what I do.”

L-R: Jennifer Bancroft, Chamber Manager with Dawn Dankner Rosen, Chamber President.

Discussing the first time offering, Dawn Dankner Rosen, who heads the Chamber, said she “thought it would be fun to have an event where you can meet up with experts in different fields for no fee, and ask them anything that comes to mind.” She said the board aimed to feature a “cross section” of owners and is considering regular “Ask me Anything” gatherings. — Grace Bennett

(L-R) Bernadette Bloom, Nicole Hair and Melysa Diament

Beth Rordham, Joan Bigg and Frank Bastone

(L-R): John Grimes, Ted Holmes and Rand Mark Manasse

L-R: Johanna Kline, Wendy Nolan, Deena Bochier

Ray Pahini and Rita Ross — Ray Rahni and Rita Ross

Chappaqua Crossing Groundbreaking: “‘Super’ for Us”

March 2, 2016 by Inside Press

By Matt Smith

“It takes a village,” Summit Development President Felix Charney began his speech on the morning of Super Tuesday, to kick off the official Groundbreaking ceremony for the new retail complex at Chappaqua Crossing Headquarters. “Given your presence here in this room, this is a village. And given the contribution that each of you in this room has made in one form or another, over the course of [the review of] this project, we all now have something today we can celebrate, and hopefully be very proud of… It’s Super Tuesday [in the political world], but it’s super for us, ‘cause it’s been a hell of a long ride, and we finally made it through.”

The groundbreaking official first dig. (L-R) Westchester Deputy County Executive Kevin Plunkett; Summit Development President Felix Charney; New Castle Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein; Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Michael Kaplowitz; Jeff Melby, Senior Vice President Life Time Real Estate and Development; Jake Grossman, co-President Grossman Companies. Photo by Matt Smith. — The groundbreaking official first dig.
(L-R) Westchester Deputy County Executive Kevin Plunkett;
Summit Development President Felix Charney; New Castle Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein; Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Michael Kaplowitz;
Jeff Melby, Senior Vice President Life Time Real Estate and Development;
Jake Grossman, co-President Grossman Companies. Photo by Matt Smith.

The plan, which Charney noted was 11 years in review and spanned the terms of four different town supervisors — Janet Wells, Barbara Gerrard, Susan Carpenter, and Rob Greenstein, all of whom were in attendance — will add a Whole Foods Market, LifeTime Fitness, and 28 affordable housing units to the former Reader’s Digest campus off Bedford and Roaring Brook Roads.

“This is a unique project — there is nothing like it in Westchester,” Charney continues. “The fact is, this is a magnificent town with phenomenal schools — it deserves amenities [whose standards are held] at the same bar.”

To that end, the development also includes plans for 91 luxury townhomes, a completely decked-out 500,000-square-foot cultural center, and a shuttle connecting to the Metro-North train station in the center of town, all of which are underway.

To say the 75 community members in attendance were in high spirits during the ceremony would be an understatement. “The truth is, a lot of people didn’t know if they would ever see it happen, and it’s happening,” says New Castle Town Supervisor Rob Greenstein. Despite the arduous process, he notes that “together, we made sure we ended up with a project that would benefit our entire community. We ensured the residents of New Castle the best possible outcome, amenities and aesthetics, as well as the commercial tax dollars we desperately need.” In short, as he states, “What started out as the longest and most controversial land use application in our town’s history, ended up as the perfect example of the benefits of working together.”

During the ceremony, representatives from both of the “retail village” companies expanded upon how their respective companies would specifically contribute to the well-being of the community.

“To be able to be part of a project that brings Whole Foods Market to Northern Westchester County and the great town of Chappaqua is something we’re so excited about,” says Whole Foods representative Michael Sinatra, adding that the opening of the store will satisfy customers who, through social media, expressed a need for such a venue in Northern Westchester. “One thing we really hang our hat on is our ability to partner with local non-profits, our local schools, [and] local food banks, and that’s also something we’ll look to extend when we open this property next year.”

Comments Brian Smith, area director of LifeTime Fitness, of their specific plans: “This [facility] destination will be unique [as opposed to others in Westchester]. It will have a broad array of highly personalized programs and services, that will allow our members to really go after the things they are most passionate about. If we can do [here] what we’ve done in our other facilities in Westchester, which is [to] really create a third home for folks in the community, I think we’ll have succeeded. We are honored and privileged to be here with you all today, and we are so excited about bringing this thing to life next year.”

The morning was capped off by an official groundbreaking, complete with a first dig and initial bulldozing — “‘Cause who doesn’t want to toss some dirt?” jokes Charney — and a lunch, catered (quite appropriately) by Whole Foods.

Overview of the Village. Photo by John Vecchiolla.

Despite the grueling process and the long road ahead to completion, Greenstein, who, in fact, was once opposed to the project, now admits he can see the light at the end of the tunnel. “I personally think when this project is completed — maybe… four to five years down the road — there’s going to be some people that are going to say, “I can’t even believe that there was ever opposition to it,” because that’s how great I think the project is going to end up.”

Echoes Deputy Westchester County Executive Kevin Plunkett: “It shows that if we all work together, even over a long period of time, good things [can] happen and we can make a difference in Westchester County.” That we can, Mr. Plunkett, and we look forward to seeing what you, Charney, and Greenstein, can create with the rest of your team, and see how “this iconic piece of Westchester” can be repurposed for the next generation.

Chappaqua Crossing is located at 480 Bedford Road, just off of RT-117. CNB Builders will be in charge of construction. Whole Foods Market, the first building within the retail village to be constructed, is currently set to open in January 2017. For more information, please visit www.chappaquacrossing.com.

Yankee’s JOE GIRARDI: “Sports Talk Speaker” To UJA-FEDERATION OF NEW YORK

February 2, 2016 by The Inside Press

(From left) Richard Leroy of Briarcliff Manor, Carl Finger of Scarsdale, Jeff Kapelus of New Rochelle, New York Yankees Manager Joe Girardi, Barbara Bel of Scarsdale, David Perlmutter of Chappaqua, Scott Zemachson of Scarsdale, and Ken Fuirst of Chappaqua.

Yankees Manager Joe Girardi served as guest speaker at UJA-Federation of New York’s 10th Annual Sports Talk. The event took place on Thursday, January 28at Mulino’s at Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester, New York. It drew nearly 250 guests who came to support UJA-Federation’s life-changing work and hear from Girardi, who has guided the Yankees to five playoffs and one World Series Championship since being named manager in 2007.

A Purchase, New York, resident, Girardi successfully translated the skills he learned during his 15 years as a Major League Baseball catcher into his winning career as manager. As a major league catcher, he played for the Chicago Cubs, Colorado Rockies, St. Louis Cardinals, and Yankees. He also dedicates much of his time to philanthropy, particularly his Catch 25 Foundation, which provides support to those afflicted with ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and fertility issues.

Guests had the opportunity to hear about the work of UJA-Federation, which over the course of its 99-year history has become the largest local philanthropy in the world, supporting a network of nearly 100 nonprofit organizations that serve every population from early childhood to old age, and that offer critical assistance in almost every life circumstance.

“It’s amazing how we’re immediately on the ground — whether that’s here in New York during Hurricane Sandy, in Israel during last summer’s rocket attacks, in Japan following the earthquake, or in Ukraine when the Jewish community came under threat. The impact we make is extraordinary,” said Event Chair Ken Fuirst of Chappaqua. “But the difference we make isn’t only in France or Israel or even downtown New York. We touch lives right here in Westchester.”

Event chairs were Barbara Bel of Scarsdale, Carl Finger of Scarsdale, Ken Fuirst of Chappaqua, Jeff Kapelus of New Rochelle, David Perlmutter of Chappaqua, and Scott Zemachson of Scarsdale. Richard Leroy of Briarcliff Manor served as auction chair.

About UJA-Federation of New York 

For nearly 100 years, UJA-Federation has inspired New Yorkers to act on their values and invest in our community for the biggest impact. Through UJA-Federation, more than 50,000 donors address issues that matter most to them, pooling their resources to care for New Yorkers of all backgrounds and Jews everywhere, to connect people to their Jewish communities, and to respond to crises close to home and around the globe. Working with nearly 100 beneficiary agencies, synagogues, and other Jewish organizations, UJA-Federation is the world’s largest local philanthropy; our reach spans from New York to Israel to more than 70 other countries around the world, touching 4.5 million people each year. For more information on how to donate or volunteer, please visit our website at www.ujafedny.org.

Northern Westchester Hospital Kicks Off its Centennial Celebration

January 24, 2016 by Inside Press

Two Honorary Proclamations, Reminiscing, a Ribbon Cutting and More!

Article and Photos by Grace Bennett

Mount Kisco–A packed and festive Centennial Kick off Celebration at Northern Westchester Hospital brought together physicians, board members, employees, volunteers, elected officials, supporters, artists and many others who gathered for a proud CEO’s remarks, refreshments galore, the unveiling of an interactive history timeline and a ribbon cutting ceremony; they were also treated to stories of health care delivery in the early 1900s. In his remarks, President and CEO (for 15 years) Joel Seligman reminisced about days gone by and just how far we’ve come.

“Surgery was often done on your living room table,” said Joel Seligman, NWH president and CEO for the last 15 years. “Surgery was done on your dining room table—yes, house calls were common then—because the nearest hospital was in New York City. And you got there via a bumpy, horse-drawn wagon driving down the pot-hole ridden Albany Post Road, now known as Route 9…

“Once you got to New York City, an ambulance met you and took you to the hospital. And this only happened for the fortunate few who had the financial means for this type of care.”

Seligman recounted that it took “a handful of forward-thinking community members” to begin fundraising; after 10 years, “this group of visionaries raised $12,500, and opened the 15-bed Mount Kisco Hospital on August 20, 1916, which served the 14 villages in the surrounding area.”

100 years later, Seligman said the mission is still “to provide the highest quality, patient-centered care close to home for all members of our community–regardless of their ability to pay.”

“Of course, so much has happened between our humble beginnings in 1916 and today: advancements in technology, our enhanced clinical capabilities, the growth and modernization of our campus, and most importantly, the positive impact we continue to have on the people who live in our community.

Before others spoke, Seligman acknowledged certain individuals attending that he explained had a unique connection to the hospital.
— Joan Stewart, one of the first preemie babies born at NWH in 1935, and who stayed here for four long months before going home to her family
— Joan’s sister, Pat Reilly, former Mayor of Mount Kisco, born at NHW in 1932
— Henry Schriever, NWH’s first pastoral care chaplain
— Sue Moga, whose grandfather, Roberts Richie, was a founding physician of the original Mount Kisco Hospital on Stewart Place
— Babs Johnson, whose father, Philips Lounsbery was a Hospital trustee for many years
— Retired physician Hal Federman who began NWH’s Palliative Care program
— Dr. Herb Kaufman, who performed the first flexible endoscopy at NWH
— Dr. Scott Hayworth President & CEO of Mount Kisco Medical Group and Dr. Peter Mercurio President & CEO Westchester Health

Nancy Karch, chair of the Northern Westchester Hospital Board of Trustees offered more kudos to the hospital’s role in the community–“whether it’s the dad coming to NWH via ambulance with chest pains…the grandfather who needs a new hip…or the mom who is going through radiation therapy for breast cancer…” She also took the opportunity to note that NWH is now a member of the Northwell Health network of 21 hospitals, “including facilities that specialize in pediatric and psychiatric care.
“It has a pioneering research facility, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, and a visionary approach to medical education at the Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine and School of Graduate Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies,” said Karch. “We are very excited about this new Chapter in our history.”

“It has a pioneering research facility, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, and a visionary approach to medical education at the Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine and School of Graduate Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. We are very excited about this new Chapter in our history.”
Karch recognized the following attendees as well:

— Susan Spear, Regional Director for the Hudson Valley, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s office

— George Oros, County Executive Rob Astorino’s Chief of Staff.

— County Legislator Francis Corcoran

— Chief of Staff Gary Friedman of Chairman Mike Kaplowitz’s office

— Marianne Oros, Community Relations Specialist, NY State Senator Terrance Murphy

— Mount Kisco Mayor, Michael Cindrich

— Her fellow Board of Trustees, Alumni Trustees, Foundation Board members and President’s Council Members.

She offered “a very special welcome” to Northwell’s Dr. Lawrence Smith, Physician in Chief and Dean of the Hofstra Northwell school of Medicine and Gene Tangney, Senior VP and Chief Administrative Officer..

Astorino’s office and the County Legislators’ office both offered proclamations announcing January 21, 2016 as Northern Westchester Hospital Day in Westchester County.

Seligman returned to the mic after a host of remarks from elected officials and others and invited guests to view the historical timeline, He thanked “two long-term community partners, GG Kopilak and the Katonah Museum Artists Association (KMAA) and Lois Barker and the Westchester Photographic Society. And added: “KMAA provides the artwork you see in the hallway and WPS provides the photographs that adorn our Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center. Thank you both for providing the gift of art to our patients and families.”