This and That by JL

The world and the music world lost its Prince. He was an original… a one of a kind… an innovator who spanned many generations. We salute his legacy with some quotes from our multi-generational staff.  He touched them all with his brilliance. “The profound impact of Prince’s influence on the entertainment industry is deeper than […]

Frank Ronnenberg was a burly, no nonsense corporate executive who deeply cherished the arts for its societal values. With a touch of his unique Irish charm, he offered me the opportunity to become Executive Director of the then Council for the Arts in Westchester. (That was too long ago to remember the date.) I had […]

It wasn’t just the whole ham wrapped in gorgeous pastry every Christmas that endeared me to Patricia Sheridan Paone. But to be sure, we Jewish girls longed for safe places to taste a bite of the forbidden flesh. It wasn’t even her “to die for” gnocchi although I deeply admired how Pat trained herself to […]

I always admire people who remember where they came from. Take Farooq Kathwari: ArtsWestchester board member, 50th Anniversary Gala Chair, and chair and CEO of Ethan Allen Interiors. He never hesitates to acknowledge his roots. He came here from Kashmir in 1965 and while studying for an NYU degree, began importing native basketry from his homeland. […]

Alfred B. DelBello was an uncommon man. Most people remember him as a public servant – Mayor of Yonkers, Westchester County Executive and Lieutenant Governor in the Mario Cuomo Administration. In recent years, as attorney, strategist, County Association president, deal maker and influencer, he left an indelible mark on Westchester’s landscape.  In the arts community, we […]

It was all about the women, according to George Christian Newlin, first president of ArtsWestchester, which 50 years ago was inaugurated as the Council for the Arts in Westchester.  The women were, starting with his wife Jean Newlin, Mrs. Walter Thayer (also known as Jeanne) whose husband headed the Herald Tribune; Helene Trotsky, an accomplished […]

It is spring, theoretically, that is, and I suppose it is time for me to put it out there for all to know. As a golfer, my game leaves a lot to be desired.  What leads me to this admission are my thoughts about my dear friend, former board member and good humored golf companion […]

Frank Sinatra struck a chord when he sang “I did it my way.” Artist/designer Denise Proctor heard the call. It defined her life. She poured her artistic spirit and her soul into her vision for a school for little fashionistas – the Westchester Fashion Institute. From her perch on the 6th floor of ArtsWestchester’s building, she […]