Westchester Talk Radio

Westfair Communications held an awards ceremony on April 20th, 2026 to honor Fairfield County’s 2026 40 Under Forty Honorees, a distinguished group of young professionals recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership across Fairfield County. More than just an accolade, this program serves as a powerful platform to celebrate high-caliber individuals who embody grit and a bold commitment to redefining success. By showcasing those who achieve remarkable industry milestones and inspire others with innovative ideas, the honor significantly enhances professional visibility and opens doors to future opportunities. The evening celebrated the passion and innovation of those daring enough to make a lasting impact on our community and the regional business landscape.Fairfield County Talk Radio was there to capture the excitement. Catniss Locati from 25 Van Zant spoke with host Joan Franzino. Catinissi shared her unique career path of solving real-world problems through fine art, including her work in medica

Westfair Communications held an awards ceremony on April 20th, 2026 to honor Fairfield County’s 2026 40 Under Forty Honorees, a distinguished group of young professionals recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership across Fairfield County. More than just an accolade, this program serves as a powerful platform to celebrate high-caliber individuals who embody grit and a bold commitment to redefining success. By showcasing those who achieve remarkable industry milestones and inspire others with innovative ideas, the honor significantly enhances professional visibility and opens doors to future opportunities. The evening celebrated the passion and innovation of those daring enough to make a lasting impact on our community and the regional business landscape.Fairfield County Talk Radio was there to capture the excitement. Bobbi Brown, CEO, #100 GirlsLeadingInc, spoke with host Joan Franzino. Bobbi discussed the mission of her non-profit to provide "interactive mentorship" to girls in Bridgeport. She

Westfair Communications held an awards ceremony on April 20th, 2026 to honor Fairfield County’s 2026 40 Under Forty Honorees, a distinguished group of young professionals recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership across Fairfield County. More than just an accolade, this program serves as a powerful platform to celebrate high-caliber individuals who embody grit and a bold commitment to redefining success. By showcasing those who achieve remarkable industry milestones and inspire others with innovative ideas, the honor significantly enhances professional visibility and opens doors to future opportunities. The evening celebrated the passion and innovation of those daring enough to make a lasting impact on our community and the regional business landscape.Fairfield County Talk Radio was there to capture the excitement. Symphony Paris, anchor Fox 61-Hartford, Hartford spoke with host Joan Franzino. Symphony was there supporting her husband, Corey Paris, State Representative & Chief Impact Offi

Westfair Communications held an awards ceremony on April 20th, 2026 to honor Fairfield County’s 2026 40 Under Forty Honorees, a distinguished group of young professionals recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership across Fairfield County. More than just an accolade, this program serves as a powerful platform to celebrate high-caliber individuals who embody grit and a bold commitment to redefining success. By showcasing those who achieve remarkable industry milestones and inspire others with innovative ideas, the honor significantly enhances professional visibility and opens doors to future opportunities. The evening celebrated the passion and innovation of those daring enough to make a lasting impact on our community and the regional business landscape.Fairfield County Talk Radio was there to capture the excitement. Julia Douglas, Community Relations Officer, Newtown Savings Bank, spoke with host Joan Franzino. Julie explained how the bank's mutual structure allows her to focus on long-term co

Westfair Communications held an awards ceremony on April 20th, 2026 to honor Fairfield County’s 2026 40 Under Forty Honorees, a distinguished group of young professionals recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership across Fairfield County. More than just an accolade, this program serves as a powerful platform to celebrate high-caliber individuals who embody grit and a bold commitment to redefining success. By showcasing those who achieve remarkable industry milestones and inspire others with innovative ideas, the honor significantly enhances professional visibility and opens doors to future opportunities. The evening celebrated the passion and innovation of those daring enough to make a lasting impact on our community and the regional business landscape.Fairfield County Talk Radio was there to capture the excitement. Deirdre Valinski, Director of Radiography, Sacred Heart University spoke with host Joan Franzino. Deirdre discussed moving from a decade of clinical work as an X-ray and CT technic

Westfair Communications held an awards ceremony on April 20th, 2026 to honor Fairfield County’s 2026 40 Under Forty Honorees, a distinguished group of young professionals recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership across Fairfield County. More than just an accolade, this program serves as a powerful platform to celebrate high-caliber individuals who embody grit and a bold commitment to redefining success. By showcasing those who achieve remarkable industry milestones and inspire others with innovative ideas, the honor significantly enhances professional visibility and opens doors to future opportunities. The evening celebrated the passion and innovation of those daring enough to make a lasting impact on our community and the regional business landscape.Fairfield County Talk Radio was there to capture the excitement. Karla Checo, Founder, KGC Consulting, spoke with host Joan Franzino, Karla spoke about launching her firm at the start of the 2020 pandemic to help small businesses navigate comple

Westfair Communications held an awards ceremony on April 20th, 2026 to honor Fairfield County’s 2026 40 Under Forty Honorees, a distinguished group of young professionals recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership across Fairfield County. More than just an accolade, this program serves as a powerful platform to celebrate high-caliber individuals who embody grit and a bold commitment to redefining success. By showcasing those who achieve remarkable industry milestones and inspire others with innovative ideas, the honor significantly enhances professional visibility and opens doors to future opportunities. The evening celebrated the passion and innovation of those daring enough to make a lasting impact on our community and the regional business landscape.Fairfield County Talk Radio was there to capture the excitement. Paul Lutsky, Commercial Lender, Fairfield County Bank, spoke with host Joan Franzino. Paul recounted his 15-year career journey, starting as an intern at a single-branch bank where

Westfair Communications held an awards ceremony on April 20th, 2026 to honor Fairfield County’s 2026 40 Under Forty Honorees, a distinguished group of young professionals recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership across Fairfield County. More than just an accolade, this program serves as a powerful platform to celebrate high-caliber individuals who embody grit and a bold commitment to redefining success. By showcasing those who achieve remarkable industry milestones and inspire others with innovative ideas, the honor significantly enhances professional visibility and opens doors to future opportunities. The evening celebrated the passion and innovation of those daring enough to make a lasting impact on our community and the regional business landscape.Fairfield County Talk Radio was there to capture the excitement. Matthew Mandell, Executive Director, Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce, spoke with host Joan Franzino. Matthew described his work creating "Business-to-Consumer" platforms, such

Westfair Communications held an awards ceremony on April 20th, 2026 to honor Fairfield County’s 2026 40 Under Forty Honorees, a distinguished group of young professionals recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership across Fairfield County. More than just an accolade, this program serves as a powerful platform to celebrate high-caliber individuals who embody grit and a bold commitment to redefining success. By showcasing those who achieve remarkable industry milestones and inspire others with innovative ideas, the honor significantly enhances professional visibility and opens doors to future opportunities. The evening celebrated the passion and innovation of those daring enough to make a lasting impact on our community and the regional business landscape.Fairfield County Talk Radio was there to capture the excitement. Taylor Benedict, Director of Operations, Coastal Connecticut Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, spoke with host Andrew Castellano. Taylor discussed her transition from a career in e

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Westchester County Legislator Terry Clements, who discussed the legislative support that fueled the YMCA's recent growth. Legiltor Clements, a former talent manager in the entertainment industry, recalls early strategy meetings with County Executive George Latimer to fund nonprofit partners that had suffered from budget deficits. She highlights the Y’s critical role as a remote learning center for essential workers during the pandemic and expresses excitement about future green space projects in New Rochelle, such as the $16 millionLINC project.

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Sheriff Monte, an enrollment representative for EmblemHealth, who was on-site to help families access zero-to-low-cost health insurance. Conte, a Bronx native now living in Westchester, shares a personal connection to the New Rochelle YMCA, having played sports there as a youth. He notes the striking physical changes to the facility, particularly the newly renovated gym, and emphasizes that EmblemHealth is present at the fair to ensure residents can affordably visit primary care physicians and specialists.

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Ray Hall, the Board Chair of the YMCA, reflects on his long history with the organization since moving to New Rochelle in 1977. Recently retired from a 40-year career as a supervisor at a mental health center in Washington Heights, Ray discussed the Y’s role in stress management for the community. He emphasizes the importance of sports and physical activity in providing a positive outlet for teenagers and mentions the Y's efforts to provide scholarships and discounted rates for families struggling with the high cost of housing in the city. 

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Nedavia Franco, a Pre-K instructor at the YMCA who has been teaching for five years. Franco explains that the Pre-K program focuses on "learning through play," which allows children to build foundational skills for kindergarten without feeling pressured. She highlights that the most challenging aspect of her work is helping children with "social-emotional development," teaching them how to regulate their emotions, take turns, and communicate effectively.

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Lisa Teddone, the YMCA’s Chief Financial Officer. Lisa, whose own children learned to swim at the Y in the late 1990s, described how a combination of Westchester County legislative funding, city partnerships, and federal grants, including an educational grant from Congressman Jamaal Bowman, allowed for critical upgrades to the gym and pool. She passionately advocates for the Y's "deep end" philosophy, teaching children confidence and serious life skills through their high-level aquatics programs.

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Dr. Beverly Sheppard, a retired pediatrician with 40 years of experience, discusses her role on the New Rochelle YMCA board. After retiring from her practice in Queens, Dr. Sheppard joined the YMCA to focus on her own health journey and give back to an organization that has served her family across generations. 

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Doreen Manzella, Pre-K Teacher at the YMCA, who has served as a lead teacher for 10 years. Manzella shares her "second act" career story, explaining that she went back to school at age 37 to earn her Associate's and Master's degrees after raising her own daughters. Formerly an assistant engineer in the music business, she shifted to education to make a difference in the lives of bilingual families and new residents, helping them access vital community resources and prepare children for kindergarten. 

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Dafne Ginn, the Manager of Membership, Community Outreach, and Operations at the New Rochelle YMCA. Ginn reveals the extensive planning required for the event, noting that preparations for the 2027 celebration begin immediately the following Monday with sponsor thank-yous and data analysis. She describes her long but rewarding days, emphasizing that her passion stems from seeing community members achieve their wellness goals, whether it's learning to swim or improving physical mobility. 

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Christine Chung, Marketing Director for Columbia University Irving Medical Center. The conversation centered on the opening of a new outpatient care facility, making top-tier healthcare more accessible and convenient for local residents.

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with New Rochelle YMCA board member Charles Vento. Charles shares his deep history with the facility, recalling how his high school used the Y as their home court for varsity basketball. Vento speaks passionately about the revitalization of the YMCA, describing its transformation from a facility with structural issues like holes in the roof and a crumbling pool to a beautiful, modern center with upgraded amenities. 

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Bram Fierstein, a former board chair. They discussed the revitalization of the YMCA, the YMCA's success, and the organization not just as an institution, but as a lifestyle that caters to everyone from children to seniors.