The Barn Blog

Charles Hayes is Intake Coordinator at TRI Center, Bronx, which provides treatment of substance use disorder (SUD) and other conditions. He discussed various approaches to recovery and therapies that are used to help people turn their lives around. Charles compared and contrasted the 12-step program to other successful methodologies.

Eastchester Fire Captain Brian Tween explained how our local fire department works. He gave an overview of the various fire trucks and equipment. Brian played an audio recording of the Black Sunday tragedy which led to improved safety measures. One of the highlights of the presentation was when Brian rapelled from the 2nd floor of the Barn in full gear.

Richard Schraudner is a District Commissioner within the Westchester-Putnam Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He led a panel discussion with several Boy Scout leaders in our community. They shared stories from their experiences in scouting which greatly enriched the lives of the boys.

Jason Meister is a Senior Director in the Investment Sales group at Ackman-Ziff, a 90-year-old, privately held real estate capital advisory and brokerage firm. He’s also a politcal pundit and author often featured on Fox News. Jason discussed the upcoming election and why he thought Donald Trump was the best choice for president despite his shortcomings. Dissenting opinions were also voiced and a fairly civilized debate ensued.

Paul Confori is a former police seargant, sharpshooter, and firearms trainer for the police and the FBI. He’s the founder and lead instructor of Aim Small Firearms Instruction. Paul discussed NYS Penal Law Article 35 which covers the use of deadly force in self-defense and other circumsances. We learned that it’s sometimes best just to give an attacker your money because if you shoot him your legal costs will be much higher.

Consultant Christian Grieco explained what it means to do well by doing good.   He discussed how companies large and small attract talent, sell products and services, make a profit, AND solve social and environmental problems. Christian led a lively panel discussion with local businessmen Lyle LaMothe of Broken Bow Brewery and Kyle Inserra of Polpettina Restautant.

Retired police officer Mike Denning discussed law enforcement. He shared his recollections of the 1996 shooting of Eastchester Police Officer Michael Frey. Mike led a lively and respectful discussion about gun violence and ideas for reducing it.

Angelo Spilios is the senior director of Dining Services for Flik Independent School Dining at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School. Once again he generously prepared and presented a fabulous barbeque dinner. As a special bonus this year, Tom Cascione roasted a pig in a China Box. It was quite a feast.