The Barn Blog

Ken Jenkins, the new County Executive for Westchester County, is a dedicated public servant with a rich history of community involvement. A former president of the Yonkers branch of the NAACP, he has contributed to numerous boards, foundations, committees, and councils, exemplifying his commitment to empowering communities. Ken shared insights from his journey in service and leadership, highlighting the impact of collective action and advocacy.

Dylan Pyne is the Senior Director of Development at Volunteer New York!, an organization that connects individuals, groups, and businesses with volunteer opportunities. He talked about how volunteerism strengthens communities by matching volunteers with local nonprofits that need help. Dylan discussed the various programs and services available to help people get involved in volunteering.

Don Capria is an author, director, producer, and artist manager. He joined us again to discuss his latest project, Director’s Cut, a horror/slasher film shot entirely in Westchester. Don share behind-the-scenes insights into the production and marketing of the movie, which is set for a Halloween theatrical release.

George Latimer, the Westchester County Executive, is running for Congress in New York’s 16th Congressional District. He shared insights into the Democratic primary race, where he successfully challenged incumbent Jamaal Bowman. George also provided an overview of the upcoming ballot and discussed his platform in a politically neutral manner. The presentation sparked a lively discussion, with some moments of heated debate.

Matthew Starobin, CEO of At-Your-Service-Software for over 40 years, led a company dedicated to helping food service businesses manage costs, save time, and boost profitability. Matt discussed various forms of conflict resolution and explained the differences between mediation and arbitration. He shared the successful skills and techniques he has honed throughout his career.

Jon Reitzes, founder and executive producer of Big Jar, Inc., leads a premier video production company renowned for creating compelling content for top global brands. With extensive experience in directing, editing, and producing feature films and documentaries, Jon brings unparalleled expertise to the industry. During his presentation, he shared his passion for visual storytelling, showcased examples of his work, and provided insights into the art and business of filmmaking.

Neil Porto is a living legend engineer, pizza-slice-connoisseur, husband, father, master of ceremonies, pork-fester, and music-lover. His journey with Costa Rica began in the 1980s during his time with the Peace Corps. Neil recently shared his rich experiences in this stunning country, shedding light on the political and socioeconomic factors that make Costa Rica a safe and appealing destination for travelers.

Reinhard Tartler is a Software Engineering Team Lead at Bloomberg. He’s a prolific author, developer, and thought leader in the domain of open source software. Reinhard shared his passion for software which began in his childhood while experimenting with early personal computers like Commodore and Omega. He discussed the principals of free and open source software and its importance in society.