New York state Senate votes 'yes' on Rob Dyson

WASHINGTON — A few weeks ago the state Senate in Albany accomplished something that made Harlem Valley residents proud. It confirmed Gov. David Patterson’s appointment of town of Washington resident, businessman and racecar driver Rob Dyson as a member of the Empire State Development Corporation’s (EDC) Board of Directors. The EDC is the state’s agency for encouraging jobs and investment.

Dyson was reached at his business office in New York City for comment.

“There are lots of things going on. The key aspect of EDC is to create an environment where business feels it can prosper,� he said.

The EDC encourages viable private enterprise projects, which range from assistance of as little as $75,000 for small companies to helping Columbia University’s $6 billion expansion project, and the construction of the Moynihan Railroad Station in New York City.

The board has only four directors and the Senate has yet to confirm Dennis Mullen as the CEO. All directors serve without pay.

“No expenses, no getting off of speeding tickets, either,� Dyson said. “Specifically, I’m doing this because I have a great commitment to our community and our state.�

Dyson also explained that although there are projects under consideration for Dutchess County, his role is not to push Hudson Valley projects.

Dyson is the chairman and CEO of the family-owned international holding company, Dyson-Kissner-Moran Corporation, founded in 1954 by his father, Charles Dyson. Dyson is also the president of the Dyson Foundation, which awarded grants in excess of $15 million in 2009, with a special interest in supporting nonprofits in the Mid Hudson Valley. Since its founding in 1957, the foundation has awarded grants of more than $223 million. Dyson is also the president and CEO of Dyson Racing, which competes in the American Le Mans racing circuit.

Latest News

Nuvance hospital system to merge with Northwell Health

Sharon Hospital would become part of a larger regional health systems with 28 hospitals.

Yehyun Kim/CTMirror.org

Nuvance Health, which owns four hospitals in Connecticut and three in New York, will merge with Northwell Health to form a larger regional health system across two states.

Together, the companies will own 28 hospitals and more than 1,000 sites of care and employ 14,500 providers.

Keep ReadingShow less
The Creators: An interview with filmmaker Keith Boynton

Keith Boynton, left, with Aitor Mendilibar, right, the cinematographer who shot “The Haunted Forest” as well as “The Scottish Play” and “The Winter House.” In the background of is Vinny Castellini, first assistant director.

Submitted

Keith Boynton is a filmmaker who grew up in Salisbury, Connecticut. He attended Salisbury Central School, Town Hill School, and Hotchkiss. He has made numerous feature films including Seven Lovers, The Scottish Play, The Winter House, and is just wrapping up a new film, The Haunted Forest, which is a horror/slasher movie. Boynton has made numerous music videos for the band Darlingside, and for Alison Krauss. He is a poet, a playwright, and comic book art collector.

JA: This series of stories The Creators focuses on artists, their inspiration, and their creative process. Keith, what was the seed that got you started?

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton director is an Oscar nominee

Arlo Washington in a film still from the Oscar-nominated short "The Barber of Little Rock."

Story Syndicate

John Hoffman, a Millerton resident, has been nominated for his film “The Barber of Little Rock,” which he co-directed with Christine Turner, in the Best Documentary Short Film category at the upcoming 96th Academy Awards.

Distributed by The New Yorker and produced by Story Syndicate Production in association with 59th & Prairie, Better World Projects, and Peralta Pictures, “The Barber of Little Rock” explores the efforts of Arkansas local hero Arlo Washington, who opened a barbershop at 19 years old and, with a mission to close the racial inequality gap in his community, went on to found the Washington Barber College as well as People Trust Community Federal Credit Union. Washington’s goal is aiding his primarily Black neighborhood, which has historically been underserved by more prominent banking institutions.

Keep ReadingShow less
Inside Troutbeck's kitchen

Chef Vincent Gilberti

Courtesy of Troutbeck

About growing up in Carmel, New York, Troutbeck’s executive chef Vincent Gilberti said he was fortunate to have a lot of family close by, and time together was always centered around food.

His grandparents in White Plains always made sure to have a supply of cured meats, olives, cheeses and crusty bread during their weekend visits. But it wasn’t until his family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, when he was 16 that his passion for food really began. It was there that he joined the German Club, whose partnership with Johnson & Wales University first introduced him to cooking.

Keep ReadingShow less