The 803 Podcast

This week we had the opportunity to sit down with two tireless civil servants, Town of Pelham Supervisor Dan McLoughlin and Town Councilwoman Kristen Bowes Burke. In the informative conversation, we learn about a recent sustainability grant awarded by NYSERDA and other important Town programs and initiatives. 

Ahead of the Tuesday, May 20th school budget and bond vote, we sat down with superintendent of Pelham schools, Dr. Cheryl Champ for an in-depth examination of all of the items on the ballot. Due to the extensive length of the interview we have broken it down into two parts. Look for the second half later this week. 

Ahead of the Tuesday, May 20th school budget and bond vote, we sat down with superintendent of Pelham schools, Dr. Cheryl Champ for an in-depth examination of all of the items on the ballot. Due to the extensive length of the interview we have broken it down into two parts. Look for the second half later this week. 

In this episode we learn all about  Project Community with one of its founders and president, Anne Frost, and board member and Color Run Weekend co-chair Ali Cheyne-Cavallaro. Now in its 40th year, Project Community has been helping youth and families in Pelham and beyond with impactful social services programs and their signature fundraiser, the Color Run is a town-wide favorite family event. 

This week we're joined by Sarah McKee, president of the Pelham Education Foundation, and Claire Comferford, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning at the Pelham Union Free School District as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of PEF and talk about all the ways they've enhanced learning for all students in the district. The blue ribbon fundraiser is just around the corner so it's also a reminder to make your donation today.

This week we talk to Cherrie Greenhalgh and Allison McKay about Bartow Pell Mansion Museum and Gardens, an urban oasis in the Bronx just over the border from Pelham. There’s really something for everyone at BPMM! 

In this episode, president and founder of Hearts & Homes for Refugees, Kathie O'Callaghan updates us about the serious challenges her organization is facing under the new administration. She shares ways that people can get involved and support the important work that her organization is doing to educate and equip volunteers and community partners to resettle and empower refugees to rebuild their lives with hope and dignity even in these tumultuous times.

This week the one and only Depot Dave (aka Dave Katz) joins us to talk about his catering business’ newest venture — cooking classes. He shares his inspiration and vision for this new interactive experience and gives us some tips on his famous corned beef and cabbage just in time for St. Patty’s Day.   

Jim Lofgren, Pelham Chamber of Commerce

On the heels of being elected president of the Pelham Chamber of Commerce, Jim Lofgren joins us to talk about his journey to Pelham, his background in retail, and his vision for the Chamber. He also shares details about a newly announced Westchester County grant available to Pelham's businesses to help improve their storefronts in an effort to beautify downtown. 

Laura Caruso, Pelham Together Spring is in the air and the 803 is back to highlight all the great things happening in Pelham in the coming season. Join us as we sit down with one of Pelham's best, Laura Caruso, Executive Director of Pelham Together. Laura returns to the show to share an update of all the fabulous programs Pelham Together is offering in the coming months to support our community's youth and families. You won't want to miss this conversation! 

Market Update! Our most popular episodes are Pelham Market updates from our real estate agents in the know and Real Estate Professional Katy Reed is one of the top agents in Pelham. She gives us insight into whats going on in this market and what to do to keep value in your home.

Sleek and impeccably designed Shea Station is the newest place to hang and drink coffee, have incredible pastries, hang with friends and wait for your train. Mimi Humphrey talks to us about the concept of the place and why she started the space and how her son - the iconic Shea Humphrey fits in to the future.

Just voted Best Yoga Teacher in Westchester, Michelle Ganpat is an ERYT-900 (Expert Registered Yoga Teacher) and Reiki Practitioner who helps others better their lives and live with intention. From New York, she traveled to Rishikesh, India, the world's yoga capital, to earn RYT-500 and become a true yogi. Michelle has been practicing yoga for over a decade and walked away from a successful career in corporate finance to become a yoga teacher and live her passion to the max.

On World Refugee Day we share our recent conversation with Hearts & Homes for Refugees founder and president Kathie O’Callaghan . We talk about how the organization began and their plans for the future as they continue to grow and expand their important work.

Information is the lifeblood of any society, and our current system for distributing it is corrupted at its heart. Everything comes down to our ability to communicate openly and trustfully with each other. But, thanks to the dominant digital platforms and the ways they distort human behavior, we have lost that ability—while, at the same time, we’ve been robbed of the data that is rightfully ours.

Michael Casey is a fellow Pelhamite who has recently co-written a must read book OUR BIGGEST FIGHT: Reclaiming Liberty, Humanity, and Dignity in the Digital Age with Frank McCourt about how we need to take back control of our data and start holding big tech accountable.Information is the lifeblood of any society, and our current system for distributing it is corrupted at its heart. Everything comes down to our ability to communicate openly and trustfully with each other. But, thanks to the dominant digital platforms and the ways they distort human behavior, we have lost that ability—while, at the same time, we’ve been robbed of the data that is rightfully ours.

This week we sit down with one of our favorite guests, Pelham Together’s Laura Caruso. Laura gives us an end of school year update about Pelham Together’s programs and accomplishments and shares some details about this year’s upcoming SummerFest.

In this episode we say goodbye to one of our favorite seniors Gabby Ahitow, this year’s editor of the Pelham Examiner. If you’re a regular listener, you know that this year Gabby has given us updates on everything PMHS related including monthly high school sports round ups. Gabby gives us the inside track on the end of the spring season and start of some of the playoffs that are happening. We wish Gabby the best and look forward to hearing from her sometime next season.

Meet the Candidates - Darra Gordon, COO and Deputy President of GLAAD joins us in the studio to talk about her background in Pelham and her experience in nonprofit management and how she plans to bring those skills to the BOE if elected. 

Meet the Candidates - Ian Rowe, Founder and CEO of Vertex Partnership Academies and incumbent BOE member and Vice President of the Board joins us to talk about his background and experiences in his professional life and on the BOE and shares with us why he wants to be re-elected and what he hopes to accomplish in another term. 

Meet the Candidates - Current SEPTA co-president Kathryn Cohen sits down with us to share a bit about her background and her work with SEPTA and outlines why she is running and what she would like to accomplish is elected to the BOE. 

Meet the Candidates - In this episode we sit down with Dr. Michael Owen-Michaane incumbent BOE President who shares with us what he's proud to have accomplished in his three years on the board and what he's looking to do in a next term if re-elected. 

We kick off our Board of Education election coverage with an in-depth discussion with Superintendent of Public Schools Dr. Cheryl Champ about the school budget which will be on the ballot on May 21. Learn all about Dr. Champs background and how the budget gets put together as well as we focus on this year's budget.

This Week in The 803 - Sarah Gallagher Trombley joins us to give her expert insight on the challenges and opportunities of parenting in the digital age and how she is working with the PTAs to create awareness for all of us.

This week we are joined by the president of The Pelham Education Foundation Sarah McKee. Sarah discusses all things PEF and why this organization is so integral to supporting our community.

This Earth Day week we have a timely conversation with Nathan Pereira and Aimee Linn Kaplan from the Pelham Preservation and Garden Society. We talk about the history of the organization, the importance of planting trees, and their upcoming projects and initiatives including their upcoming annual fundraiser on Saturday, June 1. 

This week talk all things House & History Tour! This event is the main fundraiser for the PMHS PTA and is a great partnership with Susan Quintin of Junior League of Pelham and Theresa Mohan who current heads the high school PTA. Happening on Sunday April 28th, find out why this year is so special and for sure one you will not want to miss!

Join us this week for a conversation with Pelham’s Angelo Rubbo who has done so much for the community including co-founding PRCA and now spearheading a new project the Pelham Bay Water Project to help increase water access for rowing, kayaking, canoeing, and more in Pelham Bay Park. We then check in with Gabby from The Examiner to get an early update on spring sports.

This week we sit down with Amy Platt, President of the Junior League of Pelham to hear all about the great work they are doing for the community and learn how to get involved and then we get a sneak peek into the high school spring sports season with Gabby. 

In this special election coverage podcast we speak with Maurice Owen-Michaane, who is an incumbent Pelham Manor Trustee and DPW Commissioner and resident of Pelham Manor for nearly a decade. We learn about his background and what he hope to accomplish should he get re-elected.

In this specail VPN election coverage we are joined by Kate Pringle, an accomplished attorney,who has used her professional experience to assist local and national boards.  Kate also gives her time as a volunteer in community organizations throughout Pelham. We talk about her background and what she hopes to accomplish should she get elected.

In this special election coverage podcast we speak with Mark Cardwell who has been a A Pelham Manor resident for over 13 years serving as a volunteer firefighter in the Manor for over 10 years, earning volunteer of the year in 2018, and is currently Vice President of the company. He talks about his background, why he is running for trustee and what he hopes to accomplish if he should get elected.

In this election coverage podcast we speak with Deputy Mayor Breda Bennett, a longtime Pelham Manor resident and incumbent Village Trustee who currently serves as Police Commissioner and is running for re-election. We learn about her background and hear about what she feels VPM needs going forward.

This week Clay and Jamal talk with Andrea Pace from The Picture House about their upcoming Marquee Night fundraising event and then we get a very timely winter sports update from Gabby from The Pelham Examiner and a sneak peek at Pelham Memorial High School's annual Olympics. 

This week on the 803 we sit down with two women making a difference in Pelham. Join us to learn all about the Pelham Girls Scouts with Stephanie Otero and The Pelham Art Center with Rosemary Maggiore.

This week we are joined by Dave Katz - otherwise known as Depot Dave from the iconic Depot Dave Catering. We talk about how he got his start and what he has to offer this Superbowl season. We also talk bagels. Gaby from The Pelham Examiner joins us and talks high school sports as well as upcoming events at the High School.

This week we had a last minute visit from one of our favorite guests Laura Caruso, Executive Director of Pelham Together who stopped by to fill us in on the upcoming Winterfest then we got the inside scoop on the new restaurant everyone will be talking about, North Pelham from owner Eddie Doda. 

Join us this week for a conversation with Pelham’s own Lisa Horten. Lisa has given back in so many ways to our community and now throughout the County in her role as Chief External Affairs Officer at 914 Cares. On this episode we learn from Lisa why “Quality Equals Dignity” and we also sit down with Gabby Ahitow from The Pelham Examiner for our biweekly Pelham sports wrap up.

On the eve of yet another “rain event” in Pelham we sat down with Village of Pelham Mayor Chance Mullen to discuss proposed plans for flooding mitigation in the Village. It’s a timely episode that you don’t want to miss.

*Correction: the proposed pump stations the Mayor mentions would be 8’ x 20’ not 8’ x 10’

This week on the 803 we chat more about all the great holiday happenings in and around Pelham, we sit down with Joe Solimine Jr to talk about Meridian Risk Management's 20th anniversary and their impact in our community, and learn about the important survey about Pelham's downtown revitalization with Deanna Zammit from the Chamber of Commerce. 

We ahve switched up the format a bit! going forward the 803 will be a more timely listen, focusing on what is happening in the 803 any given week. This week we talk about holiday events happening in and around town, we talk to Danielle and Alyssa about DaniLees Helping Hands and we start our collaboration with The Pelham Examiner as we are joined by Head Editor Gabby Ahitow and get a Pelham High School Winter Sports round up.

Amy and Jamal host this episode as the tables get turned and we learn about Clay's new position as Executive Director of The Picture House. We learn abut the history and the vision of the cultural anchor of our Town.

Courtney Maron can best be described as a whirlwind of energy. At Julia B. Fee Realty - she brings a treasure trove of knowledge, an inspired aesthetic, and innovative resources to both buyers and sellers.

With her family's roots deeply embedded in southern Westchester for over a century, Courtney boasts an extensive network of contacts and insider information. This invaluable local connection ensures she's always in the know about the latest opportunities and trends.

Courtney is an enthusiastic participant in her community. Recently selected for the second time to co-host the Picnic in the Park fundraiser for the Pelham Picture House. She is a board member of the Friends of the Pelham Public Library, a member of the Pelham Chamber of Commerce, the Colonial School PTA, and  the Pelham Country Club. She is also the former President of the Pelhamwood Association.

When Courtney isn't exploring houses, you can spot her supporting local restaurants and businesses. She can also be found in the bleachers of hockey rinks and baseball fields, cheering on her two sons, or in her favorite spot, on her yoga mat.

In this episode we talk with MaryAnne Parent who is the Co-Chair of Brady New York 's Westchester Chapter which is a powerhouse in community education, constituent mobilization, and citizen lobbying. Our grassroots-up approach empowers communities to implement local, state, and federal initiatives to reduce gun violence with the backing of a national organization.

Mom and attorney Kristen Burke has been a Town Council member since 2019 and currently serves as the liaison for legal affairs, the courts, and the constables. Join us as we talk to Kristen and learn more about her background, her expereinces in Pelham and her work on the Town Council. We take a close look at the way the Town Council operates, how it's different from the Villages, all it oversees, and what Kristen looks forward to tackling if re-elected. 

Join us as we talk with Clive Anderson the owner and funeral director of Pelham Funeral Home and a Pelham resident for nine years. We learn about Clive's immigrant journey from Ireland to America, the early life experiences that made him want to serve his community, and how he will look to extend his service background to the Town Council if elected. 

A lifelong Westchester resident, Maura Curtin was first elected to the Pelham Town Council in 2019 and currently serves as the Town Library liaison. In this episode we talk to Maura about her family background which was a motivating factor for her to want to give back to her community, her past professional and volunteer experiences, her work as a Town Council member, and what she hopes to accomplish if she is re-elected. 

Former Village of Pelham Deputy Mayor, Trustee, and current Town Justice Adam Kagan joins us in the studio to talk about his time in Pelham, his priorities and perspective as Town Justice and what he hopes to achieve  in the court if re-elected. We learn about Adam's experience in other local government positions, what made him originally want to seek the Town Justice position, the challenges and rewards of the position, and what he hopes to achieve in the court if re-elected.

John DeChiaro has been a resident of the Town of Pelham for the past 34 years. A practicing attorney for the last 46 years, primarily as a trial and appellate litigator in local, state and federal courts. He was the presiding Justice of the Pelham Town Court for 8 years  from 2012 to 2019, where he presided over civil and criminal cases and wrote legal decisions and presided over both civil and criminal trials. Join us as we talk to John about his professional and personal background and learn why he is again seeking election for Town Justice and what he hopes to accomplish if elected. 

In her 23 years as a Pelham resident, Theresa Mohan has held a number of volunteer positions including as a Village Trustee twice (non consecutively), PTA President of the Hutchinson School, coach of various sports teams, and currently as the president of the PMHS PTA. An attorney and an adjunct professor at Fordham Law School we'll find out why Theresa is seeking to join the Village Board again, the issues that continue to be at the forefront, and what she hopes for for the future of Pelham.