Williams wows the crowd
NEWBURGH – Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, the regional planning and policy organization marked its 51st anniversary this week with a reception at Anthony’s Pier Nine in New Windsor.
Over $150,000 was raised and the hundreds in attendance were treated to conversation by Bernie Williams, the Yankees legendary center fielder who helped lead the team to four World Series titles and forged an award-winning musical career since he retired from baseball.
Williams even brought three members of his band with him and they treated the audience to a handful of jazzy musical selections including his interpretation of “Take me Out to the Ballgame.”
Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano and IBM Regional Director of Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs Sheila Appel were presented with Pattern awards, DeStefano for his role in spearheading Middletown’s downtown revival and Appel for a career supporting innovative education programs.
Supporting public education in the region is one of Pattern’s priorities and the organization donated $10,000 to the Wappingers Central School District for its nationally-recognized music program.
