Connie Milstein and Heart’s Delight

Back in May, Heart’s Delight held their 11th annual Vintner’s Dinner at the elegant Jefferson Hotel in Washington, D.C. Connie Milstein was on hand as the event Chairwoman. Ms. Milstein’s interest and dedication to research into heart disease goes back to Connie’s first paid job working for the Heart Association of North Carolina.

Connie Milstein Throws Book Bash For Former PM Brown

Former Prime Minister of England, Gordon Brown, was welcomed with a festive book premiere by Connie Milstein last Saturday at her Washington D.C. Jefferson Hotel. The party was sponsored by Ms. Milstein along with her husband J.C. de La Haye St. Hilaire and with additional help from her friends Ted Greenberg and Tammy Haddad.

Gordon Brown is promoting his new book “Beyond the Crash: Overcoming the First Crisis of Globalization” across the world.

View the following video and hear some introductory remarks from Connie Milstein and a discussion of some of the ideas in ex prime minister Brown's book.

Connie Milstein Attends Mark Twain Award Event

This photo was taken at the Mark Twain Award event at Kennedy Center. In the picture are Susan Sher, Ted Greenberg and Connie Milstein.

Connie Milstein Sings with Mary Wilson

Connie Milstein, Chairman of the Humpty Dumpty Institute hosted Ms. Mary Wilson of the Supremes at an event in New York in 2008. This is a photo of Ms. Milstein joining Mary Wilson in song.

Connie Milstein Supporter of NYU Development

The School of Arts and Science at New York University has been adding creative programming to its curriculum, and Connie Milstein, alumnus, trustee and friend of NYU has been behind much of the new creative energy.

NYU students who want to experience the exciting political, cultural and intellectual life in our country’s capital now have a permanent home from which to do it. The Constance Milstein and Family Academic Center in Washington, D.C. gives NYU students a chance to experience the heartbeat of America from the very center from which it emanates.

Back in New York, freshman entering NYU’s School of Arts and Science will participate in the Collegiate Seminar Program, which was launched in 2007, where they will be challenged intellectually and supported academically. Connie Milstein was the force behind this innovative program which partners students with mentors who will see them through until the conclusion of their undergraduate careers.

Academic excellence is continuously improving and developing at NYU, with encouragement, creative energy and help from Connie Milstein.

Land Mine Removal Video

This is a video which demonstrates the importance of land mine removal. The Humpty Dumpty Institute with co-founder Connie Milstein is an organization which works tirelessly towards this goal.

Connie Milstein Supports Small Family Farmers of New York

In 2007, Connie Milstein, chairman of the Humpty Dumpty Institute (HDI), provided a $125,000 grant to the Farmers Market Federation of New York. 25,000 food stamps were distributed to residents of upstate NY, in hopes of increasing their purchases of fresh, locally grown produce. This program not only encouraged more purchases of fruits and vegetables, it also benefitted small family farmers of New York.

HDI is an organization which focuses on solving difficult humanitarian problems around the world. Currently, it is working to identify and eliminate UXOs (unexploded ordinances) and mines that remain hidden around the world, as well as to alleviate international and domestic hunger.

'Mushrooms with a Mission'

A few months ago, the Humpty Dumpty Institute, co-founded by Connie Milstein, began its new program, titled Mushrooms with a Mission. This project focuses on vulnerable families in central Vietnam, teaching them how to become mushroom farmers. The institute chose mushrooms because they are an easy, cheap, and low tech product to grow. The program is intended for landmine and UXO (unexploded ordinances) victims only, and so HDI chose a crop that even amputees could manage easily.

HDI is providing an automatic market for their mushroom farmers, having promised to buy as many mushrooms as they can grow. The mushrooms will be dried, packed and sold to many markets in Vietnam, and hopefully to neighboring countries, and, in the future, even worldwide.

All proceeds from the sales made by HDI will be donated towards removing landmines and UXOs in Vietnam and its surrounding areas.

The Spa Experience at The Jefferson Hotel: Connie Milstein

Recently reopened after a two year restoration, The Jefferson Hotel in Washington D.C. is receiving enormous accolades. With the two year renovation by Ogden CAP Properties, LLC with Connie Milstein, the hotel, today, offers 99 rooms, a spa, and so much more.

The Jefferson Spa includes a large menu of massages, facials and body treatments. The body treatments actually use herbs and botanicals grown in Monticello’s gardens and specialize in vinotherapies that reflect Thomas Jefferson’s passion for wine.

In addition, they have manicure and pedicure services, a hairstyle salon, vintage-styled barber chairs for men, and extremely high quality products.

In addition to the spa, customers will find a 24 hour fitness room with a vast selection of cardio equipment, exercise mats, jump ropes and medicine balls.

Groundbreaking and Construction of Constance Milstein and Family Academic Center

Following various speeches at the groundbreaking for the Constance Milstein and Family Academic Center (NYUDC), the symbolic groundbreaking took place. This comprised hardhats and shovels using the purple NYU torch. Work on constructing the 75,000 square foot 12-story building is scheduled to start soon and will have dorms on the upper floors to house 125 students. It will be perfect for those doing courses in journalism, economics, history and politics as will come with an internship in the city of Washington, DC. But the fun continued after the groundbreaking with the VIPs assembling at the St. Regis Hotel along with around 400 guests (mainly alumni) for food and wine. Following a brief introduction (requesting further donations for the new construction), Connie Milstein, who donated a generous $10 million to the project, talked about the “need for an NYU campus in the nation’s capital and echoed the evening’s excitement about NYU’s global push. ‘[Sexton’s] vision of the ‘global network university’ is no doubt one of the most brilliant ideas of our time,’ she said.”

Properties at Ogden CAP Properties, LLC

Connie Milstein takes an interest in all properties on the market at Ogden CAP Properties, LLC, the company she co-founded. One such impressive property there is located at One Lincoln Plaza, 20 West 64th Street, NYC, and truly is the ultimate in luxury while being extremely centrally located, spitting distance from Central Park and across Lincoln Center. It really provides “the best of New York at your fingertips,” for those seeking relaxed living in the hubbub of New York City’s culture. You will find cleverly-planned residences here boasting aesthetic-pleasing parquet floors, insulated windows and huge closets as well as personalized air-conditioning systems and controlled heating. For the gourmet cook the kitchen will appeal and the top quality appliances will make anyone’s life easier. Relax at the end of a long day in a huge tub and don’t forget to enjoy the New York view during the day and at night time – in the city that never sleeps.

Be Part of the CURE in Boston

In recent news, Boston will see its first benefit for CURE, the volunteer-based organization founded by mothers of children with epilepsy. On Friday, October 15, 2010, the first annual Boston Benefit for CURE will take place at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts.

The guest speaker will be Pulitzer Prize-winning author and presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. Dinner chairs include Anne Finucane, Mike Barnicle and Susan Axelrod. Certainly, board members such as Connie Milstein support the efforts of CURE to create these fundraising events and to tirelessly work for a cure for epilepsy.

Recent News at Blue Star Families

Bloggers from around America recently got together in New York for the annual BlogHer convention. Blue Star Families also participated in the event. This is not the first BlogHer that has taken place and it was a very exciting event, like it has been in previous years. It was the Blue Star Museums event planned at the Museum of Modern Art during the BlogHer convention that seemed to be very popular amongst participants. Some of the attendees included: Kate Marsh Lord from The Shopping Mama, Maggie Christ from Magpie Musings, Cynthia Samuels from Don't Gel Too Soon and Devra Renner of Parentopia. Connie Milstein firmly believes in the importance of military service while supporting the families of the soldiers engaging in this vital service. She sees it as a way to give back to a country that has given her so much.

Milstein Family Supports Advanced Cardiac Care at New Health Center

With the help of the generous contribution of 50 million dollars from the Vivian and Seymour Milstein family, the most advanced cardiac care is now available to patients at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia Medical Center. January 2010 ushered in a new chapter in the history of cardiac care when the Vivian and Seymour Milstein Family Heart Center opened its doors to patients and their families.

The gift bestowed on the Center is one of the most generous in the history of the hospital, and it allowed the hospital to build one of the most advanced cardiac care facilities in the United States, and the world. Featured at this unique health center are advanced diagnostic technology and treatments which are generally less invasive, more accurate, and allow patients to heal more quickly and with fewer complications.

Herbert Pardes, president and CEO of New York-Presbyterian explained:
“As we open the doors to the Vivian and Seymour Milstein Family Heart Center, we look at the future of heart care, with advanced inpatient and outpatient care, including new minimally invasive treatment options, available together under one roof. This building honors the longstanding vision and support of the Vivian and Seymour Milstein family and signals a unique hospital setting where heart patients have access to the very best care, delivered with compassion in a comfortable and family-friendly environment."

State of the Heart: Cutting Edge Cardiac Care at Milstein Family Health Center

January, 2010 witnessed the dawning of a new level of cardiac care in the New York City metropolitan area with the opening of the Vivian and Seymour Milstein Family Heart Center. Connie Milstein has long been a supporter of improved health care through her involvement as a hospital trustee at New York-Presbyterian since the year 2000. Connie Milstein’s father, Seymour Milstein began his association with New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center in the 1950s. He served as chairman of the board for 7 years, from 1989 until 1996.

Today New York-Presbyterian can boast a state-of-the-art advanced care cardiac center in a six-floor, 142,000-square-foot building which was designed with the input and advice of teams of specialists in cardiac care alongside world class architects Pei Cobb Freed and da Silva.

Jefferson Hotel Renovations with Ogden CAP Properties and Connie Milstein

During this past year, Ogden CAP Properties with Principal and Co-Founder Connie Milstein worked tirelessly to renovated the Jefferson Hotel in Washington, D.C. The renovation included all 99 suites and guest rooms and all public spaces. Plume, one of the city's finest destination restaurants was also created and introduced onto the scene.

In addition, the renovations included a lounge with outdoor terrace for cigars and cognacs and intimate meeting spaces. Completely new to the Jefferson are three expansive specialty suites, an exclusive spa and a well-equipped fitness room.

New Epilepsy Research

The CURE website features a fascinating article about a recent study. This article explains that researchers found that deep brain stimulation reduces the frequency of partial epileptic seizures in patients who don’t respond well to medications. The study was conducted by Robert Fisher, MD, PhD of Stanford University and his colleagues.

Certainly, this information is exciting news for supporters of CURE such as CURE President Susan Axelrod and board members Barbara Kelly, Connie Milstein and others.

Connie Milstein & Foundation Sweet Success

As part of her efforts at Connie’s Bakery and General Store, Connie Milstein has created Foundation Sweet Success. The foundation is the giving vehicle for the Bakery and General Store, which offers 100% of its after-tax profits to support charitable organizations.

Each year, Connie Milstein and Foundation Sweet Success select six non-profit organizations to be Connie’s charitable partners. The funds from the foundation are divided equally among these organizations, and these six non-profits are promoted at Connie’s stores and on the website.

Certainly, Foundation Sweet Success accepts donations beyond the purchases made at the bakery and retail store. In addition, if you have a non-profit organization that you’d like to be included in the Foundation Sweet Success, you can apply for consideration through the bakery website.

Building Renovations

The Ganesvoort Park Avenue South, New York, NY, has recently undergone some incredible renovations. Rather than totally modernize the entire joint though, the hotel has gone a bit retro. Sporting a pool table from the 1950s within a feel of 1970s decadence, these developments make for quite an interesting visual.

Jefferson Hotel: Renovations by Connie Milstein

The recently renovated Jefferson Hotel is an exquisite location in Washington, D.C. to enjoy for dinner, for their spa services, and for an overnight stay. Renovated by Connie Milstein and her firm, Ogden CAP Properties, this lovely location is breathtaking to see and enjoy.

On July 7^th, 2010, they are hosting a five-course dinner prepared by Plume’s Executive Chef Damon Gordon. The amazing fare will be complemented by wine pairings from the Palmina and Brewer-Clifton wineries.

Chrystal and Steve Clifton, the owners and winemakers of Palmina look forward to joining the Jefferson for this delightful evening. Spaces have been limited to 20 guests in order to ensure an intimate gathering.

Ford’s Theatre Upcoming Line-Up

The Ford’s Theatre recently announced its upcoming schedule for the 2010-2011 season. While there are many new and exciting productions planned for the Theatre, where Connie Milstein is on the board, other ongoing activities will continue as usual.

For instance, the popular daytime one-act production One Destiny by Richard Helleson will continue from October 12 through 30, 2010 and April 4 to May 28, 2011. Furthermore, the History on Foot walking tours A Free Black Woman: Elizabeth Keckly and Investigation: Detective McDevitt will be available from September to October 2010. Investigation: Detective McDevitt will resume in the spring from March-August 2011; A Free Black Woman: Elizabeth Keckly will run April-August 2011.

Certainly, this provides a wealth of entertainment for anyone who has the pleasure of coming to the Ford’s Theatre.

Linda Resnick, Connie Milstein & Others Raising Epilepsy Awareness

Author Linda Resnick recently published an article on HuffingtonPost.com that urges people to pay more attention to the need for epilepsy research and cures. She explains that a huge number of people in the world have active epilepsy, comprising nearly 1% of the world’s population, but that most people still don’t like to talk about this disease.

She was recently invited to lead a brainstorming session on how to overcome this stigma. She was invited by representatives of The American Epilepsy Society, The Epilepsy Foundation, CURE where Connie Milstein is on the board, and other esteemed organizations.

She wrote, “ It is my hope that this initial work will be the first small step in creating a wide-reaching campaign, one similar in scope and effectiveness to those conducted by breast cancer and prostate cancer research. It is only by educating society on epilepsy that we will dispel the mystery surrounding it.”

Connie Milstein and Blue Star Families

Board member of Blue Star Families Connie Milstein works hard to support the military and their families. Thus the recent launch of the Blue Star Museums Program is close to her heart. Such an endeavor that will benefit so many families who work so hard for the country’s military – either directly (by serving) or indirectly (by being the family to whom the soldier comes home) – should be close to the heart of all caring Americans.

Washington Museums Program

So what this program will mean is that soldiers and their families will be given free access to over 600 nationwide museums throughout the summer months, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This program has joined forces with the National Endowment for the Arts to make it happen, along with support from the Defense Department which will be engaging in the project’s promotional side. What’s great about it is that many of the country’s really prestigious museums are participating, including New York’s Museum of Modern Art. As well, the Defense Department is helping to promote the offer, and Roth-Douquet said some military bases may coordinate bus trips.

Connie Milstein Directing $10 Million Towards NYU Project

Students from NYU will soon have an incredible new opportunity. As part of the semester-long study abroad program offered through the University, students will be able to spend their time in Washington D.C. Connie Milstein, who led the reconstruction of the Jefferson Hotel last year, has directed $10 million towards the creation of the extension campus.

The new location, at northwest L Street will include a 12 story building with a 75,000 square foot center for lecture halls, seminar rooms and dormitories for 125 students.

Connie Milstein explains what drives her towards this project. "I used to think New York was the capital of the world but being in D.C. will give these students a totally different view of the United States and its position in the world," she says. "It's an important place to teach students how the government works and the history of the U.S., not to mention opportunities for internships, which will allow them to understand the political system and get exposure to a much larger global network."

Connie Milstein Salutes President Obama at Inaguration

In January of 2009, the new president of the United States, Barak Obama, was inaugurated into office. To celebrate this event Connie Milstein had her unique store, Connie's Bakery and General Store, send 20,000 delicious brownies to add something really special to an already special occasion.

The brownies made their appearance at eight different inaugural events, one of them the Day of Service event in which 10,000 brownies appeared at RFK Stadium. Each and every brownie was wrapped in red, white and blue with a sticker saying, "Congratulations President Obama!"

These brownies are really something that Connie Milstein can be proud of. As the assistant pastry chef Jaimie Jeffrey described said, "Our brownies are extraordinary.They’re nice and fudgy and soft. Mmmm.”

Connie Milstein Offers Sweet Treats to Eat

Up in Mt. Kisco, north of New York City in what is known to New Yorkers as "Upstate" is an amazing shop where all the proceeds from your purchases go to charity, the employees are earning decent wages, apprentices are being given the tools to make a living in a respected and fulfilling profession, and perhaps best of all, the products are top-notch, high-quality and beyond delicious.

So what is this amazing place I am referring to? It is none other than Connie's Bakery and General Store, the brainchild of Connie Milstein, philanthropist and real estate broker. At Connie's Bakery every purchase you make goes towards either an organization or an individual who is in need of a helping hand. Enjoy such luscious treats as homemade brownies, old-fashioned cookies, ginger snaps, lemon coolers and much, much more.

And not only is your money going to great causes, but all the ingredients are healthy and wholesome, like your grandma used to use. And whenever possible the ingredients are purchased from local farms, and other supplies from local businesses, upholding the philosophy of keeping business in the community to support and strengthen the community in which one lives, works and learns.

Connie's Bakery, one of the many successful endeavors of Connie Milstein, is a treat in so many different and important ways. Come visit and see what we mean.

Connie Milstein's Great Idea

Connie Milstein came up with such a great idea, that it seems to have really worked. What idea is that? To create a store where all the earnings are dedicated to helping organizations and charitable foundations, and where the people working there are treated with dignity and paid liveable wages, and a store where apprentices receive training so that one day they themselves can also be gainfully employed in a dignified profession. This is the idea behind Connie Milstein's special project, Connie's Bakery and General Store.

First established at the end of 2006 in Mt. Kisco, New York, by Connie Milstein, this beautiful store full of wonderful and delicious treats not only delights the sense of taste, but also delights the sense of justice and kindness as well. When purchases are made at Connie's, customers know that they are helping many people all at the same time.

First, there are those organizations which benefit from the money raised through the purchases people make at Connie's Bakery. Then, the employees themselves who are being paid wages on which it is possible to live dignified lives. Third, there is an apprenticeship program in which otherwise unemployed and untrained individuals can get the training and experience they need to lead productive and fulfilling lives in a rewarding and dignified profession.

Connie Milstein's good idea has turned into a great achievement.

Katie Curic Special Guest at CURE Annual Dinner

CURE, Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy, was thrilled to be celebrating unprecedented media exposure recently. On Friday, April 16, 2010, they had their annual dinner in Chicago with special guest Katie Couric. This renowned journalist from CBS Evening News and 60 Minutes brought important media attention to this incredibly worthy cause.

Certainly, CURE President Susan Axelrod and Board Members including Jeanne H. Donalty, Thomas F. Hynes, Connie Milstein and others enjoyed sharing in this exciting night.

Connie Milstein International Council Member of Belfer Center

The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, where Connie Milstein was, until recently, an International Council Member, has a dual mission.

1. At the intersection of science, technology and environmental policy the Belfer Center provides leadership in international policy-relevant knowledge which is of critical concern to international security.

2. Prepare for the future by educating the next generation of leaders in these crucial issues.

Researchers at the Kennedy School of Government’s Belfer Center not only conduct their research but also develop policy which is new and innovative. The fellows and faculty of the Center develop their prescriptions for policy reform from their analysis of global challenges such as nuclear proliferation to terrorism to climate change and energy usage policy.

NSO Board Member Connie Milstein

Connie Milstein serves on the Board of Advisors of the National Symphony Orchestra.

The NSO was created in 1931 and performs today at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.

Due to its proximity to affairs of national interest the NSO frequently participates in events which have both national as well as international importance. These performances can include performing for ceremonial state affairs, presidential inaugurations and other official holiday celebrations.

There are exactly 100 musicians in the NSO, and during their 52-week season they perform in about 175 concerts per year. In addition to their concerts which vary from classical subscription series to pop concerts, they are also engaged in extensive educational programming. Reaching out to young people from pre-school to high school, small groups of NSO members develop educational programs which collectively present up to 100 additional performances a year.

It is an honor and a privilege for Connie Milstein to be on the Board of Advisors of such an important, active and exciting endeavor as the National Symphony Orchestra.

Connie Milstein Awarded Medal at NYU Commencement

Connie Milstein is a graduate of New York University. She is now serving as a Trustee there, and in 2009 Mrs. Milstein was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the College of Arts and Science in recognition of her outstanding professional achievements.

This year “The Albert Gallatin Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Society” was presented to Connie Milstein in March for her work as a lawyer, entrepreneur and philanthropist at the Commencement Exercises for the 2010 graduating class of New York University.

The well-known actor and alumnus of NYU, Alec Baldwin spoke at the 2010 Commencement Exercises, which are the 178th for NYU and which took place at Yankee Stadium. Alec Baldwin was one of the co-hosts of the 2010 Academy Awards ceremony, and he is a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Baldwin himself will be honored at the commencement ceremony with a Doctor of Fine Arts Degree, honoris causa.

Dining, Drinking & Auctioning for the Heart

The American Heart Association is thrilled to announce the 2010 Chairman of their Heart’s Delight three day program. This year, Connie Milstein will be the chair of this mega event. Certainly, she has proven herself to be dedicated to heart research and has, most recently, been the driving force behind the creation of the Vivian and Seymour Milstein Family Heart Center at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Heart’s Delight is a premier destination event where people can enjoy master winemaking and amazing culinary treasures, while raising money for heart research. This year’s three day program will take place from Thursday, May 6^th 2010 through Saturday May 8^th.

On Thursday there will be a Private Dinner Series in embassies, restaurants and private homes in Washington D.C. Friday will include a Vintners Dinner. The program culminates on Saturday with wine tastings, food classes, a silent auction, a live auction and more.

Connie Milstein at Opening of New Heart Center

Already well known for its excellent medical facility, the prestigious New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center has opened the Vivian and Seymour Milstein Family Heart Center. This incredible, cutting-edge facility will help NY Presbyterian remain one of the leading facilities for cardiac care in the country; rated among the top ten in the United States by U.S. News and World Report, and the number one hospital for cardiac care in New York. NY Presbyterian has one of the lowest mortality rates for patients who have been diagnosed with heart failure or with heart attacks. The hospital also does more heart transplants than any other in the United States.

Connie Milstein represented her family at the opening ceremony for the new, six story, 142,000 square foot building, for which they donated $50 million of the $260 million needed for construction or the building and outfitting it in the most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly way possible.

Connie Milstein & The Blue Star Families

In addition to her many philanthropic activities, Connie Milstein now adds one more. She has recently joined the Board of Directors of the Blue Star Families. Blue Star Families does an amazing amount of work in support of military personnel and their families. The Blue Star Families’ chapters get together to offer support and friendship to each other. They also receive all sorts of equipment and toys for their bases and units, helping those who are serving America to do so better, while enriching the lives of their family members.

Connie will bring a unique perspective to the Blue Star Families’ team with her vast philanthropic knowledge and experience and her business acumen.

Charitable Support from Connie’s Bakery & General Store

Certainly, if you’ve ever been to Connie’s Bakery & General Store, owned by Connie Milstein, then you know that you can find delicious food and baked goods. What you might not know is that 100% of the after-tax profits go to 6 charitable organizations that Connie selects each year. These organizations receive Connie Milstein’s financial support, and are also promoted at the store and on the website. Three of the organizations to receive Connie’s Bakery & General Store support at the moment include:

The Food Bank of the Hudson Valley – This non-for-profit organization collects large donations of unmarketable but still edible food and distributes it to nearly 370 member agencies in six counties in the Hudson Valley.

Visiting Nurse Association of Hudson Valley – This not-for-profit organization provides home health care in the Westchester Community to those who need services, regardless of their ability to pay.

Veteran’s Hospital of Castle Point – This hospital in New York offers a large array of services to veterans who have served their country.

Recent Breakthrough in Epilepsy Research

Recently, two researchers offered an exciting breakthrough for epilepsy research. The two researchers who had grants from CURE, where Connie Milstein is on the Board, included Daniela Kaufer, PhD from the University of California at Berkeley and Alon Friedman, MD, PhD from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel.

Together, these researchers have shown that the drugs known as TGF-beta blockers have prevented epilepsy in rats who experience brain injuries. Should these findings be confirmed in humans, it would mean that the TGF-beta blockers could prevent many cases of epilepsy which occur in accident victims, in soldiers leaving war zones and more.

Their findings have been made possible by the CURE’s program, Prevention of Epilepsy after Traumatic Brain Injury, in partnership with the United States Army Medical Research and Material Command. Now in its third year, this research is intended to look at the impact that traumatic brain injuries have on epilepsy and to develop intervention and treatments against this outcome.

Blue Star Families Lend Support to Soldiers

One of the most recent projects led by the Blue Star Families is the Operation Appreciation program. The Blue Star Families Military Life Issues Survey found overwhelmingly (94%) that the public doesn’t understand or fully appreciate what the military is doing each day and the sacrifices they are making.

Blue Star Families, including Board of Directors member Connie Milstein, started “Operation Appreciate” to express gratitude to those in the field. This initiative invites community members to write letters of support to the military families. The person sending the card can send it to the parent, spouse or child of a military member, or to a veteran in the armed services.

This is a perfect activity for schools, Cub Scout and Brownie troupes, and more. It is a great opportunity to let military people know that others are thinking of them and appreciating the work that they are doing for America.

New Heart Center Offers “State-of-the-Art Care”

The latest addition to excellent health care in New York City has opened its doors as of February 1st, 2010. The Vivian and Seymour Milstein Family Heart Center will begin offering cutting-edge cardiac care within the New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center’s prestigious walls. Designed by the internationally renowned architectural firm of Pei Cobb Freed & Partners in conjunction with daSilva Architects, this 260 million dollar, 142,000 square foot, 6 floor facility will be able to give the best care possible to cardiac patients and others with related conditions.

Fifty million dollars of the cost was donated by the Milstein Family, which has a long history of service and support for the hospital. Connie Milstein, daughter of Seymour and Vivian, has been actively involved on several committees at the medical center, including the Quality and Performance Improvement Committee. The donation represents one of the largest single donations in New York Presbyterian Hospital’s history, and will go far to create one of the most outstanding cardiac facilities in the country, and even the world.

Susan Axelrod on the 60 Minutes Segment

Hear from CURE Epilepsy founder Susan Axelrod, and the many supporters of this organization, including Connie Milstein about the recent 60 Minutes segment.

CURE Reaches Its 2009 Goals

As 2009 came to a close, CURE raced to raise $250,000. They were thrilled to not only raise this amount, but to surpass their goals as the year ended. This money will go to fund another Challenge Grant for the coming year, which will be named the Friends for the Cure Award. The extra money will, hopefully, fund yet another research project.

President Susan Axelrod, newest Board Member Connie Milstein, and many others were thrilled with the fundraising efforts they saw in 2009. They hope to continue to publicize the needs of those with epilepsy in 2010 and they hope to continue to fight epilepsy in the coming decade.

A Great Upcoming Production

The City Parks Foundation is excited, as 2010 begins, to announce that Three will be coming to the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park. A compilation of the classic fairy tales, “Three Three Little Pigs,” “Three Billy Goats Gruff,” and “The Three Bears,” this is an hysterically funny and enjoyable production.

Written by Jeff Borkin, a children’s TV writer and Emmy winner, the show includes original music and marionettes that are made by master pupetter Addis Williams. The show will run from January 12, 2012 to June 25, 2010.

This is one of the many performances and activities that the City Parks Foundation offers. The Board of Directors include Andrew Tisch and Jean Troubh, and the many trustees include Connie Milstein, James Abadie and others.