Rona Boyer

When the MillbrookTrainingCenter’s original creator, Joe Parrinello, took back the reins of the facility last year after a fiercely contested battle and an agreed five-year absence from the scene, we at TMI suggested doing an article about his plans for the future. He declined, explaining that he needed time to decide whether the center was viable and promising to talk to us when his ideas were more concrete. We ran only a short piece about the change of ownership, and this week I sat down with him to get an understanding of what changes he has made and how he plans to further develop theTrainingCenter.   Parrinello was the original personal trainer in Millbrook. He began going to people’s houses to help them train at a time when “it was thought to be an activity reserved forHollywoodmovie stars.” Thirty years ago he opened his first facility in the old firehouse onReservoir Drive. “Today, almost everyone knows they need physical exercise. We no longer have to convince them,” Parrinello says. “We just have to help them find a program they can stick to.”  

On Saturday night at the Millbrook Golf and Tennis Club, the Rotarians gathered for cocktails and dinner to celebrate their 40 years of service to the community. Chaired by David Brinkerhoff, who was one of the founding members, the club inducted two new members: Philip D’Angelo Jr., formerly a Rotarian in upstate New York, who recently moved to our area to take up the position of Superintendent of the Millbrook Central Schools, and Susan Perry, a real estate agent with Houlihan & Lawrence of Millbrook. The induction of two new members enables the club to reach its goal of having 40 active members by its fortieth anniversary.

Often referred to as the Culinary Olympics, the biennial Bocuse D’Or competition held last week in Lyon, France, was a disappointment for the American team, which, while aiming at a place on the podium, came in at number seven. Francewas the victor, with Denmarkand Japanplacing second and third, respectively. During the two-day contest, teams from 24 countries competed; each team had 5 hours and 35 minutes to prepare two elaborate platters—one with seafood and one with beef.

When Vincent’s Pharmacy closed, building owner Bert Villetri called George Whalen with a mission. “I want another pharmacy, George. The village needs a pharmacy and I am willing to wait for one. Find us a pharmacy.” That is how Whalen Real Estate took on the task of luring a pharmacy toFranklin Avenue. In a smart move, Whalen contacted the pharmaceutical reps who serviced Vincent’s, and let them know that a location was available. A rep matched that information up with one of his clients who was growing and looking for new locations, and the matchmaking began. 

The new owners, Mayur Patel and Abi Patel, already have pharmacies in Fishkill andLiberty,NYas well as two others inConnecticut. As part of a large independent buying group (GNPN) they benefit from good discounts which enable them to offer prices that are competitive with the major chains. The group delivers to them six days a week so they can have most medications constantly in stock or for the unusual – obtained within a day’s notice.