Our grandson Maxwell just had his 2nd birthday party with all of his friends.  Max loves animals.  Our daughter takes him to the Stamford Farm and Nature Center every week.  He loves the farm animals.  So what a perfect place to have a party with his cousins and all his friends.  Here is is enjoying the baby goat. Mom and Dad hold him up for everyone to sing happy birthday.All of this excitement for him.  His first big party and he had a blast.  After a long weekend of relatives and friends Mom and Dad were very tired.  I think they will need a week to recover. 04/05/2022

It is finally happening--live networking in the New York Area at the Stamford Chamber of CommerceThe Stamford Chamber represents Stamford Connecticut and Fairfield County. I am a member of this chamber as I am also a member of the Business Council of Westchester.  Between these organizations most of the large and small businesses north of New York City have voice and representation.I have been a long time coming and the current Connecticut State rules are being observed but getting back to a real networking cocktail hour is certainly good news.If you missed this one, don't worry.  There will be more to come.If you are looking to make your Westchester NY or Fairfield CT business thrive please contact me. Grant SchneiderPerformance Development Strategies914-953-4458 05/11/2021

The Stamford Nature Center in Stamford Connecticut is a great destination for families.  It is an easy drive without the crowd of going to the Zoo in the Bronx in New York City.  This really is a hidden gem.Our daughter lives 20 minutes from us in Stamford.  She was looking for places to educate and entertain grandson Maxwell.The official name is The Stamford Museum and Nature Center. There are many activities available. Upcoming Spring of the Farm - During the Sundays in May they will be offering fun and games of a mini-festival into a single admission price.  This include enhanced programming, and fun seasonal offerings to delight the whole family until 2 pm. April Features Take a Hike Week - There are small group hikes, family challenges, and outdoor self-guided activities. All progr... 04/27/2021

One of the downsides of this pandemic is being able to share family events such as birthdays.  Even more so when it is the birth of your first grandchild.  Our daughter Ashley and Son in Law Tom gave birth to son Maxwell Thomas Gang on April 14, 2020.Although we are only 20 minutes away from their home we visited from a distance until now.  After staying in quarantine for 14 days we arrived at their home on Sunday and are staying in place there for several weeks.  Meet GrandmaAnd GrandpaWe are staying for two weeks and our other daughter Lindsay is here with us.  I am making the dinners and we are all taking turns helping with the baby.  My son in law Tom is working on his job upstairs, I am in the dining room, and daughter Lindsay is working downstairs.  We are all staying in place alo... 05/05/2020

Upon receiving an IRS or State Tax Agency Tax Notice, immediately call Chemrick at 203-722-9244 for a free consultation to discuss the facts and circumstances of your tax situation and the steps required to expeditiously resolve your tax problem. Where your tax issue is complicated or you lack the time to resolve the tax problem or the appetite to deal with the tax authorities, we shall also discuss how we can use our expertise and resources to ably represent you before the IRS and State Tax Agency.The keys to a successful tax relief of your tax problems (Tax Lien; IRS Bank Levies, 941 Payroll Tax Liabilities, Wage Garnishments, Delinquent Tax Returns or IRS Audits) are obtaining the latest taxpayer information, promptness in responding to the tax authorities, robust preparation and rel... 11/17/2019

After Phyllis and I returned from Florida we decided to use our Freedom Boat Club reciprical membership and go boating on Long Island Sound.  We embarked from Stamford Connecticut Harbor.We set out for the north shore of Long Island.  It was a choppy windy day but the boat handled very well and we came to the north shore of Long Island at Northport.  This is such a beautiful area.  I used to work near here when I lived on Long Island.  Here are some shots from my iPhone.  This has been a rainy summer but still an enjoyable one.  Monday is Labor Day and Fall effectively begins. If you are looking to make your Westchester NY or Fairfield CT business thrive please contact me. Grant SchneiderPerformance Development Strategies914-953-4458   08/27/2019

Renovated 5 Bedroom Home with In-law Suite on 1 Acre Property close to everything.SOLD An amazing expanded colonial has created a living space that embraces the open floor plan concept with a beautifully remodeled chefs kitchen that opens to a wide open family room with direct access to the back deck and yard space. The kitchen has been completed with very tasteful finishes that complement the character of the home. Just beyond the family room is a den and potential guest bedroom with full bath. This space was designed to have an extra living space for out of town guests, or an in-law situation. The benefits of the rear expansion of the home really shows on the second story with nicely sized bedrooms, all complete with custom California Closet inserts, along with a full master suite. Th... 07/25/2019

$430,000 Stamford home for Sale in a Million Dollar Neighborhood. ~ Connecticut.SOLDAmazing opportunity to purchase a gem of a home with tremendous potential to renovate or build new on this scenic park like acre of land on a dead end street. Million dollar homes on the street and this low price point opens the door for any buyer to make the most of their investment. The basement has high ceilings and a walk out into the private back yard. The main level has potential for an open floor plan with a master bath and generously sized bedrooms. A ranch home perfect to clean up and enjoy for one level living with plenty of open floor space to make this an incredible home.14 Cow Path Drive, Stamford, Ct, 06902https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/14-Cow-Path-Dr_Stamford_CT_06902_M4... 07/25/2019

Tomorrow evening, June 19, 2019, the Stamford Connecticut Chamber of Commerce will host a Lobsterfest. Great Food & Fun! Enjoy A 1 1/2 lb. Lobster Steamers ~ Mussels Corn ~ Potatoes WatermelonThis will be great fun.  In addition to great food, free boat rides will be given in the Stamford Harbor.  If you are looking to make your Westchester NY or Fairfield CT business thrive please contact me. Grant SchneiderPerformance Development Strategies914-953-4458    06/18/2019

Now that I have your attention, the next Stamford Chamber of Commerce event will teach you to become a black belt networker.  Interested?Next Wednesday, January 23rd, we will be treated to a presentation on "Rainmaking through Networking." To most people networking means going to a networking event, talking to a lot of people, and collecting cards. This is not effective networking!  The speaker, Scott Nevins, will teach those vital skills and make you a “black belt networker.”TOPICS PRESENTED:What is Effective Networking? - Where Do You Network? - Networking Basics - Why You? - Networking Preparation - Entering a Room - The Networking Conversation - The Exit - Accountability - Tips and Take AwaysHere are the details:Date and Time: Wednesday, January 23rd  11:30am to 1:00pmLocation:     ... 01/15/2019

The Stamford Chamber of Commerce will be holding its annual holiday luncheon next Thursday, December 13th.This will be a very festive occasion at the Blackstones Steakhouse in downtown Stamford Connecticut.  It is a great way to renew business relationships and to enjoy the holidays in the atmosphere of a beautiful restaurant.The Stamford Chamber has undergone a leadership change with the retirement of Jack Condon and it is also a good time to see what's new.You can register nowDate and Time: December 13, 2018  11:30am to 1:00pmLocation:           Blackstones Steakhouse                          101 Broad Street, Stamford, CT                          Preregistered members $40  Walk In and Non Member $45  If you are looking to make your Westchester NY or Fairfield CT business thrive pleas... 12/04/2018

The Stamford Connecticut Chamber of Commerce and Serendipity Labs co working space are teaming up to present a seminar on office and co working technology.This is very timely since many of us are accustomed to working on the fly and having our working files and devices at our fingertips.  Serednipity Labs has co working spaces in Fairfield County Connecticut and Westchester County New York.Here are just some of the things which will be covered: Learn which sync and share solution is best for your organization and workflow. What if you have a disgruntled employee, is you company data at risk? How do you choose the right vendor? Share large files and documents securely. Utilize technology for real-time document collaboration. Here are the details:Date and Time: Thursday, October 11, 2018 ... 10/02/2018

If you missed Beat the Heat last week that is still another chance for Westchester and Fairfield businesses to have another shot.Next Tuesday night, July 24, 2018, The Stamford Chamber of Commerce will hold Cocktails and Conversations Summer Party.This event will be sponsored by Prime Kitchen and Bar and Half Full Brewery.Here are the Details:Date and Time:   Tuesday, July 24th, 5:00pm to 7:00pmLocation:            Prime. 78 Southfield Ave, Stamford, CT  Registration:       Pre-Registered Members $25,  Non Members and Walk Ins $30The price of admission includes Appetizers and one complimentary cocktail.   If you are looking to make your Westchester NY or Fairfield CT business thrive please contact me. Grant SchneiderPerformance Development Strategies914-953-4458 07/17/2018

Many of us volunteer our time for causes.  I like to volunteer my expertise to non profit organizations in my area.  It turns out that my next door neighbor in Armonk is Executive Director for The Women's Mentoring Network in Stamford Connecticut.Today I spoke to a group of women with a lunch and learn.  It was a diverse group and included different educational background and some looking for a job or a better job and some others who wanted to start their own business.My host asked me to talk about the Elevator statement.  I did this and tied it in with networking and having a positive attitude.One point I always make: Your opening line should invite a question.  For example, to the question what do you do you could say, "I am a civil engineer."  But much better, "I help city managers s... 05/15/2018

Home Improvement Cost vs Value 2018.The annual Remodeling 2018 Cost vs Value Report is now out and on line. The report compares the average cost for 21 popular remodeling projects in 149 markets with the value those projects retain at resale in 100 US markets. The comparisons are broken up into 3 categories ~ National ~ to view report click ~ http://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2018/ Regional ~ East North Central, East South Central, Middle Atlantic, Mountain, New England, Pacific, South Atlantic, West North Central and West South Central.City ~ one to multiple areas per state depending on size. There are 3 cities in Connecticut ~ Bridgeport, Hartford and New Haven. National Top 10 Projects Regional New England Top 5 Projects. NOTE ON GREEN AND ENERGY EFFICIENT IMPROVMENTS ~ When... 02/22/2018

The Stamford Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest chambers in Fairfield County Connecticut.  As a business owner in neighboring Westchester County NY I find many valuable relationships are formed between the two counties.  The Stamford Chamber is having its first Networking Lunch for the new year on Thursday, January 18th.Here are the details:Date and Time: Thursday, January 18, 2018   11:30am to 1pmLocation: Dinosaur BBQ                  845 Canal Street                  Stamford, CT                  $20 for members pre registered                  $25 for non members and walkins Information provided by Grant Schneider, Performance Development Strategies Would you like to know how to make your local business thrive? Contact us  or call 914-953-4458 01/10/2018

I am thankful for so many things but most of all I am happy to be able to celebrate with family and friends.My daughter Ashley and son in law Tom entertained all of us with Thanksgiving in their first home in Stamford, CT.They hosted 16 adults and 2 children of family, siblings, and in laws.  We all brought something.  It is wonderful to share all of our favorite foods.  In addition to stuffing and mashed potatoes I brought my home made German Pfeffernüsse cookies and Springerle cookies.It was hard to get everyone into this picture.  A growing extended family.  I am thankful for our growing family. 11/23/2017

The focus of our practice is on civil and criminal tax controversy, and we are often asked to defend taxpayers under IRS examination. One of the areas focused on by the IRS are the expenses claimed by taxpayers against their income. Taxpayers need to understand that they have to carry the burden of showing they are entitled to a deduction claimed on their tax return.Whether taxpayers live in Stamford, Connecticut, New York city or elsewhere, a significant hurdle faced by taxpayers with tax issues involves providing enough documentation to substantiate claimed expenses, deductions, and various other tax attributes. Some recent tax court decisions provide examples of how lack of substantiation can impact a taxpayer’s liabilities to the IRS.On November 22, 2016, the U.S. Tax Court issued T... 12/04/2016

The demand for electricians in the United States has risen in the past few years. Employment of electricians is expected to grow 23 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. U.S. News and World Report ranked "Electrician" as #3 in Best Construction Jobs. So why is so difficult to find an electrician for hire?First, to become an electrician one needs training, an apprenticeship, and finally, a license. When looking to hire additional electricians, we hone in on those applicants that have customer service experience, are hard working and responsible, and have the skills to be a great electrician. The time we put into training an apprentice can be a big commitment. The payoff is having a group of employees that you can trust to send out on any job, and are abl... 08/29/2016

Beautiful Springdale Condo with 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathsWelcome to "Springdale", what the New York Times calls "A Small Town in. High-Rise City"! This spacious, bright, end unit awaits you! Gleaming hardwood floors, bright and open space and maximum storage is available in this special home. Updates throughout, including a new water heater (2014), washer and dryer (2016), and new flooring in the lower level (2014). The lower level offers a semi-private living area for older children, guests or an au-pair with a private entrance and full bathroom. This is one of the few units with two car garage- deeded. Walk to the train station and walk into Grand Central with 53 minutes. Convenient to shopping and public transportation.Kimberly Tapscott The Kimberly Tapscott Team 2777 Summer Street S... 07/26/2016