Astor News
Donors Give 1,000+ Children & Families a Brighter Holiday Season
January 2012
More than 1,000 children and families had a brighter holiday season thanks to the many individuals, schools, youth groups, churches and businesses who played "Santa" through Astor Services for Children & Families' 2011 Adopt-A-Family and Holiday Programs. The support of our generous donors helped to make the holidays warm and merry for some of Astor's neediest children and families.
The community showed its support once again, in so many ways: gifts were collected from workplace toy drives and churches. Many companies and individuals adopted families or children and donated toys, home goods, and other items. Well over 1,500 children and parents had a brighter holiday season this year due to the tremendous outpouring of care and generosity.
Board Co-Chair Ann Armater "Woman of the Year" Award Winner
November 2011
Astor Congratulates Board Co-Chair Ann K. Armater on her being named "Woman of the Year" by the American Association of University Women
The Poughkeepsie branch of the American Association of University Women honored Ann K. Armater as the 2011 Woman of the Year at a luncheon Saturday at the Villa Borghese.
Armater is the founding executive director of the Foundation for Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie and the vice president for development for Health Quest.
Armater, a development officer with 30 years’ experience, began her career as a professional fundraiserwith United Way of Tri-State. She lives in Poughkeepsie with her husband, Ray, and their three daughters, Elizabeth, Olivia and Madeline.
To read this story on the Poughkeepsie Journal click here
Visit American Association of University Women's Website HERE
Astor Wins Dutchess Business Excellence Award
October 18, 2011
Brendan Sullivan, Astor Services director of admissions and
consumer relations, talks with students Devon, 9, and
Maya, 11, this month in the library at the Rhinebeck campus.
We are proud to announce that Astor Services For Children & Families is the winner of the Business Excellence Award for nonprofits by the Dutchess County Economic Development Corp.
James McGuirk, Executive Director and CEO, explains Astor's mission: "From our beginning, our founders have been committed to providing a level of care and treatment and education to those people who typically have not had the support or who have lived on the fringes, or kids who have suffered from emotional or behavioral difficulties. We've always been committed to excellence."
Read a Poughkeepsie Journal article about Astor's award HERE
"Read-In" for Children at the Lawrence F. Hickey Center
October 13, 2011
Astor Host's "Read-In" for Children at the Lawrence F. Hickey Center for Child Development in the Bronx.
On Thursday, October 13th, Astor hosted a fun "Read-In" for Children at the Lawrence F. Hickey Center for Child Development with Sen. Ruth Hassell-Thompson (D), who represents the 36th Senatorial District; Greg N.I.C.E., celebrated Hip Hop wordsmith and pioneer rapper; Sean Hennessey, CBS 2 News; and Magee Hickey, PIX 11. It was a great day and the children enjoyed the books that were read and the performances.
View a VIDEO and comments from event participants
Support ADHD Awareness Week
October 16-22, 2011
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a serious public health issue. Nearly every mainstream medical, psychological, and educational organization in the United States has concluded that it is a real, brain-based medical disorder and that children and adults with ADHD benefit from appropriate treatment.
Support ADHD Awareness Week by learning-and sharing-the facts:
- ADHD is real. ADHD is a common, nondiscriminatory disorder.
- Diagnosing ADHD is a complex process.
- Other mental health conditions often occur along with ADHD.
- ADHD is not benign.
- ADHD is nobody's fault.
- ADHD treatment is multifaceted.
Jan Weido 1951-2011
October 1, 2011
Astor Mourns the loss of Jan Weido
It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of a very important member of the Astor Community - Jan Weido - on October 1, 2011.
Jan was an asset and important figure to Astor in many ways, and especially to the Residential Programs. He was the head of Recreation for the Residential Programs and an Astor employee for 25 years. Jan embodied the core values of Astor and was always striving to do what was best for the kids.
He will be missed.
James McGuirk,
Ph.D.Executive Director/CEO
Astor Services For Children & Families
Find Jan's obituary in the Poughkeepsie Journal HERE
Ground Breaking for Construction of New Children's Residence
September 14, 2011
Astor Services for Children & Families broke ground September 13, 2011 for the construction of its new Residential Treatment Facility.
According to Jim McGuirk, Ph.D., Executive Director/CEO, Astor Services for Children & Families, "We are delighted to have the opportunity to build new living quarters for the 20 children in our RTF Program. The current living spaces in our historic Rhinebeck location have been retrofitted over the past 50 years and are no longer fully meeting the needs of the children."
photo ©Joel Weisbrod
Residential Treatment Program Reaches Out To Families
August 2011
Astor has expanded the section of our website dealing with our Residential Treatment Facilities and our school, the Astor Learning Center.
photo ©Joel Weisbrod
"The need for residential treatment services is large, but finding the right place for your child is very difficult. We've expanded the coverage of our Residential Programs to make it easier for families in need to find out more about all that Astor has to offer."
says Brendan Sullivan, Director of Admissions & Consumer Relations for Astor's Residential Programs.
Visit our expanded website section to learn more about Astor's Residential Treatment Programs and Astor Learning Center school facilities.
Astor's Head Start Program Benefits from Rachel's Generosity
June 2011
Rachel Krumholtz, a student at Dutchess Day School, decided that instead of gifts for her eighth birthday party, she would ask her friends to bring books to be donated to other children who might be less fortunate. Rachel chose the children at Astor's Head Start program in Poughkeepsie to be the recipients of her generosity. Head Start is a federally-funded program for children from low-income families.
On June 17th, Rachel and her mother, Pramila, visited the school and donated over 40 books!
13th Annual Stenberg Cup Golf Tournament A Success
June 2011
Several children from our Residential Programs, who have been taking golf lessons from Ivar Zirnis, PGA Teaching Professional, came out to hit some balls during our 13th Annual Stenberg Cup at Trump National! They had a great day helping with the putting contest and practicing on the driving range.
A great time was had by all who attended the Tournament. Thank you to all of our supporters!
Click here to see more pictures.
Special thanks to our 13th Annual Stenberg Golf Tournament Sponsors:
- Hole-in-One Sponsor: Kirchhoff-Consigli Construction Management
- Breakfast Sponsor: Corbally, Gartland & Rappleyea, LLP
- Media Sponsor: Clear Channel of the Hudson Valley
Auction Winners Enjoy Lunch with Magee Hickey
May 2011
During Astor's Cabaret fundraising event on May 21st, Kim Billelo and her daughter, Nicole, won the auction item "Lunch with Magee Hickey."
On June 16th, Kim and Nicole had lunch with Magee at Vivolo in NYC where an enjoyable time was had by all!
"She is the nicest person," says Kim!
Magee is indeed! After talking about her dog Sonia during lunch, Magee invited Kim and Nicole to her apartment to meet her!
New York Road Runners Club Sponsors Astor Mighty Milers
May 2011
A group of Astor's students and staff from the Shakespeare School/PS199x in the Bronx have been participating in the Mighty Milers program sponsored by the New York Road Runners Club. In as little as 15 minutes a day, Mighty Milers gives kids the opportunity and encouragement to get moving, release energy, improve their fitness and health, set and strive for individual goals, and bond with their schoolmates.
On Sunday May 15th, a group of Astor's Mighty Milers were invited to the New York Road Runners Youth Jamboree at the Icahn stadium on Randall's Island.
Magee Hickey & Co. Sing Out for Astor LF Hickey Center
Photo © Joel Weisbrod
Magee Hickey, CBS 2 News Reporter, Hosted a Cabaret to Benefit Astor's
Lawrence F. Hickey Center
May 2011
On Saturday, May 14th, Magee Hickey, daughter of Lawrence F. Hickey and Reporter for CBS 2 News, along with her newscaster colleagues from New York's television stations, two of her siblings, and other special guests, sang in a Cabaret to an audience of over 200 to raise funds for Astor's Lawrence F. Hickey Center for Child Development in the Bronx.
On this wonderful afternoon, guests had the opprotunity to meet Ms. Hickey and the reporters at a lovely reception following the performance.
» Get complete details and view a slideshow HERE
Assemblyman Molinaro Honored at Fundraising Reception
May 2011
Astor held its fundraising reception: "Swing Into Spring," on Thursday, May 5th at the Millbrook Winery in Millbrook, NY, where Assemblyman Marcus Molinaro was honored with the Louise Marillac Public Service Award, an award named for a woman who spent much of her life serving the public.
"I would like to congratulate Assemblyman Marcus Molinaro for all the work he does on behalf of children and families in the community. While in the county legislature, he was one of the important advocates in our early efforts to improve the systems of care for infants, toddlers and their families and has continued this support during his time in the assembly," said Dr. James McGuirk, Astor Executive Director/CEO.
Photo © Joel Weisbrod
» Read full details and see a slideshow HERE
Dutchess Head Start and Early Head Start Accepting Applications
May 10, 2010
Astor's Early Head Start and Head Start programs in Dutchess County are now accepting applications.
Head Start is a federally-funded program for children from low-income families. It is a preschool developmental program of early childhood education and ancillary services including health (i.e., physical, dental and mental), nutrition, and social services, including extensive parental involvement and participation.
For more information please contact the Center near you:
For center locations and contact information, CLICK HERE
National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day
May 2011
May is National Mental Health Month
May 3rd is SAMHSA's National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day.
SAMHSA's "Caring for Every Child's Mental Health" public awareness effort was created in 1994 with the mission of increasing awareness of children's mental health issues.
Astor continues to bring awareness to children's mental health issues. This month we are focusing on the urgent issue of Teen Suicide Prevention.
Learn how you can help...
Astor Website Adds a "Volunteer News" Page
May 2011
Astor's programs are under serious financial pressures due to cut backs in government funding, and donations of time and talent are more important than ever.
Thankfully, Astor has a large and varied group of generous and caring volunteers who help us in countless ways!
We've created a new "Volunteer News" page to highlight some of their efforts, and to allow us to express our thanks to them.
Please visit our "Volunteer News" page to learn more, and check back frequently to keep up with their great work.
Two examples from Spring 2011 which you'll find on our new web page are:
Remembering Former Board Member Larry F. Hickey
April 1, 2011
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Larry F. Hickey on Monday, March 28th. Mr. Hickey was on the Board of Directors from 1981 until 2004, and a benefactor of Astor. Mr. Hickey was instrumental in assisting Astor in acquiring the Little Red School House from the City of New York for our Early Childhood Program in the Bronx. The program was named the Lawrence F. Hickey Center for Child Development in his honor. Mr Hickey was a generous humanitarian, giving of his time and many talents. He was committed to ensuring the world become a better place for children and their families. He received many honors throughout his life for efforts on behalf of the poor and disabled including the Serena Branson Award from Astor Services for Children & Families.
Married for almost 56 years, Mr. Hickey’s wife, Jean passed away in August 2007. They resided in Manhattan where he and Jean raised their four children, Elizabeth, Frank, Magee and Jane; and were the proud grandparents of 11 grandchildren.
The staff and children at the Lawrence F. Hickey Center celebrated Mr. Hickey’s life on Monday, April 11th. His birthday, March 31st, was declared Mr. Hickey Day and his legacy will forever live on through the children and families we serve!
Yvette Bairan Receives Certification in Healthcare Compliance (CHC)
November 4, 2010
Astor's Own Yvette Bairan Achieves National Certification
Yvette Bairan, Corporate Compliance Analyst, received her Certification in Healthcare Compliance (CHC). A Certified Healthcare Compliance is a national certification developed by the Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA) through its Compliance Certification Board. The CHC is a professional with knowledge of relevant regulations and expertise in compliance processes sufficient to assist the healthcare industry to understand and address legal obligations, and promote organizational integrity through the operation of effective compliance programs.
The Health Care Compliance Association established the Compliance Certification Board (CCB) in 1999 to complete the process of developing an examination and assumed responsibility for managing the certification program. The exam is extremely complex because it requires a very broad understanding of the healthcare industry and its focus is not on factual knowledge but on how that knowledge would be effectively applied. In the nation, there are approximately 2,300 CHCs. Congratulations Yvette!!
Dr. Jamila Codrington Receives ABPsi Bobby E. Wright Award
October 8, 2010
Congratulations to Astor's Own Dr. Jamila Codrington, the 2010-2011 recipient of the Bobby E. Wright Award
Dr. Codrington has been named the winner of this year's Bobby E. Wright Award, given annually by the The Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi). Dr. Codrington is the Immediate Past President of the ABPsi's New York Chapter. The Wright Award is given to an individual who demonstrates "commitment to community service and uplift as exemplified in the life's work of the late Bobby E. Wright".
Dr. Codrington received the award in recognition of "her indefatigable energy and clear vision ... conven[ing] culturally aligned disaster response training [for] service providers who organized trips to Haiti after the earth quake". The ABPsi continues: "Dr. Codrington assisted in the inter-generational transmission of leadership through her co-coordination of multiple events", and praises her as a "visionary" in her "work as a psychologist, organizer, and activist".
Dr. Codrington is a staff psychologist at the Astor Child Guidance Center, Tilden Street, Bronx, NY.
Astor Opens New Mental Health Clinic in the Bronx
October 1, 2010
Astor's New Children's Mental Health Center "Astor at Highbridge"
Astor Services For Children & Families celebrated the opening of its new Astor Children's Mental Health Center, "Astor at Highbridge", with a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremnoy at 1419 Shakespeare Avenue, Bronx, NY.
Photo ©Gerald Peart
Our full coverage begins HERE
Astor Dutchess Clinics now offering Walk-In First Appointment
September 21, 2010
On July 12, 2010, Astor's Dutchess County Outpatient Clinics (Counseling Centers) implemented the "Open Access" model of clinical care which gives clients immediate, same day access to their first session without the need to make an appointment. First time clients who would like to be seen at these Centers can walk-in between the hours of 9 am and 2 pm, Monday - Friday.
Astor's Counseling Services provide outpatient counseling, psychiatric and case management services to children and adolescents (ages 2-21) and their families.
"In our Dutchess Clinics, when patients scheduled their first appointment with the counseling centers it was taking between two weeks to two months to be scheduled. Open Access has virtually eliminated the waiting and allows us to respond more rapidly to our clients while allowing our clinicians to spend more face-to-face time counseling," said Konstantinos (Gus) Tsoubris, Ph.D., Associate Executive Director, Astor Hudson Valley Community-Based Behavioral Health & Prevention Programs.
Read more details in this Press Release
Astor Celebrates Annual Children's Awards Day
June 25, 2010
Astor Services for Children & Families Residential Treatment Programs in Rhinebeck and its award winning special education school, The Astor Learning Center, held its Annual Children's Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 24, 2010.
The Awards Ceremony celebrated the achievements of all the children in
the Residential Programs by honoring each child with an award. Awards were presented for achievement in academics, music, art and athletics, as well as improvement in social skills.
Astor Receives $25k Grant from the Countess Moira Foundation
June 2010
Astor Services for Children & Families received a $25,000 grant from the Countess Moira Foundation to support expansion of its Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Training and a Family Fun Day for Astor's programs in the Bronx.
"Parent Child Interaction Therapy is a proven parent-child treatment program that assists parents by giving them the tools to work with their children with behavioral problems (aggression, non-compliance, defiance and temper tantrums)," says Joan DiBlasi, Ph.D., Assistant Executive Director, Astor Bronx Community-Based Behavioral Health & Prevention Programs.
Astor Receives $25k Grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
April 2010
Astor Services for Children & Families has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek, Michigan that will support improvements to the delivery of services to children, ages zero to five, and their families in Dutchess County.
"Our implementation of Lean Six Sigma throughout the agency has resulted in increased efficiencies and improved communication. We have been able to successfully use a manufacturing process improvement model to help people," says James McGuirk, Ph.D., Executive Director/CEO, Astor Services for Children & Families. "...the grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation will allow Astor to bring this proven methodology to the community to directly impact the children and families."
More information is available HERE
Astor Offers A New Series Of Workshops For Youths
April 30, 2010
Training and career guidance workshops are being offered at Astor's Middletown location in Orange County.
Astor has initiated a series of System of Care Weekly Workshops, designed to find young adults' strengths and help guide them toward appropriate careers. Workshops will offer Career Orientation as well as Independent Living Skills topics.
This program is being spear-headed by Astor's Anne Marie Beekman, who obtained a grant to help get it off the ground.
Learn more about the workshops HERE.
NY Archbishop Dolan Visits Astor
December 31, 2009
Archbishop Timothy Dolan visited Astor's Lawrence F. Hickey Center for Child Development in the Bronx.
During the visit, Archbishop Dolan visited all five classrooms where he met and played with the children.
"Thank you for the love and care you show to God's little children,"
said archbisop Dolan.
Read the full story and view a video and slideshow HERE.
Holiday Events Ring In The Season At Astor
December 2009
The Annual St. Nick's Craft Fair and Sugar Plum Preview events featured good cheer and beautiful crafts, all benefiting the children at Astor.
Even in hard times, Astor's holiday fundraising events were a success thanks to our many friends.
View a slideshow of the St. Nick's Craft Fair 2009.
View a slideshow of the Sugar Plum Preview event.
Astor Opens a New School in Poughkeepsie
November 2009
Astor's Dutchess County School Age Day Treatment Program opens at Mt. Carmel School.
Over 100 people were in attendance for the open house, ribbon cutting, and tour of Astor's new facility in the former Mt. Carmel School.
Congressman Maurice Hinchey addressing the audience
This program gives children the chance to thrive in a traditional school environment with the intensive support they need to overcome behavioral challenges. When children and adolescents graduate, they can re-enter public school and transition to their appropriate school placement.
View slideshow and read the complete story...
More Stories
Annual Assessment Finds Across-The-Board Improvements
October 2009
Astor's latest agency-wide client assessment has found significant improvements in all areas.
In our ongoing effort to improve services, all clinical programs in the Agency continue to assess clients at admission, annually and at discharge. The measurements provide a structured assessment of children and caregivers on dimensions considered key in treatment planning. Individual scores are used to influence client-specific treatment planning, while aggregate data are used for program evaluation.
We are proud to say that in the past year, our data show that clients agency-wide exhibited significant improvements in all areas of assessment.
To learn more, CLICK HERE
Astor Celebrates New Name with Ribbon Cutting
October 1, 2009
Astor Services for Children & Families held a ribbon cutting celebration in honor of our new name and logo on Thursday, September 17 at 12:00 p.m. at our Rhinebeck, NY location. The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Rhinebeck Area Chamber of Commerce joined the celebration, and a great time was had by all!
Astor Board Chair Larry Weisberg addresses the crowd as Dr. James McGuirk, Executive Director/CEO of Astor Services for Children & Families looks on!
Astor Honored With First Ever AMHF Stefan de Schill Award
September 2009
Astor Services for Children & Families is the first recipient of the Stefan de Schill Award, presented by the American Mental Health Foundation (AMHF).
The award is given to exceptional organizations and individuals working in the spirit of AMHF, and honors the life-work of Dr. Stefan de Schill, AMHF Director from 1948 to his death in 2005.
"We are delighted to present the first American Mental Health Foundation, Stefan de Schill Award, to Astor in recognition of their work on behalf of the welfare of young people suffering with emotional problems and their loving families. For more than 55 years, Astor has worked in the spirit of the American Mental Health Foundation," says Evander Lomke, President and Executive Director, American Mental Health Foundation.
Click to read the complete story...
Joint Commission Spotlights Astor Again
August 2009
The Joint Commission has once again featured Astor in its publication "Benchmark", this time as a case study in performance improvement.
In its September/October issue of "Benchmark", The Joint commission singled out Astor for its success at utilizing state-of-the-art methods for improving efficiency and performance. They write:
"Using Lean/Six Sigma, Astor improved the efficiency of its hiring process and enhanced communication regarding hiring throughout the organization. Staff became more familiar with Lean/Six Sigma methodology and the benefits of using such an approach."
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Astor Is All Over The Map
August 2009
The Astor website now includes new Google maps to help our clients find our many locations.
Our detailed maps pinpoint all of our locations, both in the Hudson Valley and in the Bronx. These maps will make finding our locations and their contact information much easier for our clients and other visitors.
They also make dramatically clear just how very far Astor's services extend! We list eleven different locations in the Bronx alone, and over 25 locations in the Hudson Valley!
Please take a look at the maps HERE!
Hudson Valley Renegades Pitch In for Astor
August 2009
Astor Services for Children & Families teamed up for the first time with the Hudson Valley Renegades on Monday July 30th to benefit Astor's Hudson Valley Community-Based Behavioral Health and Prevention Services.
In an event called "Dollar Days," the Renegades offered $1 general admission to Monday's 7:05p game against the Staten Island Yankees. Attendees were asked to donate new sports equipment for children in Astor's Hudson Valley programs.
Hickey Center Chosen as Recipient of Deloitte Impact Day Efforts
July 2009
The Lawrence F. Hickey Center for Child Development in the Bronx was selected by global financial services company Deloitte as a recipient to partake in their annual IMPACT DAY that took place on Friday, June 5, 2009.
IMPACT DAY is Deloitte's company-wide volunteer day. Each year they reach out to numerous non-profit agencies throughout New York City and Westchester hoping to make a positive impact on the local community. The Hickey Center was one of this year's recipients. Deloitte volunteers worked on a landscaping project to beautify the center's tricycle path.
Slideshow and complete story...
Astor Head Start Programs Receive 100% Marks
July 2009
In the latest federal review of Astor's Head Start programs, our programs were found to be in 100% compliance!
Our Head Start Annual Report for 2007/2008 details these and other accomplishments. It also provides interesting information about how parents and teachers view our programs.
Read our 2007-2008 Head Start Annual Report.
Stenberg Cup Golf Tournament Benefits Astor
July 2009
Astor held its 11th Annual Stenberg Cup Golf Tournament on Wednesday, June 23. The event was a great success, and the weather made for a beautiful day on the course!
The fun-filled day included 18 holes of golf, barbeque lunch, cocktails with hors d’oeurves, and a live auction. Guests enjoyed the contests, beautiful course, and great food.
View a slideshow of event photos and read more HERE.
Astor Celebrates Name Change at 8th Annual Benefit Dinner
May 2009
The Astor Home For Children has changed its name to Astor Services For Children & Families. We made this exciting announcement and unveiled our new name and logo, the product of a year long re-branding process, at our 8th Annual Dinner, which took place on May 1, 2009 at Locust Grove, Samuel Morse Estate in Poughkeepsie, NY. Thank you to all of our friends and supporters who joined us on this memorable occasion.
Our new name is a better representation of the programs and services we provide to a changing and diverse client base.
Read more about our name change and annual dinner .
Astor and DCRCOC Host Successful Breakfast
March 11, 2009
The Astor Home for Children and Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted its Sixth Annual Public Policy Breakfast on March 3, 2009 at the Poughkeepsie Grand. Over 100 business and community leaders from around the Hudson Valley attended. The keynote speaker was Dr. Sandra Bloom, Board-Certified psychiatrist. She addressed the topic, "Does Childhood Matter to Adults?"
Click here for more on Dr. Bloom!
Astor Kicks Off 2009 Sponsorship Campaign
The Astor Home for Children is running their 2009 Sponsorship Campaign. The monies raised will help replace the heating system which is over 70 years old at our Rhinebeck, NY location. The heating system which serves 75 children and staff in the Residential programs, will be replaced with one that is more energy efficient and reliable. In addition, Astor will realize a tremendous savings for years to come! Your donation can help make this possible!
For more information, contact Stephanie Habich at 845-871-1171.
Shout Out to Astor's New Chairman and Board Members
Congratulations to our new chairman, Larry Weisberg!
Upon his appointment, Weisberg said:
"It's an honor to work with my fellow board members to support the dedicated staff at Astor. The wonderful work that Astor does with children and families helps make our communities stronger."
For more on Larry Weisberg, click here!
Astor would also like to welcome new board members:
Vincent Cozzolino
Kevin Hamilton
James Raimo
Virginia Sibbison
It Was Indeed a Happy Holiday for Astor Children and Families
January 2009
More than 1,000 children and families were "adopted" out in The Astor Home for Children's "Adopt a Family" program. There was an outpouring of interest from many, in a time of economic uncertainty. Individuals, organizations, schools and businesses helped to make the season brighter for those less fortunate and for that, we thank you!
For more news, see our
Feature Stories Archive
Astor "In-The-News" Page
"Volunteer News" Page
Astor Press Releases
Newsletters and Annual Reports
Click here for Astor's on line events calendar
