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That was back in 1954, 60 years ago if you're keeping count. To celebrate its 60th anniversary celebration on Monday, April 28, Cross County held a 50's themed networking party featuring some of Westchester's most prominent dignitaries and business leaders.
Attendees had the opportunity to take photographs with an Elvis impersonator and a 50's bombshell in a red 1954 Mercury convertible, owned by Barry and Michelle Gelber of Mahopac.
A time capsule baring the shopping center's logo was also filled with items representative of today's economy and pop culture to be unearthed in 15 years at the 75th anniversary.
The celebration had a sweet ending, featuring a cake fashioned in the likeness of a Cross County shopping back, designed by none other than Buddy Valastro, Cake Boss of TLC fame.
Claude Chandonnet, executive vice president for the center's owners, Brooks Shopping Centers, LLC, said "It's exciting for all of us to celebrate such a milestone with all of our friends and partners in the community. It's important to us that we leave a lasting legacy in Yonkers and Westchester."
As part of that legacy, Chandonnet presented a check for $2,500 to Ellen Lynch, Director of the Food Bank of Westchester on behalf of the shopping center.
Mayor Mike Spano described Cross County as a place of tradition within the lives of Yonkers residents.
"I know Cross County as a place that, very early on, my parents took me," he said. "As I grew older, occasionally when I was teenager, I got to hang out here. As I've gotten older, I now shop here and drop off my teenage son. It's a traditional part of our daily lives."
He added, "It continues to make history today as one of the most vibrant and vital retail centers in the New York metro area. Yonkers is fortunate to have Cross County call our city its home."
Deputy County Executive Kevin Plunkett spoke about the economic benefits of the center, saying it contributes to the $1.7 billion worth of revenue the county makes from tourism alone.
Both the Mayor and the Deputy County Executive presented Chandonnet and other representatives with proclamations declaring April 28, 2014 as Cross County Shopping Center Recognition Day.
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