WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER SETS RECORD VISITS FOR YEAR 7,017,658 VISITS! 2,098,003 VISITORS MADE 6 VISITS A DAY EVERY DAY. 63,330 UNIQUE VISITORS MADE 133,730 VISITS IN DECEMBER. WPCNR AVERAGED 17,284 VISITORS A WEEK, VISITING 31,270 TIMES. | WHITE PLAINS WESTCHESTER DAILY NEWS SERVICE VISITS SINCE 2000 A.D. 25TH YEARl REPORTING THE NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW News Service Since 2000 A.D. 2026 WILL BE OUR 26TH YEAR OF COVERING WHITE PLAINS NEW YORK USA . John F. Bailey, Editor (914) 997-1607 wpcnr@aol.com Cell: 914-673-4054. News Politics Personalities Neighborhoods Schools Finance Real Estate Commentary Reviews Policy Correspondence Poetry Philosophy Photojournalism Arts. The WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER. TELEVISION: "White Plains Week" News Roundup, 7:30 EDT FRI, 7 EDT MON & the incisive "People to Be Heard" Interview Program 8PM EDT THURS, 7 PM EDT SAT on FIOS CH 45 THROUGHOUT WESTCHESTER AND, ALTICE OPTIMUM WHITE PLAINS CH 1300 Fighting for Truth, Justice and the American Way. TOP 10 VISITORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD :1. USA. 2.BRAZIL3.VIET NAM 4. CHINA 5. JAPAN 6.UK. 7.CANADA. 8.INDIA. 9.AUSTRALIA 10.IRELAND 11.GERMANY 12..ARGENTINA 13.BANGLADESH 14.RUSSIA. 15.NEWZEALAND. 16. FRANCE. 17.MEXICO. 18.UKRAINE. 19.SOUTH AFVRICA. 20. IRAQ.

Common Council Takes Up Greico Prop/ Garage Aff Housing/ Park Issues 2Nite

Posted on February 22, 2007 by John Bailey

WPNC CITY HALL CIRCUIT. February 22, 2007: The Common Council will hold a special meeting tonight at 6 at City Hall to discuss Police Overtime, the puchase of the Greico Property on Silver Lake, the Louis Cappelli affordable housing project atop the City Center Garage, and new parking ordinance — plus hold an executive session on the possible acquisition or sale of land. The agenda:

COMMON COUNCIL AGENDA

SPECIAL MEETING

FEBRUARY 22, 2007

6:00 P.M.

RESOLUTION:

1. Communication from Commissioner of Planning in relation to the purchase of 4.5 acres of property near Silver Lake Park and known as the Grieco Property from the New York Trust for Public Land.

2. Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains expressing the Common Council’s support for the acquisition of open space within the City pursuant to the Open Space and Natural Resource Policy of the City of White Plains and authorizing the Corporation Counsel to prepare a contract for the acquisition of the open space parcel known as the Grieco Property from the New York Trust for Public Land.

DISCUSSION:

3. Application submitted by LC White Plains LLC for an amendment to a previously approved site plan of the “Development Site” known as the Air Rights Building.

4. Proposed amendment to Compensation and Leave Plan.

5. Community Development Rehabilitation – YWCA.

6. Parking: Advertising; proposed Towing Scofflaw Ordinance; proposed change to Traffic Ordinance.

7. Budget Transfer – Police Overtime.

8. Entertainment of a motion to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the proposed sale or acquisition of real property.

BOARD OF ED REPORTS ON STRATEGIC PLANNNING.

Posted on February 22, 2007 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From Michele Schoenfeld, Clerk to the Board of Education. February 22, 2007: Superintendent of Schools Mr. Connors thanked the 30 people who participated in the three-day Core Committee session last week (Jan. 25-27), to develop a blueprint for the long-range future of the district. Details will be shared in an upcoming districtwide newsletter and on the website. The community will have an opportunity to provide feedback and to serve on committees which will develop action plans and the processes to evaluate them. The result will be a comprehensive plan to be submitted to the Board for approval in November. Mr. Connors thanked Teresa Niss and Jennifer Gray for coordinating the effort.

A number of Core Committee members were present at the meeting and expressed great

excitement about the session. Some excerpts:

“I was so proud of the student participants, who were remarkably articulate, thoughtful leaders.”

“There were many different opinions but everyone worked together for what is best for our kids.”

“It was a powerful experience and I applaud the Board for making it happen.”

“It made me proud to be part of the White Plains community.”

“lt was time to give something back to the community and now I feel part of it.”

“The community needs to be patient — we won’t have answers tomorrow. Work with us….”

Skyliners–Eastern Junior Champions & Team Image Skate at the Synchro Nationals

Posted on February 22, 2007 by John Bailey

WPCNR RINKSIDE. By “Edge” Bailey. February 22, 2007: Some 70 young ladies from Westchester, Connecticut and New Jersey’s Skyliners Synchronized Skating team and Team Image from the Yonkers Figure Skating club begin competition for the National Championships in Colorado Springs today. After spending the first four days on the “front range,” adjusting to the altitude and putting together practices on the World Ice Hall, the area’s elite most team-like teams are ready to try for that one great skate at the 2007 United States Figure Skating Synchronized Skating National Championships.

2007 Eastern Synchronized Skating Champions — The Skyliners Junior team..working on their “Wheel” at Playland Ice Casino in preparation for taking the ice at the Nationals Tonight in Colorado Springs for their Technical Program. The Juniors, 1st in the Providence Eastern Championships, will be skating with 14 of synchronized skatings elite teams Thursday and Friday. Photo, WPCNR Sports

The Juniors are Champs of the East on the ice after their great skate in Providence Rhode Island at the end of January in the Eastern Championships, nosing out the amost equally excellent Icemates by a blade.

Skyliners Working their double line over and over at Playland Ice Casino last week.

The Skyliners Coach and Choreographer Josh Babb has been working the Junior team hard to fine tune their Technical and Free Skate programs to get closer to the top four teams they skated against at the Dr. Porter Classic in December in Ann Arbor, the International Qualifier in Lowell, Massachussetts and of course The Colonials. They have had extra practices and longer practices each week for the last three weeks, finishing off with 9 hours of practice last Friday and Saturday before winging to Denver and on to Colorado Springs Monday.

Skyliners Skating to Poseiden to Win in Their Last At Bat in Providence.

Executing the Spread Eagle Intersection

Waiting for the Results of their Free Skate in Providence on the SynchroTron

Skyliner Juniors kiss the Providence Ice after their Eastern win.

The Skyliners ecstatic about their first ever Gold Medal in the Junior Division, have refocused themselves in hopes they can execute two great confident skates tonight and tomorrow. There is such a fine line between a great skate and a disaster in synchronized skating where everyone has to pull together and one ice nick or a soft patch can wreck an element.

The teams are graded by the judges who have the benefit of instant replay to seewhether all skaters in a line were performing the footwork in synch, or whether one was not putting her edge down or getting that twizzle or mohawk (footwork moves) precisely right. Synchronized skating is the truest team sport there is. All skaters have to execute the same, and when they do not the deductions come and whole elements circles, intersections, lines can fail to get “called” lowering their score.

The girls traveled to “The Garden of Gods” Tuesday afternoon and enjoyed the breathtaking views of Pike’s Peak. And spent their time enjoying each other’s company and of course, practicing.

Skyliners Enjoying Brunch in Providence before their winning skate.

Celebrating their win late Saturday night in Providence. What a feeling! Those smiles say all the work is worth it.

Parents celebrate too — simply pleased that their daughters were able through their daughters’ own hard work and effort achieved the feeling of winning a prestigious championship or achievement. It does not get any better if you’re a parent — seeing your children succed on their own and achieve happiness — well it might!

Tonight the Juniors take the ice for their Technical Skate to Proud Mary — and a season of growth, achievement and pride and learning — not matter what the result will continue. Two great skates, back-to-back are their goal that they will always remember.

County Reaches Out to Prepare for Empire State Games This Summer

Posted on February 22, 2007 by John Bailey

WPCNR SPORTS. From Westchester County Department of Communications. February 22, 2007: Westchester County is gearing up for a spectacular event right in its own backyard, and you can be part of the excitement. This summer up to 6,000 amateur athletes and 15,000 spectators will pour into Westchester for the Empire State Games, the largest amateur sports competition second only to the Olympics.
The games, a multi-sport event for New York State amateur athletes now in its 30^th year, will be held for the first time in Westchester from July 25 through 29. From scorekeepers to medical personnel, more than 1,000 volunteers are needed to work at the 21 venues across the county including colleges and county parks.

“It’s really thrilling to have an event of this magnitude right here in Westchester County,’’ said County Executive Andy Spano. “It’s been two years in the making. Now that we are in the home stretch we’re calling for volunteers to help make this historic event a success. This is an ideal way for sports lovers to participate while not competing.’’
In a major outreach, the Empire State Games committee is contacting high schools, colleges, sporting associations, recreation departments and local governments to recruit volunteers. Those interested in volunteering should visit – www.empirestategameswestchester.com – the county’s special Empire State Games website where volunteers can sign up on line as well as get information about the games.

“We want to make it easy for people to get information and sign up to volunteer by using this new website,’’ said Spano. “The website also has information about the local venues, accommodations for the visiting athletes and their families, as well as online sign up forms for volunteers. The website will be continually updated. It’s the place to go for everything you want to know about the Empire State Games in Westchester.

Volunteers are needed in many different areas including:

· Media Center – volunteers to enter daily data of competition results.

· Communications Support – ham radio operators to assist with communications, work with medical personnel. Operators must have a current Technician class or higher license.

· EMT – volunteers specific for Emergency Medical Technicians.

· Medical Support – volunteers who are certified athletic trainers, student trainers, physicians and physician assistants.

· Sport Support – volunteers are needed to be timers, scorers, table help, linespeople and fill other capacities.

Volunteers who register electronically at www.empirestategameswestchester.com should follow to the volunteer link. They can also have an application mailed to them by calling 914-864-7149.

Visitors to the website can also find up-to-the minute information about the games, learn about sponsorship opportunities, sporting events and venues, opening ceremonies, local athletes (when announced), tourist accommodations and county parks and other area attractions.

Spano said bringing several thousand athletes and their families to the area in summer should boost the local economy with added business for restaurants, hotels, retail stores and entertainment and recreational venues.

In all, 31 different events, from archery to wrestling will take place at venues, including SUNY Purchase, Pace University, Manhattanville College, Iona College and Westchester Community College. Other sport locations include the Playland Ice Casino Tibbetts Brook Park, the Westchester County Center and Glen Island Park.

The games are a program of the New York State’s Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

For more information, visit the new website at www.empirestategameswestchester.com or follow the Empire State Games link on the county’s homepage at www.westchestergov.com or call 864-7000.

Disciple of Schear Sought. Nominate Advocates of Affordable Housing.

Posted on February 21, 2007 by John Bailey

WPCNR THE HOUSING NEWS. From Westchester County Department of Communications. February 21, 2007: Nominations are being accepted through March 15 for a new award to honor the late Stanley Schear, a long-time affordable housing advocate.

The award will be presented at the first annual Stanley Schear Legislative Breakfast on April 20 at the Woodlands in Ardsley by the Senior Housing and Services Coalition of the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS). Nominees can be individuals or organizations.

The coalition will also propose legislation at the breakfast regarding affordable housing and senior housing services.

Schear, who passed away last year at age 77, was the coalition’s chairman and guiding spirit for many years. The coalition has held legislative breakfasts in past years, but permanently renamed the event as another way to honor him.

Through his work with DSPS, Schear helped to bring more services and activities to senior apartment buildings. He was especially gratified that some buildings were also able to have senior service coordinators.

Schear was also a community activist who championed the needs of the homeless and fought to ban racial discrimination is housing. In addition, he founded and directed the Bridge Fund of Westchester which enabled those at risk of becoming homeless to stay in their homes.

Schear was director of the LIFE Program (Living Independently for the Frail Elderly) at Family Services of Westchester at the time of his death. Over the years, he lived in Scarsdale, Briarcliff Manor and other Westchester communities.

Co-sponsoring the breakfast with DSPS are the Westchester Non-Profit Housing Coalition, Family Services of Westchester and Woodlands Senior Housing.

Nominees for the award must have exhibited vision and action that has produced a measurable outcome in one or more of six areas: advocacy for people in need, skill building to assist in greater independence, service coordination in linking people to community resources, respectful and compassionate quality of service delivery, philanthropic achievement and coalition building.

To receive a nomination form, contact the Housing Action Council at (914) 332-4144. They must be returned by March 15.

Bradley: White Plains, local Schools Lose in Spitzer Aid Formula

Posted on February 21, 2007 by John Bailey

WPCNR’S ADAM IN ALBANY. By Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley, 89th Assembly District. February 21, 2007: Governor Spitzer presented a better budget on January 31^st than we have seen in the past. There are many highpoints in his first budget proposal – significant property tax relief, commitment to fulfilling the CFE decision and adequately staffing the Department of Environmental Conservation. However, there are some areas that are problematic in that they shortchange Westchester County. One such area is the new formula the governor’ uses to fund Westchester schools.

The governor proposed a revamped Foundation Aid formula that has some new components:

· Combines 30 existing aid programs;

· A minimum three percent increase for all districts; and

· A standard local cost of education.

I support the governor’s simplified formula but the “standard local cost of education” piece causes me concern because it includes a “regional cost factor” computation that unfairly groups Westchester with lower cost-of-living counties.

There are nine Regional Costs Indexes proposed and Westchester falls into the Hudson Valley index that includes: Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan and Ulster Counties. This is the wrong classification for Westchester County and it negatively impacts the amount of aid our schools will receive. I am advocating for Westchester to be included in the Long Island/New York City index because our cost-of-living is much more in line with the cost-of-living in these communities.

The governor proposed the following operating aid increases for the districts I represent:

School	FY 06-07	FY 07-08	% increase
Bedford	$5.71 million	$5.77 million	4.67%
Byram Hills	$3.15 million	$3.22 million	3.37%
Chappaqua	$6.29 million	$6.54 million	6.19%
Harrison	$3.79 million	$3.89 million	3.34%
Katonah-Lewisboro	$7.00 million	$7.15 million	3.70%
Valhalla	$2.80 million	$2.87 million	3.78%
White Plains City	$13.15 million	$13.36 million	2.03%

I am concerned that Westchester County schools will get shortchanged under the governor’s proposed school aid formula. The cost-of-living in Westchester is higher than Sullivan and Ulster Counties and I will fight during budget negotiations to make sure Westchester is classified properly and that its high cost-of-living is accurately accounted for in the aid formula.

Saccurato Goes for Boxings Sweet 6– 6 Titles in Arizona — on FOX Sports

Posted on February 20, 2007 by John Bailey

WPCNR RINGSIDE. From TeamSaccurato. (EDITED) February 20, 2007: White Plains Million Dollar Baby, Ann-Marie Saccurato, ranked # 1 Lightweight Woman’s champion will meet Albuquerque’s 5-8, Blonde Bomber, Holly Holm — the Boxing Preacher’s Daughter, in a world -title fight card March 22 in a Main Event from New Mexico, that will be televised on Fox Sports. Ann-Marie with a 12-1-2, 5 KO record faces the 5-8 Holly Holm, 16-1-2 — 5 KOs. You can read all about Ms. Holm’s formidable career on her website, www.hollyholm.com

Saccurato defeated Jelena Mrdjenovich in Edmonton, Alberta November 4 for the Lightweight Crown in a split-decision. She now will move up in weight class and contest Holm for the undisputed WBA Welterweight title and the Welterweight Crown of five other boxing commissions, the WBC, WIBA, IFBA, GBU and IBA. The fight is the Main Event of Destiny — the all-women’s Fight Card at the Isleta Casino in Albuquerque. Saccurato is shown here punishing Ms. Mrdjenovich November 4 in “The Pounding on the Prairie.” Photo, Courtesy Team Saccurato, by Mary Owen

“I have confidence in my training with Hector Rocca and my strength coach Juan Carlos Santana, from the Institute of Human Performance in Boca Raton. I am also taking steps to combat the change in altitude by using the Colorado Altitude Training world class altitude simulation tent at night. I am doing everything I can to be mentally and physically prepared for my destiny. I importantly hope we both can raise the skill level of women’s boxing and show the world the talent and athleticism that top women boxers possess,” Saccurato said in a statement released to the media. The fight will be televised live at 11 PM on Fox Sports “The Best Damned Sports Show” March 22.

Senior Playwright Gets Her Show Produced at Purchase College.

Posted on February 20, 2007 by John Bailey

WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From Ann Brady, Purchase College. February 20, 2007: The play But I Want Him, written and directed by senior Amy Grossman, will be presented by the Purchase College School of Humanities, Drama Studies program March 15, 16 & 17 at 8 PM in the Humanities Theatre of the Durst Family Humanities Building on the Purchase campus just a short ride from White Plains. But I Want Him is the story of a young woman who moves into an apartment with her best friend’s boyfriend and then falls in love with him. Tickets are $5 general public, and $3 for students. For more information, call 914-251-6550. Purchase College, State University of New York, is located at 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, N.Y.

You Fix the Tappan Zee. Tell DOT What You Want

Posted on February 19, 2007 by John Bailey

WPCNR MR. AND MRS. & MS. WHITE PLAINS POLL. February 19, 2007: Last week the Department of Transportation briefed the media on their six plans for the Tappan Zee Bridge. On February 27 at Purchase from 4 PM to 8 PM at Purchase College Performing Arts Center they will hold a public hearing explaining the plans to you Mr. and Mrs. and Ms. White Plains and Westchesta. But, what does the public really think about the plans? What does the public think?

For a more detailed version of the following plans proposed by the DOT, complete with diagrams, plus more than you every wanted to read about the Tappan Zee Bridge plans go to http://www.tzbsite.com/tzblibrary/stage1/aa/chapter8.pdf

Plan 1 would maintain the bridge structure and highway to avoid deterioration and complete the present I-287 bridge improvements now under way.

Plan 2 would Rehabilitate the present bridge and make it earthquake-safe, improve Metro-North and NJ Transit west of the Hudson and redesign the Tap Toll Plaza to include a three-lane highway speed toll plaza, weekend E-Z PASS PROGRAM, Ramp metering, congestion pricing.

Plan 3 would build a new bridge with two HOT lanes, 8 general purpose lanes, a pedestrian bike path between Rockland and Westchester. Transit would be improved with a Bus Rapid Transit line from Suffern to Port Chester using HOT lanes in Rockland, a barrier-separated facility in Westchester adjacent I-87 and I-287 and bus lanes on Route 119 in White Plains and Tarrytown — in addition to the toll plaza improvements.

Plan 4 adds a full Rapid rail transit line from Suffern to Port Chester with connection at the Hudson Line in Tarrytown to Manhattan. A new bridge would be built with 2 HOT lanes, 8 general purpose lanes and 2 rail tracks. Stations for the railroad wuold be built in White Plains (at County Center, Westchester Avenue).

Plan 5 — Is a variation on Plan 4 with Commuter Rail stopping at Tarrytown, and Light Rail taking over from Tarrytown to Port Chester. The Light Rail would course over Route 119 through White Plains.

Plan 6— Is as 4, but eliminates light rail through Westchester, substituting buses, and keeping commuter rail, but stopping it at Tarrytown for connection to Manhattan.

Arts Council Opens Velvet Rope on Spring Arts Season.

Posted on February 19, 2007 by John Bailey

WPCNR GALLERIES, GUESTS, GLITZ & GLAMOUR. From Westchester Arts Council. February 19, 2007: The Arts Award luncheon is the highlight of Westchester Arts Council’s spring season! Also in April, the LIVE @ the Arts Exchange series continues, the Triple Hill Music festival kicks off, and a full line up of exciting events round out the month. All events take place in the Grand Banking Room at the Westchester Arts Council’s Arts Exchange, 31 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains; at the corner of Martine Ave, unless otherwise noted. For more information call 428-4220 or visit www.westarts.com.

Nature As We See It
Photography Exhibit Through April 7

A themed showing of work by members of the Color Camera Club. Admission to the gallery is free, gallery hours are Tues.-Sat., 12-5:00 pm.

Wednesday, April 4, 7:30 p.m.

Mainstage Coffeehouse’s New Voices

A showcase of four exciting, up and coming local acoustic artists. Westchester-based performers will be considered for ten minute sets. Follow instructions at www.themainstage.org. Tickets for the performance are $15 per in advance, $20 at the door, $10 for children, members, students and seniors. To order tickets, call 428-4220 x 223.

Saturday, April 7, 7 p.m.

Runahurco with special guests Inti-Andino
Enjoy uplifting Andean traditional and contemporary acoustic music from Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia — played by exceptional musicians on strings, pan pipes, flutes and drums. Tickets for the performance are $15 per in advance, $20 at the door, $10 for children, members, students and seniors. To order tickets, call 428-4220 x 223. Made possible by a grant from the NY State Music Fund.

Wednesday, April 11, 11:30 a.m.

Arts Award Luncheon
Arts, cultural and civic leaders will salute the eleven winners of the Westchester Arts Council’s 2007 Arts Award during a luncheon at the Hilton Rye Town. The Arts Award is the Council’s most distinguished award, bestowed each year on individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the arts. Tickets and Arts Award Luncheon sponsorships are still available by calling (914) 428-4220 x 273.

Friday, April 13, 7 p.m.

Starving, Hysterical, Naked: A one-woman play

A brilliantly funny look at coming in second, amidst America’s media-inspired obsession with winning. The hit of Cherry Lane Theatre’s Alternative Play Festival. Written and performed by Kathryn Rossetter and directed by Judith Ivey. A staged reading presented with Hudson Stage Company.Tickets for the performance are $15 per in advance, $20 at the door, $10 for children, members, students and seniors. To order tickets, call 428-4220 x 223.

Saturday, April 14

Rock My Soul: The Black Legacy of Rock and Roll

Be the first to view this multimedia exhibit from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Rock My Soul examines the contributions of African-Americans in the development of rock & roll through gospel, rhythm & blues, jazz, folk and blues music. In rotunda at the Mount Vernon Public Library, 28 First Avenue Mount Vernon. Hours: Monday–Thursday, 10am to 8pm; Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm. This event is part of the Triple Hill Music Festival, a dynamic music education program designed to encourage exposure, awareness and hands-on involvement through direct interaction with musical material. The Triple Hill Music Festival is funded through a grant from the New York State Music Fund an innovative program created by the Office of the New York State Attorney General to make contemporary music of all genres more available and accessible to diverse audiences and communities within New York State. The fund was administered by the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (www.rockpa.org). Additional resources and support are generously provided by: the Westchester Arts Council, the City of Mount Vernon, Fleetwood Neighborhood Association, the Mount Vernon Public Library, Westchester Community College, Boys & Girls Clubs of Mount Vernon and the Mount Vernon Parent & Community Forum on Education.

Saturday, April 14, 8 p.m.

Rag Bahva Tal Bogh – Expressions of Rhythms and Colors of India (Part 1)

Music and dance by Satya Narayan Charka; Nalini Rau; Kantham Chatlapalli, Tappan Madak and others. A Westchester Arts Council Folk Arts event, in association with Long Island Traditions and the Westchester Indian American Cultural Association. Tickets for the performance are $15 per in advance, $20 at the door, $10 for children, members, students and seniors. To order tickets, call 428-4220 x 223. This event is made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Tuesday, April 17, 7 p.m.

Jazz Jam

Jazz Forum Arts All Star Quartet welcomes aspiring and professional musicians/singers to this open jam session. Drop by and experience jazz artists developing and sharing their craft!

Tickets for the performance are $15 per in advance, $20 at the door, $10 for children, members, students and seniors. To order tickets, call 428-4220 x 223. An affiliate partnership sponsored by the Jacob Burns Foundation.

Saturday, April 21, 7 p.m.

Mozartly Yours (Mozartement Votre)

A string quartet comedy based on a play by the French author Eric Westphal, presented with Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts. Tickets for the performance are $15 per in advance, $20 at the door, $10 for children, members, students and seniors. To order tickets, call 428-4220 x 223.

Thursday, April 26, 5:00pm-8:00pm

Grant Writing Basics: A Cornerstone to any Fundraising Organization!

Just because an organization is a not-for-profit and eligible to apply for grants doesn’t mean they’ve found the pot of gold. Having good grant writing skills is critical for organizations so they can tap into the grant world successfully. This workshop will focus on components of a full proposal, techniques for organizing a proposal, project & operating budgets (including indirect rates) and to where look for grants. Arts Council Affiliates/Associates: One free attendee per workshop, additional attendees $10 per person per workshop, non-affiliates: $15 per person per workshop. RSVP 914-428-4220 x238 or cbruno@westarts.com.

Given by: Waddy Thompson, author of Complete Idiot’s Guide to Grant Writing.

Friday, April 27, 8 p.m.

New Dance Downtown – Choreography Showcase

Featured works by Patrick Corbin (Paul Taylor Company), Jessica DiMauro, and special guests. Presented with Steffi Nossen School of Dance. Tickets for the performance are $15 per in advance, $20 at the door, $10 for children, members, students and seniors. To order tickets, call 428-4220 x 223.

Saturday, April 28, 11a.m. – 5 p.m.

Rag Bahva Tal Bogh – Expressions of Rhythms and Colors of India (Part 2)

A fun day of participatory workshops in a range of arts, from dance to cooking to mendhi. A Westchester Arts Council Folk Arts event, in association with Long Island Traditions and the Westchester Indian American Cultural Association. Tickets for the performance are $15 per in advance, $20 at the door, $10 for children, members, students and seniors. To order tickets, call 428-4220 x 223. This event is made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.