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PLAYLAND AMERICA’S AMUSEMENT PARK SINCE 1928 OPENS MAY 18 FOR 2024 SEASON
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Playland, the historic amusement park and waterfront destination, recently announced the opening date for the 2024 season.
WELCOME BACK OLD FRIEND! (WPCNR ARCHIVE PHOTO)
The park will re-open for families on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
This iconic location is home to stunning panoramic views of the Long Island Sound. This has been a family favorite destination since 1928.
Here, you’ll find a range of offerings such as recreation, leisure, dining options, shopping, and entertainment. This includes entertaining and family-friendly shows at the park’s entry plaza, a serene lake with paddle boats, a spacious zero-depth entry pool, and access to the beach.
Additionally, families will find over 1.5 miles of public boardwalk, scenic walking paths, a fishing pier, various dining establishments, fun events, and activities all year-long. Some entertainment options include weekly fireworks, live music, interactive stories, a pirate show, and much more.
This year, Playland introduces new offerings and activations. This includes new rides such as Jack the Puppeteer, new games, new dining experiences with the debut of the fast casual Burger Barn, and so much more. Additionally, they can enjoy over 50 rides and attractions.
Playland is also introducing a Season Parking Pass for $45 at https://playland.com/tickets. For guests interested in an inclusive summer of endless memories, the “2024 All Access Season Pass” gives unlimited admission to the amusement park’s rides and attractions, pool, beach, lake paddle boats, parking, and 10% off select products – available only at $150 for a one-time cost.
All of Playland’s hours for the coming season is available on https://playland.com/plan-your-visit/park-calendar/
Saturday, May 18th and Sunday, May 19th, the park is open from 11 am to 9 pm. Same with Memorial Day weekend.
You’ll see the hours of the park in June on the website too.
We’ll announce more details on the opening festivities.
MAY 7–WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER SIGNS LEGISLATION TO ENHANCE SENIOR CITIZEN PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS
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(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County Executive George Latimer signed into law legislation aimed at bolstering Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemptions. This move expands eligibility criteria by excluding social security income from the adjusted gross income calculation for benefits.
Latimer said: “This legislation marks a step towards ensuring our senior citizens receive the support they deserve. By excluding social security income from the calculation, we are providing substantial relief to seniors on fixed incomes, enabling them to better manage their expenses and maintain their homes. It’s crucial that we prioritize the well-being of our elderly residents, and this adjustment reflects our commitment to their financial security and comfort.”
The legislation, which was recently passed unanimously by the County Board of Legislators, aims to alleviate financial strain among senior citizens, empowering them to age in place with dignity and ease.
Department of Senior Programs and Services Commissioner Mae Carpenter said: “Enhancing senior citizen property tax exemptions is a vital aspect of supporting our aging population. This adjustment not only provides much-needed financial relief but also reinforces our dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive community for all residents.”
May 7: 67 YEARS AGO THIS NIGHT IN 1957: FATE STALKED THE GREAT HERB SCORE AS IT STALKS EACH OF US. MR. SCORE SHOWED US HOW TO DEAL WITH FATE
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WPCNR VIEW FROM THE UPPER DECK. By “Bull Allen” May 7, 2024:
It was a sultry night in Cleveland’s Municipal Stadium 1957 with baseball’s hottest pitching talent scheduled to pitch against the New York Yankees. I will never forget this night.
I was listening to the game on WINS which carried the Yankees that year and Herb Score was on the mound for the Tribe.
He was smoke. As a rookie he went 16-10 in 1955 as a rookie southpaw, fanning 245 batters in 227 innings pitched, a strikeout an inning, and 20-9 in 1956, striking out 263 in 249 innings. His fastball was overpowering, curve devastating, changeup you were never ready for. He was first pitcher in major league history to average a strikeout an inning. His 245 strikeouts as a rookie was broken by Dwight Gooden of the Mets.
Score’s pitching motion was electric, compact and swift, landing on both feet ready to field.
As an 12 year old I was tuned in as the baseball season had just been 3 weeks old. I like to think it was Mel Allen at the mike. Score got the first Yankee hitter, then Gil McDougald stepped to the plate. McDougald lined a pitch right back at Score that hit him in the face, squarely in the eye.
McDougald said he heard the thud of the ball he had hit as it struck Score in the face, saw the blood streaming out. McDougald started to go to the mound, shattered by what his hit had done.
Score was 24 at the time with a great future in baseball. But in an instant, his career was shattered. He took the mound again in 1958, but was not nearly as effective. Never winning more than 9 games in one year. ,
The reason Score said was that he tore a tendon in his arm while pitching on a damp night against the Washington Senators and sat out the rest of the season.
In 1959, he had shifted his pitching motion in a bid to avoid another, similar injury. “The reason my motion changed”, Score told the author of The Curse of Rocky Colavito, “was because I hurt my elbow, and I overcompensated for it and ended up with some bad habits.”
He stayed with the game he loved though, returning as play-by-play man for the Tribe (Cleveland Indians).
In 1964 he became a broadcaster for the Indians where he stayed behind the mike to 1998. His last broadcast was the 7th game of the 1997 World Series, the only Series the Indians had been in since 1954.
Score died in 2008. He is remembered as a reminder of how fate deals you a bad break, and Mr. Score showed fans how to accept one’s fate with grace and perseverance.
Score was a beloved figure in Cleveland, voted a member of the Cleveland Indians Hall of Fame.
Baseball is a hard, poignant, unfair game.
You have to be mentally tough to play it and its bad hops.
OUTBREAK OUTLOOK THE NORTHEAST FROM “FORCE OF INFECTION” DR. CAITLIN RIVERS
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Welcome to the Northeastern edition of Outbreak Outlook! It is only available to paid subscribers. If you wish to become a paid subscriber and access region-specific information, please click the Subscribe now button below. Thanks for reading! -Caitlin (Reprinted with permission) Respiratory DiseasesILIWith flu season behind us, very few people are visiting the doctor, the emergency room, or being hospitalized for influenza or influenza-like illness. There were very low rates of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness in the Northeast, with Vermont winning the prize for lowest reported rate at 0.6% of all outpatient visits for ILI. New Jersey has the highest outpatient ILI rate in the region, which at 3.1% is just above that 2.9% cut-off we use nationally to mark the beginning and end of flu season. They saw a notable decrease this week, however, and I expect it to continue to move in that direction in the coming weeks. Northeast Region: Change in ILI Activity
Percent of doctors visits for ILI symptoms
 Emergency department visits for flu are minimal in the Northeast, with most states reporting that less than half of a percent of ED visits were for flu this past week. At the same time, hospitalizations rates for influenza are also very low across the Northeast, with most states reporting 1 or fewer influenza-related hospitalizations per 100,000 population. COVID-19The Covid-19 burden is minimal right now – enjoy the lull. Wastewater concentrations remain very low, around where they were last June. Emergency department visits for Covid-19 are extremely low in the Northeast, accounting for a tiny fraction (less than one third of one percent) of all ED visits. Hospitalizations are similarly low, with all states reporting fewer than 2 new admissions per 100,000 population. Northeast Region: Change in New COVID-19 Hospitalizations
Weekly new hospitalizations per 100,000
 Stomach BugsNorovirus is really hanging on. Test positivity is a little over 12%, about where it has been for the past several weeks. As such, I will repeat the same advice I’ve given for the past several weeks: keep washing those hands. Northeast Region: Norovirus Activity
Test Positivity, Percentage
 Food recallsThe following foods are being recalled because they are contaminated. Please check your cupboards and throw out any of these items: New
Previously reported:
In other news
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MAY 6 WHITE PLAINS SATURDAY NIGHT! 50 YEARS OF THE WHITE PLAINS PUBLIC LIBRARY CELEBRATED AT FESTIVE ANNIVERSARY DINNER OF THE WHITE PLAINS LIBRARY FOUNDATION CELEBRATING THE JOY OF READING
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WPCNR AROUND WHITE PLAINS. By John F. Bailey. May 5, 2024:
The White Plains Library Foundation whose mission is to promote and expand services and attractions and community involvement in the continued growth of the White Plains Library celebrated the “Joy of reading” last night.
Where else–but among the books and welcoming atmosphere of thousands of –books!
The Foundation created an elegant dining room festooned with green plants on the tables and even secluded tables in the beckoning shelves where colorful titles of books jump off the shelves saying “Read me! Look me over. Take me home!”
Some 70 persons (exact counts of guests not available at press time), mingled and greeted each other to hear author Mariah Fredericks (above) fascinate a rapt audience with the fascinating life of Edith Wharton, the first woman author to win the Pulitzer Prize. Wharton turns detective to investigate a notorious murder in 1920 of controversial author, David Graham Phillips, in Ms. Fredericks’ The Wharton Plot.
Addressing a crowd packing White Plains Library Auditorium Studio, Ms. Fredericks said she was attracted to writing about the Phillips murder because of the controversy over book banning and attacks on authors in our present day and the parallel to the violence of the Roaring Twenties. Describing Wharton’s Gilded Age background fasicnated the gathering making real life writer from history one you wanted to know more about.
Ms. Fredericks said that in attending an author’s conference recently attended by published authors and young persons dedicated to publish books or novels where they have something say, encouraged her how important it is that no voices be denied, in view of the moves to censor books today. She concluded saying it is her mission to make sure by writing that children as they grow up will have their eyes in books and not their I-phones.
Supporters of the Library bought chances for wine collections, Mets tickets, hotel stays, restaurants and bundles of book collections at the Raffle Auction
Brian Kenny, Library Director recalled the efforts and great business relationships in building The Trove, modernizing the auditorium into a studio, creating The Edge and the welcoming spacious high interior. He gave a shout out to previous Library Director Sandy Miranda for starting the project of redesigning the library. He introduced the honoree of the evening the builder and designer of the spaces.
Rai Fernandez, Partner, Bermello Ajamil Architects
(Photo by Graham Trelstad, Courtesy White Plains Library Foundation
Mr. Fernandez, (Debonair in tuxedo) remarked to the crowd how challenging the project was and how cooperative the community was with their ideas. The foundation website wrote the end product was a mutual collaboration, that has worked splendidly in building patronage and involving the community,noting:
With creativity, technical skill, and appreciation for our grand old building, Rai Fernandez and his team have transformed almost all of the Library’s spaces, improving the user experience for thousands of people every year. The Trove (children’s area), Edge (teen area), entire first floor, Auditorium, and Gallery are stunning renovations created through a multi-year partnership with Bermello Ajamil Architects. Rai Fernandez has over 30 years of experience in managing, coordinating, designing, and master planning a variety of award-winning projects including hotels, airports, residential buildings, ports and libraries.
Caperberry presented its elegent buffet with salads, vegetables, meats(superbly prepared) easy to access serving, with a round of rotating delicious appetizers with servers circulating among the mingling multitude with unigue treats featuring salmon, figs, and most creative combinations refreshing and tasting fresh-served.
The great surprise was encountering a warm inviting complete dining room refreshed by realfresh green centerpieces, spacious with plenty of room to circulate to tables. This should be continued in some fashion. There were even secluded spaces among the engaging alluring shelves. We used to call them stacks back in the days.
I
The Auction Raffle
Celebrities
THE CITIZENETREPORTER and BRENDA STARR You’ll never know what will jump off the shelf out you in the Library.
50 YEARS OF History of the Library
WHITE PLAINS LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS PRESENTS THE 8 CANDIDATES FOR 3 SEATS ON THE BOARD OF EDUCATION IN THE SCHOOL BUDGET & BOARD ELECTION MAY 21
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WPCNR, courtesy of the White Plains League of Women Voters presents the 8 candidates running for three seats on the Board Of Education in the School Board Budget and Elections May 21. They will be appearing at the Candidates Form at 7 PM for the Forum, to be held May 9 in the White Plains High School Library. The Forum will be zoomed and retelecast on FIOS Channel 46 and Optimum Channel 77. The information is published as received from the League and there may be some errors in fonts. Addresses and contact information excluded for privacy.
Information Sheet for Board of Education Candidates
Name: Ferenc Tasnady
Education: SUNY Oneonta, class of ’99. Econ/Business double major
Profession: Technology Sales
Questions
- Do you currently have children in the White Plains Schools or have you had children in the schools in the past?
I have 3 children and all attend WP Schools. My oldest daughter is a freshman and basketball/volleyball player in WP High. My younger daughter attends the Highlands and plays basketball and lacrosse. My youngest (son) is a 1st grader at Ridgeway and he’s in the chess club.
- There are many ways individuals can serve the community. Why have you chosen to run for the school board?
I will be a voice and true representative for the people of White Plains – students, taxpayers, and teachers. I’d also like to see more transparency in the way decisions are made. If elected I would be a true public servant, expressing and fighting for the will of the people and doing my best to enact policies that support it.
- What particular skills or experiences qualify you to serve as a school board member? In what school or district activities have you been involved?
As a sales executive I’m essentially a professional communicator. In managing complex transactions I work closely with different constituencies within large organizations. They typically have competing goals and interests and I have to navigate them to produce an outcome everyone is happy with. I have limited school experience although I have coached youth sports and teach jiu jitsu.
- What do you think is the most important role of a school board member?
The primary role of school is to educate and enrich the lives of our students. The board needs to ensure this is the focus of the administration and ecosystem around our schools. We need to make the best possible use of the finite resources we have to produce the best outcomes for the kids.
- What are 2-3 strengths of which the White Plains Public Schools can be proud?
We have excellent extracurricular programs and activities for those who choose to participate. We also have great resources for those with special needs. We also have great programs for our gifted students.
- What are the White Plains Schools’ greatest challenges?
These are challenging times and the school system (budgets in particular) are under a lot of stress. I anticipate more strain in the coming years and allocating resources properly will become more difficult and contentious. Additionally our high school is ranked as the 326th best school in NY, tied for 491st place in graduation rate. This needs to be improved. This data is from US News and World Report.
- At the end of your term on the School Board, what would you hope to have been the
accomplishment you are most proud of!
I would want my constituents to say that their voice was heard during my tenure. Additionally, and more importantly I’d hope they’d say they were more informed and aware of what was going on within our schools while I was serving.
WHITE PLAINS LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS PRESENTS THE 8 CANDIDATES FOR 3 BOARD OF EDUCATION SEATS IN THE SCHOOL BUDGET AND BOARD ELECTION MAY 21
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WPCNR, courtesy of the White Plains League of Women Voters presents the 8 candidates running for three seats on the Board Of Education in the School Board Budget and Elections May 21. They will be appearing at the Candidates Form at 7 PM for the Forum, held May 9 in the White Plains High School Library. The Forum will be zoomed and retelecast on FIOS Channel 46 and Optimum Channel 77. The information is published as received from the League and there may be some errors in fonts. Addresses and contact information excluded for privacy.
Information Sheet for Board of Education Candidates
Name : Vincent Orlando
Education: Bachelor History with a minor in Education from Mercy College
Profession: I started my career in Education and moved on to Financial Services.
Questions
- Do you currently have children in the White Plains Schools or have you had children in the schools in the past?
I currently have two children in the White Plains School district.
- There are many ways individuals can serve the community. Why have you chosen to run for the school board?
As a lifelong resident of White Plains and having gone through the White Plains School district, I have chosen to run for the White Plains School Board so I can continue to serve my community. I feel it is an important responsibility to work with our community and schools so that all children can have an opportunity to succeed. As a current PTAmember, I know the importance of working side by side with our schools to give our students access to experiences and opportunities for all.
- What particular skills or experiences qualify you to serve as a school board member? In what school or district activities have you been involved?
I am very involved in my children’s school, from organizing events, to volunteering during lunch and I currently serve as the PTA secretary for my children’s school. I have worked closely with parents, teachers, and the principle to help facilitate events and activities. I have worked with the PTA in fundraising so we can offer programs for little to no cost for our students, and not add cost to our school district.
- What do you think is the most important role of a school board member?
I believe the most important role of school board member is to work with the Superintendent, parents, and educators to help students succeed and to ensure that the school is building a bridge with the community. Part of the responsibility of a schoolboard member is to ensure that the school budget is fiscally responsible and that we are including key stakeholders from each department to the decision-making process.
- What are 2-3 strengths of which the White Plains Public Schools can be proud?
The White Plains School District provides a multitude of opportunities for all our students and families. At the elementary level being able to offer school choice is a unique opportunity that not many districts can offer. Each school provides and targets the values of the families of our community. For example, we have schools that offer bilingual education that in the long run would address the seal of biliteracy as a graduation pathway. We also offer STEM opportunities. Our schools value the voice of our families.
- What are the White Plains Schools’ greatest challenges?
As the population of White Plains continues to grow, we need to make sure that we continue to address all the needs of our student’s, English language learners, students with disabilities, economically disadvantaged students and our gifted and talented students. We need to make sure that we continue to offer as many opportunities as possible to our students that we can. We also need to make sure there is transparency with decision making process and that we move away from top-down decisions.
- At the end of your term on the School Board, what would you hope to have been the accomplishment you are most proud of!
At the end of my term on the school board I hope that we have as a school district where our process of decision making, takes in consideration all voices; staff, parents, students and tax payers and all decisions are made with the children first.
WHITE PLAINS LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS PRESENTS THE 8 CANDIDATES FOR 3 SEATS ON THE BOARD OF EDUCATION IN THE SCHOOL BUDGET AND BOARD ELECTIONS MAY 21
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WPCNR, courtesy of the White Plains League of Women Voters presents the 8 candidates running for three seats on the Board Of Education in the School Board Budget and Elections May 21. They will be appearing at the Candidates Form at 7 PM for the Forum, held May 9 in the White Plains High School Library. The Forum will be zoomed and retelecast on FIOS Channel 46 and Optimum Channel 77. The information is published as received from the League and there may be some errors in fonts. Addresses and contact information excluded for privacy.
Information Sheet for Board of Education Candidates
Name: Craig Mondschein
Education: HS Half Hollow Hills HS West
BA – University of Rochester
MBA – University of Rochester Simon School
Profession: Corporate Treasurer
Questions
- Do you currently have children in the White Plains Schools or have you had children in the schools in the past?
- Yes, Amanda graduated 2021 and Sabrina graduates 2024
- here are many ways individuals can serve the community. Why have you chosen to run for the school board?
- As a parent of children who have attended not only the White Plains schools but other schools as well, I feel I have the perspective and experience to positively impact the education of our White Plains children. I have been able to observe firsthand what has worked and what improvements are needed to meet the educational needs of our children.
- As a community member of WPCSD Finance and Audit committee since 2017, I have gained a very good understanding of the budget and finances of the school district. I feel I can use this knowledge as a Board member to represent the taxpayers of Whtie Plains. I will ensure property taxes are fair and used efficiently to maintain strong property values while delivering a superior education to our children.
- As a parent of post high school age children, I finally have the time to dedicate to the White Plains community as a Board member.
- What particular skills or experiences qualify you to serve as a school board member? In what school or district activities have you been involved?
- As a parent of a child who had an IEP in elementary school and is now a PhD candidate, I have seen firsthand the positive impact a public school education can have on the life of a child. I have experienced the importance of Teacher, Parent and Administration collaboration to benefit our students and want to promote this approach as a member of the Board.
- I grew up in a home where my mother was a Reading and Special Education public school teacher and my father was a Pediatrician. My mother taught in one of the least affluent school districts on Long Island (Roosevelt) and opened the Reading lab to parents in the evening, so they were able to learn to read and write to help make a better life for their families. My father was a strong advocate at IEP meetings for his patients in the schools when requested by parents. Their dedication to helping the community, above and beyond their required jobs, has always been an inspiration to me and taught me about giving back to the community.
- As a corporate treasurer it is my responsibility to ensure that proper operating controls are in place to eliminate fraudulent payments and activities that will negatively affect the shareholders of my company. Similarly, as a member of the White Plains Finance and Audit committee we review the financial controls of the District and instruct the school administration to make needed improvements as they arise. As a Board member representing the taxpayers of White Plains, it is a critical role to ensure that our property taxes are being spent wisely and that proper financial controls are in place to eliminate fraudulent activities.
- As a Greenburgh Hebrew Center Trustee and former Treasurer, I am actively involved in the recruitment and hiring of professional staff, including religious leaders and teachers, and will bring this experience with me as a member of the Board of Education.
- What do you think is the most important role of a school board member?
- A strong advocate for the very best education experience for all our children based on the needs of every child.
- A strong advocate for the taxpayers of White Plains to ensure property taxes are fair and used efficiently to maintain strong property values.
- Providing guidance and advice to the White Plains Superintendent and his team on policy and procedure issues to ensure the best possible education for our children and working environment for all White Plains schools employees.
- What are 2-3 strengths of which the White Plains Public Schools can be proud?
- The incredible opportunities our children have to learn both in the classroom and outside the classroom. White Plains has done a very good job of meeting the individual needs of every student.
- Ricca and his team. Dr, Ricca has implemented and continuously ensures a children first approach. Everything the administration, teachers, staff and the Board do is first and foremost for our children. Educating our children has to be, and is the first priority.
- The financial condition of the White Plains schools is a huge accomplishment and strength.
- The foresight to create capital funds which are approved by the taxpayers not only upon creation, but also prior to use, has allowed the District to effectively use property taxes on capital projects without a need to issue additional bonds or raise new taxes.
- At the onset of the pandemic the District was able to purchase and distribute iPads to every child, using existing cash in the bank account, so every student was able to continue to learn through the pandemic.
- The quality of the White Plains Schools employees. White Plains has been able to recruit and sustain a very high-quality employee base which translates into a positive and rewarding learning experience for our children.
- What are the White Plains Schools’ greatest challenges?
- The great unknown of the NYS budget and the effect on White Plains schools is an issue for every school district. It is very difficult to effectively budget and plan when a significant amount of State aid is unknown during the budget process. It is critical that Albany supports our students with a fair and equitable budget.
- The age of the White Plains Schools buildings is a huge issue. The administration has done an admirable job maintaining the aging buildings. As a member of the Master Planning Committee, we were able to prioritize the needs of the District and implement a plan to renovate the District infrastructure.
- The changing demographics of White Plains. From the new construction to new members of the community the school district has to meet the needs of the community. The current demographic analysis indicates fewer students in the years ahead but with the new construction this may change. The needs of our students will continue to evolve as new families move into White Plains. The Board and administration have to anticipate these needs.
- At the end of your term on the School Board, what would you hope to have been the accomplishment you are most proud of!
- Leaving the children of White Plains better than when I joined the Board.
- Allowing our children to reach their full potential as a result of the education they received at White Plains.
- Through education, helping families improve their economic wellbeing for generations into the future.
- The completion of the renovation and restoration of the school buildings.
WHITE PLAINS LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS PRESENTS THE 8 CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR 3 SEATS ON THE BOARD OF EDUCATION IN THE SCHOOL BUDGET AND BOARD ELECTION MAY 21
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WPCNR, courtesy of the White Plains League of Women Voters presents the 8 candidates running for three seats on the Board Of Education in the School Board Budget and Elections May 21. They will be appearing at the Candidates Form at 7 PM for the Forum, held May 9 in the White Plains High School Library. The Forum will be zoomed and retelecast on FIOS Channel 46 and Optimum Channel 77. The information is published as received from the League and there may be some errors in fonts. Addresses and contact information excluded for privacy.
Information Sheet for Board of Education Candidates
Name: Rose Lovitch
Education: Pace Law School, JD , Fordham University, Political Science and Public Administration
Profession: Attorney/Owner, Rossi Law PLLC, White Plains, NY Staff Attorney, Pace Woman’s Justice Center, White Plains, NY
Questions
- Do you currently have children in the White Plains Schools or have you had children in the schools in the past?
I have 3 children who are all alumni of White Plains School District, and I was a very involved and active parent during my children’s years in the district.
- There are many ways individuals can serve the community. Why have you chosen to run for the school board?
I have proudly served on the White Plains School Board for 12 years, and I am eager to continue our work to support our students. I have always enjoyed working with children, and I feel that my role as a school board member serves students in a most critical part of their growth. We are concerned not only with their curricular education, with their extracurricular opportunities, college and career preparation, and very importantly their social and emotional learning. I especially enjoy visiting classrooms and watching our students as they learn and connect with others, and celebrating their accomplishments with them during special presentations and events.
- What particular skills or experiences qualify you to serve as a school board member? In what school or district activities have you been involved?
After many years as a PTA volunteer and President at the elementary, high school and PTA Council levels, and as a Girl Scout leader, I ran for the Board and have proudly served for the past 12 years. While on the PTA, I worked with students and teachers as a class parent, running PTA events and chairing committees. As a Girl Scout leader for 14 years, I led and empowered young girls while learning and experiencing their community and the world around them, helping my troop to earn their Bronze and Silver Awards, and proudly supporting my daughter earn her Gold Award, which later became the underlying interest for her career in Public Health. As a Board member, I have worked collaboratively with my colleagues, served on the Special Ed, Curriculum and Policy committees, as well as the Dual Language Program review committee and Diversity Committee. I have learned the budget process and the need to thoughtfully consider not only our students’ needs, but the sustainability of our decisions in terms of our budget. As a White Plains small business owner, I am a sole practitioner. I represent my clients, taking into consideration each of their individual needs, just as our school district considers the needs of our students. I manage and budget the financial needs of my practice, as the school board strives for the needs of the district. I am an integral part of the community and recognize the effects of our school district budget plans. I continue to support our students as a member of the Woman’s Club of White Plains, where I have been attending and volunteering with the annual Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion show, where scholarship donations are raised for our high school seniors. I have had the opportunity to watch many cohorts of students, including my own children, learn and grow, both in our schools and after graduation. With all my years of service to the district, I bring much history and experience when discussing and deciding the needs of our students.
- What do you think is the most important role of a school board member?
The two most critical roles of any school board are to select and support the school superintendent, and to review, understand and approve the budget.
I am proud to serve on a Board which chooses to take a more active role in our district, which includes visiting classrooms, attending school functions such as concerts, plays, awards ceremonies, reading and math nights, science fairs, and so many more. One of
our favorite events is graduation, where we each attend elementary, middle school and high school moving up/graduation ceremonies, very happily celebrating our students and their successes.
- What are 2-3 strengths of which the White Plains Public Schools can be proud?
– Our schools are as diverse as our community. Our students each have their own culture,
backgrounds, interests, and strengths, and our schools are prepared to focus and support each
student.
– Our schools can be proud of our wide range of opportunities for our students. Our excellent financial team diligently prepares a budget which offers all levels of curriculum, from support for struggling students, inclusive enrichment for all students, to advanced and AP classes. Our commitment to excellence includes Dual Language, STEM, Computers and Engineering, Fine Arts, and we support our students who prefer to prepare for a trade by attending BOCES programs.
– Our students are involved in our community, through sports, community service, intern/externships, and learn to give back to the community which has offered so much opportunity to each of them.
- What are the White Plains Schools’ greatest challenges?
Our greatest challenge is maintaining our commitment to always do better for our students, who are our priority and our future. We continue to recover from our most serious recent crisis, the 2020 pandemic. We united as a Board, administration and staff, strong and committed to return our children and staff safely to school, and we continue to provide continuity and stability as we afford the supports necessary for each person, as we still re-acclimate to our educational and social environment. We strive to hire the best teachers and to bring the best programs to our schools. We often make difficult or unpopular decisions, based upon research and data analysis, to best provide for a body of students very diverse needs. I believe that my experience as a longtime Board member provides the knowledge and information, strength and objectivity, and perseverance necessary to face these challenges. We always look to the future as we provide the resources necessary for our students to pursue their dreams and contribute to a diverse and dynamic world.
- At the end of your term on the School Board, what would you hope to have been the accomplishment you are most proud of?
I will always be proud of my more than 25 years of service to our students and our school district. I am incredibly proud to serve with board members who always put children first, and whose decisions are always made in the best interests of our students. I will always be proud to have dedicated my time to support our children, to provide vast and diverse opportunities for learning, sharing and preparing for successful futures and realized dreams.