Bethel Baptist Church to Install New Minister

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WPCNR GOOD NEWS. From Bethel Baptist Church. (EDITED) August 10, 2004: After a two-year search Bethel Baptist Church of White Plains has announced a new Pastor, Reverend Edward O. Williamson, a native of East St. Louis, Illinois.  Installation services are planned for the week of August 23 to 29 including a banquet leading up to the Sunday, August 29th Installation Service. 



BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH, WHITE PLAINS FINDS A NEW LEADER OF THE FLOCK. Photo, WPCNR News Archive.


 


Rev. Edward O. Williamson previously served as Pastor-Teacher of Beautiful Plain Baptist Church, Binghamton.  He is a native of East St. Louis, Illinois.  He is the son of Mrs. Ruby Ivory Williamson and the late Joseph D. Williamson, Jr.  Rev. Williamson has been married to Deborah A. Williamson for 18 glorious years and they have two lovely daughters, Stefanie (16) and Jennifer (11). 


 


Rev. Williamson is a graduate of Western Illinois University and he received his Master of Arts degree from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri.  He also attended Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis and is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry Degree Program at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. 


 


Rev. Williamson’s previous occupations include serving as a District Executive for the Boy Scouts of America, a Probation Officer, and a Clinical Interventionist/Aide with a chemical dependency treatment center. 


 


His previous community involvements include affiliation with the Broome-­Tioga NAACP, United Way Board of Directors, Broome County Council of Churches Board of Directors, the Lourdes Hospital Long Range Planning Committee, and he served as President of the Ministerial Coalition of Greater Binghamton.  He has received recognition and numerous awards for his service to the Church and community.


 


Rev. Williamson’s previous Church affiliations include Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church of East St. Louis, Illinois, where he was ordained; Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, East St. Louis, Illinois, where he was an


 Assistant to the Pastor; the Southern Missionary Baptist Church, Madison, Illinois, where he served as Pastor for nine years; and Beautiful Plain Baptist Church, where he most recently served as Pastor for five years.


 


Rev. Williamson’s greatest love is preaching and teaching in the church and community.  He is a certified Instructor and a certified Dean of Christian Education with the Sunday School Publishing Board of the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc.  He is supportive of the American Baptist Churches, U.S.A. and has remained active in denominational and Christian work on the local, state and national levels.


 


All invited to Share “The Good News.”


 


The one week welcome-to-town festivities begin at the Church on Tuesday, August 24th at 7pm with a special Welcome Reception for Bethel’s new First Lady, Sister Deborah A. Williamson.  Two pre-installation services follow beginning each night at 7:30pm. 


On Wednesday, August 25th the guest messenger will be White Plains own’ Reverend Lester Cousin along with choirs and members of Calvary Baptist Church. 


On Thursday, August 26th the guest messenger will be Dr. H. DeVore Chapman of Greater Bright Light Missionary Baptist Church, Brooklyn. 


The Installation Banquet will be held on Friday, August 27th at 6pm at the Thomas H. Slater Neighborhood Center, 3 Fisher Court, White Plains with Rev. Jesse Bottoms of Beulah Baptist Church, Poughkeepsie as the keynote speaker. The Installation Banquet Tickets are $25 and available by calling the Church office at 914-949-2792.


  Three Guest Messengers to Speak at Bethel on August 29 at Installation Ceremonies.


 


The official installation service will take place on Sunday, August 29th. 


 


The 8am worship service guest messenger will be Reverend Joseph Covington of Beautiful Plain Baptist Church, Binghamton;


 


The 11am worship service guest messenger will be Reverend Joseph W. Williamson, III of Second Baptist Church, Rock Island, Illinois and the actual installation will take place;


 


The 4:30 pm installation service with Reverend John H. Rouse, Pastor of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, East St. Louis, Illinois.


 


Bethel has been a beacon in the community for over 119 years. The Church looks forward to sharing all of these wonderful celebrations with the community.


 


For information on all the activities planned, you may contact the Bethel Baptist Church office at 914-949-2792.





 


 


 

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Summer Swing Wed Nite at Renaissance Fountain. Dance, Dine with Mr. C.

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS AFTER DARK. From Cappelli Enterprises. August 10, 2004: Mr. and Ms. White Plains can dance and dine under the stars at Louis Cappelli’s “Summer Night’s Swing” at Renaissance Fountain Plaza, directly across from City Center at Main Street and Mamaroneck Avenue Wednesday night from 6 to 10 P.M. The “Summer Night’s Swing” will be an evening of swing dancing, complete with a live band, food, and entertainment. The event is open to the public and admission is FREE!


 


Applebee’s, Legal Sea Foods, and Barnes & Noble will offer free refreshments from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.  The entertainment will begin at 7:00 p.m. with the Benson-Scott 20-piece Big Band, professional dancers from the Arthur Murray dance studio, and a special appearance by Robert Royston, choreographer of the Broadway show, “Swing.”  From 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., participants can enjoy a delicious assortment of desserts, courtesy of Zanaro’s Italian restaurant, just across the street from Fountain Plaza.   Parking will be available at the City Center garage.


 


 


 

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Donald Trump, Louis Cappelli, Andy Spano, Cast of Movas, Shakas, Spinnas at TNT

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WPCNR TRUMP TALK. August 10, 2004: The powers behind the White Plains “Renaissance” will all assemble Monday, August 16 at 11:30 P.M. as guests of Louis Cappelli, “The Super Developer,” and his pal, Donald Trump “The Super Dealer,”  gazillionaire television host, golf resortier and fashion mogul), co-hosting the doings  in White Plains at the TNT , the Topping Off and Tearing Down Ceremony marking the occasion of Trump Tower at City Center, Mr. Trump’s state-of-the-art condominium-to-be-plex at City Center reaching its 35th Floor, and the symbolic first demolition of 221 Main Street, site of Louis Cappelli’s Cappelli Hotel and Condoplex he has cristened Renaissance Square. The invitation only function ramps up at Fountain Plaza on Main and Mamaroneck at 11:30 sharp, and be followed by a buffet luncheon at Zanaro’s Restaurant. The juicy details:



Taking It to The Top: Trump Tower at City Center, July 29. Photo by WPCNR News.


 



 


 


 



TRUMP TOWER AT CITY CENTER, July 29, 2004. Photo by WPCNR


THE HOSTS: Donald J. Trump, CEO, The Trump Organization; Louis R. Cappelli, CEO, Cappelli Enterprises; Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano; White Plains Mayor Joseph Delfino, local business and community leaders.


 


The Deal:          T’NT” Event – Topping Off of Trump Tower at City Center, a 212-unit,


35-story luxury condominium, and Tearing Down of 221 Main Street to make way for construction of Renaissance Square.  Renaissance Square will include a 603,750-square-foot building that will house a six-story, 172-room hotel.  Atop the hotel, there will be two residential towers with a combined square footage of 455,370, housing 290 luxury residential units.  In addition, the building will offer 10,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space


 


When:        Monday, August 16, at 11:30 a.m.


 


Where:      Renaissance Fountain Plaza, at the corner of Main Street and Mamaroneck


                        Avenue in downtown White Plains.


           


The event will be followed by a buffet lunch at Zanaro’s Italian Restaurant,


directly across the street from Fountain Plaza.


 


 


 

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Adam In Albany: Westchester Schools In the Money

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WPCNR’S ADAM IN ALBANY. From Assemblyman Adam Bradley’s Office. August 10, 2004: Assemblyman Adam Bradley (D-White Plains) announced the Assembly reached a bipartisan agreement with the Senate to provide our schools with additional funding this year, including more than $36.3 million for schools in the 89th Assembly District. 


 


 


“The Assembly has been fighting for an education funding formula in this year’s budget that would provide relief to property-taxpayers,” Bradley said. “This agreement puts a stop to the governor’s shortsighted cuts to education, ensuring a better future for Westchester’s children.”


 


The governor’s proposed budget this year would have cut school aid to Westchester schools – ignoring inflation, rising enrollments and the need to help students meet higher standards.  His cuts would have endangered essential programs such as BOCES, school construction projects and disabled student services.


 


“The Legislature’s plan provides the necessary investments for the education of our children,” Bradley said. “I urge the governor to quickly sign this bi-partisan agreement into law so local school districts can prepare for the school year ahead knowing they’ll have the resources they need.”


 


For a comparison of the governor’s school aid plan to the Legislature’s budget for individual school districts, see: http://hawkeye.assembly.state.ny.us/comm/WAM/20040809a/index.html.


 

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Thunder Eliminate Naut Pennant Hopes. Realmuto Dinger Digs Grave.

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. By Fastpitch Johnny. August 9, 2004, UPDATED : The Texas Thunder’s  catcher Ryan Realmuto was anticipating inside corner location from Nauts in-trouble starter Gina Oaks on a 3-2 count in the first. Realmuto guessed right. She exploded on Oaks’ inside pitch, her bat creating the “DOYINGGGG”  sound which in Fastpitch means Going…going…gone and gone it was.



OAKS DELIVERS INTO THE WHEELHOUSE: It’s 3 and 2 to Ryan Realmuto, Texas catcher in the first inning. Kristen Zaleski leads from first, Liz Bouck from second as Gina Oaks delivers the homerun pitch.  The high far and deep blast hugged the left field line. Venus Taylor turned and headed to the corner, watching the majestic arch of the ball as it sailed almost in agonizing slow motion into the shrubbery behind the 10 foot high Trace Adams U.S.A. sign about 5 feet fair. 3-run homer. The Nauts were down 3-0 last night before the sun went down. Photo by WPCNR Sports.


 






“The Southpaw Shooter”, Lindsay Chouinard took the circle and continued her Naut dominance, not allowing a Naut to reach second base, throwing her third shutout on the Juggernaut this season, 5-0  mathematically eliminating Naut hopes of finishing first.


 


The double defeat dropped the Nauts 2-1/2 games behind Akron for second place with 8 to play, when Akron beat California on the West Coast last night. It is likely that Akron and the Nauts will meet in the first round of the playoffs, unless Texas completely collapses against New England and California.



FIRST GAME BUMMER: Kaci Clark mops up in completion of suspended game, pitching to Serena Collins of the Thunder from July 25 in the late afternoon Monday. The Nauts went 9 and out, and the Thunder won this opening game 6-0. Photo by WPCNR Sports


 


After Sunday’s great win, the electricity appeared gone as this second game started. Jen Carlo in the press box commented that completing the first game might have had something to do with that.


 


The Nauts and Thunder completed their suspended game necessitated by two hours of Houston showers July 25.  The Nauts expired in  45 minutes beginning at 5:30 P.M. with Peaches James of the Thunder retiring nine Nauts in a row in the 5th, 6th and 7th innings to preserve the 6-0 Thunder lead amassed against Kaci Clark in Houston two weeks ago. That win dropped the Nauts 3-1/2 off the Thunder first place pace.


 


The plan was to win the second game behind Oaks, close the gap back to 2-1/2 but Chouinard did not let that happen.


 


Who IS this Kid, Bouck?


 


The Texas Jackrabbit is a menace.


 


The Jackrabbit did it again to the Nauts last night. Liz Bouck did it again by leading off the regularly scheduled game. She beat out her third bunt single in her last 4 at-bats on the Nauts. They know she’s going to bunt. They have 8 players playing the infield. Yet, Bouck still beats them out and is hitting .279 in the league. Bouck says she’s going to keep bunting until the league can throw her out.  


 



 


THE BOUCK SHIFT: The Juggernaut deploy Paul Plemenos’ “Bouck Shift.” Infielders Carri Leto at second and shortstop Lyndsey Klein play inside the base paths to protect against the Baltimore Chop. Pasquerella at third and Erica Hansen at first within conversational distance to snatch up the bunt. Liz Bouck still beat outs bunts. Note position of the outfielder, Venus Taylor 10 feet off the dirt of the infield. Photo by WPCNR Sports.


 


Jackie Pasquerella is on top of the plate, but Bouck is so fast she beats them out anyway.  Gardner next up sacrificed Bouck to second. Then Oaks walked Kristen Zaleski on another 3-2 count. She then went 3-2 to Realmuto with two balls being I mean right around the plate. Then Oaks threw inside and Realmuto guessing right, launched the pitch over the left field fence.


 


Rattled, Oaks hit Ginger Jones-Powers and Clare Burnam in succession.


 


But, this being fastpitch softball nobody charged the mound, or got upset. Then, too late, Oaks fanned  Steph Ramos and  Amanda Buchholtz to retire the side.


 


 


The Thunder Bunt Torture Continues in the 2nd.


 


Oaks troubles continued in the second frame. She fanned Erin Evans, but that Bouck girl, who is hitting .279, this time worked a walk on another 3-2 count. Gina could not seem comfortable tonight.


 


Lindsay Gardner then laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt that waltzed slowly down the foul line. Third Sacker Pasquerella watched it spin, but it would not go foul. A bunt single. There were runners on first and second. Oaks enticed Kristen Zaleski to foul out to Erica Hansen the firstbaser outside first and was within an out of controlling the damage and keeping the Nauts within striking distance of Chouinard.


 


It was not to be.


 


Realmuto up again with two on smacked one hard on the ground on a 1-1 pitch to Jackie Pasquerella between the mound and the third base line. Jackie had it pop out of her glove, then rifled it to first, too late. But to compound the felony, Erica Hansen playing first with Oaks pitching let the ball go through her glove down the line, and the alert, ever pesky Liz Bouck, having reached third, scored. 4-0.


 


Next up Ginger Jones-Powers dumped a single in front of Kellie Wilkerson playing deep in right to send Realmuto over with the 5th run.


 


40 Miles of Bad Road.


 


Oaks had faced 16 hitters in two innings of work, allowed 4 hits, one a homer, hit two batters, walked  3 (2 of whom scored) on 3-2 counts, and had given up 5 runs, 4 earned. As Bob Murphy would say, she faced “40 miles of bad road.”


 


Juggernaut  Killer.


 


 


Meanwhile, Lindsay Chouinard sailed along, not striking out the Nauts, but getting them to hit outs, something the statuesque southpaw does very well. Chouinard retired the first 7 on 4 groundouts, 2 flies and a K, before allowing a bloop hit to the opposite field to Courtney Scott.


 


 


Then she retired 14 of the last 16 Naut batters on 9 grounders and 3 flies, if my scorecard is correct. It was Chouinard’s fourth win over the Nauts this season, in which she has allowed them 1 run in 28 innings. She beat them 2-0 in Houston, June 10; 3-1 in Montclair on July 7, and 7-0 July 24 in Houston.  Chouinard did not allow a Naut to reach second base tonight. Chouinard who is 10-5, is 6-5 with the rest of the league, and 4-0 against the Nauts.


 


Winning With No Fastball.


 


WPNCR caught up with “Shoot” (as she is called by her teammates) after the game and asked her thoughts about the game.


 


She said the 3 run homer took a load off: “Yeah, it was a good game. I got my three runs early, and  just try and shut ‘em down after that. Runners on base minimal.”


 



“SHOOT”: Lyndsey Chouinard,  Long Tall Lefty who shoots the corners, icing her southpaw after the game.  Photo by WPCNR Sports 


 


WPCNR asked what was working for her tonight. (She threw pitches that looked tantalizing and dazzled with movement.)


 



SHOOT ready to draw.  Clare Burnam is the third baseman. Photo by WPCNR Sports


 



Shoot Swings to the Motion, reminiscent of a lefthanded Lew Burdette. Photo by WPCNR Sports.


 



Shoot Fires. Photo by WPCNR Sports.


 


“Well, I try and mix up speeds. Throw something hard. Throw something offspeed. Then throw a change. Different speeds. I think it works well.”


 


WPCNR asked if she had an overpowering fastball when she needed it, and I was surprised to learn “The Shooter” does not throw a fastball:


 


“I actually don’t throw a fastball. I throw more movement pitches. It’s more my style. I tell people I’m more like Greg Maddux (Braves Cubs corner specialist) than Randy Johnson (Diamondbacks). I’m not going to overpower. I  like to make my defense work behind me. I think it keeps them in the game better. Just move it around and keep the batters off balance. ”


 


Her battery mate Realmuto Monday night agrees. “She was awesome (tonight). She just mixed speeds real well. Kept the hitters off balance. That’s what she’s been doing all year. She doesn’t ever give anything away in the middle of the plate. She’s had big games for us.”


 


Chouinard talked about her National Pro Fastpitch season as positive: “Yeah, I’m definitely glad I did it. It’s an experience. We’re the pioneers. We’re getting the league going. It’s been a lot of fun, so we’ll see how the end goes.”


 


Chouinard still thinks anything can happen, noting the Thunder has one more with the Nauts Tuesday night in Montclair, then plays New England for 3 and Sacramento for 5 games.


 


Realmuto Reality.


 


WPCNR asked Ryan Realmuto about the pitch she hit off Oaks for the big blow:


 


“I was lookin’ in.  She threw the pitch inside. I just took her over left field, “ was how Ryan explained it. WPCNR asked about how she developed her distinctive low crouch that launched tonight’s opening inning rocket.


 



Ryan Realmuto. The Thunder Tonight. Photo by WPCNR Sports


 


“When I was a kid, I had a problem with lunging so I just opened up a little bit, widened out, and took a step away. I’ve had it since I was 10 years old. It makes me shorter to the ball.”


 


WPCNR asked how the Thunder (which entertained themselves between games by playing pepper with a sock, trying to keep it in the air to the  music by kicking it with their feet to each other),  stayed so loose after last night’s tough loss. (Before they shook hands last night after their 5-3 loss with the Juggernaut at the plate,  they came together as a team right after they had lost and did the all-for-one-huddle.)


 


“With as many games as we play in the summer, “ Realmuto said, “you got to put those kind of losses behind you. That’s what we did. Came out today and hit the ball good.”


 


Asked if the mosquitos in New Jersey were as bad as the mosquitos in Houston, Realmuto laughed out loud and said, “I think they’re worse., but the humidity’s better (in New Jersey).”


 


Realmuto is positive on her first NPF season: “It’s been a good year. A fun summer. I’m glad I did it. It’s been exciting. I got to meet good people. It’s been fun.”


 


Kaci Clark mopped up for the Nauts, relieving Oaks in the fifth. Oaks  (10-8) came through big for the Nauts in June when the Juggernaut were trying to replace Michele Smith in their rotation, but has struggled in her last two outings against Akron and Texas, surrendering 11 runs in 7 innings.


 


JUGGERNAUT Action on Pro Sports Radio. Final Home Game Tuesday Night.


 


The Juggernaut play their final home game of 2004 Tuesday evening in Montclair at the Little Ball Park on Campus, Montclair State University Softball Stadium. Gametime is 7:35 P.M. Tickets are available.


 


The Juggernaut finish the season in Arizona and Sacramento. Two of the Juggernaut games in Arizona will be internetcast around the world on Pro Sports Radio, August 16 and 18th at 10:35 P.M. E.D.T.


 


Getting Nautical.


 


No Playoff Home Games. Are you Kidding?


 


It has been decided by the National Pro Fastpitch league to hold all playoff games in Akron, Ohio to avoid excessive travel costs by New England, the Juggernaut, and the Thunder. The Schedule.


 


Semifinals Round (Best-of-three)
August 25, 2004
Game #1 – Second Place Team vs. Third Place Team @ 6 p.m. E.D.T.
Game #2 – First Place Team  vs. Fourth Place Team  @ 8 p.m.  E.D.T.

August 26, 2004
Game #3 – Second Place Team vs. Third Place Team @ 6 p.m.
Game #4 – First Place Team vs. Fourth Place Team  @ 8 p.m.

August 27, 2004 (if necessary)
Game #5 – Second Place Team vs.Third Place Team @ 6 p.m.
Game #6 – First Place Team vs. Fourth Place Team @ 8 p.m.

Championship Series (Best-of-three)

August 28, 2004
Game #7 – No. 1/No. 4 series winners vs. No. 2/No. 3 series winner @ 7 p.m.

August 29, 2004
Game #8 – No. 1/No. 4 series winners vs. No. 2/No. 3 series winner @ 4 p.m.
Game #9 – No. 1/No. 4 series winners vs. No. 2/No. 3 series winner @ 6 p.m. (if necessary)

Fans can purchase tickets now by calling the Akron Racers ticket office at 330-376-8188.

Tickets for the entire series (Playoffs and Championships) can be purchased for:

• $40 for adults
• $35 for seniors
• $20 for student/youth

Individual game tickets are also available:

• $10 for adult
• $8 for seniors
• $5 for student/youth

The Radisson Hotel City Centre has been chosen as the official hotel of the NPF Playoffs and Championships. Reservations can be made by calling 330-384-1500 or by visiting the hotel website (www.radisson.com).

NPF Playoff and Championship apparel & collectibles will be available at Firestone Stadium throughout all the playoff games.


The playoffs will be internet-broadcast on ProSports Radio. Juggernaut management is disappointed they could not host the playoffs in Montclair.


 


ESPN to telecast Thursday Night Softball next Season.


 


WPCNR has also learned from the Juggernaut General Manager, Rick Perrotty that ESPN, the sports television network, has signed a contract with National Pro Fastpitch to televise a National Pro Fastpitch Game of the Week on Thusday evenings.


 


YES Wants More of a Piece of the Nauts.


The New York Yankees network YES is also interested in televising many more Juggernaut games in 2005, Perrotty said. Ratings were not available from the national YES network today at the ballpark, but Perrotty estimates Sunday night’s telecast was seen by 500,000 homes.


 


The National Pro Fastpitch Standings   August 10, 2004.


 




























































W L PCT GB HOME AWAY
Texas Thunder 36 15 0.706 18-5 18-10
Akron Racers 34 17 0.667 2 18-8 15-9
NY/NJ Juggernaut 32 20 0.615 4.5 20-8 12-12
New England Riptide 21 31 0.404 15.5 11-12 10-19
Arizona Heat 17 34 0.333 19.0 10-18 7-16
California Sunbirds 14 37 0.280 21.5 9-16 5-20


 


Monday Results


Texas 6, NY-NJ Juggernaut 0 (1),


Texas 5, NY-NJ Juggernaut 0 (2)


Arizona 7, New England 3


Akron 4  California 2, (Late)

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National Amusements: Polar Express Coming. Theatre To Be IMAX-ed Not Chosen Yet.

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WPCNR SCREEN GEMS. By John F. Bailey. August 9, 2004: National Amusements officials and IMAX officials are reviewing together which of one of 15 City Center De Lux movie theatres will be converted to present IMAX films, according to Jennifer McGuire Hanson of National Amusements today in an interview with The White Plains CitizeNetReporter.



City Center De Lux Director’s Hall: A 500-seat venue, and possible site for installation of the new IMAX theatre coming to White Plains announced by IMAX and National Amusements today. Photo, WPCNR News Archive


Hanson said a new screen approximately 70 x 40, would be installed, and the eight-month old screen in the designated theatre site would be removed. Asked if one of the 500-Seat Director’s Halls would be a possible site, Hanson said that has not been determined.


Hanson added the “installation” would involve equipping the projection facility of the selected venue with two IMAX projectors. Asked if these would be plug-ins or would require rewiring the facility to handle the extra wattage required, Hanson said she would have to check into that. A spokesman for the Mayor’s Office checked with the Building Department for WPCNR and reports “I’ve checked with the Building Department and no permits have been requested by National Amusements, yet.”


She also said some seating would have to be removed, but reconfiguration of the slope of the seating would not be required. She said that it was her understanding existing exits and entrances were adequate and would not be relocated. She confirmed that The Polar Express was scheduled to be the premier attraction at the IMAX facility at the upcoming holiday season. She could not at this time name a start date for the installation and conversion.


Asked why IMAX had not been considered a year ago when the City Center De Lux was under construction, Hanson said, “We just signed the deal last Friday.”


She also said it was the company policy not to disclose the cost of the installation, though an IMAX spokesperson quoted WPCNR a $1.4 million price for their “retrofitted” IMAX installation.


 

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Meanwhile, back at the CNA: Taxi Issues Raised at Tuesday Meeting

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WPCNR SOUTHEND SENTINEL. From Council of Neighborhood Associations. August 9, 2004: The Council of Neighborhood Associations announces its monthly meeting will be held Tuesday, August 10 at Education House, 5 Homeside Lane, up for discussion will be “local association issues,” an airing of “taxi concerns in the city” and “possible actions to be taken by the Common Council.”


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Attention NFL Fans: Parking Free on Sundays But ONLY on the Street in WP : DOP

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WPCNR STREETS OF WHITE PLAINS. By John F. Bailey. August 9, 2004:  Parking is not  as free on Sundays in White Plains as residents and visitors may think it is, even though the Common Council has reversed itself reinstituting Free on-street parking on Sundays. What the Council failed to make clear was they will still require you to insert quarters into parking meters in muncipal off-street lots, according to the Department of Parking today.


The Council did not  go out of its way to point out that the ordinance they passed last week restoring free on-street parking throughout the city only applied to parking meters on the street. Previously, parking was free at metered municipal openair lots, such as behind the popular football bars along Mamaroneck Avenue.


 All NFL-lovers should be aware they should bring plenty of quarters if they expect to hang at Dooley Mac’s, The Thirsty Turtle and other popular football hangouts on Sunday.  Patrons of restaurants along Mamaroneck will have to still bring plenty of quarters to feed meters in the open lots that will still be in effect 9 AM to 9 P.M.


The city fathers did not make it clear that the meters in open parking lots were not affected by their rollback legislation regarding Sunday “On Street” Parking. It fooled the CitizeNetReporter.


 The meters in the lots, according to the Department of Parking  will be enforced 9 AM to 9 P.M. on Sundays. WPCNR erred in not asking the question because the measure was touted to us as “going back to the way it was before.” Well, the new ordinance in no way returns it to the “way it was before,” it simply restores free parking on the street meters, a far smaller percentage of meters than in the parking lots which remain requiring coins, and may confuse patrons.


When the Common Council flip-flopped on city parking hours last week, by bringing back Free Parking in White Plains at on-street meters, they were not going back all the way to Free Parking on Sunday as it was, when you could park in any metered lot free and the meters read “Except Sundays.”

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IMAX COMING TO CITY CENTER CINEMA DELUX

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WPCNR SCREEN GEMS. By John F. Bailey. With National Amusements. August 9, 2004, UPDATED 11:45 P.M. E.D.T.:  IMAX cinema magic will be coming to the City Center Cinema de Lux in November and is expected to premier with the showing of The Polar Express. Construction on the new state-of-the-art theatre will begin shortly at Cinema de Lux and is planned to open in November, 2004 according to National Amusements. Details of where the theatre will be located in the City Center have not  been disclosed, though a National Amusements spokesperson is saying no new construction is involved.


 The news came in a national press release announcing that  IMAX Corporation and National Amusements Inc.,  have completed a  multiple theatre deal to install as many as 18 IMAX® theatre systems over the next several years, including an IMAX MP theatre system at White Plains own Cinema de Lux.


City Hall was unaware of the deal when called at 10 this morning. 


Cappelli Enterprises, owners of the City Center were contacted for details. Bruce Berg, Vice President of Cappelli Enterprises speaking to WPCNR said it was “an unsubtantiated rumor, we’re not talking to them. ”


Jennifer McGuire Hansen, spokesperson for National Amusements in a message to WPCNR confirmed the addition of IMAX to the City Center de Lux. She said the De Lux is being equipped with the technology “to view new IMAX first run films,  it is not a new IMAX auditorium.  it is IMAX technology that will enable patrons to view new IMAX first run films using IMAX technology. It’s pretty neat and White Plains is one of 4 new locations we announced.  I wanted to make that distinction. It is not calling for new construction. “


A spokesman for IMAX in New York told WPCNR in an interview that the new theatre will house a screen 70 x 40 feet, and will be “retrofitted”  into one of the existing Cinema de Lux theatres at a cost of $1.4 Million. The spokesperson said the White Plains IMAX would be ready to  premier the new IMAX 2004 holiday extravaganza, The Polar Express, and would feature multichannel digital sound and be capable of showing new general theatre pictures that are being released in the IMAX format.


 



 


IMAX currently operates a IMAX MPX theatre in New Roc City, the development formerly owned by Cappelli Enterprises in New Rochelle.


 Under the specific terms of the deal, National Amusements will install 4 IMAX MPX® theatre systems in 2004 and 2 additional systems in 2005 or 2006. As part of the deal, the parties reached agreement on terms under which National Amusements may purchase up to 12 additional systems, predominantly in the United Kingdom, beginning next year, as an integral part of National Amusements’ development plans in that market. National Amusements currently operates the IMAX Theatre at The Bridge Cinema de Lux at The Promenade at Howard Hughes Center in West Los Angeles.

The deal signals an important milestone for IMAX in the implementation of its commercial theatre growth strategy, which uses the combination of its proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-Mastering) technology to bring major Hollywood event films to the IMAX theatre network, and the IMAX MPX theatre system technology to drive signings and installations.

The first four IMAX theatres will be located at City Center 15: Cinema de Lux in White Plains, New York; Showcase Cinemas Buckland Hills, near Hartford, Connecticut; Showcase Cinemas Stonybrook, in Louisville, Kentucky; and Showcase Cinemas Springdale, near Cincinnati, Ohio, and are expected to open in November 2004, in time for the IMAX® 3D release of the Warner Bros. Pictures holiday film The Polar Express. The specific locations for the 2005-6 installations have not yet been determined, however, one of the theatres is likely to be located in the United Kingdom. All 18 potential IMAX theatres will utilize the revolutionary new IMAX MPX technology, which was designed specifically for multiplex operators, enabling them to add an IMAX theatre to a new or existing multiplex in a more cost effective and timely manner.

“National Amusements is committed to providing our patrons the ultimate movie going experience. We are excited to be partnering with IMAX and feel that its new DMR technology is consistent with a number of things we are working on throughout our circuit. Our new Cinema de Lux brand, our focus on alternative entertainment and this new IMAX technology we are now introducing will ensure that our patrons have an entertainment experience that is unrivalled elsewhere,” stated Shari E. Redstone, president, National Amusements, Inc.

“We are extremely pleased to expand our relationship with National Amusements, one of the most forward-looking exhibitors in the world,” said IMAX’s Co-Chairmen and Co-CEO’s, Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. “This multiple theatre commitment from National Amusements confirms our belief in the potential of IMAX theatres in commercial multiplexes and further advances our commercial strategy. The strong interest from National Amusements and other top multiplex theatre operators should help us attract even more digitally re-mastered Hollywood event films, which, in turn, can help us grow the IMAX network around the world.”

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NEW YORK PHILOMUSICA PRESENTS ANNUAL FREE SUMMER WINDS CONCERT

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Johnson’s Bobcats Perform Waltzes Across the Centuries
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Sunday, August 29, 2004 at 5PM – Tappan Memorial Park, Tappan, NY

For almost two decades, the annual free concert in Tappan Memorial Park by the New York Philomusica has been a highlight of summertime in Rockland County. Always in search of a new angle on familiar musical styles, this year the ensemble examines the impact of ¾ time on society over the centuries, as the waltz evolved from a peasant stomp, to upper class entertainment, and, finally into our own century as a familiar vehicle for intimate dancing. Surveying waltzes ranging from the 18th through the 20th Centuries, played by a talented group of ten musicians known as Johnson’s Bobcats, this will be a lively concert with wide appeal. The concert will take place in Tappan Memorial Park, at the intersection of Oak Tree Road and Main Street in Tappan, New York, on Sunday, August 29, 2004, at 5 p.m.



Dance has always played an integral part in society, reflecting current moral standards and allowing people young and old to interact socially and have some fun. Although now we may think of the waltz as an old-fashioned dance form, at one time it was considered quite risqué, offering couples contact normally not permitted in public. Over the years the musical waltz form has become so commonplace that now it can be found in genres ranging from show tunes to rock and roll. In this year’s Summer Winds concert, New York Philomusica aims to explore the evolution of this most ubiquitous of dance forms, examining traditional waltzes from Vienna, of course with a sampling of Johann Strauss, Jr., through modern pieces like Dory Langdon’s and Harold Arlen’s The Morning After.

Some of the finest musicians in New York will feature in this concert, including: Fritz Kraber, flute; Bill Meredith, oboe; Dave Glasser, clarinet; Joe Wilder, trumpet; A. Robert Johnson, horn; Morris Kainuma, tuba; Bill Washer, guitar; and Eddie Locke, drums.

Support for the Summer Winds concert, now in its 19th year, is provided by the Town of Orangetown, Orange and Rockland Utilities, the Tappantown Historical Society, the Orangetown Friends of Philomusica, and Giulio’s Restaurant.

The Summer Winds concert is free to the public and will be approximately one hour’s duration.


2004-2005 Concert Season in Rockland County


In addition to the Summer Winds concert in Tappan, New York Philomusica presents its 26th annual subscription season of Saturday concerts at 8 p.m. at the Nauraushaun Presbyterian Church in Pearl River, New York. Pearl River concert dates are October 16 and December 11, 2004, and January 15, March 5, and May 7, 2005. This concert series will be performed on corresponding Thursdays in Manhattan at Merkin Concert Hall. More information on dates, artists and programming is available through the New York Philomusica at 212-580-9933 or www.nyphilomusica.org.


About New York Philomusica Chamber Ensemble


NEW YORK PHILOMUSICA was founded in 1971 by A. Robert Johnson to provide a new and comprehensive model of presenting chamber music to the public, which has since been adopted by many chamber ensembles. The group helped pioneer the modern residency through its 1973 seven-week residency at Dartmouth College, followed by its New York City Metropolitan Subscription Concerts in all five boroughs (1975-1979) and New York State Capitol Region Residency (1979-1981). Always a breeding ground for the finest musicians, the ensemble has fostered the talent of such artists as Tim Eddy, Kim Kashkashian, David Jolley, David Krakauer, Robert Levin, Todd Phillips, and Bill Purvis early in their careers. The ensemble has performed concerts and master classes on three continents and been broadcast on radio and television. The centerpiece of all the ensemble’s activities is its annual concert series in New York City’s Merkin Concert Hall. Praised by critics worldwide, the ensemble’s range of programming includes its 1993 World Premiere of Stravinsky’s A Soldier’s Tale, with a new text by Kurt Vonnegut, the 1992 and 2002 premieres of works commissioned from John Harbison, the 1999 American premiere of Beethoven’s Concerto No. 4, for piano and string quintet, and numerous collaborations with renowned jazz pianist Sir Roland Hanna. New York Philomusica has provided sustained exposure to the music of three composers—Iain Hamilton, Jacob Druckman, and John Harbison—through its Featured Composer program.

The first American ensemble to record Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time, New York Philomusica is the first group ever to record the entire Mozart Divertimento catalogue. The Divertimento recordings were originally released by VoxBox Productions in 1975 and were followed by a release of Mozart Wind Serenades. Both titles were reissued in October 2002—with updated, comprehensive liner notes by New York Philomusica’s Artist Laureate, Mozart scholar Robert Levin—on the ensemble’s own label, New York Philomusica Records, established in 1992. New this year, the ensemble will offer live recordings of each of the five subscription concerts. Currently New York Philomusica Records has 16 titles, available online at Amazon.com or through the New York Philomusica at www.nyphilomusica.org.

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