Avery, Siaba, Nduka, Lane, Lantier, Morello, Scotman, Star and Say Farewell

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. By John F. Bailey. November 25: The 34th Turkey Bowl featured six senior stalwarts stepping up to make key plays in the White Plains Tigers’ 24-8 victory over  stubborn and poised Stepinac Crusaders. The contest was played under threatening skies, featured a pelting shower just before the half, and  turned gloriously sunny before a festive crowd WPCNR estimates as about 3,000. It was a day that showed all that was good about football.


 


 The game turned on special teams play.  Pablo “The Second Toe” Siaba drilled a 22 yard  after a goal line stand by the Crusaders in the first quarter.


 



 


THE NUKE’S LAST TIGER TOUCHDOWN:  Paul Scotman (29) and Gary Morello (22) turn aside tacklers as Ike Nduka standing crosses the goal line for the TD that made the score 9-0 in the second quarter. A partially blocked punt set up the first Tiger touchdown  on a signature Kevin Avery to Gary Morello 29 yard  pass completion to the 6, followed by  lugs by “The Nuke,”  (Ike Nduka) for Mr. Nduka’s final touchdown as a Tiger. Photo by WPCNR Sports.


 


This was followed by a 50 yard punt return by Mike “Night Train” Lane breaking open the game in the second quarter, to give the Tigers a 17-0 lead midway through the second stanza.


 


An interception by Connor Lantier set up the third and final Tiger T.D, putting the Tigers in business on the Crusader 25.  Avery’s  pretty flare pass in the left flat to a lone Paul Scotman scored the final Tiger 6 of the year, to make it 24-0. The White Plains Tigers finished the season with a 6-4 record, Stepinac, 4-6.


Tiger Stops on 4th Down Stymie Stepinac.


Stepinac took the kickoff on their own 26 and drove  41 yards in 8 plays  to the White Plains 33 yard line where they were stopped on a 4th and 2 as the Tigers stalled Dwayne Jones in the middle to take over on downs. The drive was highlighted by  Mike Hendersons 13 yard scamper on a quarter draw.


 Taking over at the 6 minute mark of the First Quarter the Tiger line systematically drove to the  Stepinac 5 on 5 carries by Ike Nduka. The big play occurred on 1st and 10 at the Tiger 43,  when QB Kevin Avery pitched back to Nduka who swept around left end gathered steam and got rolling. He lost the handle on the ball at the Crusader 30, picked it up and was pushed out at the Crusader 9, a run of 48 yards. Two carries by Ike got the ball to the five and a pass to Shawn Jimison was tipped by the Crusaders, and the Tigers brought on Pablo Siaba who drilled a 22 yard field goal to give the Tigers a 3-0 lead at the 3:50 mark. (We will miss Mr. Siaba’s leg and all-around kicking game and wish him well.)


 


The Crusaders took the ensuing kickoff on their own 20. Mark Cleary’s scamper to the 34 gave them a first down. Dwayne Jones carried to the 42. Jones got a first down on the 44. The first down play gained nothing. Then  Henderson hit  Paul Faia with a short flat pass on the right sideline and Faia took the ball to the Crusader 48.  On 3rd and 5, Jones got 3 yards but was stopped at the White Plains 48 by Gerard Bryant, Kahly Merot and Shawn Jimison.


 


Bryant Gets a Piece of the Punt.


 


The game turned around as the second quarter started.  Stepinac’s 4th and 2  punt was partially blocked by Gerard Bryant and fluttered like a quail where the Tigers recovered it at the Stepinac 46.  With the score 3-0, it was still a football game.


 


Paul Scotman carried straight ahead for 10 yards and fumbled forward at the Crusader 36. Right there with him, was  Tiger Khaly Merot to recover his fumble at the 36.


 


The stage is set.  


 


The next play saw Avery drop back roll right to the near sideline looking for his favorite target the crafty Gary Morello.


 



 


How to Beat Double Coverage: Morello found himself doublecovered at the 15 yard line and came up away from the double team to get Avery’s pass. Then swoosh-shazam, Morello whirled and powered between his two defenders to the 6 for a first down and goal. The pass play covered 30 yards, and the play has been a mainstay of the offense this season. Here Mr. Morello is finally bulldogged down at the six after his comebacker catch and spinmove. Photo by WPCNR Sports.


 


Avery gave the ball to Nduka on first and goal and Ike rammed it to the 2 and went through the middle on the next play. The Tiger line was a cohesive, clear-em-out, take-no-prisoners line today. Pablo Siaba’s point after touchdown made it 10-0 White Plains with 10:21 to go in the first quarter.


 


Night Train Switches on to the Main Line.


 


On the ensuing kickoff Stepinac took over on their 22 and could not move it.  Punting from his own 6 yard line, the Crusader kicker got the punt off and a good one 25 yards from scrimmage and high, plenty of time to smother any return.


 


Two Crusaders were within 3 feet on either side of  Mike Lane in deep punt coverage for the Tigers at the 50 yard stripe right by the Tiger paw. The two Crusaders in coverage watched  flat-footed as Lane moved up to make the catch.


 



NIGHT TRAIN BURSTS TRIUMPHANTLY OUT OF THE END ZONE AFTER HIS 48 YARD PUNT RETURN. Mike Lane is carrying the football far right. Photo by WPCNR Sports.


 


Lane leisurely moved ahead of his defenders as if to make a fair catch, but did not raise his hand. He picked off the punt, accelerating,  and wheeled left  blasting away from them and lit out for the far sideline. DOWN the sideline he went picking up freight cars (blockers) and around the Crusaders he went for a 48 yard touchdown. Siaba’s kick made it 17-0 with 8:06 to go in the half.  Two Crusader special team mistakes, the blocked punt, and the punt coverage had been converted into two touchdowns in 4 minutes.


 


Lantier Picks One Off.


 


The sky turned dark and threatening with 6 minutes to go in the first half and a brief heavy thunder shower spritzed the big crowd.


 


Trying to get back into the game, Stepinac attempted to pass, and Connor Lantier picked one off setting up the Tigers with a first down at the Tiger 25. Ike Nduka in the midst of a sudden thunder shower, ran some 70 yards to the Crusader 9. Avery found Paul Scotman all alone running out of the backfield into the flat  for a 9-yard touchdown pass to make it 24-0 with the Pablo PAT.


 



APOCALYPSE NOW:  Paul Scotman partially hidden, has just taken a Kevin Avery Pass wide open in the left flat, just two strides ahead of  Stepinac’s George Kehayas (11) and Justin Kolman (54) and is about to pounce into the endzone for the score that will make it 23-0. Photo by WPCNR Sports.


 


Excellent clock management. 


 


Will some one tell me why our high school coaches manage the clock better than Tom Coughlin and Herm Edwards?


 


A personal foul gave Stepinac a first down on the Tiger  35, after a valiant drive by the Crusaders was threatening.  With about 15 seconds left in the first half, Mike Henderson found Paul Faia behind the defense in coffin corner for a Stepinac score and 2-point conversion to make the score 24-8 at halftime and that’s the way she stayed.


 



TOUCHDOWN! Paul Faia of Stepinac holds arm aloft, celebrating Crusader TD with 8 seconds to go in the half. Faia had slipped behind the Tiger D and Mike Henderson lofted a beauty on target. The score with two-point conversion made it 24-8, and that’s the way she stayed. Photo by WPCNR Sports


 


The Tigers used running plays to chew out the clock in the Third Quarter. Stepinac was driving for a score midway in the 4th quarter with still an outside chance, when Gary Morello intercepted a pass in the end zone to end any chance of the Crusaders.


 


This game, as mentioned before, turned on several key plays that had Stepinac recovered a fumble there, or made a tackle there, the game would have been different. But that’s football. Analysts like yours truly can always point to what won or lost the game, but the players play it and they know how hard it is.


 


That’s why the handshakes and congratulations that follow these contests seem to be more genuine than the perfunctory “good game, good game” gatherings at home plate. The players, the coaches, are participants in a great thing that is hard to do, requiring endless dedication and concentration with brief unsung moments of glory, when some dumb reporter doesn’t even see your number or your block.


 


The seniors leaving White Plains and Stepinac today had one last taste of that glory and why they play this hard game today. It was glorious.


 


The fans did, too.


 


 What is great about White Plains and Stepinac football is that the town of White Plains just comes out, hangs out, enjoys each other, heals each other  and appears to be very thankful they live in a place like White Plains.


 



WHITE PLAINS SENIORS ARE INTRODUCED AT PARKER STADIUM FOR THE FINAL TIME:


Pablo Siaba,  Kevin Avery, Connor Lantier, Shawn Jimison,  Robert Ostrander II, Gary Morello, Mike Lane, Jeff Bagley, Jr., Ike Nduka, Paul Scotman, Khaly Merot, Akin Benton, Keith Simone,  and Drew Mollo. Photo by WPCNR Sports.


 


In a ceremony at the beginning of the contest  the “Dedicatees” of the game were given plaques for their service to athletics at WPHS and Archbishop Stepinac. This year the game was dedicated to Jim Noonan, White Plains resident for 41 years, and the City of White Plains Insurance Risk Manager,  long time supporter and tireless worker for Stepinac success and growth, and to Mariano Scarano, recently retired Athletic Director of White Plains High School, who built up the present WPHS athletic program over the last six years.


 



THE SUPERBAND With Lesley Tompkins In Command (White Jacket) Got the Turkey Bowl Started. Photo by WPCNR BandCam


 



Jim Noonan, left, and Mario Scarano right, holding plaques– Honored before the Kickoff. Photo by WPCNR Sports.


 


 



At the conclusion of the game,  Khaly Merot of White Plains and Richard Shanahan of Stepinac were selected for their outstanding sportsmanship in the game. Mayor Joseph Delfino in blue cap, congratulates Mr. Merot, and Mr. Shanahan. Each player received the B. T. Lauer Award Scholarship awarding each player $1,300 each for college tuition.  Photo by WPCNR Sports.


 


 


 


The big crowd did not leave when the showers came at the half. They stayed to watch “The Superband,”  the White Plains High School Marching Band. They met and greeted alumni back on college break and White Plains football players of the past. The Mayor of the City of White Plains, Joseph Delfino, was back from Japan for the game, saying he had a wonderful time there. The Mayor watched a lot of the second half on the sideline, watching the game with Mario Scarano, the former Athletic Director of White Plains High School. 


 



 


THE SUPERBAND: White Plains High School Marching Band held the crowd at halftime with a spectacular marching display. Photo by WPCNR BandCam


 



TIGERETTES TEAM UP WITH THE SUPERBAND AT THE HALF. Photo by WPCNR BandCam


 


Neighbors greeted each other. Young adults who you worked with in high school not so long ago, come up and say hello to you on their return from college. You meet great players of the past we still remember.


 


This only happens once a year in White Plains on Turkey Bowl Day.


 



ALL-AMERICAN AUTUMN: Parker Stadium on Turkey Bowl Day. Photo by WPCNR Sports.

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Bah! Humbug! A CHRISTMAS CAROL Debuts at City Center Friday Night.

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WPCNR’S OSCAR’S BACKSTAGE NOTES. By Oscar Sales, Jr., White Plains Performing Arts Center. November 25, 2004: Step into the rolling clouds of fog and mist for a moment to experience the magic of what is happening at the White Plains Performing Arts Center.  What would you do if you were walking home on a dark, bitter cold night at the end of December and arrive home to find the presence of a ghost who was once your friend and business partner wearing shackles and chains.  He explains that you will be haunted by three spirits and without their visits you will not be able to escape the chilling and un-resting fate he leads.

Take the journey with Scrooge through the huge flashes of light, heart-pounding sounds of ghosts, and joyous revelations as this classic tale unfolds. Visit the memories of the past, the realities of the present and the visions of the future, all unveiling the true love that has always been in Scrooge’s heart. 
   
This exciting production with a cast of more than 30 actors of all ages is the perfect holiday show for the whole family.   A Christmas Carol brings the warmth and true holiday spirit to everyone who experiences it.

Oscar’s Notes from Backstage: 11/20-11/26

As opening night approaches.  the Production Staff is hard at work every day.  With over 170 different lights to hang and focus, 100 mixed sounds to test, multiple fog machines and even some snow falling from the sky, the show is looking to be a spectacular one. 


The production staff of more than 17 professional designers, technicians and stagehands are constantly working on bringing that extra element of magic to the show. 

The 30 actors have been rehearsing every night and all week and every night to make sure every line is perfect.  And Director, Tony Stimac is about to share with you a wonderful holiday experience to be remembered for years to come.

A Christmas Carol at the White Plains Performing Arts opens this weekend and plays through December 12. Tickets are $32.50-$45 with children under 16 at $20. To order tickets call the Box Office at 888-977-2250. Visit our web site at http://www.wppac.com

Don’t miss the fun and fright of this classic holiday event!

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Alexander Conquers the City Center This Weekend.

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WPCNR SCREEN GEMS. From National Amusements. November 25, 2004: Thanksgiving weekend is highlighted at the White Plains City Center Cinema De Lux by the conquering army of Alexander, which debuts at the White Plains hub of entertainment. Also rolling over the Thanksgiving Weekend are Christmas with the Kranks, and Finding Neverland (with Johnny Depp). The storylines:

 

ALEXANDER — Colin Farrell plays Alexander the Great, the dashing warrior king who led his vastly outnumber forces against the massive Persian armies, and went on to create one of history’s greatest empires. This epic film was directed by Oliver Stone and co-stars Angelina Jolie, Val Kilmer and Anthony Hopkins. Rated R

CHRISTMAS WITH THE KRANKS — Tim Allen plays a man who decides to skip Christmas and go on a vaction with his wife (Jamie Lee Curtis) instead. But when his daughter decides at the very last minute to come home for the holidays he is forced to put Christmas back together — with very little time to spare! Rated PG

FINDING NEVERLAND — Johnny Depp stars as James Barrie, the real life author of “Peter Pan.” The film is a fictional account of Barrie’s efforts to bring Peter Pan to life, from his first inspiration for the story to the play’s opening night in 1904. Rated PG

There is no Baby Pictures program on Thursday, November 25th, Thanksgiving Day. The program will resume on December 9th.



Thursday, November 25, 2004  
The Incredibles (PG) –11:00 am; 12:25; 1:50; 3:10; 4:40; 7:35; 10:10 pm. ;
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (PG) –10:25; 11:15 am; 12:45; 1:40; 3:15; 4:05; 5:35; 6:30; 7:55; 10:15 pm. ;
Alexander (R) –12:00; 4:00; 8:00 pm. ;
Polar Express: An IMAX 3D Experience (G) –10:20 am; 12:40; 3:00; 5:20; 7:40; 10:00 pm. ;
Ray (PG-13) –12:05; 3:25; 6:40; 10:05 pm. ;
The Grudge (PG-13) –9:45 pm. ;
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (R) –11:10 am; 1:45; 4:15; 6:55; 9:00; 9:35 pm. ;
Finding Neverland (PG) –12:00; 2:25; 4:55; 7:25; 9:55 pm. ;
Christmas With the Kranks (PG) –10:25 am; 12:10; 12:35; 2:30; 2:55; 4:50; 7:15; 9:40 pm. ;
After the Sunset (PG-13) –5:00; 7:10; 9:25 pm. ;
The Polar Express (G) –10:40 am; 1:00; 3:20; 5:45; 8:05; 10:25 pm. ;
National Treasure (PG) –10:15 am; 1:05; 3:55; 6:50; 9:50 pm. ;
Alexander **(R) –7:30 pm. ;
National Treasure **(PG) –6:20; 9:20 pm. ;
The Incredibles **(PG) –10:30 am; 1:20; 4:10; 7:05 pm. ;
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie **(PG) –12:15; 2:45; 5:10 pm. ;

Friday, November 26, 2004  
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie **(PG) –12:15; 2:45; 5:10 pm. ;
The Incredibles **(PG) –10:30 am; 1:20; 4:10; 7:05 pm. ;
National Treasure **(PG) –6:20; 9:20 pm; 12:15 am. ;
Polar Express: An IMAX 3D Experience (G) –10:20 am; 12:40; 3:00; 5:20; 7:40; 10:00 pm; 12:10 am. ;
Alexander **(R) –7:30; 11:20 pm. ;
The Polar Express (G) –10:40 am; 1:00; 3:20; 5:45; 8:05; 10:25 pm; 12:35 am. ;
After the Sunset (PG-13) –5:00; 7:10; 9:25; 11:40 pm. ;
Alexander (R) –12:00; 4:00; 8:00; 11:50 pm. ;
Christmas With the Kranks (PG) –10:25 am; 12:10; 12:35; 2:30; 2:55; 4:50; 7:15; 9:40 pm; 12:00 am. ;
Finding Neverland (PG) –12:00; 2:25; 4:55; 7:25; 9:55 pm; 12:20 am. ;
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (R) –11:10 am; 1:45; 4:15; 6:55; 9:00; 9:35; 11:30 pm; 12:05 am. ;
The Grudge (PG-13) –9:45; 11:55 pm. ;
Ray (PG-13) –12:05; 3:25; 6:40; 10:05 pm. ;
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (PG) –10:25; 11:15 am; 12:45; 1:40; 3:15; 4:05; 5:35; 6:30; 7:55; 10:15 pm; 12:25 am. ;
National Treasure (PG) –10:15 am; 1:05; 3:55; 6:50; 9:50 pm; 12:35 am. ;
The Incredibles (PG) –11:00 am; 12:25; 1:50; 3:10; 4:40; 7:35; 10:10 pm; 12:35 am. ;

Saturday, November 27, 2004  
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (PG) –10:25; 11:15 am; 12:45; 1:40; 3:15; 4:05; 5:35; 6:30; 7:55; 10:15 pm; 12:25 am. ;
National Treasure (PG) –10:15 am; 1:05; 3:55; 6:50; 9:50 pm; 12:35 am. ;
The Incredibles (PG) –11:00 am; 12:25; 1:50; 3:10; 4:40; 7:35; 10:10 pm; 12:35 am. ;
Alexander (R) –12:00; 4:00; 8:00; 11:50 pm. ;
Polar Express: An IMAX 3D Experience (G) –10:20 am; 12:40; 3:00; 5:20; 7:40; 10:00 pm; 12:10 am. ;
Ray (PG-13) –12:05; 3:25; 6:40; 10:05 pm. ;
The Grudge (PG-13) –9:45; 11:55 pm. ;
Christmas With the Kranks (PG) –10:25 am; 12:10; 12:35; 2:30;

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Turkey Bowl Football Tradition Threatened by State High School Playoffs.

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. November 24, 2004: As the Stepinac Crusaders of Archbishop Stepinac High School on Mamamaroneck Avenue and their crosstown rivals of White Plains High School  battle today, fans should enjoy it. It could be the last Thanksgiving Day game if the Tigers or Crusaders have an exceptional season next year and go deep into the high school playoffs.


 


The possibility of no Tiger-Crusader game next year has arisen because of the football playoffs, now threaten traditional Thanksgiving Day rivalry games, if you’re a good team.



White Plains High Football Coach, Mark Santa-Donato, way back when football started in August. Photo, WPCNR Sports Archive.



WPCNR asked White Plains Football Coach, Mark Santa-Donato to explain the 10-game rule that threatens the game everyone in White Plains loves.


 


As far as the State and Section I canceling the (Turk ey Bowl) game someday – as the rule stands you are not supposed to play more than 10 games – unless you are involved in the Sectional and/or State Play-Offs.


 


We have played 11 games, 4 times, and never had a problem with the State and any sanctions. Since the Harrison-Rye issue last year, the state has come down hard on any team wanting to play more than 10 games.


 


This year the Stepinac game is our 10th game so there is no problem. The problem is when we get into a Bowl Game or continue on into the Section Semi-Finals, Finals, then State competition.


 


We have always had a verbal agreement with Stepinac that if we did not get to the State Finals and had enough legal days (4 nights rest), to get ready, we would play the Thanksgiving game.


 


Now with the state watching, things are different. We are hoping the state will reconsider and understand that we have been playing on Thanksgiving since the early 30’s. Our situation is a bit different than Harrison and Rye.


 


We are not asking for an extra game, we just want to keep doing what we have traditionally done in the past. We hope to be granfathered in with the Thanksgiving Game and continue to play the game in the future.


 


If we did not participate in the Section I Playoffs, our season would end the 3rd week of October and we would have to wait 5 or 6 weeks to play on Thanksgiving. If we cancel the Thanksgiving Game that would be tragic for the community and the teams. Either situation is not a good one.


 


Hopefully this will be worked out over the winter.


 


Coach Santa-Donato

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Day 151 of the Elena Sassower Incarceration in Washington, D.C.

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL. By John F. Bailey. November 25, 2004: White Plains’ own Elena Sassower, the Executive Director of the Center for Judicial Accountability in White Plains, is spending Thanksgiving Day in jail in the Nation’s Capitol, denied release to visit her family today.



White Plains Elena Sassower serving her 151st day in a Washington, D.C. jail. Her crime: asking a Senator a question. Photo Capture by WPCNR News from Center for Judicial Accountability website.


Ms. Sassower, in jail in Washington, D.C. since June 29, 2004, has been spending each day in virtual solitary confinement, not allowed to make phone calls, denied library privileges, according to her mother.  She was not even allowed to receive even a visit from her mother, Doris Sassower and her sister last Monday.


On Wednesday, the latest in a series of denials of Ms. Sassower’s release came down from Judge Brian Holeman, her sentencer. According to the Center for Judicial Accountability:


Judge Holeman, filed his Order, dated November 23, 2004, in which he DENIED Elena’s pro bono lawyers’ motion, filed on October 26, 2004 “To Correct an Illegal Sentence” and “request for a hearing” to establish the basis for her detention. Further information will await a report by Elena’s pro bono counsel as to their intended strategy, which will be announced after a meeting of a coalition of supporting pro bono defense counsel law firms next Tuesday, November 30, 2004.


 151 Days for Asking a Question of a Senator.


Ms. Sassower is serving a six month sentence for Disruption of Congress. It is anticipated, her mother reports, she will be released Christmas Day. Ms. Sassower was convicted of disrupting congress when she asked the Chair of the Senate Judicial Commitee to speak at a confirmation of judges hearing in May 2003.


She was jailed on June 28 of this year, when she refused to apologize to Judge Brian Holman, who refused her a suspended sentence and doubled her punishment for her refusal to apologize and cease her advocacy activities. The Judge also rejected her request to remain free pending appeal.


Here is an excerpt from the original WPCNR report that broke this story:


 


Citizen Arrested for Addressing a Senate Committee. Tried. Convicted. Jailed.


 


That hearing was on May 22, 2003.  According to the Center for Judicial Accountability,  Senator  Saxby Chambliss, Republican Senator from Georgia,  Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee was notified beforehand of her written request to speak at Wesley’s confirmation hearing.


 


However, Senator Chambliss adjourned the hearing after two hours of favorable testimony towards Judge Wesley without any inquiry by Senator Chambliss “as to whether anyone present wished to be heard.  At this point, Elena Sassower rose to speak and asked,


 


“Mr. Chairman, there’s citizen opposition to Judge Wesley based on his documented corruption as a New York Court of Appeals Judge, May I testify?”


 


 


 



Off to the Dungeon With Her! Cuffed. Isolated. Not One Phone Call.


 


 According to the CJA, “Within eight seconds, Ms. Sassower was thereupon taken out, arrested, handcuffed behind her back, incarcerated for 21 hours, during which she was held incommunicado, and criminally prosecuted for disruption of congress.”


 



SENATOR SAXBY CHAMBLISS: Gavels down the Senate Judiciary Committee Confirmation Hearing on Judge Richard Wesley without asking if anyone wished to be heard. Photo Capture by WPCNR from the Senator’s Website.


 


In April of  2004, Ms. Sassower was tried before Judge Brian  F. Holeman in District of Columbia Superior Court. The trial lasted a week before a jury and Ms. Sassower was convicted, and returned to Washington for sentencing June 1 before Judge Holeman.


  


When WPCNR received the news release of Ms. Sassower’s impending sentencing May 31,  this reporter reviewed it and automatically assumed Ms. Sassower since she appeared not to have threatened the committee in any way, would have received  probation or a fine, or a plea bargain of some sort.


 


I reread the news release Thursday and called to see how the case came out, and was shocked to learn Ms. Sassower had been given a sentence of six months in jail last Monday. (June 28).


 



The Center for Judicial Accountability  calls  the charges “spurious and concocted” and plans to appeal based on the trial court’s many “reversible errors.”


Malicious Prosecution?


The Center feels Ms. Sassower’s sentence is harsh because other protestors at a Senate Committee hearing were let off with no punishment whatsoever May 7  at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee who interrupted the hearing by shouting out for Defense Secretary Rumsfeld to be fired and unfurled a “FIRE RUMSFELD” banner. They were not arrested, according to the CJA.


As reported only in the CitizeNetReporter, the conditions for her release (no jail time) were:


 


1.       Being placed on probation for two years.


2.       Ceasing electronic, verbal and other communication with NY Senators Clinton and Schumer for two years.


3.       To stay away from all Capitol office buildings.


4.       Requiring her to report all her activities as Coordinator of the Center for Judicial Accountability for two years.


5.       Do 400 hours of community service.


6.       Write letters of apology to Senators Clinton and Schumer and their staffers as well as Judge Wesley (the nominee she sought to present opposition testimony).


 


 


 Meanwhile, A Convicted State Senator who Attempted to Bribe is Home


In contrast to Ms. Sassower’s treatment, Guy Vellella, the New York State Senator convicted of attempting to solicit bribes, is possibly spending Thanksgiving with his family, because he has been sprung, pending appeal of his being sent back to jail. Mr. Vellella is appealing the order sending him back to the hoosegow. Vellella was released after serving three months  of a one year sentence for his bribe conviction, less time than Ms. Sassower has served for asking a Senator a polite question.


Ms. Sassower’s plight has been ignored by all media with the exception of the White Plains CitizeNetReporter and the Philadelphia Inquirer.


Recently the New York Times did a short piece on Ms. Sassower’s incarceration, but reported the circumstances of her “disruption” erroneously, distorting the nature of her “crime.” The Times article on Ms. Sassower reported she had made her comments to the Senator chairing the hearing during the hearing. This is not true. She made her comment after the Senator had closed the hearing without asking if any one else wished to comment.


The Silent Struggle to Free Elena Sassower


Here are the efforts to date that have been waged pro bono to free Ms. Sassower, as detailed by the Center for Judicial Accountability website (www.judgewatch.org).



Legal Steps since pro bono counsel took over the case:


Exactly two months ago on September 23, 2004, the DC Court of Appeals again denied, without reasons, an emergency motion by Elena’s new pro bono counsel for a stay pending appeal, filed earlier that day, unopposed by the Government, of the balance of her unprecedented six month sentence, so as to release her, after she had served 92 days in prison, the full sentence as originally first pronounced by Judge Holeman at his June 28, 2004 sentencing of Elena. The Court stated, however, that this was, without prejudice to refiling the application before DC Superior Court Judge Holeman.


Accordingly, the stay motion was immediately refiled before Judge Holeman. Notwithstanding this gave him one more chance to rectify the grave injustice he had committed, Judge Holeman, the very next day, Friday, September 24, 2004, likewise DENIED the requested stay, without reasons.

On October 6, 2004, an “EMERGENCY APPEAL” to review Judge Holeman’s denial was filed once more with the DC Court of Appeals. Once again, without any decision adjudicating the specific legal arguments made by Elena’s counsel, its order affirmed Judge Holden’s denial of stay pending appeal relief.


Again, the denial order was contrary to law and fact, and notwithstanding that the motion for stay relief was unopposed by the prosecuting US attorneys, albeit subject to limitations therein requested by them, including a stay away provision to bar her from 16 sites constituting the DC Capitol complex, including the Library of Congress and the US Supreme Court. Such would have treated her, without a shred of basis, as if she were a terrorist, instead of the patriotic, law-abiding, public-spirited citizen she is.


On October 26, 2004, Elena’s pro bono counsel made a new motion in the nature of habeas corpus under DC Code §23-110 “to correct an illegal sentence” and calling for her immediate release. This motion compels the Court “to grant a prompt hearing … and make findings of fact and conclusions of law” based on substantial constitutional and statutory arguments mandating such relief.


Shamefully defending the indefensible, the government, after being given ten days to respond to this emergency motion, has protected Judge Holeman by opposing this latest motion, even though their pre-sentence recommendation was for NO JAIL TIME and even though they had consented to her release after she had served her original 92 day-sentence. Should this latest motion, still pending before Judge Holeman, who may hold up his decision indefinitely, knowing Elena is behind bars throughout, be denied by the DC Courts, the next stop will be the US Supreme Court.


Judge Holeman, filed his Order, dated November 23, 2004, in which he DENIED Elena’s pro bono lawyers’ motion, filed on October 26, 2004 “To Correct an Illegal Sentence” and “request for a hearing” to establish the basis for her detention. Further information will await a report by Elena’s pro bono counsel as to their intended strategy, which will be announced after a meeting of a coalition of supporting pro bono defense counsel law firms next Tuesday, November 30, 2004.


Elena Sassower is being represented and aided by a team of constitutional law specialists from well-respected DC law firms, led by world-renowned DC criminal defense lawyers, Lewin & Lewin and Rothwell, Figg, Ernst and Manbeck.


To Send Mail or Contact Ms. Sassower in Prison:


___________________________________________


Mail address for Elena Sassower as follows:


Prisoner #301-340 at CTF, 1901 E Street SE, Washington DC 20003; e-mail copies for posting to judgewatch@aol.com To schedule press interviews at the Jailhouse, tel: (202) 547-7822, ext. 2345.


___________________________________________


 

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Cappelli “$1 Million Gift” to Grace Church is Gift of Services Not Cash.

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WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. By John F. Bailey. November 24, 2004: The “$1 Million Gift” to Grace Church from the Cappelli Foundation announced Monday by Louis Cappelli, is not a gift of cash with no strings attached. It is goods and services only, according to a Cappelli spokesman.


 


The Cappelli organization will perform services for Grace Church, as needed, approximating that $1 Million ceiling,  according to Bruce Berg, President of Cappelli Enterprises.


 



The nature of the “$1 Million Gift,” surfaced when WPCNR  behind on this story, contacted Mr. Berg today to ask if there was going to be a news conference or ceremony in which the check for $1 Million was going to be presented by Mr. Cappelli.


 


Mr. Berg said that there would be no news conference, and no presentation of any check, that Mr. Cappelli was instead offering the church services. Asked what kind of services, Mr. Berg said, “We’re going to help rebuild the church, John. It’s up to the church what they want done.”


 


In a separate call on the nature of the gift, Mr. Berg said the gift consisted of “goods and services only.”  Asked if The Journal News got the story wrong, Mr. Berg told WPCNR today, “I guess so.”


 


Cash or Goods and Services: Confusion in the Heat of the Moment.


 


It appears the nature of the “$1 Million Gift” (as described in The Journal News released  Monday, the same day that Grace Church broke the news they were closing Samaritan House, their homeless shelter for women), was not clear to Grace Church at the time of the gift announcement.


 


The Journal News reporter apparently questioned Reverend Janet Vincent on whether the  “$1 Million Grant” could be used to keep the Samaritan House going.


 


Reverend Vincent was reported Tuesday as having said “the money” would go for “desperately needed renovations” to parts of the Parish House, that include the soup kitchen and the day care center.


 


Reverend Vincent, in addition was reported as saying a portion of the “the grant from the Cappelli Foundation” would not be applied to the Samaritan House deficit to keep it going because it would be “underwriting the Department of Social Services and the citizens of the county who are responsible for the homeless in the community,” Vincent was reported as saying.


 


Mr. Cappelli couched the terms of the gift from The Cappelli Foundation in this way in the original article. The Super Developer, (about to embark on a 200-suite hotel and twin spire multi-million dollar-a-suite condo complex) next door, was giving the $1 million as a gift for general purposes for upgrading (the church).


 


Cappelli is quoted as saying, “It’s their choice how they decide to use it.”


 


Awaiting Interview with the Reverend.


 


WPCNR also has a call in to Reverend Vincent for an explanation of when the new “upgrading” work will begin, whether the Cappelli construction companies will execute it, and what will be done, and how the soon-to-close Samaritan House space will be utilized in the future.


 


In a follow-up story by Ms. Elan today in The Journal News, William Biles, described as Senior Warden of Grace Episcopal Church, gives the impression that cold hard Cappelli cash is coming Grace way, because he refers to it as the money being used for the day care and soup kitchen.


 


A Tale of Two Houses.


 


WPCNR has put in a call to Joeseph D’Ambrosio, Executive Director of Grace Church Community Center for comment on why Grace Church doesn’t close both homeless shelters since he is reported in the Tuesday and Wednesday Journal News editions that says both homeless operations combined have lost $300,000 a year.


 


Joseph D’Ambrosio, Executive Director of Grace Church Community Center announced Samaritan House would close because of the  $50,000 shortfall it is running over what the Department of Social Service pays Grace to run Samaritan House.


 


 D’Ambrosio, the Journal News reporter wrote, said he needed an 8% increase he is reported as saying he needs in Department of Social Services Funding to keep Samaritan open), in what he said the Westchester County Department of Services wanted to pay Grace Church ($598,752) to run Samaritan House, and what the center needed. The News quotes Nancy Travers of the Department of Social Services as saying the D.S.S. was offering a 5% increase, and that she was surprised they had decided to close when negotiations were going on. 


 


 


D’Ambrosio has given no explanation so far why Grace Church would keep operating Open Arms Shelter in another part of town (East Post Road), which appears to be losing $250,000 a year, while closing Samaritan House which D’Ambrosio said is only running a $50,000 deficit. He also has not commented on why a new location could not be found for Samaritan House.


 


 


 


WPCNR awaits clarification  


 


 

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Fordham Iona Dec. 2 Contest Benefits Coaches Vs. Cancer

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. From Nadine Baker, American Cancer Society. November 24, 2004: Don’t miss the charity basketball event of the  season! On Thursday, December 2 at 7:30 pm, Iona College and Fordham  University will battle it out in a charity basketball game at Iona  College’s Mulcahy Fieldhouse at 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle.  For  ticket information contact the Iona Box Office at 914-633-2491. Last year,  more than 2,000 people attended the event raising close to $30,000 for the American Cancer Society.
Snapple Beverage, the title sponsor of the event, will collaborate with
Iona College for some entertaining halftime activities. Mascots will race
each other and a variety of giveaways will be distributed to the crowd.
Snapple will also provide a free bottle of Snapple to all attendees. All
proceeds from Coaches vs. Cancer events benefit the American Cancer
Society’s four-pronged program of cancer research, education, advocacy and
services.

“Coaches vs. Cancer is an instrumental part of the American Cancer
Society’s effort of supplying lifesaving information to help reach our
goal of finding the ultimate answer ? a cure for all cancers,” said Jim
Boeheim, National Chairman of the Coaches vs. Cancer Council of the
American Cancer Society and Syracuse University Head Basketball Coach.

Coaches vs. Cancer is a partnership begun in 1993 by the American Cancer
Society (ACS) and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC).
Since its inception, Coaches vs. Cancer has united over 500 NABC member
coaches who have helped raise over $20 million nationwide for the American
Cancer Society.
For additional information, contact the American Cancer Society at
1-800-ACS-2345.

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Grace Church To Close Homeless Shelter Next to Cappelli Hotel

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WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. November 23, 2004: Grace Church announced to the Journal News yesterday that they would close Samaritan House at 33 Church Street, their shelter for homeless women, which had it remained open would be a next door neighbor of the Cappelli Hotel and Condominiums at 221 Main Street. The announcment of the closure came on the same day Louis Cappelli announced a $1,000,000 gift to Grace Church.


Susan Elan’s story in The Journal News today reports the Rector of Grace Church, Janet Vincent as saying the reason for the closing of Samaritan House is because Grace Church has not been able to raise enough money to keep all church programs going. Elan reports Rector Janet Vincent as saying she would not use any of the Cappelli $1,000,000 windfall  to make up the $50,000 shortfall needed to bring Samaritan House to break even. Instead, Vincent said, the money would be used to renovate the Parish House which includes, according to the article the Grace Church soup kitchen and day-care center.


Elan’s article notes the Department of Social Services First Deputy Commissioner, Nancy Travers, as being surprised at the announced closure. Travers is reported saying the D.S.S. had advanced them money in the past when Samaritan House had financial problems. Commissioner Travers is reported as saying the D.S.S. was contemplating increasing the approximate $600,000 funding 5%. The Samaritan House Director is reported saying the shelter needed an 8% increase to break even or about $50,000.00.


Ms. Elan reports the fifteen women now being housed will be relocated to other shelters within the city.


This is not the first time Grace Church and the Department of Social Services have been apart on accounting.


In 2002, Grace Church was found by the Department of Social Services to be billing D.S.S. more money than they were actually charging for day care, according to  Maryfaith Fortunate, the Director of Day Care, who spoke with a reporter for WPCNR, Teresa Kramarz, at the time.


The Department of Social Services reduced their funding of the Grace Day Care fees when the D.S.S. discovered they had been making a mistake paying to Grace Church Day Care the full Title XX entitlement, which was $800 per child at the time, when Grace Church was charging parents only $600.


The daycare fee at Grace had to be raised from $600 to $800, causing some parents, who were not fully subsidized by the Department of Social Services to drop out. Grace Church was forced to pay back approximately $55,000 to the Department of Social Services, as a result of the overbilling they had charged the Department of Social Services.


As a result of Grace Day Care having to increase the monthly fee, a number of parents left Grace Church Day Care at the time.

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Dale Berra Interviewed by Johnny Vorperian on BEYOND THE GAME Friday

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. November 24, 2004: Dale Berra, son of Yogi Berra, and a member of the World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates of 1979, whose teammates included Buccaneer greats,  Willie “Pops” Stargell, Dave “The Cobra” Parker,Bill Robinson and Bill Madlock and pitchers John Candelaria, Bruce Kison and Bert Blyleven, reminisces about life with Yogi and baseball before the 1994 strike on WPPA-TV’s Beyond The Game with genial Johnny Vorperian, at 9 P.M.Friday evening on WPPA-TV, “The Spirit of 76,” White Plains Public Access Television.

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PIN Number Fraud — Latest TeleThief Technique

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL. From Sonny The Solicitor. November 22, 2004: Sonny the Barrister reports the experience of a friend of his and says this new telemarketing fraud is being worked on credit card holders in the tri-state area. Here is his report:


I received this from a friend and thought that you should know about it so you can protect yourself.

The scam works like this:

Person calling says, “this is , and I’m calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My Badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I’m calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by bank. Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a marketing company based in Arizona?”


When you say “No”, the caller continues with, “Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?”



You say “yes.” The caller continues… “I will be starting a Fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1-800 number listed on the back of your card (1-800-VISA) and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this Control #” The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. “Do you need me to read it again?”

Here’s the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works. The caller then says, “He needs to verify you are in possession of your card.”  He’ll ask you to “turn your card over and look for some numbers. There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are your card number, the next 3 are the ‘Security Numbers’ that verify you are in possession of the card. These are the numbers you use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. Read me the 3 numbers.”


After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he’ll say ,”That is correct. I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?” After you say No, the caller then thanks you and states, “Don’t hesitate to call back if you do,” and hangs up.  You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the card number. But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question. Are we glad we did!

The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of $497.99 was charge on our card. Long story made short, we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA card, and they are reissuing us a new number. What the scammers wants is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don’t give it to them.

Instead, tell them you’ll call VISA or Master card direct. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you’re receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement, you’ll see charges for purchases you didn’t make, and by then it’s almost too late and/or harder to actually file a fraud report.

What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a “Jason Richardson of MasterCard” with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I didn’t let him finish. I hung up! We filed a police report, as instructed by VISA. The police said they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening.

Please pass this on to all your friends. By informing each other, we protect each other. Thank-You.

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