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

Trinity Lutheran Church Presents Wizard of Odds Nov. 6

Posted on November 1, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR STAGE DOOR. By Paul Riss. (Edited). November 1, 2004: Trinity Lutheran Church is presenting its second annual musical parody, The Wizard of Odds. A fundraiser for the Trinity Youth Group, it will be presented November 6 at Trinity Lutheran and stars some of White Plains brightest youth talent. Here’s the backstage story:

Trinity Lutheran Church Orchestra Rehearses for Sunday Musical: Front to rear: Zach Glass, Kim Wood, Jeff Silver, Bobby Hollahan, John Hollahan. Photo, Courtesy, Trinity Lutheran Church.

The Youth Group at Trinity Lutheran Church typically meets every other Saturday night. They meet for fun and fellowship, and it is convenient for parents to drop off their kids and attend the Saturday evening church service. The youth will go out bowling or see a movie, or just stay at church and play games. The musical opens on a typical night at the Trinity Youth Group:

On Saturday November 6^th, we find the Youth Group is immersed in a competitive battle of Lutheran Family Feud. Like the television game show, the master of ceremonies is saying to the youth “100 Lutherans surveyed answered the following question…” It is a heated battle to see which team knows more about the bible.

But the adult supervisors in the room have to slip out before the lightning round to sing an anthem for the Saturday night church service. That is when the trouble begins.

Andrea Busch stars as “Dorothy” in the show. Here, she’s shown with Jake Riss, who plays The Scarecrow. Photo, Courtesy, Trinity Lutheran Church.

Andrea starts singing about how she is a daydream believer and during a physical battle between the teams, Andrea is swept away into the wonderful Land of Odds. She is now confronted with biblical teachings that appear to be way beyond her imagination, as she struggles to find a way home to White Plains. Luck and religion have mysteriously been mixed together, and with the help of her friends, she needs to learn some life lessons.

This production is the second annual musical parody given by the youth at Trinity Lutheran Church. It was written by Paul Riss. The proceeds of this fundraiser are for a memorial scholarship fund in memory of Paul’s wife, Nancy.

The production includes a live pit band with 8 instruments, munchkins, witches and the Wizard who helps people stack the odds. It examines the scripture lesson that notes that the odds are better for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to go to heaven. Have you amassed too many earthly treasures? You may just want to come by and see your chances.

Tickets $10

430 North Street White Plains, NY (Corner of North and Bryant Avenue)

914-761-6038

Proceeds are entirely for the Nancy Riss Memorial Scholarship Fund

Cast of Characters

(In Order of Appearance)

Paul Paul Riss

Andrea Andrea Busch

Jake Jake Riss

Betina Betina Cheung

Vicky Vicky Struss

Kate Kate Smayda

Dominique Dominique Cheung

Kirsten Kirsten Smayda

Helen Helen Hess

Mariana Mariana Hess

Becky Becky Riss

Keith Keith Werner

Devon Devon Williams

Debra Debra Hess

Becca Becca Rose

Lauren Lauren Werner

Alex Alexandra Imbrosci-Viera

Nick Nick Arias

Caitlin Caitlin Arias

Natalie Natalie Cheung

Scorekeeper Vicky Struss

Good Witch Helen Hess

Fairy Godmother Debra Hess

Wicked Witch Becky Riss

Mercury Kate Smayda

Scarecrow Jake Riss

Tin Woman Kirsten Smayda

Lion Keith Werner

Larry Alexandra Imbrosci-Viera

Curly Becca Rose

Jester Devon Williams

Wizard Paul Riss

Orchestra

Clarinet Kim Wood

Flute Becky Riss

Guitar Mark Hitt

Keyboards Mary Jane Almes

Saxophone Jeff Silver

Trombone John Hollahan

Trumpet Zack Glass

Tuba Bobby Hollahan

US Air Force Band Colonial Brass Quintet – Free Concert at Memorial UMC

Posted on November 1, 2004 by John Bailey

The United States Air Force Band of Liberty’s Colonial Brass Quintet will present a free concert at 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 8, 2004, in the Sanctuary of Memorial United Methodist Church. Advance reservations are not required.

The Colonial Brass, a component of the Band of Liberty stationed at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, MA, uses a wide variety of music to entertain and inspire audiences of all ages. The group performs in a number of different settings, including schools, churches, town squares and concert halls. They have also played at renowned music conventions and venues such as Tanglewood, MENC (Music Educators National Conference) and the NY Brass Conference.

The band features six talented musicians with extensive experience in civilian and military bands and orchestras throughout the United States and abroad: Master Sergeant David Arnold of Lindstrom, MN (trumpet), Senior Airman Michael Dugan of St. Charles, IL (trombone), Technical Sergeant Lawrence Price of Bethesda, MD (horn), Staff Sergeant Jonathan Rattay of Plano, TX (trumpet), and Senior Airman Steven Charles Skov of Fargo, ND (tuba). Find more information about the band on the Internet at http://www.usafbandofliberty.com/colonial_brass.html

Memorial UMC is located on Bryant Avenue between North Street and Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains. Its congregation strives to welcome and respect persons of every race, ethnicity, national origin, physical or mental ability, gender, family status, sexual orientation, age, theology, and economic circumstance. The pastor is Rev. Joseph Agne.

Public Safety Requests $160,000 for Fire Department Overtime for Balance of Year

Posted on October 30, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. By John F. Bailey. October 31, 2004: The Department of Public Safety brought the matter of Fire Department overtime before the Common Council in the October 20 Worksession. Commissioner of Public Safety, Dr. Frank Straub informed the Common Council that the budgeted amount for Fire Department overtime for the entire 2004-05 fiscal year has been used up in one quarter. Monday evening the Common Council is expected to vote to approve an additional $160,000 to fund overtime expected to keep all fire stations ready to respond with all equipment, if necessary, to emergencies.

A total of $96,301 was budgeted for overtime, and as of October 22, $92,922 had been spent, according to documents submitted with the Common Council agenda released Friday.

Dr. Straub attributes the increase in overtime to 9 vacant full-time positions in the fire department, as well as firefighters out due to injuries or vacation. The $160,000 is to be transferred to Public Safety out of the city Reserve for Financing.

In the presentation detailing the overtime problem, Dr. Straub said that there are 36.5 Personnel Assigned per Shift; an average of 6 vacation/compensatory days per shift, and 1 personal day per shift, making for 29 on duty. There are 9 vacancies and 4 personnel on long-term sick leave with serious medical conditions. Vacancies mean the Fire Department has to depend on overtime to keep all apparatus in service.

Straub noted that reducing overtime reduces the number of fire apparatus available to respond to alarms. When for example, a firehouse is understaffed due to a vacancy the equipment from another fire station is used to supplement the call.

To date, Straub said he uses Administrative and Fire Prevention Personnel during daytime to staff apparatus to avoid overtime.

On the other hand, he said, that results in reducing fire prevention, fire inspections, plan reviews, poor customer service and delayed training.

Meanwhile, fire calls are up 17% over 2003-2004. In a chart, Straub demonstrated that fire calls have gone from approximately 3,200 in 2001 to 3,800 through 2003. Straub reported that simultaneous calls are also a problem, with 11 to 12% of fire calls occurring at the same time.

Straub demonstrated the staffing dilemma. He pointed out the next Fire Academy class does not begin until February and new firefighters would not start to come on shift until June 2005. If the department does not hire in February 2005, the next class will not come on board until September 2005. He also noted that 30% of current fire department staff are eligible to retire immediately.

Fire Chief Richard Lyman related the most interesting statistic of the evening, saying 47% of the Fire Departments calls are to check out “accidental false alarms,” mostly at businesses. Presently there is no charge accorded businesses for these accidental false alarms. Rita Malmud and Tom Roach suggested this might be an avenue to address. Lyman said the sophisticated alarms today often trigger through no fault of the business.

Ginsburg’s Pinnacle Rejected by Building Commissioner as Incomplete.

Posted on October 30, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. By John F. Bailey. October 30, 2004, UPDATED 11:30 P.M. E.D.T. With Pictures, text: Developer Martin Ginsburg’s 24 story, 148 unit, retail and restaurant complex, he has dubbled “The Pinnacle,” that he envisions as being White Plains “Chrysler Tower,” has run into an impasse. The city Commissioner of Building has rejected Mr. Ginsburg’s plan as being incomplete.

Martin Ginsburg, of Ginsburg Development Company, pensive as he listens to his attorney outline plans for The Pinnacle, October 20 at the Common Council Work Session. Photo by WPCNR News.

The project as outlined by the developer to the Common Council in Work Session October 20, 2004, has been judged to be “incomplete” by the City Commissioner of Building, Michael Gismondi. A letter from Mr. Gismondi to Mr. Ginsburg’s attorney, dated October 28, and included as a communication with the Common Council agenda for Monday evening, declares “it is eminently clear that at this time, the developer does not control the required development area to develop the subject site and construct the project as present configured…” Gismondi writes he has “hereby rejected the project at the present time.”

Ginsburg Addressing the Common Council. Photo by WPCNR News.

Ginsburg had asked the Common Council to acquire the Corner Nook, bookstore, and delicatesson building now owned by Louis Cappelli, by using the power of eminent domain and to turn the building over to Ginsburg to give him enough square footage and City Place frontage to complete his Pinnacle project. Building Commissioner Gismondi writes, “in the existing Urban Renewal Plan, this corner property is described as property not to be acquired.”

ACTIVATING CITY PLACE. Mr. Ginsburg criticised the City Place street court, now used for driver access to the City Center Garage only, as not making the best use and not being active enough. He said his Pinnacle development, by building a restaurant and sidewalk cafe across from the entrance of City Center would provide the ambience Ginsburg feels the square needs. He asked the Council to appropriate square footage of the City Center Garage and to acquire the Corner Nook, Main Street Bookstore and Delecatessen by eminent domain from Louis Cappelli, in order that Mr. Ginsburg could develop the Pinnacle and liven up the square with restaurants, and three stories of retail. This is the view from the entrance to City Center on City Place, looking at the proposed Pinnacle complex. Photo by WPCNR News.

Ginsburg also requested the city turn over 28,647 square feet of the City Center garage to make up the 100,000 square feet Ginsberg needs to build The Pinnacle.

Gismondi writes that “even if the city were inclined to enter into such an arrangement with the developer, (no opinion is expressed or can be implied concerning the merits of the previously noted request simply by reference to this outstanding subject), the development site area still does not meet the threshold of one hundred thousand square feet.”

In effect, Gismondi’s analysis indicates the city at present is not inclined to help Mr. Ginsberg out by entertaining turning over 28,647 square feet of City Center Garage area and eminent domaining the Nook, bookstore and deli property.

Ironically, about one year ago, the Planning Department of the city and its Planning Board had suggested the Common Council use Eminent Domain to acquire the Bar Building for Mr. Cappelli, to facilitate Mr. Cappelli’s building his 221 Main Street condo-hotel development (approved last June). The Planning Board felt strongly the building was of no historical significance. Anthony Longhitano and Frank Longhitano, refused to sell the building, sought and acquired designation as a historical landmark, and have since leased the first floor floor of the Bar Building to Mr. Cappelli.

Ginsberg had indicated after the work session October 20 that he has reached an impasse with Mr. Cappelli on the Nook property.Ginsberg also told WPCNR at an impromptu conversation with the media after that work session in response to WPCNR’s question of whether he would sell the 65,416 square feet of the development site he owns to Mr. Cappelli, or would enter into a partnership with Mr. Cappelli on it that “he was in the business to build and develop. We’ve put a lot into this.”

THE PINNACLE AS SEEN from Main Street. Ginsburg described the building as being 24-stories, offering a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom condominium homes, ranging in price from $450,000 for a 900-square foot one-bedroom to $2.5 Million for the 3,700-square foot penthouses. Ginsburg is quoted in a news release on the project observing, “City Place should be activated with a presene on Main Street other than driveways and exit ramps. The city clearly has an interest in a high quality development along Main Street and in activating City Place as we have proposed.” Mr. Cappelli and Mr. Ginsburg are presently not negotiating on the controversial Nook-bookstore-deli property. Photo by WPCNR News.

John Jay Balanced, Quick Strike Attack in 2nd Half Defeats Tigers, 34-7

Posted on October 29, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR PRESS BOX. By John F. Bailey. October 29, 2004: John Jay High’s Dan Sheeran’s 35 yard punt return and 25 yard touchdown up the middle turned the game around in the Third Quarter Friday night, as he scored the touchdown that put JJ ahead to stay, 13-7.

John Jay’s flashy balanced offense of sweeps, counter plays, traps and long passing built a 21-7 lead going into the final stanza. The Indians held White Plains to 4 first downs in the first half, and 5 first downs in the second half (unofficially), running 29 plays to White Plains’ 20 in the first half, and 18 plays to White Plains 8 in the third quarter (and no Tiger first downs) when they won the game.

Ike Nduka was held to approximately 100 yards rushing in the game, and was contained in the second half when White Plains could not get a sustained drive going. The Tigers had trouble with footing, turning corners and making tackles on the synthetic turf and did not move with their usual certainty on the terrain. White Plains, handed their third straight loss, fell to 5-4 and were denied a bowl bid. The Tigers play Stepinac next on Thanksgiving Day to close the season.

Sheeran snags big catch for First and Goal: Will Pickel hit Dan Sheeran on the Tiger 10 on 2nd down and 10 from the Tiger 23, to set up the third clinching Indian touchdown. Sheeran is shown sitting down after the tackle by the orange fonton. Ryder Bohlander, a terrific runner, punched the ball over on the next play to put the game out of reach, 20-7 at the close of the Third Quarter. Pickel consistently hit Sheeran and Cade McCarthy for wide open catches in the Tiger secondary on third and fourth downs to keep drives going. At the outset of the fourth quarter, Pickel threw a beauty leading Sheeran perfectly at the 5 yard line on a post pattern to ice the game 27-7 with a 35 yard touchdown strike on a 4th and 9 play. So it went for the Tigers in the second half, being burned by big play after big play. Photo by WPCNR Sports.

Tiger Stand Almost Holds them off: The firsthalf was a different story. The Tigers stiffened at their 5 yard line in the second quarter, stopping John Jay three times inside the five. On fourth down, Dan Sheeran circled around right tackle to score the game’s first touchdown at the outset of the second quarter. White Plains came right back marching 70 yards in 7 plays to tie the score 7-7, highlighted by a 26 yard run by Ike Nduka on first down from his 31 to the JJ 44 and a 15 yard Nduka rumble from the JJ 25 to the JJ 10. Nduka pushed the ball in for the tying touchdown with 6:30 to go in the first half. The Tigers never threatened seriously again. Photo by WPCNR Sports.

The game turned around on the second series in the second half. After John Jay fumbled at the Tiger 48, The Tigers recovered and started from their 43, score tied, 7-7. Nduka took the ball to the 50 around left end. Paul Scotman was stopped. A handoff to Gary Morello only gained two yards and the Tigers elected to punt. Pablo Siaba got off a good one to the John Jay 15 where Sheeran was waiting. Three Tigers were around Sheehan. The Tiger closest to him slipped on the synthetic turf and Sheeran lit out for the far sideline and down the alley, scampering to the John Jay 48, a 33 yard punt return negating Pablo’s punt. Had the Tigers gone for it and not made it they would have been in the same position. The Tiger opportunity had been turned into great field position for the Indians.

Jay started to grind it then. Bohlander cruised right end for 9 yards to the Tiger 43. After a short first down, the Tigers stopped three runs and it was 4th and 4 on the 37. Bohlander went around end again for a first down on the 30. The Tigers could not get outside to stop the fast Indians all night. On second and 4 from the 25, Sheeran ran the counter play and ran untouched up the middle for 25 yards for the go-ahead touchdown. It was 14-7 with 4:51 left in the third quarter.

After the Tigers went three and out, a poor punt gave John Jay great field position again at their own 47. Cade McCarthy ran the ball to the White Plains 33. Then on 2nd and 10 from the White Plains 23 McCarthy passed on the option to Sheeran for 21 yards to the White Plains 3. Bohlander ran it in for the TD and it was 21-7 with the point. 53 yards in 7 plays.

In the Fourth Quarter, White Plains moved the ball to the John Jay 37, gaining their first first down of the second half only to be stopped on downs at the 37. The Indians rammed it right back moving the ball to the White Plains 29 and scoring on a 34 yard fourth down touchdown strike to Sheeran again from McCarthy.

In the first half, the Tigers did not give an indication they would be so containable in the second half. They drove nicely down the field to tie the score midway in the second half.

White Plains took over on downs at their own 31 after John Jay’s first touchdown. Ike Nduka ran around right end for 26 yards to the John Jay 44. Then on second down, it was Ike again to the Jay 38. A run by Paul Scotman picked up 4. Nduka slamed to the 25, then Ike went off tackle, picking up steam breaking to the outside coming to the near sideline lugging it all the way to the 10. Ike then ran three times up the middle for the tying score with the point and it was 7-7.

John Jay moved 65 yards in 14 plays for their first score, on Sheeran’s one yard run on 4th and goal after the Tigers had stonewalled the Indians three times inside the five — the highlight of the game for the Tigers.

Eastview Teacher Killed in Automobile Accident on Route to Conference

Posted on October 29, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR. From the City School District. October 29, 2004: Ms. Maberliz Castillo, a Spanish Teacher at Eastview Middle School died Thursday night in an automobile accident on route to a language conference. She was traveling with two other White Plains teachers, Janet Aiello, a French and Spanish teacher also at Eastview, and Rose Morochnick, a language teacher at Highlands. Students at Eastview and Highlands and White Plains High school were notified by letter sent home from school with them today of the accident. Information given the CitizeNetReporter which could not be confirmed was that Ms.Aiello and Ms. Morochnick, would return to their teaching duties shortly. No other details are available at this time.

According to a parent who received the letter announcing Ms. Castillo’s death, counseling was made available to students at Eastview and Highlands and the high school. WPCNR awaits information from the Superintendent of Schools office.

Ray Charles Story Premiers at City Center Cinemas this weekend.

Posted on October 28, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCREEN GEMS. From National Amusements. October 29, 2004: The film biography of Ray Charles, the rhythm and blues legend, premiers this weekend at the Cinema de Lux at City Center. Also rolling new this weekend are the horror flicks, Saw and Birth. The Schedule and storylines follow:

SAW — Two unconscious men awake in a dark torture chamber to find themselves chained down and incapable of leaving. Together they must figure out who the psychopath was who brought them there and how they can escape. Rated R

BIRTH — Nicole Kidman stars in this unconventional new film about a delicate young widow on the verge of a new life when a solemn little boy appears, claiming to be the reincarnation of her dead husband. The film is part romance, part mystery and part family drama. Rated R

RAY – This musical biography of American legend Ray Charles features a remarkable performance by Jamie Foxx in the central role as one of America’s most beloved performers. Directed by Taylor Hackford (AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN). Rated PG-13

ADVANCE TICKETS FOR THE INCREDIBLES Rated PG Available this Friday! The latest animated comedy from Disney and Pixar (FINDING NEMO, MONSTERS INC., TOY STORY) about a family of retired super-heroes who must summon their special powers once again to help save the world. With voices by Craig T. Nelson and Holly Hunter. THE INCREDIBLES OPENS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5th.

Friday, October 29, 2004
Ray (PG-13) –12:30;3:45;7:00;10:15 pm;12:45 am. ;
Taxi (PG-13) –12:00;4:30;7:05 pm. ;
Friday Night Lights (PG-13) –12:40;3:40;6:40;9:40 pm;12:25 am. ;
Saw (R) –12:10;2:35;5:00;7:35;10:10 pm;12:35 am. ;
The Grudge (PG-13) –1:00;3:30;5:45;8:00;10:30 pm;12:40 am. ;
The Motorcycle Diaries (R) –12:15;3:05;6:15;9:00 pm;12:00 am. ;
Shall We Dance? (PG-13) –1:55;4:25;6:55;9:30 pm;12:05 am. ;
Surviving Christmas (PG-13) –12:25;2:50;5:05;7:25;9:55 pm;12:10 am. ;
Shark Tale (PG) –12:35;2:55;5:20;7:45;10:05 pm;12:20 am. ;
The Forgotten (PG-13) –2:15;9:35;11:55 pm. ;
Ray **(PG-13) –12:00;3:15;6:30;9:45 pm. ;
The Grudge **(PG-13) –12:30;3:00;5:15;7:30;10:00 pm;12:15 am. ;
I Heart Huckabees (R) –1:10;3:50;6:25;9:05;11:40 pm. ;
Team America: World Police (R) –12:10;2:40;5:10;7:40;10:20 pm;12:40 am. ;
Birth (R) –12:00;2:20;4:45;7:10;9:50 pm;12:20 am. ;

Saturday, October 30, 2004
Birth (R) –12:00;2:20;4:45;7:10;9:50 pm;12:20 am. ;
Ray (PG-13) –12:30;3:45;7:00;10:15 pm;12:45 am. ;
Team America: World Police (R) –12:10;2:40;5:10;7:40;10:20 pm;12:40 am. ;
I Heart Huckabees (R) –1:10;3:50;6:25;9:05;11:40 pm. ;
Ray **(PG-13) –12:00;3:15;6:30;9:45 pm. ;
The Grudge **(PG-13) –12:30;3:00;5:15;7:30;10:00 pm;12:15 am. ;
The Forgotten (PG-13) –2:15;9:35;11:55 pm. ;
Shark Tale (PG) –12:35;2:55;5:20;7:45;10:05 pm;12:20 am. ;
Taxi (PG-13) –12:00;4:30;7:05 pm. ;
Surviving Christmas (PG-13) –12:25;2:50;5:05;7:25;9:55 pm;12:10 am. ;
Finding Neverland (PG) –7:30 pm. ;
Shall We Dance? (PG-13) –1:55;4:25;9:30 pm;12:05 am. ;
The Motorcycle Diaries (R) –12:15;3:05;6:15;9:00 pm;12:00 am. ;
The Grudge (PG-13) –1:00;3:30;5:45;8:00;10:30 pm;12:40 am. ;
Saw (R) –12:10;2:35;5:00;7:35;10:10 pm;12:35 am. ;
Friday Night Lights (PG-13) –12:40;3:40;6:40;9:40 pm;12:25 am. ;

Sunday, October 31, 2004
Friday Night Lights (PG-13) –12:40;3:40;6:40;9:40 pm. ;
Saw (R) –12:10;2:35;5:00;7:35;10:10 pm. ;
The Grudge (PG-13) –1:00;3:30;5:45;8:00;10:30 pm. ;
The Motorcycle Diaries (R) –12:15;3:05;6:15;9:00 pm. ;
Shall We Dance? (PG-13) –1:55;4:25;6:55;9:30 pm. ;
Birth (R) –12:00;2:20;4:45;7:10;9:50 pm. ;
The Forgotten (PG-13) –2:15;9:35 pm. ;
Surviving Christmas (PG-13) –12:25;2:50;5:05;7:25;9:55 pm. ;
Taxi (PG-13) –12:00;4:30;7:05 pm. ;
Ray **(PG-13) –12:00;3:15;6:30;9:45 pm. ;
Shark Tale (PG) –12:35;2:55;5:20;7:45;10:05 pm. ;
The Grudge **(PG-13) –12:30;3:00;5:15;7:30;10:00 pm. ;
Team America: World Police (R) –12:10;2:40;5:10;7:40;

Stimac & Rosenstock Still Together: Rosenstock “Invaluable” Says Stimac.

Posted on October 28, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR Table 50. By John F. Bailey. October 28, 2004: Tony Stimac, Producing Director of White Plains Performing Arts center in conversations with WPCNR today, outlined Jeffrey Rosentock’s new role as pro bono Executive Director. Stimac said Rosenstock’s contribution to the theater’s first fifteen months has been “invaluable to the organization,” and continues to be so.

Jeffrey Rosenstock, Executive Director Pro Bono, and Tony Stimac, Producing Director of the White Plains Performing Arts Center at last year’s Gala, November, 2003. Photo WPCNR StageCam Archive.

WPCNR was informed last week by Mr. Rosenstock that he had not resigned as Executive Director, (as reported in arts circles), that he was still Executive Director of WPPAC, but was working without pay the last four months.

Stimac, in announcing the cancellation of the Louis Cappelli- Greg Cuneo Celebrity Supper previously scheduled after the Gala on November 8, through WPCNR this morning, took the opportunity to laud his partner’s contributions to the theatre success.

A Fund-Raiser.

He said Rosenstock had raised a lot of money for the WPPAC, that Mr. Rosenstock was personally responsible for bringing approximately $50,000 in funds to the WPPAC organization, $20,000 of it in the form of a Fleet Bank grant “to keep rentals low for community organizations.”

He praised Rosenstock for his co-producing Swango in last season’s programming, (which will be presented next Spring at WPPAC). Stimac said that 3 to 4 hours a week of time, as Mr. Rosentock told WPCNR he estimated he spent on WPPAC business, did not measure Rosentock’s devotion and contributions to the theater. “His contribution is invaluable. We’re not being short-changed for all the things he’s doing.”

Communicates daily.

The Producing Director said Rosenstock was in touch with him frequently. “I talk to him 5 to 6 times a day,” Stimac said. He said Mr. Rosenstock discusses with him all sorts of matters weekly involving the Gala, the shows coming up, and facets of the operation, and he remains on the Board of Directors.

Mr. Stimac said Mr. Rosenstock created the 2004-05 season, with (having booked the shows for this season in the spring of 2004.) “He gets credit for having conceived it with me.” The season officially opens Friday evening with the New York State Theatre Institute traveling production of Born Yesterday. (See previous article this week.)

$100,000 a year to Run the Theater Goes to Expenses. Some for Salaries.

WPCNR asked Stimac if the $100,000 in Operation Expenses the city is paying Mr. Rosenstock and Mr. Stimac to run the theater, now went entirely to Mr. Stimac. Mr. Stimac said that money was provided by the city to run the theater, not pay salaries, though he did pay “some salaries,” but most of it, he said went to programming and expenses.

According to the city contract with Messrs Rosenstock and Stimac, page 22, Paragraph d: “,,,the city has agreed in the Memorandum of Understanding by and between the Initial Incorporators and the City to consider the allocation of $100,000 to the Corporation plus a $25,000 interest free loan in the first Fiscal Year and services usually provided to City-owned facilities to be stipulated in this Contract. Exhibit B of this contract sets forth operating budgets for the Corporation for the First Fiscal Year and services usually provided to City-owed facilities to be stipulated in this Contract.”

( Editor’s Note: The Exhibit B listing is a document that WPCNR was told, does not exist according to the White Plains Legal Department, when it was originally requested by WPCNR’s Freedom of Information Act request about one year ago when WPCNR was supplied with a copy of the Stimac-Rosenstock contract.)

Rosenstock paid $25,000 in 2003-2004.

WPCNR asked how much Mr. Rosentock was paid last year in the first year of the contract as opposed to the fundraising he brought in. Mr. Stimac estimated, approximately $25,000. Mr. Stimac said he took some salary out of the $100,000 for himself, not specifying how much as part of the city contract with the men, and paid other theatre salaries with it, and paid for programming costs.

“People don’t realize that running a theatre is quite an expensive proposition,” Stimac explained.

WPCNR asked when the theatre was going to report to the Common Council on their first year operation financial details, Stimac said an audit of the first year operations was in process, and being administered by Richard C. Baccari, a C.P.A. based in White Plains. He said he would be glad to do that after the audit is completed.

Rosenstock Very Much a Part of the Theatre.

Stimac said Rosenstock will continue as Executive Director on the pro bono basis in the third year of their contract with the city. Stimac confirmed Rosenstock’s reasons for requesting pro bono status: “The press of his business (Queens Theatre in the Park), made him limit the time he put here.”

Celebrity Supper Cancelled Due to Overwhelming Response. To Be Staged in Future

Posted on October 28, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR STAGE DOOR. By John F Bailey. October 28, 2004: The invitations are arriving in mail boxes across the city. The invitations are from Louis Cappelli and Greg Cuneo, head of HRH Construction, for a “Celebrity Supper” honoring Mayor Joseph Delfino and the White Plains Renaissance at $500 a person to be held after the November 8, First Anniversary Gala, $150 a Ticket, Gala: Broadway Salutes White Plains II. But the invitations are for an event that will not be held.

CANCELLED DUE TO OVERWHELMING RESPONSE: The invitation, just arriving today. The intimate Celebrity Supper with the Mayor, Kathie Lee and Frank Gifford, has been posponed. Photo by WPCNR News.

The Celebrity Supper event at Trotters has been cancelled, according to Tony Stimac, producing Director of White Plains Performing Arts Center. The original fund-raising Gala, Broadway Salutes White Plains II is not affected.

The response for the $500 ducats to the Celebrity Supper, to mingle with Kathie Lee Gifford and Frank Gifford, has been “overwhelming,” Stimac told WPCNR, and rather than dissappoint people who wanted to come, Stimac said it has been decided to cancel the event. Stimac said the event would be rescheduled as a fundraiser at a future date, but did not indicate when.

United Health Care Strikes Agreement With 5 Area Hospitals to Continue Coverage

Posted on October 27, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR MEDIC. From UnitedHealthCare, Inc. October 27, 2004: UnitedHealthcare, Inc. announced today that it reached a new agreement with Pinnacle Healthcare, Inc., effectively immediately, enabling UnitedHealthcare’s customers to receive uninterrupted access to healthcare services at the following five Westchester County, N.Y., hospitals – Hudson Valley Hospital Center, Mount Vernon Hospital Center, Sound Shore Medical Center, St. John’s Riverside Hospital (Andrus Pavilion), St. John’s Riverside Hospital (ParkCare Pavilion) and Westchester Medical Center.

No details of the agreement between the five hospitals and UnitedHealthcare, Inc. were released explaining what concessions were made by hospitals or the insurer.

In addition, physicians with admitting privileges at these facilities will continue to provide services on an in-network basis.

“We are committed to working closely with hospitals to ensure that our customers have access to comprehensive, quality health services, while balancing the need to keep healthcare affordable,” said Chuck Berg, who heads UnitedHealthcare’s Tri-State operations. “Through our collaborative effort, our members can continue to receive care from these Westchester hospitals.”

“We all worked very hard to avoid disruptions to our patients and their families,” said John Spicer, president and chief executive officer at Sound Shore Health System. “We believe the agreement with UnitedHealthcare is fair and equitable and will allow us to continue to provide our patients with the highest level of care available in the region.”