WPHS CEREBRAL TIGERS TAKE 2ND AT NEW ORLEANS ACADEMIC TILT.

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. From Les Roby, White Plains High School. (Edited) June 5, 2004: The WPHS Academic Team participated in the New Orleans phase of the National Academic Association National Tournament, May 28-31, and finished second in the national competition, coming from behind in the Final round to finish Number 2!

WPHS was the #14 seed after going 2-2 in preliminary rounds but had more points than the 4-0, #4 seed Irmo squad from Irmo, South Carolina, and pulled out the Number 2 finish. Here’s how the brain play went:


Round of sixteen:  defeated #3 seed Byram Hills (Armonk) 305-275


Quarterfinal Round:  played Chaska (Minn) team that had just defeated
        Irvington (NY) 415-305 and in sudden death overtime came away
        with the victory 315-310—Soumya Sanyal answered that the Mekong
        and the Red rivers were the two major river deltas of Vietnam


Semifinal Round:  played Holland Hall (Oklahoma), a team that had
       defeated WPHS 410-345 in the prelims.  WPHS wins 345-270 with
        Asuka Nakamura leading the way with 80 points


Final Round:  WPHS leads 120-95 at the half, trails after 3 quarters as
        East HS (West Chester, Pa) takes lead with Chemical Compound
        category while WPHS struggles w Crazy Xmas Carols.
        East prevails 335-275 as WPHS settles for second honors

Team:  Asuka Nakamura–senior
        Connie Hsiung—junior
        Dan Pasternack—junior
        Alex Park—junior
        Sarah Wolfe—sophomore
        Soumya Sanyal—sophomore

Finalist—New Orleans—May 28-31
National Semifinalist for 2004—-top 6 teams in the Nation

WPHS has qualified for the National tournament for 15 consecutive years placing second in the nation in 1990, and has top-15 finishes 4 other times.

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Saturday Night at the Cinema De Lux — Harry Potter’s In Town

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WPCNR SITTIN’ IN THE BALCONY. From National Amusements. June 5, 2004: The new Harry Potter movie has opened at the White Plains City Center De Lux. Here is the schedule for the week for the movies in White Plains:


Saturday, June 05, 2004  
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (PG) –12:30;1:00;2:50;3:45;4:15;6:00;7:00;7:30;10:10;10:40 pm. ;
The Day After Tomorrow (PG-13) –10:45;11:15 am;1:05;1:25;2:05;3:55;4:25;4:55;6:55;7:25;7:55;9:50;10:25;10:45 pm;12:30 am. ;
Shrek 2 (PG) –11:00 am;12:00;12:30;1:30;2:15;2:45;3:45;4:30;5:00;6:05;6:45;7:15;8:15;9:05;10:35;11:25 pm;12:20 am. ;
Troy (R) –12:05;3:30;7:05;9:35;10:30 pm. ;
Soul Plane (R) –10:35 am;12:45;3:00;5:15;7:35;10:00 pm;12:15 am. ;
Mean Girls (PG-13) –12:10;2:30;4:50;7:20;9:45 pm;12:15 am. ;
Raising Helen (PG-13) –10:30 am;12:00;1:15;4:10;7:10;9:10;9:55 pm;12:00;12:35 am. ;
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban **(PG) –12:00;3:15;6:30;9:40 pm;12:40 am. ;
Shrek 2 **(PG) –1:00;3:15;5:35;7:45;10:05 pm. ;

Sunday, June 06, 2004  
Raising Helen (PG-13) –10:30 am;12:00;1:15;4:10;7:10;9:10;9:55 pm. ;
Shrek 2 **(PG) –1:00;3:15;5:35;7:45;10:05 pm. ;
Mean Girls (PG-13) –12:10;2:30;4:50;7:20;9:45 pm. ;
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban **(PG) –12:00;3:15;6:30;9:40 pm. ;
Soul Plane (R) –10:35 am;12:45;3:00;5:15;7:35;10:00 pm. ;
Shrek 2 (PG) –11:00 am;12:00;12:30;1:30;2:15;2:45;3:45;4:30;5:00;6:05;6:45;7:15;8:15;9:05;10:35 pm. ;
Troy (R) –12:05;3:30;7:05;9:35;10:30 pm. ;
The Day After Tomorrow (PG-13) –10:45;11:15 am;1:05;1:25;2:05;3:55;4:25;4:55;6:55;7:25;7:55;9:50;10:25 pm. ;
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (PG) –12:30;1:00;2:50;3:45;4:15;6:00;7:00;7:30;10:10;10:40 pm. ;

Monday, June 07, 2004  
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (PG) –12:30;1:00;2:50;3:45;4:15;6:00;7:00;7:30;10:10;10:40 pm. ;
The Day After Tomorrow (PG-13) –1:05;1:25;2:05;3:55;4:25;4:55;6:55;7:25;7:55;9:50;10:25 pm. ;
Shrek 2 (PG) –12:00;12:30;1:30;2:15;2:45;3:45;4:30;5:00;6:05;6:45;7:15;8:15;9:05;10:35 pm. ;
Troy (R) –12:05;3:30;7:05;9:35;10:30 pm. ;
Soul Plane (R) –12:45;3:00;5:15;7:35;10:00 pm. ;
Mean Girls (PG-13) –12:10;2:30;4:50;7:20;9:45 pm. ;
Raising Helen (PG-13) –12:00;1:15;4:10;7:10;9:10;9:55 pm. ;
Shrek 2 **(PG) –1:00;3:15;5:35;7:45;10:05 pm. ;
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban **(PG) –12:00;3:15;6:30;9:40 pm. ;

Tuesday, June 08, 2004  
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban **(PG) –12:00;3:15;6:30;9:40 pm. ;
Shrek 2 **(PG) –

Playland Ride Death Accidental. No Ops Error.Voluntary Steps Announced.

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Westchester County Department of Communications. June 5, 2004: Westchester County Department of Public Safety has released its findings from an accident on a ride at Playland on which a young girl died on May 22. The police report has concluded that the cause of death was accidental and not due to mechanical problems or ride operator error.


 The New York State Department of Labor, which inspects and issues permits annually on rides, also released a report today that said there were no mechanical violations or ride operator errors which contributed to the accident.  They did recommend that any additional safety changes be made to the Mind Scrambler ride.


Although not cited by the Labor Department or required to make any improvements to the ride, Westchester County has decided to take a number of its own precautionary steps to further ensure the safety of the ride. 



“The death of Stephanie Dieudonne was a tragic accident that we never want to see happen again,’’  County Executive Andy Spano said today at a press conference held at Playland. “For 76 years Playland has been known as a safe, clean, family amusement park. As a father I took my children there. As a grandfather, I take my grandchildren there. However, today we are taking additional safety measures that go above and beyond what we already have to reassure families that Playland is, and continues to be, the safest park of its kind.’’


Changes have already been made to the ride and include the following:


 


·        Seat belts have been added to all cars in addition to the safety bar.


 


·        More lighting has been added to give the operator better visibility during the ride.


 



 


·        Safety instructions have been painted onto the back of the rides in day glow paint so that they will be visible even when the lights are off.


 


·        The size of the window in the operator’s booth has been doubled to increase visibility.


 


·        An additional employee will be placed at a newly constructed station within the ride to serve as an additional set of eyes and will have an emergency stop button.


 


·         The lights will be left on at the start and end of the ride.


 


·        The ride entrance and exits paths are more clearly marked with bright yellow paint.


 


Playland Director Joseph Montalto said other safety measures are also being pursued. “We will hire an industry ride safety specialist to review all rides at Playland.  We are also developing a ‘Partnering with Parents Safety Guide,’ which will give guidelines for monitoring children at amusement parks.”


 

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Council of Neighborhood Associations Meets on Budget Cap Tuesday

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WPCNR SOUTHEND SENTINEL. From Marc Pollitzer. June 5, 2004: The White Plains Council of Neighborhood Associations will meet Tuesday, June 8th, at 7:45 PM at Education House, 5 Homeside Lane (lower level meeting room) The return of the White Plains Watch will be discussed as well as the The Cappelli 221 Main Street project (scheduled to be approved Monday evening at the Common Council, and there will be discussionof the City Budget and 13% city property tax hike.



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High School Musical Theatre Awards at WPPAC & Helen Hayes Monday

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WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From Oscar Sales, Jr., WPPAC. June 4, 2004:  When the 6th annual High School Musical Theatre Awards are presented on Monday, June 7th, over 1,000 screaming students will be connected through a satellite feed from the Helen Hayes Theatre Company in Nyack to the White Plains Performing Arts Center in White Plains. The award ceremonies, which are modeled after the “Tony’s,” award overall excellence in many of the high school theatre productions from throughout Bergen, Rockland and Westchester counties.

 


 


The award categories encompass such elements as overall production of a musical, best performance by actors in various categories, to technical awards both in front of and behind the stage. But this year, “The Helens” go high tech with a direct broadcasting system (DBS) that will connect the awards show to both White Plains and Nyack. The video coordinator for the awards show is Ned Barber, president of Ned Barber and Associates.


 


With a telos link, one DBS truck will be broadcasting to another. The Two trucks will be connected with a 2.6-meter Vertex antenna, 15kva diesel generator, and provisions for multiple-camera production and onboard editing. The first satellite will be equipped with a 6.4/7 GHz microwave and a 42-foot mast. The second satellite similar to the first has a 2.3-meter Andrew antenna and identical communication and IBF capabilities.


 


In simple terms one satellite will send information to the other. With the help of a video Director, video supervisors, a 10 ft. screen, a main Camera and mobile reaction cameras White Plains Performing Arts Center and The Helen Hayes Theater Company will be able to hear and see one another throughout the ceremony.


 


The Helen Hayes High School Theater Awards will take place on Monday, June 7th at 7pm at the Helen Hayes Theatre Company in Nyack and the White Plains Performing Arts Center in White Plains.  Tickets are $30.  For tickets, please call the Helen Hayes Box Office at 845-358-6333 or the White Plains Performing Arts Center at 888-977-2250.


 

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Adam In Albany: Assembly School Aid Plan would Bring $7.25 Million to WP

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WPCNR’S ADAM IN ALBANY. By 89th District Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley. June 4, 2004:  In addressing the decision by our state’s highest court in the Campaign for Fiscal Equity case, we must reject a ‘Robin Hood’ approach that supports some school districts by taking away resources from others. The Assembly’s plan to meet the CFE court ruling rejects that kind of ‘Robin Hood’ answer.

 


It’s not only a constitutional obligation, but a moral obligation as well to equip our children with the education they need to meet tomorrow’s challenges. Investing in all New York State’s schools will give all our children the opportunity to succeed. The Assembly’s plan would provide nearly $37.7 million to schools in the 89th Assembly District, which is a $2.6 million increase over the governor’s proposal.


 


The Assembly’s plan also establishes a program for rehabilitation and construction in high-need schools across the state. It would provide $7.25 million to the White Plains School District for capital projects. In addition, the plan establishes a foundation formula to help stabilize education funding from year to year, and sets a minimum commitment per student based on need. Our plan recognizes the fact that investing in young minds now will reap the greatest rewards in the future.


 


As part of this proposal, New York City taxpayers must contribute their fair share by ensuring from the city a $1.2 billion commitment over the next five years. I’ll also work to ensure the Circuit Breaker property tax relief program is expanded.


 


As we work to fulfill our obligation to provide our children with a good education, we must also ensure accountability to make sure school resources are used effectively. The Assembly’s plan strengthens accountability measures initiated by the Board of Regents and the state Education Department.


 


This plan is a good starting point for discussion, but we need the cooperation of the Senate and governor to meet the court’s deadline. If we don’t come up with an equitable solution, a court-appointed special master will devise a new school aid plan that addresses only the needs of New York City’s schools. We must address the CFE decision now, so that Westchester’s school needs are addressed, not just those of schools in New York City. Our taxpayers cannot afford the risk of handing the case back to the court to impose its own judgment.

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The Lame Duck Dilemma. Should Executive Officer Continue to Drive Agenda?

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS VOICE. June 4, 2004: Now that the City Executive Officer has decided to take a new position in Fort Lauderdale, the question of should policies he has set in motion be followed out the window in light of the fact he will not  be around to see them through and fix things if the policies do not work comes to the forefront.


Should the Department of Parking be established and Parking Authority funds absorbed? Should the bonding plan to keep the budget down be followed to the letter? How objective and interested will the Executive Officer be in making decisions if he is inputting into Fort Lauderdale and learning about that position at the same time as he is working for the City of White Plains? Should the Mayor release him immediately? Should the Executive Officer annoint his own successor?  Mr. and Mrs. White Plains let us know what you think by voting in the poll at the right. You may vote on various issues more than once.

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Juggernaut Sweeps Opening Series with the Tide. Now Hit Road.

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. Special to WPCNR by Jen Carlo. June 3, 2004: The NY/NJ Juggernaut opened up the season with a three game sweep of the New England Riptide which was capped off by tonight’s 2-0 win. NY/NJ starting pitcher Amanda Scott got all the run support she needed in the first inning when second baseman Cari Leto scored on a sacrifice fly by first baseman Kellie Wilkerson. Leto was walked by Riptide pitcher Leigh Ann Ellis to lead off the inning, stole second on the next pitch, and then advanced to third on a passed ball.  The victory came on the heels of Wednesday’s 17-inning, 4-3, Nauts’ win.

 


Up until the seventh inning, New England had only managed one hit off of Scott.  However, in the seventh inning, the Riptide strung together three singles by catcher Jessica Allister, left fielder Ashley Moore, and designated hitter Meg Young to load the bases and threaten the Juggernaut 2-0 lead. Scott quickly ended the rally and the game by striking out centerfielder LaDonia Hughes. Scott struck out six, allowed no runs, four hits, and two walks over a complete seven innings.


The Juggernaut pushed across an insurance run in the sixth when catcher Lindsey Collins led off the inning with a single to right.  Collins was the only Juggernaut with multiple hits on the night, going 2-for-3.  Pinch runner Sarah Hershman advanced to third on a wild pitch and fielder’s choice, and then scored on another wild pitch by Ellis. Ellis allowed one earned run on two hits, three walks, while striking out five over six innings.


The Juggernauts will now go on the road for a week to take on the Arizona Heat and the Texas Thunder. The Nauts are 3-0 and lead the league by one game over the California Sunbirds.


 


  Score by Innings                              R  H  E


  —————————————–


  New England Riptide.. 000 000 0 –  0  4  1


  NY/NJ Juggernaut…… 100 001 X –  2  5  1


  —————————————–

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Whole Foods Market Opens. An Organic, No-Preservatives, Supermarket at Fortunoff

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WPCNR EAST SIDER. By John F. Bailey. June 4, 2004: The long-awaited debut of Whole Foods Market took place Wednesday morning, and saw shoppers flocking in to a sprawling supermarket where wide aisles, attractive displays, and understated elegance tempted shoppers to buy and buy some more. Every item carried in the store is of organic origin with no preservatives aiding shoppers who have to avoid dairy products, or are looking for meat and fish and produce that are free of hydrogenated oils, artificial additives, preservatives, sweeteners, colorings, and flavors.. Far from a specialty store, (which is what this reporter expected), you can actually acquire all your household needs as well as foods in this place.



MAYOR DELFINO BREAKS THE BREAD, officially opening Whole Foods Market at 110 Bloomingdale Road in the Fortunoff complex Wednesday morning. Photo by WPCNR News.



ARRIVING TO COVER the Whole Foods Market opening is White Plains Watch’s Susan Chang. Shoppers may park on the first floor of the Fortunoff garage, and there is free valet parking with a $15 purchase. Photo by WPCNR News.



Outstanding Seafood Selection: By far the most eye-catching display in a supermarket we have seen is the Pigeon Cove Seafood Display where mouthwatering filets of trout, salmon, bluefish, plus oysters, live crabs, scallops await the seafood lover. Dave the seafood buyer reports all seafood is raised at Pigeon Cove in Glouster, Massachussetts where fish live a pampered life in the ocean, are hand fed by Whole Foods tenders and are not “plumped up” or injected with any dyes for coloring. All seafood is fresh daily. Photo by WPCNR News.



Fish Filets Lounge on ice. Photo by WPCNR News.



The Biggest Darn Shrimp you’ll ever see. A bucket of colossals next to scallops and lesser delicacies. Oysters on the half-shell, live crabs , the works. This is easily the most tastefully tempting seafood display in the city. A very chic young woman advised WPCNR the prices on the seafood were very “fair.”Photo by WPCNR News.



Remembering Karl Ehmer:  Not since Karl Ehmer purveyed his meats in White Plains, has this reporter seen such mouth-watering finely butchered cuts of meat. They are just awesome to look at. One customer said he had never seen such beautiful meat. That is, our guide tells us, because WFM steers and livestock are organically fed and grown and “kind killed,” as our WFM guide put it. The color of the meat is natural, folks. Photo by WPCNR News.



WHAT A CONCEPT! Every sausage you could ever dream of. Julie’s favorite is the Apple Chicken Sausage. Photo by WPCNR News.



Don’t Feel Like preparing a dish? Prepated meat dishes await. Photo by WPCNR News.



PREPARED FOODS may be ordered in advance, as WPCNR’s Tour Guide, Julie, demonstrates. There are also chili bars, and soups, and two salad bar islands. Photo by WPNCR News.



Julie showcases the vast selection of grains, nuts, beans, and edibles. A fantastic selection for the intrepid ingredient intense cook. Photo by WPCNR News



Leah and Gerald supervise the Whole Foods Market Coffee Bar featuring strong, intense blends roasted on the premises with the roaster to Leah’s right. Leah says the beans roast in 15 minutes. No flavored coffees are offered, but syrups and flavorings (organic and natural, of course) are available. Chris Snell, Store Team Leader, told the guests that WFM in White Plains employs 220 persons, each neat in appearance, in impeccable tunics with a sense of hustle about them. Photo by WPCNR News.



The Tea Bar. Photo by WPCNR News.



A Salad Bar Island. Photo by WPCNR News.



The Intriguing Olive Bar. Photo by WPCNR News



PEANUT, PEANUT BUTTER. It tastes so good when you make it yourself at the WFM Peanut Butter Bar. Julie demonstrates. Photo by WPCNR News.



Oh Look at it would you? That’s real peanut butter, ladies and gentlemen. Photo by WPCNR News.



Facial treatments and beauty aids harvested according to the moon cycle are demonstrated by the health beauty buyer, Susan. A skin specialist will be on hand at times to aid ladies in selecting appropriate beauty aids and treatments all extracted naturally from nature. Photo by WPCNR News



Julie and Susan stand in front of 9 shelves of lipbalms and beauty aids. A fascinating array of aids for the whole body. Photo by WPCNR News.


Whole Foods Market specializes in dairy substitute products, as well as organic eggs, butters, milk, cereal, cookies, the selection is very competitive with Stop N Shop down the street with one exception: all the foods are organic, natural with no preservatives. Even the laundry detergents and household cleaners are organic. The produce is local, garnered from Roxbury Connecticut, and the Finger Lakes region.


Chris Snell, the Store Team Leader, told WPCNR that  WFM had been seeking a Westchester market for about eight years, and that Edge Marketing which had attracted Fortunoff to the property, approached Whole Foods Market and brought them into the project.



Entrance to Whole Foods Market at the Fortunoff complex, White Plains. Photo by WPCNR News



MORTON’S STEAKHOUSE, according to Mayor Delfino will complete the Fortunoff block when it opens July 7. Photo by WPCNR News.


 

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Gretsas is Going, Going, almost Gone. Takes Fort Lauderdale Job in 45-60 days.

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WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. June 3, 2004, UPDATED 3:00 P.M. E.D.T.: George Gretsas is officially leaving the City of White Plains as Executive Officer to Mayor Joseph Delfino in 45 to 60 days. He accepted the position of City Manager of Fort Lauderdale Wednesday evening. The Mayor’s Office had no statement available as of early Thursday afternoon, and no indication of when Mr. Gretsas was leaving, whether he would continue to input into city decisions, or who his successor might be. Mr. Gretsas was unavailable for comment, and had no prepared statement at the Mayor’s Office.



GRETSA GOES ON DOWN: George Gretsas shown last month talking over the Fort Lauderdale job with Councilman  Robert Greer and Councilwoman Rita Malmud. Photo by WPCNR News


The Public Information Office of the City of Fort Lauderdale advised the CitizeNetReporter this morning at 7 A.M. that the City Commissioners of Fort Lauderdale voted 4 to 1,  to approve a contract with Mr. Gretsas. The Public Information Office did not forward the contract to the CitizeNetReporter as they promised they would. Mr. Gretsas had told WPCNR Sunday evening he expected to sign a contract Thursday or Friday


However, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel in a news story this morning reports Mr. Gretsas is leaving for a $180,000 a year annual salary with $5,000 raises built-in annually plus the possibility of merit raises. Gretsas gets a $45,000 raise in pay over his $125,000 salary in White Plains, plus what is described as having benefits and stipends worth $250,885.


The Sun-Sentinel also reports Gretsas agreed to take the job Wednesday evening. The complete Sun-Sentinel story may be read at www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-scgretsas03jun03,0,4039487.story.


The buzz about City Hall today is who will now succeed Mr. Gretsas for “The Rest of the Renaissance,” as contenders jockey for position.



Edward Dunphy. Photo, WPCNR News Archive.


Edward Dunphy, City Corporation Counsel, told WPCNR, “I’m genuinely happy for the man, and wish him the best of luck. He’s a good friend and a good man, and I wish him all the luck in the world.”


Asked if he was a candidate to succeed “The G-Man,” Mr. Dunphy said, “I’ve had no discussion with the Mayor concerning my being a replacement for George.”


WPCNR asked what the purpose of the Executive Officer was. Dunphy said, “You need someone in there to shepard programs and issues, and provide guidance and counsel for the Mayor.”


Asked about the day to day function of the Executive Officer, Dunphy described it as “providing leadership, inventing policy, and legislating, implementing that policy.”


WPCNR asked Dunphy if he saw the Mayor conducting a national search for a Grestas alter-ego. Dunphy said he did not think that was necessary, noting, “I think there are enough competent people in the present city structure who can fill that position very capably.”



Susan Habel. Photo, WPCNR News Archive.


Susan Habel, Commissioner of Planning, asked about the Gretsas move, said “I think it will be a wonderful opportunity for him.” Asked if she was interested in the Executive Officer void, Ms. Habel said “that’s not a relevant question.”


Commissioner of Public Works, Joseph Nicoletti was not available for comment.


 


City Accessor, Eyde McCarthy told WPCNR, “I’m very happy for him. I think he’ll do an excellent job.”


Asked how Mr. Gretsas was as a boss, Ms. McCarthy said, “He always knew exactly what he wanted.”


Ms. McCarthy was asked how she thought the Gretsas void might be filled. She said, “That’ll be up to the Mayor. The Mayor will make the right decision.”


Paul Wood, Mr. Gretsas’ right hand man as Economic Development Officer, and whispered successor to Mr. G, said “I have no reaction,” when asked about the Gretsas decision to depart. Asked if he could fill George’s position, Mr. Wood said he had “No comment.” Asked if the aura of paranoia surrounding the Mayor’s Office relationship with the media might lift in the future, Wood said, “I think so.”


Mayor Joseph Delfino, appearing in public at the Whole Foods Market opening this morning did not announce the Gretsas departure, and Mr. Gretsas was not seen by this reporter at the opening.


Meanwhile in Fort Lauderdale — No Comments by Fort Lauderdale City Employees Policy Issued.


In what surely is a coincidence, coming within a week  after the City Commissioners of Fort Lauderdale voted to select Mr. Gretsas as their next City Manager, the acting City Manager announced that “requests for records, information or interviews (with city officials, officers, and personnel) to be approved by city Communications Director Leslie Backus.” The new policy forbids any city employee from speaking to the public without clearing it through the Public Information Office.
 

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