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.

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WPCNR D.A.’S REPORT. From the Office of the Westchester County District Attorney, Jeanine Pirro. (EDITED) January 14, 2004–Westchester County District Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced Wednesday  Nine Warning Signs Exhibited by Abused Children. The D.A. urges citizens to familiarize themselves with these conditions in light of the recent incidents in Westchester County. She urges everyone to report incidents of suspected child abuse immediately.

In light of two significant cases of child abuse in the county in the last three months, Ms. Pirro, As part of her  continuing law enforcement training in the field of child abuse and neglect has scheduled a conference entitled, Child Abuse: Multi-Disciplinary Approach to the Investigations of the Family Abduction of Children: Investigation and Reunification on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Pepsico, Inc. 700 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, New York.

District Attorney Pirro issued this statement in announcing the conference: “Every day three children are killed as a result of child abuse in this country. Child abuse is everybody’s business. As adults it’s our responsibility to ensure that all children receive the love, care and enrichment they deserve. If a parent is unable to deal appropriately with their child, there are resources available.”

Nine Warning Signs Exhibited by Abused Children:

• Nervousness around or withdrawal from adults
• Aggression towards adults or other children
• Frequent or unexplained bruises or injuries
• Sudden, dramatic changes in personality or activities
• Inability to stay awake or to concentrate for extended periods
• Acting out sexually, sexual knowledge or showing interest in sex that is not appropriate for his or her age
• Poor hygiene
• Low self-esteem
• Extremely poor school attendance or a lack of medical care

How to Handle Suspected Cases:

If you notice these signs or suspect a child abuse emergency,  for example, young children currently left alone or being beaten, the District Attorney urges you to call your local police department (911) for an immediate response.

If you suspect child abuse or neglect call the New York State Child Abuse and Maltreatment Registry Hotline at 1-800-342-3720 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

For additional guidance contact the Westchester Child Protective Services Program Office at 914-995-5333. For more information and support call the Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD, the HOPE Foundation at 1-877-796-HOPE (4673) or the Westchester County District Attorney’s Child Abuse Bureau at (914) 995-3000.

Recent Cases Underline Need for Vigilence

Two recent cases have prompted Ms. Pirro to step up awareness of possible child abuse.

Last month, 20 year old Uniqua Smith of Yonkers was arrested for allegedly beating her two-year old daughter to death.

In November 2003, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office obtained the maximum sentence of one and one-third to four years in state prison for Sharell Rose Johnson of Mount Vernon in connection with the beating death of her 2 ½ year old son. Her boyfriend, Dyego Foddrell, also of Mount Vernon has been charged with Second Degree Murder, Manslaughter in the First Degree and Endangering the Welfare of a Child in connection with the child’s death. 

The conference next Tuesday is designed to provide law enforcement officers and child welfare professionals with invaluable information to properly recognize, investigate and resolve missing children cases. Conference attendees will develop skills and strategies to assist them in the investigation of family abductions, investigative case management, victim impact, reunification/recovery and investigative resources.

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THE WPCNR ROVING REPORTER. January 15, 2004: Presenting the White Plains Photo of the Day. The Photo of the Day is a new feature presented every day at this time, endeavoring to deliver portraits in the life of White Plains, your home town.

Snow Hazard. Third Hole, Ridgeway Country Club.  Photographed Tuesday, 4 P.M. Photo by The White Plains Roving Reporter

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Westchester County Health Department. January 15, 2004: The Health Department issues this sound advice in dealing with temperatures expected to be in the single digits Thursday and Friday. Of particular interest is turning down the thermostat effect on infants.

As temperatures plummet again, the Westchester County Department of Health warned residents to take precautions against hypothermia and frostbite.

“Heating bills can prove costly, but if you choose to save money by turning down the thermostat, keep in mind that low temperatures can be dangerous, putting senior citizens, infants and people who are ill at an increased risk for hypothermia,” stated Westchester County Health Commissioner, Joshua Lipsman, M.D., M.P.H.

Dr. Lipsman strongly urged residents of households with elderly occupants over 65 to keep the thermostat set at no less than 68 degrees in the daytime. “The problem with low household temperatures is that older and ailing persons are particularly susceptible to accidental hypothermia, a life-threatening condition that causes the body temperature to drop.”

Accidental hypothermia can occur even with temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees. Infants less than one year of age should never sleep in a cold room and should be provided with warm clothing and a blanket to prevent loss of body heat.

Warning signs of hypothermia in adults include shivering, confusion, memory loss, drowsiness, exhaustion and slurred speech. Infants who are suffering from hypothermia may appear to have very low energy and bright red, cold skin.

“If you know of an elderly or ailing person who lives alone, be sure to check on him or her every day,” Dr. Lipsman continued.

Frostbite is another cold weather concern, and is especially dangerous because it often happens with little warning. Numbness can occur so quickly that the individual, unaware of being frostbitten, may remain outside, increasing the chance of permanent damage. Older persons, and those with diabetes, are especially vulnerable to frostbite because of impaired circulation.

To prevent frostbite and hypothermia, it is important to dress warmly in windproof clothing and to go indoors when you begin to feel cold. Wear several layers of loose-fitting clothing to trap body heat. Fasten buttons or zippers and tighten drawstrings securely. Don’t forget gloves, mittens and a hat that covers the ears.

“Since snow is expected tonight and tomorrow,” Dr. Lipsman added, “remember that cold weather puts an extra burden on the heart. If you have cardiac problems or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s advice about shoveling.”

If you suspect that someone is suffering from hypothermia or frostbite, call a medical provider immediately.

For more information on hypothermia and frostbite, contact the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000 or visit our website at www.westchestergov.com/health.

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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. By John F. Bailey. January 14, 2004, WRAPUP UPDATE 6:15 P.M. E.S.T. UPDATED January 15, 2004, 9:20 A.M. A heavy smoke fire believed caused in part by an incident involving a heating unit in a 25 by 60 foot headquarters construction trailer being used to command the County Courthouse annex construction project caused an evacuation of an estimated 2,000 persons from the County Courthouse into 8 degree temperatures Wednesday afternoon. The trailer where the fire broke out was situated behind the White Plains Police Headquarters and between the White Plains Public Library and the Courthouse.

CONSTRUCTION TRAILER FIRE FUMES  from the smoke, described by an evacuated juror as causing a “heavy, smoky odor in the (courthouse) building” infiltrated the Westchester County Courthouse (white building to left). The estimated (according to a court policeman) 2,000 persons in the building at the time were evacuated by court police. Deputy Police Commissioner David Chong told WPCNR the fire was phoned into 911 by construction personnel in the trailer at 1:30 P.M. He said White Plains FireFighters were on the scene within minutes. The fire was brought under control, according to a police officer  on the scene who spoke to WPCNR, approximately 2 P.M. and declared out by approximately 2:15 P.M. There were no injuries to White Plains Fire personnel, according to Chong. The Department responded with 4 engines and 1 truck on the scene along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.  Fire Chief Richard Lyman upon investigation of the incident told The Journal News construction workers were responsible for starting the fire when they used a propane torch to warm a frozen pipe connected to the trailer bathroom, setting the interior on fire, and were unable to extinguish the blaze with a fire extinguisher and called the Fire Department. This was the view of the fire at 1:30 P.M. from Chatterton Hill. Photo by WPCNR News.

TRAILER IN DISTRESS, 1:45 P.M.: Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety, David Chong, reported on the construction trailer fire, seen here from Martine Avenue, telling WPCNR, “We’re looking for cause and origin now, but it looks to be an accident in the trailer itself, a heating accident with the construction crew (inside the trailer) who turned in the alarm.” The building on the right is the Federal Courthouse on South Lexington Avenue. The building immediately behind the trailor is the County Courthouse annex under construction. The Public Safety Building is to the right, not seen in picture, and the White Plains Public Library is to the left. Photo by WPCNR News.

WHITE PLAINS FIREFIGHTERS ENTER flaming trailer approximately 1:45- 2  P.M. Wednesday afternoon. The billowing smoke  obscures the landmark church steeple on South Lexington Avenue. Deputy Police Commissioner Chong told WPCNR the trailer contained highly flammable construction papers and spray paint cans which contributed to the smoky condition. (“Highly flammable,” he said). Chong said the firecrews ran hoses from the street, and the 8 degree temperatures caused the water to “freeze” up on them. WPCNR can attest that the smoke from the fire smelled sharly pungent and noxious, as if chemicals were burning. Photograph was taken from the first floor of the White Plains Public Library. Photo by WPCNR News.

Engulfed Trailer, which was destroyed, according to Fire Chief Richard Lyman, was located inbetween the courthouse annex under construction, (right) and the White Plains Public Library garage stairwell (left). View is shot from the terrace of the White Plains Department of Public Safety. Photo by WPCNR News.

CLOSER VIEW SHOWS WHITE PLAINS FIREFIGHTERS entering South Side of trailer as they bring the smoker under control. Photo by WPCNR News.

JURORS AND LAWYERS AND COURT PERSONNEL CHILLED in the 8 degree temperatures on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, or piled into the White Plains Public Library as they waited approximately an hour and a half in the cold while firefighters fought the smouldering trailer fire.  Jurors were told to evacuate at 1:05 P.M. and were on the street by 1:15, one juror said. The County Courthouse WPCNR has learned remained closed for the rest of the day. Photo by WPCNR News 

WPFF COMMAND POST: A White Plains Firefighter mans the Badge-and-I.D. Command Post that identifies what firefighters are inside the firescene, and who has come out.  Photo by WPCNR News.

FIRE CHIEF RICHARD LYMAN moving into the fire scene.  Chief Lyman reported to Deputy Commissioner Chong that the trailer was destroyed, and that there was much paper and spray paint cans inside which contributed to the incident. Photo by WPCNR News.

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WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. By John F. Bailey. January 13, 2004: Two weeks after Susan Arterian Chang, pioneer publisher of The White Plains Watch, announced to advertisers she was closing the monthly after six years and one month of publishing, (due to a failure to receive sufficient paid subscription support on a 5-month subscription drive), she has informed a business acquaintance that The Watch has received a promise of backing from community leaders, (whom she does not identify), and is hopeful of saving her paper. She “hopes” to publish again soon.

The statement was made by Ms. Chang writing to an acquaintance, Nancy Hantman.  Ms. Hartman distributed this statement to Barbara Benjamin, Marc Pollitzer and Rosa Maria Sanchez. That statement, in turn,  was circulated to select citizens of White Plains, one of whom was a WPCNR reader who shared it with WPCNR. 

In the communication, Ms. Chang  announces her paper’s pending comeback from the grave.

In her statement to Ms. Hantman, Ms. Chang confirms she had not received the number of paid subscriptions from the community needed for her to continue the monthly newspaper. She says that community leaders have come together to help her continue the paper financially.

Here is the text of Ms. Chang’s letter of 2:31 P.M. Tuesday to Ms. Hantman of  that was circulated publicly by Ms. HantmanTuesday afternoon.

Dear Nancy,

We have some good news. We have received a lot of support since we told our advertisers that there would not be a January issue becaue we hadn’t reached the critical mass we needed in terms of subscribers. In fact, some community leaders have stepped forward to help us keep the paper going and we are now working with them toward that end. I am very hopeful that we will be able to resume publication soon.

However, there will not be a January issue.

It would be very helpful to us if you could spread that word and encourage people who have not yet subscribed to do so. Please let them know how important their subscription is to the continuation of a locally-based, independent press in White Plains. I hope I can call on you if we need more help with our subscription drive.

The statement is signed by Ms. Chang.

Chang Options.

Ms. Chang could not be contacted at the time this story was written for information on who the “angels” are who are bankrolling her paper, or her plans. Specifically, whether The Watch would return to its full citywide distribution or go ahead with its plan to go to the paid subscribers it has generated so far.

Ms. Chang  stated to advertisers one week ago that subscriptions would be refunded and advertising contracts remunerated, and the hour being late in the newsroom, WPCNR could not contact Ms. Chang for details on The Watch resurrection and when the monthly would return to the homes of White Plains or its new paid subscribers.

School District Makes Other Plans

Michelle Schoenfeld, Clerk to the Board of Education of the White Plains City School District told WPCNR today it was making other arrangements to distribute their newsletter, About Our Schools, by other means other than The White Plains Watch which had previously carried the District public relations newsletter to the 21,576 households of White Plains (the previous controlled circulation of The Watch.)

“We will be making some changes in the newsletter and its distribution and plan to put it (About Our Schools) on our own website,” Ms. Schoenfeld told WPCNR Tuesday afternoon.

 WPCNR does not know whether The White Plains Watch circulated About Our Schools as a public service, but the school district, according to Ms. Michelle Schoenfeld today is making arrangements to circulate the district newsletter to residents of the city, which vastly outnumber the new paid circulation of The Watch, said to be less than 1,000 persons.

It could not be determined at this late hour whether the District is seeking to mail all residences in the District, numbering 21,576, or the parents only of children in the district, approximately 6,899.