Plaza Fountain Closed due to Icing Conditions Monday Morning. Rock Salt Melts it

Posted on November 10, 2003 by John Bailey

WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. November 10, 2003: The Renaissance Plaza Fountain a big hit with lunchtime and morning crowds in “The Biggest Little Small Town in America” weathered its first cold snap Sunday evening as temperatures dipped to 27 degrees. Though the cold did not affect fountain operation, it did have an effect: icing conditions. White Plains Police barriered off the fountain sidewalk and plaza this morning and rocksalt was administered to melt a veneer of ice that police found dangerous enough to barricade to prevent pedestrians from treading across the ice. By noon Monday the plaza sidewalk had been reopened. A call to City Hall to ascertain any future management of the icing risk has not been returned.

RENAISSANCE FOUNTAIN, MONDAY MORNING. 11:A.M.: Rock salt has melted the ice formed from fountain splash back overnight. Photo by WPCNR News.

WPPAC Gala Opening Raises $225M; Champagne for Everyone! Newhart Vintage.

Posted on November 10, 2003 by John Bailey

WPCNR STAGE DOOR. By John F. Bailey. November 9, 2003: The Gala Opening of the White Plains Performing Arts Center attracted close to 400 of White Plains outstanding citizens Sunday evening, and has raised $225,000 towards the operation of the fledgling theatre. The black-tie-and-cummerbund crowd arrived early and enjoyed swank hors d’oeuvres and wine, to the accompanyment of a saxophonist and guitarist from the Westchester Conservatory of Music. They were summoned to the theatre by chimes at about 7 P.M., when Impresario Jeffrey Rosenstock stepped into the spotlight and introduced Mayor Joseph Delfino who told White Plains “Tonight’s the night…this is your theatre and it’s up to you to help us make this the most successful theatre in the region.”

SCHMOOZING ON THE BALCONY, just outside the entrance to the White Plains Performing Arts Center, some 350 White Plains supporters of the arts, mingled, schmoozed, and discussed WPPAC’s miracle ambience. Photo by WPCNR AfterDark

Tony Stimac took centerstage, and said the purpose of theatre was “to nurture our souls and share a common experience.” He announced the evening’s handle ($225,000), with another big night to come Monday evening when Broadway Salutes White Plains is staged at the WPPAC at 7. That performance is sold out.

Chauncey Walker, Chairman of the Gala, thanked numerous corporate angels, especially Abe V.Systems for donating the sound system used for the evening’s performance, and United Stage for lighting. Susan Habel, Commissioner of Planning, took WPCNR on a tour of the theatre after the performance said the actual theatre sound system needed about 360 man-hours of work to connect the wiring together, and the evening’s sound system was donated by Abraham Viera, a member the Gala Committee, and owner of Abe V. Systems. Ms. Habel also noted the stage on view was temporary and that the permanent wooden stage would be installed beginning Tuesday in time for the next show, November 19, (All Under Heaven, starring Valerie Harper) at the WPPAC.

National Amusements, Ms. Habel said, delayed their opening of the Cinema Deluxe movie threatres next door to the WPPAC, by moving the opening until mid-December, because they did not have all their concessionaires ready. Habel remarked that National Amusements has a history of not opening until they are absolutely ready and all their concessionaires are on board.

MIXING AND MATCHING: Mayor Delfino, far left, has just arrived and the Gala party is in full swing at 6 PM. Photo by WPCNR AfterDark

Eli Schonberger of the Board of Trustees, introduced by Mayor Delfino, recalled one of his grandaughters finding an old folder of his in his attic recently that contained a validictorian speech, that began with the words, “This is a momentous occasion.” Mr. Schonberger said he would paraphrase that to described the Gala evening, as “a momentous and memorable occasion.”

CHECK YOUR COAT, SIR? Everybody got into the act, helping out at the WPPAC Opening Weekend. Nicole Norris, left, Kelsey Kulk, center, and Joanna Wolff, were recruited to perform Hat Check duty by Ms. Norris’ grandmother. Photo by WPCNR AfterDark

MR. AND MRS. ADAM BRADLEY arriving just before the show. Photo by WPCNR AfterDark

THE SUPER DEVELOPER DOES IT AGAIN: Louis Cappelli, Chairman of Cappelli Enerprises with Theatre Manager, Kathy Davisson. Cappelli was receiving kudos all around for completing the theatre in a whirlwind of 3 8-hour shifts a day Thursday and Friday.Seats for the theatre arrived at 2 A.M. Thursday morning, and they were installed, carpet laid, and walls painted within 48 hours. Photo by WPCNR AfterDark.

Louis Fortunoff, member of the White Plains Performing Arts Center Founding Board of Trustees makes his way to the entrance as curtain call sounds. Photo by WPCNR AfterDark

WHITE PLAINS WEEK WAS THERE: “The News Amigos” from WPPA-TV’s Channel 76 twice-weekly news roundup show were there. Left to Right, Alex Philippidis, Westchester County Business Journal, yours truly, John Bailey, The White PlainsCitizeNetReporter, and veteran newsman, Jim Benerofe, Suburbanstreet.com. Photo by Benjamin Boykin

TICKETS, PLEASE

CHIMES ANNOUNCE SHOWTIME: Mr. and Mrs. White Plains ascend the stairway to the new theatre. Photo by WPCNR AfterDark.

GALA AUDIENCE takes its seats Sunday night. Photo by WPCNR AfterDark.

AMERICA’S FAVORITE MAYOR, Joseph Delfino welcomes the multitude. The Mayor thanked Greg Cuneo, Chairman of HRH Construction for all his help in getting the theatre completed, Peter Palazzo. He introduced Louis Cappelli in the audience, and thanked George Gretsas, Executive Officer, and Susan Habel, Commissioner of Planning, and Mike Gismondi, Commissioner of Building, noting once again the phrase that he always says on the many occasions of progress in White Plains, “There is nothing we cannot do when we work together.” Photo by WPCNR AfterDark

After Mr. Walker and Mr. Schonberger spoke, Tony Stimac was introduced who in turn, brought on the evening’s feature performer, Bob Newhart.

After a 20-second fanfare by the Music Conservatory of Westchester Big Band, donating their time to back up Mr. Newhart, Mr. Newhart ambled on stage, carrying a silver paint can and paint brush in his right hand, saying to Mr. Stimac, “I’m sorry Tony, it was close, but we made it.”

It was a great line and was the first of many through Mr. Newhart’s non-stop 40-minute performance, though unfortunately, no more construction jokes. Mr. Newhart regaled us with various ethnic jokes, getting away with them in a most tasteful manner, considering this most politically correct of times.

Example: Mr. Newhart told the audience that they are having trouble in Los Angeles with vietnamese gangs. He said, “You know how you can tell when your home is raided by a vietnamese gang, don’t you? Your dog is gone, but your daughter’s homework is done.”

He reprised some of his best bits of the past, the faith healer routine, the Driving Instructor skit, and for his encore, the Sir Walter Raleigh funny phone call. He revived the George Shearing joke about Mr. Shearing letting a pilot take his seeing eye dog out for a walk while his plane was inbetween stops, but no one would get back on the plane because they had seen the pilot coming off the plane being lead by a seeing eye dog. The Westchester Big Band backed Mr. Newhart up for his entrance and his exit with two 15 second riffs worthy of Doc Severinson. It was a nightclub experience. Still one wishes Mr. Newhart would update his material to reflect modern events, we think it would be really interesting.

BOB NEWHART MINGLES with guests after his performance. He was a most gracious star, signing autographs, and conversing pleasantly. He is at center of the picture. Photo by WPCNR AfterDark

THE SUPER-DEVELOPER TASTES THE CHAMPAGNE: Louis Cappelli accepting congratsos from members of the audience, glass of champagne in hand, as Steve Feinstein, back to camera, his project manager for the theater looks on. Photo by WPCNR AfterDark.

GUESTS TOASTED THE NEW THEATRE at a Post-Reception. Photo by WPCNR AfterDark

ALL’S WELL THAT BEGINS WELL: Jeffrey Rosenstock, left, and Tony Stimac feeling very good on Opening Night. Photo by WPCNR AfterDark

FORT HILL PLAYERS PRESIDENT, Joan Charischak, visions of future productions at WPPAC dancing in her head, chats with Mrs. Delfino, back to camera. Photo by WPCNR AfterDark

Mayor Delfino’s daughter, left,George Gretsas, Councilman Glen Hockley, and Louis Cappelli relax: Opening Night is over. Photo by WPCNR AfterDark

WE LOVE IT WHEN A GOOD PLAN COMES TOGETHER: “White Plains Team” of George Gretsas, Executive Officer, and “The Peerless Leader” Mayor Joseph Delfino relax as the Gala winds down. Photo by WPCNR AfterDark.

HELLO, SWIFTY. BOOK ME “J-LO” IN JANUARY: What does the boss do after the show is over? He gets on the phone of course. Jeffrey Rosentock, Executive Director, Opening Night over, burning up the cellular waves. Rosenstock said WPPAC has booked musical directors to play for the acts from Broadway shows performing Monday evening as the Gala weekend completes. Photo by WPCNR AfterDark

A TOAST TO THE ANGELS

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES: Original Seats from the old RKO Keiths on Main Street in White Plains were restored by Raymond Frederick of the Planning Department. The seats grace the theatre’s lobby and are the gift of the Terrence McCormack family of White Plains. Photo by WPCNR AfterDark

THE INGENUE ON CITY PLACE awaits her next performance. As you can see, the worst seat in the White Plains Performing Arts Center is better than half way up center aisle in a Broadway house. The sound difusers (the golden beveled baffles on the walls shown at left), channel the sound from the stage so well that conversational voices may be heard in the back row quite clearly. The “airline” like seats are very yielding, they recline, and guests can make their way to their seats without patrons who are already seated having to stand up (a major improvement over Broadway houses, I might add). There is also plenty of legroom. Photo by WPCNR AfterDark

Matinee Magic! Miracle on Martine Comes True. Performing Arts Center Perfect.

Posted on November 8, 2003 by John Bailey

WPCNR STAGE DOOR. By John F. Bailey. November 8, 2003, UPDATED WITH MORE FOTOS, 9 P.M. E.S.T: White Plains finally got its community theatre Saturday afternoon, some sixty-five years since vaudeville faded from the old RKO Keiths, as Mayor Joseph Delfino and Commissioner of Planning Susan Habel, Impresarios Jeffrey Rosenstock and Tony Stimac proudly welcomed children of all ages to the opening performance of The Flying Karamazovs. Overnight, HRH Construction, under the supervision of Steve Feinstein performed a miracle and presented White Plains with a perfect little jewel in its City Center crown.

LIGHT THE LIGHTS! WE GOT NOTHING TO DO BUT HIT THE HEIGHTS! INTRODUCING THE WHITE PLAINS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER: The classy little theatre on City Place takes a bow! The stage of the White Plains Performing Arts Center as it awaited the Flying Karamazov Brothers at 10 minutes before festivities got under way Saturday afternoon. Photo by WPCNR StageCam.

A crowd very close to capacity saw the first performance in an immaculate venue that was luxurious, stylish, inviting, and intimate all-at-once. Its elegant rake of seating gives a perspective of the stage giving you the feel of a theatre, the intimacy of theatre-in-the round, and there is no bad seat. Even from the top row, you have a great view of the doings on stage. It will be a venue performers will want to play, a house people will want to go to.

“THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR COMING:” Mayor Joseph Delfino of White Plains personally thanked opening matinee theatre-goers for supporting the theatre as each came in to be escorted to the plush dark blue seats. The Mayor, a salesperson in his early career, personally demonstrated to WPCNR the softness of the seats installed in the theatre, the legroom, and the luxury features of a high headrest and the added advantage that each of the seats recline. The Mayor was ebullient as the theatre passed its smoke purge test Friday evening. Construction officially ended about 2:30 A.M Saturday morning. Cleaners finished their job about noon on Saturday. Photo by WPCNR StageCam.

VIEW OF THE INTERIOR OF THE 417-Seat Theatre: All Views are virtually straight-on. Seats are separated nicely. The only glitch on opening afternoon was that the restrooms were not working, due to a blockage, but that was expected to be fixed midway through the performance. Photo by WPCNR StageCam.

PLUSH CARPET, THICK, PADDED AND TREADSTEADY WITH FOOTLIGHTS: The classy touch of footlights in the aisles invites you to your seat. The carpet you walk on is very thick, enveloping you in a feeling of poshnessity, elevating the viewer, and inviting them, no matter how old into a growing sense of awe of the magic that a real theater evokes, informing them they have entered a new realm where magic happens, belief is suspended and where the possibilities and achievements of the human condition are celebrated. Photo by WPCNR StageCam.

IMPRESARIO Jeffrey Rosenstock takes the stage and welcomes all to the historic matinee, he is standing in front of the Brothers Karamazov set. Rosenstock thanked all who came for being a part of history, said the Arts Center would strive to be a home to local performing groups, and introduced Mayor Joseph Delfino. The sound system Mr. Rosenstock was using was crisp, in perfect reproduction, with a very mellow, state-of-sound feel to it. It sounded as if Mr. Rosenstock was at your side speaking directly to you. Though WPCNR could not judge the acoustics of the theatre, the reverbs of the sound baffles on the walls (the bronzish-yellow squares) seem to “wrap” the sound around you. I believe performers will like using it. They can speak or sing right to the audience with every inflection and articulation reproduced with all the effect with which they deliver it. Photo by WPCNR StageCam

HERE’S JOE: Mayor Joseph Delfino, speaking extemporaneously in his naturally welcoming and sincere style, thanked HRH Construction’s Steve Feinstein “for a tremendous job” in completing the theatre, Mr. Stimac and Mr. Rosenstock, and theatre and city staff for making the dream real, and National Amusements for donating the 417 seats. He welcomed the audience and noted the gift of the Terrence McCormack family of White Plains who donated antique theatre seats that once stood silent audience in the old White Plains RKO Keith’s on Main Street. The Mayor noted these seats had viewed thousands of great acts of the past and the movies from Hollywood’s golden age when they were in the old RKO Keith’s theatre. The seats are red burgundy leather with blue velvet backs with gold etching on the borders and now hold a place of honor in the foyer of the theatre. They were restored beautifully, Kathy Davisson said, by the Planning Department personality, Ray Frederick. Photo by WPCNR StageCam.

COMING UP THE ESCALATOR TO THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER. Photo by WPCNR StageCam.

A LITTLE HOLLYWOOD IN WHITE PLAINS: Crowd meets Rugrats personalities at entrance to the theatre Saturday afternoon. Massive lobby will hold overflow crowds. The management of the Performing Arts Center had been worried about possible union picketing, as it is not yet a union house, however Actors Equity and the International Association of Theatrical Stage Employees have amicably agreed not to picket the opening, giving the new theatre time to build a following, capitalize, and organize WPCNR has learned. I.A.T.S.E. Local One, the theatrical stage employees union, is reported by sources to be willing to have White Plains Performing Arts Center pilot an apprentice program in which the union would provide employees at rates lower than prevailing wages as a means to help the community theatre, while helping new workers acquire their union membership. The unions reportedly will attempt to work out a mutually workable agreement with the theatre management in April. Photo by WPCNR StageCam.

A BRIGHT AND WELCOMING LOBBY: Not overly ornate, muted, tasteful and ready to be garnished with art, statuary or what have you. Tony Stimac, in suit is just to the right of the open door in the extreme right of this picture. Kathy Davisson, Theatre Manger is third from left, in dark suit, white turtleneck, as crowd mills in the cozy lobby. The vast rotunda of the City Center balcony will easily handle overflow crowds. Photo by WPCNR StageCam.

Jeffrey Rosenstock at entrance to the proscenium. Melody Hockley, at right takes tickets. Photo by WPCNR StageCam

THE GALLERY: Slightly to the left of Mr. Rosenstock is the gallery area which will be used for receptions and art exhibitions. Photo by WPCNR StageCam.

CONCIERGE DESK welcomes the crowd, which came early. Seating was orderly, crowd well-behaved and they seemed truly awestruck by the height of the theatre and its majestic sweep. Kathy Davisson noted to WPCNR early Saturday evening that the crowd really enjoyed the Flying Karamazov Brothers show, whom Ms. Davisson described as putting a terrific effort into the show that enthralled the audience. Photo by WPCNR StageCam.

LEADING MAN: Steve Feinstein, Project Superintendent for HRH Construction, the mastro of the 24 hour a day 7 days a week effort that got the theatre done in time for Saturday’s opening. Mr. Feinstein oversaw the construction of the theatre, that was finally complete in the wee hours Saturday morning. Photo by WPCNR StageCam.

SUBSCRIPTIONS NOW BEING SOLD: The Performing Arts Center first patrons this afternoon were provided with full-color brochures offering “subscriptions” two for the price of 1 to the WPPAC’s first play series which will produce Ambassador Satch, December 6 to 21; Fashion, an original musical comedy by Tony Stimac, WPPAC’s Producing Director, from March 20 to April 4, 2004, My Cousin’s Wedding, a comedy from May 1 to 16, 2004. Purchasing a subscription prior to November 16, will earn patrons a 15% discount off the Special Events coming up, Valerier Harper’s one-woman show, All Under Heaven, November 16-19, and Renee Taylor and Joe Bologna in It Had to Be Your, March 9 to 14. For information, call 1-888-977-2250. Photo by WPCNR StageCam.

MAYOR DELFINO & COMMISSIONER OF PLANNING, SUSAN HABEL welcomed the patrons. Ms. Habel is wearing a scarf made for her by her daughter two years ago. The scarf IS silk-screened in a show business motif. Ms. Habel told WPCNR her daughter said, “You can wear it at the opening.” And on Saturday matinee, Ms. Habel did just that. Ms. Habel said there were some color changes she felt might be made to the theatre, but she was all smiles. Photo by WPCNR StageCam.

AND NOW, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN THE WHITE PLAINS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER: The Theatre from midway up the aisle. Photo by WPCNR StageCam

Tigers Cream Carmel, 42-21, on McGuire’s 95 Yard Pick, Jimison’s Pick-Up

Posted on November 8, 2003 by John Bailey

WPCNR PRESS BOX. By John F. Bailey. November 8, 2003: White Plains defense created three touchdowns in the first half Saturday afternoon, taking a 28-0 lead into halftime, to win the Section I-AA Bowl at Parker Stadium going away, 42-21. After taking a 14-0 lead, with Carmel threatening on the Tiger 5 with 3 minutes and change left in the half, Evan McGuire intercepted a Mike Knolker pass at the Tiger goal line and returned it diagonally across the length of the field, 95 yards for a touchdown. Seconds later with 1:42 remaining, Keith Shaw blocked a Carmel punt at the Ram 20 and Shawn Jimison picked it up and ran it in for a touchdown to create the 28-0 lead . Ike Nduka was named Most Valuable Back, and Evan McGuire, Most Valuable Lineman of the game.

HE COULD GO ALL THE WAY AND DOES! Evan McGuire (13), fourth Tiger from the left, following the immaculate blocking of Ryan Smalls (32), and two “Flying Tigers” at the Carmel 30, racing in on the last leg of his 95 yard runback of an interception for a touchdown. It turned the game around in the last three minutes of the first half. Earlier Spencer Ridenhour had scored the Tigers first TD, and Mike Devere had connected with Paul Scotman for a 12 yard touchdown pass for a 14-0 lead. Spencer Ridenhour scored his 55th and 56th White Plains Touchdowns. Evan’s “Pick” turned the game around. Spencer Ridenhour and Ike Nduka added TD’s in the second half to put the game out of reach. The Tigers finish the regular season at 9-1 with Stepinac next up on Thanksgiving Day. Photo by WPCNR Sports

Westco Accepting Registration for Children’s Theatre Workshops

Posted on November 8, 2003 by John Bailey

WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From Westco Productions Communications & Public Affairs. November 5, 2003: Westco is accepting registrations for its Creative Theater Workshops for children ages 5-11. The workshops introduce children to the excitement of the performing arts through singing, dancing and acting. No experience is necessary and everyone gets a part in the show.

The winter workshop entitled “Give Our Regards To Broadway II” begins on January 3rd with the performance on February 21st. The spring workshop entitled “Peter Pan” begins on February 28th with the performance on April 3rd.

Rehearsals are held on Saturdays and there are three dress rehearsals the week of the show. The performances are held at the Rochambeau Theater in White Plains.

There are a limited number of applications accepted for each workshop. The fee is $250 per child per workshop. For further information and a registration form visit Westco’s website at www.westcoprods.com or call Westco at 914-761-7463.

KING KOMMENTS: Election Spending…

Posted on November 7, 2003 by John Bailey

WPCNR KING KOMMENTS. By Councilman William King. November 6, 2003: The County Board of Elections started to put campaign finance info for individual candidates and teams of candidates on the westchestergov.com website in 2001 but stopped (partial data for some candidates sprinkled around the county is still there). Now I guess you still have to go into the Board of Elections office and request candidates’ finance statements (who contributed $100 or more to their campaigns and what the candidates spent their campaign funds on). It’s interesting reading.
All the reports are on file for candidates’ campaign warchests while they are open. I haven’t perused them lately
but I may go over there and request some – there were some contributions from people in one party to a candidate in another party …. even a contribution from someone who subsequently got elected to another elected official in the opposite party. If the Republicans really spent as much as you think they did, and that’s a staggering amount of money, even in a mayoral election year, there’s a lot of contributors behind all that money. You should check out the finance records at the BoE tocheck your facts.

When I first ran as an independent I think I spent around $1,800, most of it my own. I think I got 1200-1300 votes. I think my brother was my biggest contributor. I spent more running with the big boys on the Democratic ticket the next election but combined we might have spent around $20K? I think palm cards cost on the order of about $1,200 for 20,000 four years ago. On the other end of the scale, Ted Dunn, the former Rye city mayor who ran against Andy Spano for County Exec, spent $1M of his own money in a losing effort. The best bargain I found, but we didn’t do tv ads, was with News12 Westchester – surprisingly affordable, at least it was.

Miracle on Martine Avenue: Performing Arts Center on Last Lap

Posted on November 7, 2003 by John Bailey

WPCNR STAGE DOOR. By John F. Bailey. November 7, 2003: With 27 hours until curtain time for The Flying Karamazovs, the White Plains Performing Arts Center first show Saturday afternoon, construction crews are hanging the remaining stage lighting and installing the sound system today, according to Kathy Davisson, Theatre Manager, who took WPCNR on a brief preview of the theatre in its final stages of construction.

MIRACLE IN THE MAKING: The crack HRH Construction crews laying down carpet at 11:30 A.M. Friday morning after installing seating overnight at the White Plains Performing Arts Center. Photo by WPCNR News

GRAND ENTRY SIGN awaiting installation above the Performing Arts Center doors. Sign was just delivered, according to Ms. Davisson speaking to WPCNR late Friday morning. Photo by WPCNR News

CONCIERGE DESK AWAITS YOU AS YOU PASS THROUGH THE ENTRANCE. Box office is at right. Carpet needed to be laid in the lobby as of 11:30 A.M. Friday morning. Photo by WPCNR News

BOX OFFICE AREA: Ms. Davisson noted that tickets were still available for The Flying Karamazovs performance Saturday at 3 PM. Tickets would be sold out of the box office to the right, not yet equipped but tables would be set up for theatre goers to purchase tickets at the door. Telemarketing efforts featuring Mayor Joseph Delfino were made to residents beginning Wednesday promoting sales for the Saturday performances. The number to call for last minute tickets to both Flying Karamazov performances (at 3 and 7 on Saturday), the Gala on Sunday at 5:30 P.M., and Broadway Salutes White Plains on Monday at 7 is 1-888-9772250 Photo by WPCNR News

RECEPTION AREA AND GALLERY, site of future art exhibitions as it looked Friday at high noon, just to your left as you enter the theatre. Photo by WPCNR News.

THIS WAY TO YOUR SEAT, SIR: Kathie Davisson, leads WPCNR up the steps to White Plains showplace being groomed for Saturday’s premier. These steps are immediately to the right of the Gallery area in the previous photograph. Photo by WPCNR News.

LIGHT THE LIGHTS! Workers were in process of installing the lighting Friday morning. The curtain was also going in today. Photo by WPCNR News.

SOUND BOOTH TO BE HOOKED UP TODAY: Workman installs carpet in the aisles Friday morning. Soundbooth is at rear. Ms. Davisson said sound equipment was to be hooked up today. Photo by WPCNR News.

KARAMAZOV BROTHERS TRUCK ARRIVES: Ms. Davisson checking on the unloading of The Flying Karamazov Brothers truck as it was rriving at the loading dock downstairs on Martine Avenue. Photo by WPCNR News.

NATIONAL AMUSEMENTS OPENING MOVED UP A MONTH: The City Center National Amusements movie theatre floor as it appeared Friday morning. According to advertisements appearing this week the theatres will not open prior to Thanksgiving as previously planned. The opening is now scheduled for December 12, 2003. Photo by WPCNR News.

Republicans Spend $200G’s,with No Seats to Show for It.

Posted on November 6, 2003 by John Bailey

WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2003 CIRCUIT. By John F. Bailey. November 6, 2003: The White Plains Republican Party made a furious and expensive effort to gain Common Council seats Tuesday, and unseat County Legislator William Ryan, but the effort failed miserably. Estimates of the value of Republican campaign mailings, television commercials, and additional election materials, indicate that Republicans created materials and efforts estimated to cost approximately $200,000 or more.

In mailings alone, WPCNR counts 27 separate campaign mailings, each of which cost approximately $6,000 to $10,000 depending on the amounts mailed and the printing. For example, if each mailing went to the entire Republican registration (approximately 7,000, a correction from our previously stated figure of 13,000, simply an error on our part), and cost $6,000 each — even more if 4-color, that’s $162,000, the more expensive pieces could rachet that figure up past the $200,000 mark. If they mailed select Democrats in addition to the Republican lists, the cost goes up more.

Frank Cantatore sent out 11 mailings promoting his candidacy. There were 10 mailings promoting Messrs Binder, Sheehan, and Ms. Munoz. There were 6 mailing pieces promoting Binder and Sheehan and Cantatore. That does not count the palm cards which were printed up.

That basic estimated cost of doing those mailings alone indicates production and mailing costs of close to $200,000, and does not begin to count the cost of the recorded waves of telephone announcements used by Republicans to request votes on the phone, polling costs, and television commercials.

The Republicans should fire their pollsters since Republican leaders were in total shock Tuesday night as the Democrat tidal wave engulfed their forces early. According to sources at DG’s where the Republican wake was held, leaders were aghast as the Democratic numbers rolled in, making their poll figures look ludricris. Their polls had told them they had at least a shot at one seat. The results showed the pollsters were either being lied to by voters contacted, or the samplings were wrong.

“The Nutcracker” Returns to the County Center Dec. 13, 14.

Posted on November 5, 2003 by John Bailey

WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From Westchester County Department of Recreation & Parks. November 5, 2003: The Nutcracker makes its annual return to the County Center for matinee performances on December 13 and 14. Here are the details on this timeless holiday classic performance, a long tradition at the Westchester County Center.

EVENT: The Westchester Ballet Company’s production of The Nutcracker

PRESENTED BY: Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation

DATES: Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, 2003

TIMES: Saturday, 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, 2 p.m.

LOCATION: Westchester County Center, White Plains, New York

PRICE: Advance sales: $15 Adults, $11 children and senior citizens

Day of performance: $17 all tickets

TICKET SALES: Available at Westchester County Center box office, Tuesday through Saturday, from

0 a.m. to 6 p.m.; at all TicketMaster locations; or by calling TicketMaster at

(845) 454-3388

CO-SPONSOR: Friends of Westchester Ballet Company

DIRECTIONS: The Westchester County Center is located at 198 Central Park Avenue in White Plains, at the intersection of Tarrytown Road and the Bronx River Parkway. The County Center is served by the Westchester County BEE-LINE bus system and is a short walk from the White Plains station of Metro-North railroad.

PARKING: $4 per car

INFORMATION: (914) 864-PARK or (914) 864-7173

Democrats: We Make Major Election Gains in the County.

Posted on November 5, 2003 by John Bailey

WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2003 CIRCUIT. From the Westchester County Democratic Committee. November 5, 2003: Westchester Democrats hailed the results from Election 2003, reflecting significant Democratic gains made across Westchester this year. “Democrats offered voters a strong team of candidates – and the voters responded very positively”, stated George Latimer, Westchester County Democratic Chairman. Latimer cited a number of impressive victories by Democrats:

       · Democrats retained 11-6 control of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, with all 11 incumbents winning re-election by significant margins;

       · Two countywide judicial posts, previously held by Republicans, were captured by Democrats: Kathie Davidson in her win for Family Court, and one seat on the County Court, where Democrat Robb DiBella is ahead;

       · Victories at the local level, where Mt. Kisco’s Mayor-elect Michael Cindrich led a Democratic sweep; Lewisboro elected Democrat Jim Nordgren to the Supervisor’s post, along with two running mates for Council and Justice; re-elected sweeps by Democrats in New Castle, Ossining Town, Mt. Vernon, Greenburgh and Rye Town;
re-electing New Rochelle Mayor Tim Idoni and retaining a Democratic majority in that city; maintaining a 6-1 Council majority in White Plains, and the majority in Yorktown and Cortlandt; winning a key Town Judge post in Mamaroneck;

       · Gains in various Republican strongholds: Democrats winning a second seat on the Peekskill Common Council; capturing the Town Justice post in Bedford; adding a Yonkers City Council seat;

       · Competitive races in Republican areas, including Somers and Pound Ridge

“Democrats did not win because they had the most money; in many, many races, we were outspent”, Latimer noted. “But we had the issues and the energy on our side, and we are well positioned locally to make an impact in the 2004 Presidential year”.

Latimer, a member of the Westchester County Legislature, was re-elected to his 7th term with 68% of the vote, and highlighted the exceptional races by Democrats John Nonna of Pleasantville, Andy Pecunia of Somers, Mike Kane of Peekskill and Peter Borrok of North Castle as further examples of energized campaigns that fell short on Election Day.

“We’re waiting to hear the final news on the 9th Judicial Race – a five county contest – that may add one more winner to our lists”, Latimer concluded.