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.
MARY JANE SHIMSKY NOMINATED BY DEMOCRATS FOR ABINANTI SEAT.
WPCNRCAMPAIGN 2022. From Mary Jane Shimsky 4 Assembly Campaign. (Edited) February 23, 2022:
County Legislator MaryJane Shimsky won the Westchester Democratic Party’s nomination at a mini-convention. She defeated incumbent Tom Abinanti for the Democratic nomination in the 92nd Assembly District, which includes most of Greenburgh, Mount Pleasant, and parts of Yonkers.
“I am honored to have the support of the Democratic Party. Democratic leaders in the 92nd District know that we need change and new energy, with an Assemblymember who listens and truly upholds our progressive values,” said Shimsky. “The last few years have shown the importance of collaborative leadership, and the need for leaders who listen to scientists and public health experts. I have spent my career building strong coalitions and delivering tangible results. As Assemblymember, I’ll be ready to hit the ground running to strengthen our resiliency, improve our public health resources, promote social justice, and rebuild our infrastructure.”
Tom Abinanti, in his 12th year as an Assemblyperson was interviewed about the Shimsky challenged December 30 in the Hudson Independent. You may read that interview here https://thehudsonindependent.com/assemblyman-abinanti-touts-record-as-shimsky-announces-plans-to-seek-dem-backing/
First elected to the Board of Legislators in 2011, Shimsky has delivered infrastructure improvements, advanced resiliency and pollution-cutting initiatives, and fought to improve public health, including addressing the opioid epidemic. She became Majority Leader in 2020 and represents the 12th District which includes most of the Town of Greenburgh (Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington, Edgemont, and much of Hartsdale). From 2007 to 2010, she was Community Relations Director for Assemblyman Richard Brodsky. Shimsky graduated from Yale University, and earned her law degree from New York University School of Law and her PhD in History from the City University of New York. The Primary Election is scheduled for June 28th, 2022.
WPCNR THE POWER STORY.Statement from State Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins (35th Senate District) and State Senator Shelley Mayer(37th Senate District. February 22, 2022:
State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and State Senator Shelley B. Mayer sent a joint letter today to Consolidated Edison and the Public Service Commission demanding that recent rate increases be suspended and other measures be taken to mitigate the impact of the dramatic jump seen in Con Edison ratepayers’ bills.
“We have grave concerns about the financial shock these high costs will have for our constituents and others across New York State,” said the Senators in their letter. “The rise in charges will result in serious challenges for many New Yorkers, particularly those already struggling to make ends meet.”
Recent spikes in energy prices coinciding with a planned rate increase approved by the Public Service Commission have resulted in some ratepayers’ bills more than doubling between December 2021 and January 2022. Both Senators had opposed the planned rate increase.
In the letter, the Senators said the “situation is unacceptable” and called on the Public Service Commission and Con Edison to take immediate action to provide relief to ratepayers.
“Both the Public Service Commission and Con Edison have a responsibility to ratepayers, and such dramatic and unexpected cost increases demand action on your part in order to fulfill that responsibility,” the Senators wrote.
Why should Con Ed be allowed to raise our rates while reporting obscene profits that exceeded $1.5 billion dollars in 2021? The company has $63 million in assets.
In recent days I have received numerous complaints from Greenburgh residents who are shocked at the enormous Con Ed bills we all are being asked to pay.
Bills are at an all time high
There is no end in sight for the high Con Ed bills we can expect to receive.
Con Ed plans an additional 11.2% increase in electric rates next year and an 18.2% increase in gas bills in 2023.
I believe that the New York State Legislature should pass legislation directing the Public Service Commission not to approve large rate hikes when the company is reporting excessive profits.
Let Con Ed shareholders profit less so customers could have more affordable utility bills.
Profits of Con Ed should be an important factor that determines the rates Con Ed charges us.
I will be reaching out to the PSC, the Governor and to area Legislators. Please join me in contacting your lawmakers!
From Sept. 19, 2021 to Sept. 25. Westchester Monday through Friday had 119, 145, 154, 154, 157, 129 and 115 persons test Positive for a total of 973. Last week Westchester recorded 886 Cases. The 886 cases were lower since that week in September when Westchester infections were averaging 139 new cases. This week February 13 to February 20, the county averaged 126 new cases a day.THE WPCNR COVID LOGBOOK: SHOWS WESTCHESTER TAKING PRECAUTIONS AND WITH VACCINATIONS, MASKS AND STRATEGIC RESPONSIBLE SOCIALIZING CUT THE COVID SPREAD FROM 1,803 THE FIRST WEEK TO 1,208 THE SECOND WEEK TO BELOW 1,000 IN WEEK THREE TO 886.
WPCNR COVID MONITOR. From the New York Covid Tracker. Analysis by John F. Bailey. February 22, 2022:
WESTCHESTERITES DID A GREAT JOB LAST WEEK IN TAKING CARE OF THEMSELVES AND OTHERS.
WESTCHESTER FROM SUNDAY THE 13TH THROUGH SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20 SAW 886 PERSONS TEST POSITIVE WITH NEW CASES OF COVID .
THAT IS AN AVERAGE OF 126 NEW CASES A DAY. THE TOTAL OF 886 CASES IS THE LOWEST NUMBER OF NEW CASES SINCE THE TOTAL OF 973 CASES THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 19-25 BEFORE THE FOURTH WAVE OF COVID BEGAN IN THE FIRST 3 WEEKS OF DECEMBER.
LAST WEEK MARKED THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE WEEK OF CONSISTENT DECLINES IN NEW PERSONS TESTING POSITIVE DESPITE THIS REPORTER’S FEARS OF A POST SUPERBOWL SPREAD.
THE FIRST WEEK OF FEBRUARY SAW WESTCHESTER REPORT 1,803 NEW CASES; THE SECOND, 1,208. THIS WEEK THREE OF FEBRUARY DECLINED TO 886, UNDER 1,000 CASES WEEK FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE NOVEMBER 7 TO 13 WHEN THE COUNTY RECORDED 751 CASES
LOOKING AT THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY COVID TRACKER, IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS THROUGH FEBRUARY 17, THE MOST CASES ARE IN THE LARGEST CITIES, YONKERS 399 31 NEW CASES A DAY THE LAST TWO WEEKS, NEW ROCHELLE 216, 21 NEW CASES DAILY AND WHITE PLAINS, 160, 13 NEW CASES DAILY
ACCORDING TO THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY TRACKER , THE AREAS OF THE COUNTY FINISHING THE 10 HEAVIEST NEW CASE AREAS ARE MT. VERNON, 136, 11 CASES A DAY; THEN CONCERN HAS TO BE ABOUT THE SPREAD IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE COUNTY, YORKTOWN HAD 153 ACTIVE CASES, SPREADING AT 17 NEW CASES A DAY. CORTLANDT, 119 CASES, 8 NEW CASES A DAY; THE TARRYTOWNS, 96 CASES, 4 NEW CASES DAILY; HARRISON 96, 5 NEW CASES DAILY MT. PLEASANT 93 CASES, SPREADING AT 3 NEW CASES A DAY AND THE RYES 85 ACTIVE CASES, 85, 7 NEW CASES A DAY.
TODAY THOSE NUMBERS (ALWAYS FLUCTUATING DAY BY DAY) WERE LOWER. HERE IS HOW THEY LOOKED TODAY THROUGH FEBRUARY 21, CITY BY CITY, TOWN BY TOWN:
Though active cases have dropped the last 4 days, it should be noted that Yorktown, Cortlandt, MOUNT PLEASANT, NORTH AND NEW CASTLE, SLEEPY HOLLOW AND TARRYTOWN AND THE CITIES ARE AREAS WITH WORRISOME NUMBER OF NEW DAILY CASES ( SECOND FIGURE IN THE WPCNR, COVIDSTOPPERS NOTEBOOK. LOOKING AT THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY SATURDAY FIGURES, THE COUNTY HAD JUST 58 NEW CASES SATURDAY; THE MID-HUDSON REGION HAD JUST 174 AND NASSAU AND SUFFOLK COUNTIES WERE DOWN SUBSTANTIALLY.
WESTCHESTER, THE 6 OTHER MID-HUDSON REGION COUNTIES AND NASSAU AND SUFFOLK HAD 69% OF THE NUMBER CASES OF ALL OF NEW YORK CITY (not accounting for 70% of all of New York City cases)
SO COVID IS STILL OUT THERE. TESTING FIGURES WERE DOWN THE LAST WEEK. AND THIS WEEK IS A SCHOOL VACATION WEEK AND MARCH BRINGS FOLLOWED BY MARCH MADNESS, PARADES AND SCHOOLS BACK FOR 4 WEEKS OF 5-DAY SCHOOL WEEKS.
The White Plains BID is finishing off their Winter Outlook series with MARCH into Self Care, a mélange of hair, skin and massage treatments created to fight the winter blues! From March 1 to March 31, salons, barber shops, and spas are offering 25% discounts on select services to help you focus on you!
Authentic Hair Studio 198 Martine Avenue, (914) 761-6712 25% off any service Visit Website
Avenue Salon and Suites 140 Mamaroneck Avenue, (914) 682-4727 25% off Keratin Treatments Visit Website
Elements Massage One North Broadway, (914) 479-5072 25% off of any massage or enhancement based on our walk-in rate Visit Website
Farida Skin Care Studio 445 Hamilton Ave Suite 100 Studio 9, (845) 553-4455 25% off massages Visit Website
Gentleman’s Barber Spa 270A Main Street, (914) 390-9222 25% off all spa services Visit Website
Maria Hair Therapy 173 East Post Road, (914) 761-2100 25% off a bundle: 1) Color + Gloss + blow-dry by a Junior stylist 2) M/5 hair care kit 3) Hair Transformation with Maria Shkreli includes: Color, hair cut, hair eduction with kit and chakra reading Visit Website
Salon Maffei 182 East Post Road, (914) 428-3555 25% off single service haircut/style and/or single process hair color (cannot be combined with multiple services) Visit Website
Signature Acupuncture Studio 277 Martine Avenue, (914) 222-5644 1) Initial Consultation + Medical Acupuncture ($150, regular price $200) Intake Assessment • Examination • Acupuncture • Recommended Treatment Plan • 80 minutes 2) Microcurrent Mini Facial + Zen Acupuncture Treatment ($150, regular price $200) Herbal Toner & Hydrating Sheet Mask • Microcurrent to reduce wrinkles • Red Light LED to boost collagen • Relaxing zen mini acupuncture treatment • 50 minutes 3) Microcurrent Mini Facial with Red Light Therapy ($90, regular price $160) Herbal Toner & Hydrating Sheet Mask • Microcurrent to reduce wrinkles • Red Light LED to boost collagen • 30 minutes Visit Website
Skin Care by Krystal 445 Hamilton Avenue, Studio 100, Suite 23, (201) 815-0637 25% off of all services, weekdays only 25% off the purchase of 3 or more products Not valid for purchases made online, at location only, shipping unavailable Visit Website
Ojas Nail Studio 445 Hamilton Ave Suite 100 Studio 25, (787) 529-2419 25% off any serviceVisit Website
Image Oasis Medical Spa 110 Mamaroneck Avenue Suite 2, (914) 559-2722 25% off microneedling treatmentsVisit Website
WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From the Governor’s Press Office. February 22, 2022:
Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation creating a new Conditional Adult-use Cannabis Cultivator license, establishing a pathway for existing New York hemp farmers to apply for a conditional license to grow cannabis in the 2022 growing season for the forthcoming adult-use cannabis market.
Under the law, conditionally licensed cannabis farmers must meet certain requirements, including safe, sustainable and environmentally friendly cultivation practices, participation in a social equity mentorship program, and engagement in a labor peace agreement with a bona fide labor organization.
“I am proud to sign this bill, which positions New York’s farmers to be the first to grow cannabis and jumpstart the safe, equitable and inclusive new industry we are building,” Governor Hochul said. “New York State will continue to lead the way in delivering on our commitment to bring economic opportunity and growth to every New Yorker in every corner of our great state.”
COUNTY EXECUTIVE LATIMER ON UNMASKING COUNTY OFFICES; ESCALATING OPIOD OVERDOSING ENFORCEMENT, AND ASSESSORY DWELLING UNIT NEGOTIATIONSWESTCHESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF HEALTH ON NARCAN LOCKBOXES AND FANTANYL-OPIOID TEST STRIPS TO SAVE MORE LIVES AND LOWER OVERDOSE RISKPLAYLAND POOL IN PROGRESS, PLUS COUNTY PARKS POLICY GOING FORWARDASSESSMENT ROLL INCREASES WHAT’S GOING ON?COVID FREEZE OUT?WHITE PLAINS ROSE NOONAN OF HOUSING ACTION COUNCIL TO BE HONORED BY THE FRIENDLY GATHERINGJOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS EVERY WEEK ON WHITE PLAINS WEEK FOR 20 YEARS
WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From the White Plains Schools Facebook Page. February 21, 2022:
EMERLY MARTINEZ, Principal of White Plains High School published the following commentary after a video posted on social media (shown on News 12) of an assault of a White Plains High School student, when no student involved “sought help,” but instead participated.
The incident is currently being investigated by White Plains Police who were called immediately after the incident last Wednesday.
The Principal commented on the current Presidents Week break and what is and always has been expected of White Plains High students, and reminded them of the consequences of unupstanding behavior and behavior expected of them in the future.
WPCNR MILESTONES. Reprinted from the WPCNR ARCHIVES. February 21, 2022:
Tomorrow is George Washington’s Birthday.
The time when we remember the first leader and the best. It is instructive to look at our first leader, George Washington, the father of our nation — America — that used to be.
One cannot help be reminded of the snowy winter at Valley Forge, when the bedraggled, poorly equipped rebel army suffered but held together, and attacked the Hessians in Trenton on Christmas Eve, 1776, crossing the Delaware River at night. What kind of man was he that George Washington could inspire his troops against all odds?
Washington was a man of tremendous character. Of principle.
Where did he get this character?
He specialized in self-control at an early age. That congressmen, lobbyists, and pundits and yes, Presidents, means mind-control, reason and responsibility, and humanity.
According to the book, The American President, Washington, at sixteen, had formed a code of conduct. He had written a book of etiquette with 110 “maxims” to guide his conduct in matters. In this etiquette book he had written:
Every action done in company ought to be done with a sign of respect to those who are not present. Sleep not when others speak; sit not when others stand; speak not when you should hold your peace; walk not when others stop;…Let your countenance be pleasant but in serious matters somewhat grave…Undertake not what you cannot perform but be careful to keep your promise.
The character sketch provided by the authors of The American President, indicates this personal “rulebook” was a book that Washington wrote over the years and referred to it often, for, they write, for the following reasons:
“for self-control, to avoid temptation, to elude greed, to control his temper. Reputation was everything to him. It had to do with his strength, his size, his courage, his horsemanship, his precise dress, his thorough mind, his manners, his compassion. He protected that reputation at any cost.”
Earning respect by example. Quelling rebellion with a few words.
He sets an example today for those who would take advantage of America’s weakness and seize power by opportunism.
Washington inspired by example.
John Vorperian with “George Washington” at Purdy House where General Washington stayed during the Battle of White Plains.
He lived with his troops. He shared hardships with them, and there was so much respect for him that he was able to talk them out of armed rebellion at the end of the American Revolution.
Washington had been asked by the army to join them to overthrow the Continental Congress, and make himself King.
Washington had been asked by one of the officers of the rebels to join them, and he wrote them,
You could not have found a person to whom your schemes are more disagreeable. Banish these thoughts from your mind.
Hearing that the rebels who were planning insurrection against the new country due to not having been paid by the Continental Congress, Washington rode to Newburgh, New York, (not far from White Plains, NY,USA) on March 15, 1783, to meet with the dissident insurgents. Washington spoke to the rebellious group, saying,
“Gentlemen, as I was among the first who embarked in the cause of our common Country; as I never left your side one moment, but when called from you on public duty; as I have been the constant companion and witness of your Distresses…it can scarcely be supposed …that I am indifferent to your interests. But…this dreadful alternative, of either deserting our Country in the extremest hour of her distress, or turning our Arms against it…has something so shocking in it that humanity revolts from the idea…I spurn it, as every Man who regards liberty…undoubtedly must.”
The would-be rebels fell silent, digesting what he had said. Then Washington withdrew a letter from Congress, but could not read the text, withdrawing some eyeglasses from his tunic, remarking,
“Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country.”
The men present were reported to have tears in their eyes at this gesture of Washington’s and abandoned their plot out of respect for their leader.
Washington retired from the military, surprising the entire new country.
His action surprised King George III of England, who was astonished that Washington had refused to hold on to his military authority and use it for political or financial gain.
The defeated King of England, remarked, “If true, then he is the greatest man in the world.”
Seeker of Diverse Views. How to pick a cabinet.
As President, George Washington invented the Presidential Cabinet, whom he referred to as “the first Characters,” persons who possessed the best reputations in fields and areas of the jobs he was filling.
Washington said on political appointments:
“My political conduct and nominations must be exceedingly circumspect. No slip into partiality will pass unnoticed…”
Washington tolerated the relentless clashes between Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State, and Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, but lectured them on the necessity for tolerance and moving beyond partisanship:
“I believe the view of both of you are pure, and well meant. Why then, when some of the best Citizens in the United States, Men…who have no sinister view to promote, are to be found, some on one side, some on the other…should either of you be so tenacious of your opinions as to make no allowances for those of the other? I have great esteem for you both, and ardently wish that some line could be marked out by which both of you could walk.”
The Constitution Should be Protected
When George Washington left office after two terms, he made a farewell address which warned future generations of Americans about foreign entanglements and partisanship in the republic:
I shall carry to my grave the hope that your Union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the Constitution may be sacredly maintained; and that free government…the ever favorite object of my heart…will be the happy reward of our mutual cares, labors and dangers.”
Washington died in 1800, three years after leaving office in 1797. He was saluted on the floor of congress as being
“First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen.”
He was the first and best. The ultimate role model for any leader.
Tomorrow,, February 22, 2021 is a day that tries Americans’ souls.
It is hoped that some of our “leaders” in Westchester, in Albany, in Washington might read the words I have quoted above and take them to heart in future deliberations.
George Washington’s vision of his country is being challenged by those who know not what they do.
But we who remember, and read these words must refocus.
I hear you, Mr. Washington, and we heed.
Note:The American President By Philip B. Kunhardt, Jr., Philip B. Kunhardt III, and Peter W. Kunhardt (Riverhead Books. Penguin-Putnam, Inc.,1999) is the source for this information and quotes on George Washington.
