Mayor Tom Roach Monday Covid Update

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WPCNR CORONAVIRUS REPORT From Mayor Tom Roach, City of White Plains. November 30, 2020:

The COVID-19 infection rate continues to increase, with 6,117 active cases in Westchester County right now.

This is more than 4 times the number of cases than was reported just 1 month ago. Also within the past month, the County has seen the COVID hospitalization rate increase fivefold.  

 The cumulative number of people who have tested positive in White Plains since testing began is 2,550.  The County estimates there are currently 254 active cases in White Plains, 43 more than Wednesday, the last time we were provided with numbers.  

 We are experiencing a straight line increase in COVID cases that has now been ongoing for over a month. As has been repeatedly shown, the best means of protection we have at this time is to wear your masks when in public.

A second vaccine was submitted to the FDA for emergency approval today, which is more good news on that front, an incentive to keep following the common sense protocols which have been demonstrated to be effective to help stay healthy until vaccines become widely available in 2021.  

 The Westchester County Health Department is partnering with Westchester Medical Center to offer free flu shots to County residents ages 7 and older this Thursday, Saturday and Sunday right here in White Plains at the Westchester County Center. Advance registration is required. Go to the city website, cityofwhiteplains.com, to access the registration link. 

 The State has once again extended the moratorium on residential evictions as a means of protecting tenants suffering financial hardship during COVID-19. The moratorium has been extended through the end of the year. 

 Our next Covid update will be on Monday, December 7th.  Until then remember, we are standing together by staying apart.

La tasa de infección debido a  COVID-19 continúa aumentando, con 6,117 casos activos en el condado de Westchester en este momento. 4 veces más que el número de casos que se informó hace solo 1 mes. También en el último mes, el condado ha visto que la tasa de hospitalización por COVID se ha multiplicado por cinco.

  La cantidad de personas que han tendido resultados positivos en White Plains desde que comenzaron las pruebas es de 2.391. El condado estima que actualmente hay 210 casos activos en White Plains, 19 más que el viernes, la última vez que recibimos los números.

 Hemos visto un aumento significativo en los casos de COVID por más de un mes. Como está comprobado la mejor manera de protegernos en este momento es usando la mascarilla cuando estamos en público. La buena noticia es que hoy se envió una segunda vacuna a la FDA para su aprobación de emergencia. Esto nos impulsa a seguir los protocolos de sentido común que han demostrado ser tan efectivos para protegernos del virus hasta que las vacunas estén ampliamente disponibles en el 2021.

  El Departamento de Salud del Condado de Westchester se está asociando con el Centro Médico de Westchester para ofrecer vacunas gratis para la gripe. Esto se ofrecerá a los residentes del condado de 7 años en adelante  este jueves, sábado y domingo aquí en White Plains en el Centro del Condado de Westchester. Se requiere inscripción previa. Vaya al sitio web de la ciudad, cityofwhiteplains.com, para acceder al enlace de registro.

  El Estado ha extendido una vez más la prohibición por desalojos residenciales como una forma de proteger a los inquilinos que sufren dificultades económicas durante el COVID-19. Esta prohibición  se ha extendido hasta fin de año.

 Nuestra próxima llamada está programada para el lunes 7 de diciembre. Hasta entonces. Recuerde: estamos más  juntos manteniéndonos más separados.

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1,591 People Test Positive for Coronavirus in Westchester County, Friday, Saturday,Sunday

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WPCNR CORONAVIRUS REPORT. From the New York State Workbook Covid Tracker. November 30, 2020 UPDATED 4 PM E.S.T.:

Sunday results of Covid Testing in Westchester County are in.

They are not encouraging.

In 9,975 persons tested in the County yesterday, 583 tested covid positive requiring quarantine. That is 5.8% the highest infection rate Westchester County has seen in the second wave of growth in Covid infections since September 3.

In the last three days alone,testing has found 1,601 persons have tested positive. In the last 9 days from Friday November 20, through Sunday, November 29, 5,252 have tested positive for covid. The infection of persons tested is up to an average

Persons in Westchester County testing positive for coronavirus continued the spread of persons Covid-positive at the rate of 500 new cases a day over the weekend.

Friday, the 27th 544 tested positive for Covd-19 of 10,790 tested, an infection rate of 5%. Saturday, the 28th, 464 tested Covid-infected out of 9,875 persons, an infection rate of 4.7% .

For the 9 days through Sunday, the infection rate was 4.6%, compared to the 1.1% infection rate the NY State Commissioner of Health has determined keeps the virus from spreading.

The round of 464 new covid cases reported Saturday and the additional 583 Positives unfortunate enough to test positive Sunday raise the number of positive cases in Westchester to 50,693.

In the last nine days, there have been 5,252 new covid cases. Potential hospitalizations from this group should start in two weeks.

The impact of theses 5,252 new cases in hospitalizations remains to be seen and should start to make its impact in two weeks.

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Penumbral Partial Eclipse Awesome, Cloaked in the Mysteries of the Universe

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The progression of the Earth’s shadow started to cross the moon at about 2:30 A.M. EST. At approximately 3:30 to 3:45 A.M., in White Plains NY USA, clouds mysteriously weaved past the speeding full moon, 240,000 miles from Earth. Clouds continued to thicken until overcast enshrouded the eclipse at its greatest extent (below) but the veils of the universe crossing the moonface created wonder in the night.
This morning’s Penumbral Partial Eclipse in White Plains at its apex at about 4:20 A.M. The celestial event was cloaked in clouds. The Earth’s shadow can be seen at the right side of the full moon. Clouds and gathering humid air obscured the crispness of the moon event.
The 4:25 A.M. E.S.T. view of the partial eclipse from White Plains NY USA. Clouds seductively drawing curtain on the shadow of the Earth, seen in the darker shading on the right side of the satellite. At Apex of the ‘clipse, the moon was completely obscured by the gathering overcast early this morning.
Up close and personal from California. The live internet cast of the eclipse shows the shadow of the Earth covering about half the full moon at the zero hour. The view in Arizona is in upper right.
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The Old Alma Mater in Our Time at OWU

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20201015 Fall Campus

WPCNR Letter Ticker. By John F. Bailey November 29, 2020.

Editor’s Note: A lot has changed at my college, Ohio Wesleyan University, that I graduated from 53 years ago. I often have nightmares of having papers due still. Dostoyevsky and Tolstoy and Dr Ruth Davies one of the greatest influences in my life.

I have memories of my days on WSLN, 91.1 FM, Play-By Play with Jim Whitman from the upper deck in old Edwards Gym. Doing halftime interviews on the court with the mike dropped down from the upper deck. Remote live broadcasts from Pittsburgh and Lexington and all over Ohio; doing sports on Saturday night on the Tom Mahoney (what a voice) Show Impromptu! and later with the notorious deejay Rick Sellers on his Best Sellers Show; hosting Perspective 66 on Saturday mornings and sneaking in a rock and roll top 40 song once in a while and taping interviews to fill the time hauling the heavy old reel-to-reel Ampex Tape Machine. I loved radio.

And of course great radio listening in the midnight hour to WCOL 1230 in Columbus, Ohio “1230 the new WCOL…..LLLLL”, and at night WLS (“In ChiCAAA-GO!”) and learning the Motown Sound from the Motor City (“The BiIIIIIIIGGGG 8!–CKL-WUUUUUU!”)

There was News Directing with Skip L’Heureaux, our documentary Drug Probe he and I did together, interviewing David Brinkley; and of course the loyal WSLN newscasters, Diane Carell and Paul Lucas who never missed a 30-minute newscast, and not to forget Sportscaster Laurie LeCompte. I also thank Rick Billingham host of Folkscene, now a surgeon who introduced me to folk music.

And of course, I met the love of my life: the United Press International News Ticker. I loved the sound of the relentless clack clack clack it made you feel alive. It still does. There were the hilarious typos, (“6 inches of new snot fell this morning.”

Those were the days, my friends at the college radio station shack on the campus where I did sports play-by-play and news but never followed the news interest up until 33 years after I graduated.

I have given to the college because it was a place that taught me not to give up, finish that paper, get it in by midnight and gave me the magic of being on the air. Now I go on the air out of love.

OWU’s Gray Chapel was black with soot when I attended, but a few years ago the college sandblasted it to an autumnal brown, which I was stunned to see and thought was awful when I drove through Delaware taking my daughter to college. Things change but the university should not.

But the point of this nostalgia is the alumni letter I received this week, which instead of dwelling on how bad covid is making the college experience and the whining from colleges consistently making bad decisions on how they reopen, described the campus environment at Ohio Wesleyan this fall. He forgot two restaurants..the L & K where you could walk to get a cheeseburger after midnight, and of course, Bun’s Restaurant for breakfast. Very reminiscent of White Plains City Limits.

The upbeat “we can do this,” attitude that the university instilled in me by some mysterious spirit and my own mistakes mastered is an example of how to handle adversity and all the activities, people, places I did, met and went that opened me up to the world.

I received a splendid letter this week, which crystalized this exerience as no other alumni letter has. Jim Pry, Class of ’67, pointed out an Ohio Wesleyan Alumni initiative, that any college would do well to consider and draw on because it explains in simple terms, the real enrichment of the college experience and service offers and college commitment to reaching out to fix a problem.

If you are a graduate of a college that really changed your life, this letter should motivate you to give to that school, because they need you now. Here is that letter from Ohio Wesleyan Graduate Jim Pry ’67:


Dear John,

What a year! It sounds clichéd, but I don’t think any of us could have predicted, a year ago, all that 2020 would bring. From adjusting to wearing masks, to suddenly social distancing from loved ones, to the increased visibility of the fight for racial equality, and more, we’ve all experienced unprecedented changes this year.

I hope that you, like me, have leaned on your Ohio Wesleyan community during this time, whether via Zoom gatherings or phone calls with friends, or by attending some of the many virtual events OWU has hosted since March.

When thinking back on our time on campus, it’s hard to imagine the impact of 2020 on the OWU experience. Some of my favorite OWU memories include hanging out at the Brown Jug, dam parties, a greasy hamburger at Hamburger Inn, Wilson’s,  C.J. of course, having your date back at the girls dorm by 11 p.m., and the lights blinking off and on.

This fall, students are attending class remotely or wearing masks and sitting at least 6 feet apart (and sometimes in tents!). Extracurricular meetings and events are limited in size and scope, and students and staff have to think creatively about how to maintain essential connections.

Student athletes are still practicing, though not competing this fall, and are adjusting to playing in masks and rigorous cleaning procedures.

Students are persevering, though, because they value the OWU experience and the opportunity to be on campus at a time when so many schools have been forced to close their campuses.

COVID-19 has presented major challenges for Ohio Wesleyan, as costs to safely reopen the physical campus are substantial. Additionally, many OWU students and their families were affected financially and continue to face hardships due to the pandemic, so the University has seen a significant increase in emergency financial aid requests.

Simply put, Ohio Wesleyan needs our support.  

I hope you agree that the value of the residential liberal arts experience that Ohio Wesleyan provides is worth our investment.Your support of the OWU Annual Giving Program will make an immediate impact on today’s students and help the University continue to work toward a safer tomorrow.

I hope you’ll join me in taking a moment to give back to OWU for all it has given us, and to support a safe, transformative OWU experience for today’s students.Our class goal is to raise $120,000 with gifts from at least 110 donors.

I hope you’ll consider joining me in honoring the Class of 1967 with your gift today. 

Gratefully,Jim Pry ’67
  • Reprinted with permission of Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio

3,177 Test Positive for Corona Virus in Week. 6,706 Active Cases through Friday. Infection Rate Pushes Over 5%

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WPCNR CORONAVIRUS REPORT. By John F. Bailey November 28, 2020:

Corona Virus continued its steady  rise infecting Westchester County through Friday. It is the 13th consecutive week that positive Covid-19 cases have risen in the county after a quiet summer.

The covid active cases reported this month have tripled in the three weeks since November 4. Since Wednesday cases have risen from 5,024 to 6,706 (counting Wednesday, Thursday and Friday test positives.

Saturday afternoon NY State Covid-19 Tracker reported of 70,765 people tested since last Saturday through Friday, 4.5 % (3,177) tested positive in the 7 days ended Friday.

The average infection rate for the 7 days was 4.44%.

Thursday and Friday 23,393 persons came back positive for the virus, a combined infection rate of 5.2% for the two days. The 3,177 are currently required to quarantine.

The trend for the week shows coronavirus is spreading aggressively in 4.5 to 5% infection range

The infections mostly likely will steadily rise in the county due to spread of the virus through social contact over the 4-day Thanksgiving weekend. Infections from those gatherings are likely to show within a week. As December gets deeper into socializing, more infections are like to add to the Westchester total.

In his Wednesday day before Thanksgiving Covid Briefing Westchester County Executive George Latimer said active cases through Wednesday the 25th, 5,024 had tripled in the three weeks going back to November 4, when the county had 1,666 active cases.

He said the number of hospitalizations of Covid-infected persons as of Wednesday was 198, a 4% hospitalization rate. Mr. Latimer said was “a good rate” because a rate of 15% to 20%, he would be more concerned. He said the county had 3,100 beds available to handle covid patients needing hospitalization. Hospitalization rates lag behind positive case results by a week to 14 days.

If the approximate 6,706 cases experience the current hospitalization rate of 4% in two weeks you could see 268 hospitalizations from those currently who have tested positive for the virus.

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Friday Nov 27 White Plains Week Program now Viewable on YouTube with John Bailey

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White Plains TV’s WPCNR weekly news roundup– WHITE PLAINS WEEK, the latest program is viewable worldwide on YouTube. John Bailey covers the Supreme Court decision on Cuomo capacity restrictions on churches, George Latimer on COVID spread in the county, the White Plains and Westchester economy, unemployment and more. Just click the video arrow above to see the Friday evening report.

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Guidelines on Outdoor Dining.

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER from Ben Boykin, Chairman of the Board of Legislators. November 25, 2020:

As winter approaches, there have been questions on what actually qualifies as outdoor dining.  The Westchester County Department of Health has prepared the following to answer questions and clarify ambiguity:

As per the New York State

“INTERIM GUIDANCE FOR FOOD SERVICES DURING THE COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY”, “outdoor space” is defined as an open-air space designated for the consumption of food and/or beverage, which may have a temporary or fixed cover (e.g. awning or roof) so long as such cover has at least two open sides for airflow.

Within such outdoor space, all tables with seats must be at least six feet from any other table, seat, patron, or pedestrian thoroughfare or corridor.

If the third and or fourth side of the tent or structure is closed it will be deemed as indoor space and all indoor regulations apply.

Additionally, individual style party tents, igloos and or any other small enclosures are prohibited at this time since they do not meet the ventilation/airflow, distancing, and sanitation guidelines to protect against the spread of COVID-19.

The Governor’s Office details all of the requirements for restaurants and food establishments HERE.Please forward this e-news to family and friends who may be interested in this information.

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America’s Hometown: Plymouth Massachusetts USA

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WPCNR ROVING PHOTOGRAPHER. Thanksgiving Portfolio, all photos by WPCNR: On this Thanksgiving, let us remember the band of hardy intrepid souls who crossed an ocean in a boat no  bigger than a large Chris Craft and settled in an unforgiving landscape and started a country in the cold landscape of New England.

They were helped by Indians who welcomed them, without whom they would not have survived. A salute to this brave band.

They sailed into a bay, dropped anchor and just carved out a living after living in incredible conditions in a ship’s hold for weeks, crossing the storm-tossed North Atlantic. Here are some views of America’s first hometown captured by the WPCNR Roving Photographer.

Plymouth Rock Landing. Plymouth, Massachusetts.

The Mayflower II. Plymouth Harbor.

Statue of Squanto welcoming the Pilgrim Settlers. Plymouth.

Governor William Bradford Statue on the Shores of Plymouth Harbor

“Plymouth Rock,” The landing place of the pilgrims.

Settlers Home, left, circa 1690.

Church, Plymouth late 1700s. .

The Jury: Old Burial Ground, Plymouth. Last resting place of the pilgrims overlooking Plymouth Harbor. The sacrifices, bravery and true grit of these persons stand as examples to Americans today. How are we doin’?

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VETERANS SPEAK ON TRANSITIONING TO CIVILIAN LIFE ON WPTV’S “PEOPLE TO BE HEARD” SEE IT RIGHT NOW ON YOUTUBE OR SATURDAY AT 7 ON CH. 76 OPTIMUM OR CH 45 FIOS

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This timely insight into the veteran’s life program is available for viewing anytime on YouTube at this link by copying it to your broswer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZxFZo0DEwU&feature=youtu.be
Broadcast to Air on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at 7 p.m. on Cablevision Channel 76 and Fios/Verizon Channel 45 in Westchester County, Thursday December 3 and Saturday, December 5 on the same stations.

WPCNR WPTV MEDIA-ROUNDUP. From Berkeley College, White Plains NY. November 25, 2020:

In a local cable television segment of the program “People to Be Heard,” host John Bailey speaks with U.S. Army veterans about how they prepared for two distinct career paths – first by joining the armed forces to embark on military careers – and then by entering Berkeley College to prepare for new professions in civilian life.

“Mr. DeNucci and Ms. Campbell showed how more awareness has to be placed by society on how much veterans bring to an organization,” Bailey said. 

Berkeley College alumnus Vincent DeNucci, transitioned to civilian service after 15 years in the U.S. Army as a leader who trained service members on how to communicate with subordinates and other junior leadership.

Because the training focused on small unit tactics and interacting with locals overseas, DeNucci taught his colleagues not only about the logistical aspect of their mission, but about the humanitarian side. “The training put a human aspect to everything,” he said. 

Along with earning an undergraduate degree from Berkeley College, DeNucci expects to complete a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Management degree at his alma mater next year.

DeNucci was recently named Acting Executive Director of the New York Veterans Chamber of Commerce (NYVCC).

The NYVCC provides a range of social support and employment services that makes reintegrating into the community simpler. DeNucci says in his new role at NYVCC he is committed to empowering the futures of men and women from the U.S. armed forces.  

Berkeley College alumna Crystal Campbell, a former Communication Specialist in the U.S. Army, works as a flight attendant as she completes an MBA in Marketing. Campbell plans to open a multi-faceted e-commerce business that will incorporate counseling other small businesses in the United States and abroad, as well as sell merchandise from her art collection.

Campbell completed a Bachelor of Business Administration degree program in Fashion Merchandising and Management at Berkeley College, in 2019. 

Ed Dennis, Assistant Vice President, Berkeley College Office of Military and Veterans Affairs, entered the military after graduating high school and enrolled in evening and distance classes to earn his undergraduate degree and an MBA before retiring from the military.

Dennis chose to work in higher education because of the opportunity to help service members, veterans, and their family members achieve their college goals. He, like nearly 90% of veterans, was a first-generation college graduate. 

Host John Bailey expressed the value of hiring veterans to employers:

“The (alumni) veterans demonstrated poise, confidence and maturity beyond their age. Any employer wanting a person who will learn a job, fit in fast, and go beyond ordinary effort and increase productivity should hire veterans first,” said Bailey. 

The guests shared their transition observations and experiences after military service.

Dennis noted that as a result of Berkeley College hosting a recent virtual forum, “From A Military To A Civilian Career: An Alumni Panel Discussion,” plans are underway for new student-veterans at Berkeley College to have additional mentorship relationships for support.

DeNucci also stated that studying at home online has the added benefit of inspiring his children with their schoolwork. “They witness how hard I work and it makes them work harder,” he said. 

This “People to Be Heard” program will broadcast on Thursday, November 26, 2020 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, November 28, 2020 at 7 p.m. on Cablevision Channel 76 and Fios/Verizon Channel 45 in Westchester County, NY, and at the same times and days the following week.

 Berkeley College provides onsite and virtual Veterans Resource Centers and programs to support student- veterans through their academic studies and preparing for their future careers.

About Berkeley College
Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers continuing education programs to enhance career credentials.Berkeley College has campuses in Midtown Manhattan and White Plains, NY, as well as in Newark, Paramus, Woodbridge and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 4,900 students enrolled.

In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans, for seven consecutive years.

The website address is www.BerkeleyCollege.eduThe mission of Berkeley College is to empower students to achieve lifelong success in dynamic careers.
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