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.
In response to guidance that recommends social distancing to minimize the spread of COVID19, the White Plains Library Foundation is postponing its March 14th Gala. The Foundation made this decision out of an abundance of caution and concerns about the evolving circumstances in Westchester County.
Thank you for the incredible outpouring of support for the Foundation’s 25th Anniversary. We look forward to celebrating with you (and Erik Larson) at a future event, details to follow. Questions? Please contact Nancy Rubini, WPLF Executive Director, at nrubini@whiteplainslibrary.org or 914-422-1495.
We’ll also be in touch about getting guests their copies of The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson.
TOO COLD. TOO MANY PULLED MUSCLES . MORE DISABLED PLAYERS AHEAD. POSTPONEMENTS AND DAY-NIGHT DOUBLE HEADERS CERTAIN
WPCNR VIEW FROM THE UPPER DECK By “Bull” Allen, March 16, 2020
Hello there, Everbody, this is “Bull” Allen greeting you from the gondola at legendary Al Lang Field in St. Petersburg Florida and I’m drinking hot coffee, instead of a Balentine Ale and puffing away on a White Owl Wallop with frozen fingers.
I have to wonder whatever happened to Florida Spring
Training weather down here in the Grapefruit League. In Tampa last week, Suzyn
Waldman was in her down parka broadcasting the Yankee game back to New YORK,
and commenting on how the temperature was around 60 and how the wind was
howling through the Pittsburgh spring training field.
What she was saying was how cold spring training has been in
Florida this 2020 exhibition season.
Meanwhile, my heir apparent at the Yankee microphone, John
Sterling was commenting on the number of injuries already New York players have
experienced.
The cold weather in the Grapefruit League, with the
exception of the Judge injury, may have something to do with that.
But, you have not seen anything yet. They are set to open
the 2020 season on March 26.
Do you know where they are playing?
Here are the opening sites where games will be played from
March 26: New York, Cleveland, Chicago. Milwaukee, Baltimore, Toronto(Indoor stadium), Oakland, San Diego, L.A, Seattle, Cincinnati,
Tampa, Houston, Arizona. That is 7
northern sites, subject to the vagaries of late March weather.
Temperatures for afternoon games will on the Opening Day
weekend, and the second week of the season will be subject to 40 and 50 degree
temperatures if the northern cities are fortunate, or inclimate weather, wind,
snow flurries and of course the kind of cold weather that strains pitchers’
arms (hard to get loose), freezes fans, and makes today’s overly in-shape
players pull muscles on swings and the assorted tweaks, twinges and pains that
cold weather brings.
In New York, I remember a snow out on April 6 many years ago. I remember snow and wet grounds postponements in the middle west. I remember reschedules of day night double headers later in the season as baseball sought to play games rained out, snowed out or colded out in the first two weeks of last season. Does baseball learn? No. They keep moving back the start of the season earlier. The dumbest owners and management in sports.
In the 1950s the baseball season never started until April 15. There was a reason for that. You could not be assured of baseball weather until at least mid April, (and all baseball teams were located above the Mason-Dixon line). The farthest south city was St. Louis. You could not be assured of baseball weather until mid-April. Now with teams in the south there is no reason to schedule games in northern cities.
If you want to start the season on March 26, in the middle of the NCAA basketball tournament hysteria, do it in the south, schedule games in Los Angeles and San Francisco (which have two teams one in each league), San Diego, Atlanta, Tampa, Miami, Houston, Dallas, maybe St. Louis), and have northern clubs play back to back series in the south and do a southern swing. Do not schedule any northern games. But, nooooooo. Major League baseball is stupid. They do not use the southern venues to put northern teams into climes where they can actually play the games.
Also – could we eliminate night games in March, April and
early May or at least start them at twilight (5 PM), to assure some warmth in
Daylight Savings Time?
By far the most compelling reason to play the most games in
the southern tiers is injuries due to cold weather.
I once worked it out with baseball expanding to 32 teams, (adding Las Vegas), so baseball could play the first two weeks of the season in cities in the southern part of the country, to eliminate the horrid weather situations that exist in the northern part of the country. You simply do interleague play so northern teams play in the southpart of the country, opening in the north on April 10. I suggested it to Bud Selig in the 1990s, then the commissioner, and got a letter back from him. My letter may have been the catalyst for interleague play but sadly the schedule makers have never gotten the obvious message that the weather severely affects the health and interest of fans in the northern climates. Once you sit through a 40 degree opener in Yankee Stadium with snow flurries and winds whipping in out of the northeast, in $100 seats.
Coronavirus Update: March 8th, 2020This evening the District was informed that a faculty member at the Middle School tested positive today for COVID-19. The District is working with the Department of Health (DoH) to discuss the full extent of precautions that we should be taking. We have spoken with the Westchester County Health Commissioner this evening, and she recommended that we close our schools in an abundance of caution and take additional remedial measures as outlined below. Therefore, we will be closing all District schools from March 9-18, 2020, for continued cleaning, progress monitoring, and social-distancing.
The impacted faculty member is exhibiting mild illness, and the District’s response is designed to demonstrate vigilance and recognition of individuals who may be immuno-compromised. The DoH indicates that individuals of primary concern would be those who experienced direct, close contact with the affected faculty member. We are approaching this closure with the following priorities:
The first priority is the health and safety of those potentially impacted. We are already working with DoH Officials to contact any families who DoH officials feel need to be notified and given guidance for further actions. This communication will be ongoing and is likely to take time to complete, please understand that the Administration and DoH are working as fast as possible, but we must make sure that the information provided to families is correct.
Our second priority is to complete the thorough disinfection of all buildings, so as to minimize the possibility of contamination in our instructional spaces, common spaces, offices, etc.
Our third priority is to complete the development of systems and plans for continued instruction so that our faculty is ready to engage in e-learning starting Monday, March 16.
We recognize that this news will be concerning to many of our students and families. We ask that medical questions be directed to your family doctor/healthcare provider. Although staff will not be reporting to District buildings, principals and Central Office administrators will be available through email, and we will make every attempt to address your questions and concerns, as time allows.
Please note that a District-wide closure means all school-activities, meetings, and events, including sports, PTC events, etc. are canceled. We do not have any information on the makeup of any of these activities at this point. This will be communicated when, and if, these activities are rescheduled. Please stay tuned for updates as the next weeks unfold. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.
WPCNR CORONAVIRUS UPDATE. From the Mayor’s Office. 5 PM EDT March 8, 2020:
As of today the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) is reporting 105 cases of coronavirus in the state, 82 of which are in Westchester County.
We know that many residents are concerned about community spread of COVID-19, specifically in White Plains.
At this time, for privacy and safety reasons, NYS DOH is not providing either municipal or county governments with specific information about where those who have tested positive live.
Residents who are concerned and/or have questions about coronavirus should call the NYS DOH hotline at: 1-888-364-3065. This hotline is staffed 24/7. We urge everyone to continue to practice common sense preventive measures. While there is currently no vaccine to prevent this virus, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. • Stay home when you are sick. • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
In addition to general guidance provided to the public, NYS has been providing sector-specific guidance to groups such as health care workers and nursing homes. We expect more of this in the coming days. We continue to work with state, county, and local officials to ensure a coordinated response and will continue to update residents on a regular basis. For more information access these trustworthy resources: NYS DOH: https://health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/
MAYOR TOM ROACH INTRODUCES NEW CITY JUDGE, LYNETTE SPAULDINGJOHN BAILEY ONBRIAN KENNY AND EILEEN MCLAIN ON THE CENUS–WHAT YOU NEED TO DO, AND SCAMS TO AVOIDMAYOR INTRODUCES NEW CITY COURT JUDGEJOHN BAILEY REPORTING
WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From the Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. March 6, 2020:
uring a briefing on the novel coronavirus, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today confirmed 11 additional cases of novel coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 33 confirmed cases in New York State.
Of the new cases identified since yesterday, eight are located in Westchester County, two are located in Rockland County and one is located in New York City.
Of the 33 total individuals who tested positive for the virus, the geographic breakdown is as follows:
Nassau County: 1
Rockland County: 2
New York City: 4
Westchester County: 26
“While the overall risk level of the novel coronavirus in New York remains low, I want New Yorkers to know that I’m not urging calm. I’m urging reality. I’m urging a factual response as opposed to an emotional response,” Governor Cuomo said. “In New York we have the most sophisticated healthcare system on the globe, and we are continuing to prioritize testing, quarantine protocols and containment tracking to keep New Yorkers safe.”
Additionally, the Governor announced that a New York State interagency task force is continuing to coordinate with local governments and healthcare partners to monitor and respond to the novel coronavirus outbreak. Members of the task force include:
Linda Lacewell, Department of Financial Services, Superintendent
Dr. Howard Zucker, Department of Health, Commissioner
Melissa DeRosa, Secretary to the Governor
Beth Garvey, Special Counsel
Gareth Rhodes, Department of Financial Services, Deputy Superintendent
Simonida Subotic, Deputy Secretary for Economic Development
Kelly Cummings, Director of State Operations and Infrastructure
Michael Kopy, Director of Emergency Management
Patrick Murphy, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Commissioner
RoAnn Destito, Office of General Services, Commissioner
Pat Foye, MTA, Chairman & CEO
Rick Cotton, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Executive Director
Dan Fuller, Deputy Secretary for Education
Sandra Beattie, Division of Budget, Deputy Director
Kristen Browde Candidate for the 93rd Assembly Seat that David Buchwald is giving up to run for Congress. Ms. Browde is a candidate in the June 23 Democratic Primary electionJohn Bailey interviewing Ms. Browde on People To Be Heard to be televised tonight at 8 on White Plains Cablevision Ch. 76 and FIOS Ch 45 (Countywide). The program is also viewable on www.wpcommunitymedia.org anytime (simply scross down the Program Wall to “PEOPLE TO BE HEARD”
WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER.From the Westchester County Department of Communications. March 4, 2020:
In light of recent COVID-19 developments, Westchester County is taking steps to ensure all Bee-Line buses are sanitized daily.
For general inquiries from regarding COVID-19, the County is asking Westchester residents to dial 211.
Additionally, those in quarantine from Young Israel of New Rochelle should call 866- 588-0195 to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional, listen to recorded information/FAQ about symptoms, and information on what to do. Language translations are available.
Lynette Spaulding was appointed by the White Plains Common Council to fill the vacant White Plains City Court seat last night unanimously. Photo, Westchester Legal Aid Society
WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL. By John F. Bailey. March 3, 2020:
The White Plains Common Council appointed Lynette Victoria Spaulding, a career lawyer with the Westchester Legal Aid Society to the City Cour Monday evening by unanimous vote. Mayor Tom Roach said she was selected from a slate of candidates recommended by a judge search committee.
Judge Spaulding graduated from Syracuse University School of Law with a JD in 1980. She started working at the Society right after graduating Law School and has been a lifelong employee at the Society ever since. She retired recently and last night was appointed to a 10-year term to the seat on the court left vacant after the death last summer of Elizabeth Shollenberger. An associate told WPCNR “she is very experienced.
Judge Spaulding will be assuming the bench March 19.
WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS.From the White Plains City School District March 2, 2020:
The White Plains Public Schools will celebrate Census Awareness Day on March 31st at 10 A.M. with a districtwide kickoff at Post Road Elementary School.
Superintendent of Schools Joseph
Ricca and White Plains Teachers Association President Kara Lyons will lead the
initiative to urge everyone’s participation in this vital process. Dr.
Ricca said, “The importance of the census cannot be overstated.
Information gained has a direct impact onfederal school funding
and on Congressional representation. Participating in the census is a way
for parents and the entire school community to make their voices heard.”
The school district is partnering
with the White Plains Teachers Association, the Administrators &
Supervisors Association, the Civil Service Employees Association, New York
State United Teachers, and American Federation of Teachers and the City of
White Plains in this important effort. President Kara Lyons shared, “In White
Plains, we always want the very best for our children. We need everyone to
participate in the census. Data obtained particularly affects programs that improve
the health and well-being of children.” Students will be involved in learning
about the process and every child and family participating will receive a
special surprise sponsored by the White Plains Teachers Association, NYSUT and
AFT.
On April 1st the
federal government will begin the process which occurs every ten years – to
count everyone living in the United States and collect demographic data.
All information obtained is confidential and cannot be disclosed.
#BeCountedWP
