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WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER. August 22, 2018:
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WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE By John F. Bailey based on August Reports of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. August 21, 2018:
Westchester County rolled its 7th consecutive month of sales tax revenues increases over 2017 in July, maintaining its 6.5% growth in sales tax $$ this year.
White Plains recorded its second straight month of sales tax increases and beat the county growth rate for the first time in months. White Plains earned 7% more in sales taxes in July over July 2017, starting off the new fiscal year on an update note ($4,163,747 compared to $3,888,289.
Meanwhile the Westchester County retail recovery appears to be no fluke. At the current 6.5% growth rate the county has earned $19.2 MILLION more sales taxes in the first 7 months. If the pace continues, County Executive Latimer’s $32 Million deficit in the 2018 budget may vaporize with this sales tax windfall, without the need to raise taxes substantially to cover it.
Between August and December in 2017, Westchester County earned $232,137, 674 in sales tax receipts.
If the county maintains 6.5% growth rates the next 5 months, Westchester will earn $247 Million the next 5 months, this translates to another $15.1 Million in sales tax dollars taxes on top of the $19 Million growth already in the till.
With 5 months to go in the fiscal year, if the county continues to ring up the sales at a 6.5% pace that will mean a $34 Million dollar surplus that wipes out the $32 Million deficit, the county auditors were concerned about.
The next six months are the most lucrative months of the fiscal year encompassing the back-to-school sales, and the holiday season.
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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. By John F. Bailey. August 20, 2018:
Assemblyman David Buchwald of the 93rd Assembly District told WPCNR that the Public Service Commission analysis of the massive Westchester power outages last spring, and its findings would not come out until November.
Buchwald said the Public Service Commission advised the Assembly Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions of the November target date for their report May 29.
To put this into perspective, Buchwald pointed out that a PSC investigation into a power matter in Rochester involving Rochester Electric, over its performance in outages that in 2017 and has been released only recently. However, he added that the PSC has not decided the amount of the fine to be paid by that utility.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER WITH YORKTOWN OFFICIALS THIS SPRING DOCUMENTING MISCOMMUNICATION, CHAOS OF UTLITIES’ RESTORATION EFFORTS. WPCNR Photo
Buchwald pointed out that any fine administered in the PSC investigations into the spring 2018 outages that raised a furor from County Executives, legislators and village and city officials would be paid by the shareholders of Con Edison and New York Electric and Gas, not the rate payers.
Buchwald said the PSC is gathering information from all sources, customers, governments, the utilities before it makes its final report, expected in November.
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WPCNR STAGE DOOR. By John F. Bailey. August 19, 2018:
Pretty woman stalked into New York City on kinky boots this week, and conquered the city.
She’s got Pride. Dreams. Legs. Dimples. A Diva is born: Samantha Barks.
There’s nothing this original musical does not have.
Nothing’s missing except your heart at the end of this show.
Pretty woman has it all: Leads you’ll love. Every original song a delight with heart-beating, heart breaking, heart throbbing feel in every one of Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance’s original reach out and grab you songs by two leads to die for: Samantha Barks as Vivian and TV heart-throb Andy Karl as Eddie in a rags-meets-riches-romance with wise-cracks, twists, turns, messages, and a pace that makes 2-1/2 hours the tightest, driving no lags musical you’ll see this season. Laughs, lots of them, as Bogie would say.
It’s easily a best musical Tony winner.
The musical based on the legendary movie of the 80s that made Julia Roberts a star, comes right back with music you will hang on every word.
The elegant old Nederlander Theatre on forty-first street presents for your everlasting delight and memory an American “My Fair Lady” wrapped in great fashion, following the movie story with an evangelical born-again production easily the best hit on Broadway I have seen this year.
You got Samantha Barks winning your sympathy with her smalltown girl down on her luck on Hollywood Boulevard. Her chance encounter with her own Mr. Big, Ed Lewis, takeover tycoon who asks the young streetwalking Vivian Ward (ahh, those Hollywood chance meetings, love-at-first-sight meetings) for directions.
She gives him direction and more.
Andy Karl plays the to-fall-for Ed Lewis and their destined-for –heart break romance is anything but heartbreaking. If you remember the Julia Roberts, Richard Gere movie, and know the ending, even you will be in suspense. I never saw this movie. But I saw this musical Saturday night and I John Bailey endorse this content!
The songs, no not songs but new American classics—to listen to—they slam into you with the raw energy of Mr. Adams and Mr. Vallance’s rock roots and emote-perfect words that connect with you because Ms. Barks and Mr. Karl sing and feel them and you feel them too. Man, do you feel them.
These lady-killer, man-taming ballads, duets, interwoven driving narratives that hit the audience with waves of romantic cravings, tossed seas of regret and resolve, fight feelings, saving pride, not-knowing-what-is –happening-to-you-wonder-of-a dream-romance that you hope is real, want to be real, want to win the guy, get through to the woman and it’s all you can think about 24-7.
You know that feeling? Pretty Woman delivers that. So be prepared.
There is no boring song, no soliloquy set to music that fails to engage you. Mr. Karl’s Ed Lewis even recites Shakespeare’s sonnets.
From the top, Welcome to Hollywood, by the street-walking Hollywood Boulevardeers, sets the tone and away you go.
Ms. Barks’ anthem Anywhere But Here sears your psyche with the humanity of a young woman down on her luck, muddling through. It’s a regrets-with-hope song with silver lining lyrics that keeps the down-and-out going.
Ms. Barks wins you over to her side every time she returns to this song in a masterful reweaving of songs into themes throughout the show, seamless reprises that make sense!
This score, backed with an orchestra that’s rocky, schmaltzy, dramatic, Cole Porter-y is a buffet of buff new songs and song styles one after another and they move, they have a backbeat you never lose.
Mr. Karl’s as the smitten Mr. Lewis, Something About Her puts in words the old wonder that is created in a man’s mind about what’s happening to him he meets the one.
Vivian astounded by a lifestyle at the Beverly Wilshire hotel enchants with her giddy, I Could Get Used to This. Ms. Bark and her foil, Orfeh as Kit the smarty, streetwise longtime professional lady of the evening, a show stealer, put out the glamour of Rodeo Drive that gives that retail fairy tale street the homage it deserves.
Eric Anderson as Mr. Thompson delivers On a Night Like Tonight where he teaches Ms. Barks the tango in preparation for going to a corporate dinner. (I loved this song, it’s worth going to the show for the tropical rhythms of this original creation, it takes you by surprise, I was tangoing with Brenda Starr in my seat.)
Anna Eilinsfeld dolled up as a night club torch singer is another Pretty Woman highlight reel to watch for when she sweeps delivers Don’t Forget to Dance. And all those new American musical jewels are just in the first act. The fastest moving sweep you off your feet first act I have seen this year.
Second stanza more powerful and involving than the first. Did I mention the book?
Flawless conversation and interaction with delicate sensual moments where you can hear a pindrop as the audience holds their collective breaths rooting, and perhaps remembering.
Top of the line direction by Jerry Mitchell who brought you La Cage Aux Folles, Kinky Boots, Hairspray. Now a new hit, Pretty Woman that just keeps on coming.
Songs in the second stanza keep delivering the driving upbeat of this new American classic musical with duets by Ms. Barks and Mr. Karl. The plaintive This Is My Life tears you apart with Ms. Barks’ forlorn knife of emotion by the bewildered, hurt Vivian after she is betrayed by Mr. Karl’s Ed Lewis to his attorney.
Never Give Up on Dream, I Can’t Go Back, Long Way Home are songs that put you on emotional rollercoasters with Vivian and Ed, (Barks and Karl). They pull apart, come together, then pull apart. These ballads create suspense and you wonder if this romance will ever go smooth.
If you ever come to New York and you want the new show that gives everything Broadway stands for with lovers you wish to be. You want what they feel.
Pretty Woman is the one.
You can’t miss her.
See it for yourself. You’ll be glad you did. And tell them John Bailey sent you.
Award the Best New Musical Tony now.
No contest.
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WPCNR OBSERVATIONS. By Bela the Cat. August 18, 2018.
dear wpcnr,
please excuse the lack of capitol letters, this is my first letter to the editor, and as i cannot shift to capitol letters easily using my claw tips.
i am bela the cat, named for my resemblance to a bat’s face. a rather handsome bat, but very debonair and intelligent black cat. i access your website and was concerned that you did not note that august 17 friday was black cat appreciation day.
i thought i would share these thoughts with you.
black cats are among the most adopted cats from shelters across the nation 30% as surveyed by the aspca. black cats like myself are very intelligent. my benefactor as i call him has taught me to rollover and request tummy rubs, for example, and we black cats are the most observant of cats.
my brother black cat midnight for example is an excellent security cat. three times he has been the first responder. when a squirrel invade our house, while the rest of the cat residents simply took over. midnight stood his paws, stalked the squirrel hemming the interloper in while my master swept the squirrel out the door with a broom. midnight showed another side of courage chasing a dove who had come into the house. through the chimney. again midnight was not violent and cornered the trespassing dove while my master swept the bird out. the cooperation of midnight and master was a marvel. A third time a bird got in, the same response was repeated.
midnight today went to the vet for a checkup. as we were waiting to leave two black and white terriers came in, while midnight was in his carrier, he tells me. midnight growled, startling everyone in the vet reception area. the growl, master tells me was jaguar-like, really deep, making midnight sound like a tiger. the dogs paid attention. he is a very well-trained security cat.
Felicity, a third black cat, a tuxedo who lives in our castle is a repeat feline. she was rejected in the past by a home, and was very afraid when she first got here. now, though she has adjusted and sits with the countess nightly during cattail hour. she also acts as a hostess when the count and countess have receptions. she even flirts with the men. this irritates the count because she has always been skittish of him but midnight and i believe it is because she was mistreated by men in the past.
the way i see it, we are just like humans. we have feelings. we have memories. we have backstories and it is tough to shake them off. it is hard for humans to rehab and go back to society after being in a shelter or a prison. since cats are human, too, but cannot communicate our past, it is hard for shelter cats too. that is why we are so fortunate that the count and countess gave us a chance and were patient with us.
other facts you should know about black cats. had the people of the middle ages not thought us familiars with alleged witches, killing us by the thousands, there might not have been the black plague. my ancestors would have taken care of the rat population.
black cats are said to be bad luck. but our devotion to our masters and keen sense of observation of our masters, enable us to observe our master with an insight far beyond that of the typical pet.
we observe your emotions carefully. this rare observation and analysis talent black cats like myself possess allows us to commiserate with our masters when we observe them down or unhappy.
we black cats do not flee our human master, the count and the countess when we hear them raising their voices. we come to help. to mediate. arbitrate and inject the voice of reason and empathy that, much to my satisfaction stabilizes the environment of our castle.
black cats are adults at most times of our lives, and listen attentively to the evening discussions, lively at times, that take place during what I like to call, the cattail hour. black cats are the most attentive of companions and use our eyes and the occasional yes, go on-tell us more about that meow that always brings smiles and laughter to our count and countess faces.
this give us great pleasure to help them over their trials and tribulations and help them get on with their relationship.
i must say that investing in the adoption of a black cat or two saves the new owner thousands of dollars in pyschotherapy and a black cat, or the more color cats, too are always there for you. and our attention is never limited to 45 minutes and we do not charge.
black cats are there for you, but we are independent and treat you as equals.
we are respectful of children and never get upset when they roughhouse us. we are tolerant and faster than they are. we are not fragile. aside from the occasional cat race around the castle, we do not disrupt. all right, maybe a little throwup now and then, and you do not have to walk us.
so i would suggest considering adopting black cats if you are in need of company, companions, and want to ease the loneliness of living alone, the empty nest, or simply want another living and grateful creature who cares for you and provides unconditional acceptance, but with personalities all our own.
in fact one of the great tragedies is that nursing homes, assisted living facilities and hospices do not have cats in such facilities to provide companions in the last days of the residents.
yes, i know, regulations may prevent that at health rehab and end of life care. but when cats have died in our house our count and countesses have been with us their arms and comfort around us as life left us and i was so touched by their care.
black cats, or any cat for that matter would certainly bring a stress reducing warmth to the residents of any health care facility or even schools and day care centers for that matter.
and certainly save and enrich the lives of cats living in shelters as it would enrich the existences of persons at the end of life and the beginnings of life.
bela the cat
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WPCNR SOUTHEND TIMES. From the Woman’s Club of White Plains. August 16, 2018:
The Woman’s Club of White Plains Foundation is partnering with Westchester restaurants, beverage providers and sponsors to assist Abbott House make the world a better place for children, families and adults. The annual Corks & Forks fundraiser event will take place on Friday September 28th at the CV Rich Mansion in White Plains.
Abbott House is a special place that welcomes and builds lasting foundations of support for children, families and adults with complex needs. The heart of their work is helping human beings recover from deep trauma or intervening to prevent and minimize trauma in the first place. Family comes first at Abbott House. They work hard to reunite families, create new ones and make promising futures a reality so those entrusted to their care feel a sense of belonging rooted in hope and community.
“Along with our restaurants, beverage partners and sponsors, the Woman’s Club is supporting Abbott House to help children in foster care and displaced, struggling families, as well as children and adults with developmental disabilities. Working together we can make a difference in strengthening our community for everyone,” remarked Maryann Martin, President of the Woman’s Club Foundation.
The mission of The Woman’s Club of White Plains is to help the community thrive. Through a variety of activities, The Woman’s Club promotes civic and philanthropic engagement and taps into the passions and experiences of members and the community. We welcome all women who share in our mission of giving back.
During this evening of fun and social impact, restaurant and beverages partners will feature signature dishes and beverages allowing guests to enjoy tastes from: Ambadi * Angelina’s Ristorante * BLT Steak * BonJo Coffee * The Briarcliff Manor * Captain Lawrence Brewing Company * Cathy’s Biscotti * Caperberry Events * Corx Wine & Liquors * Don Coqui * Great American BBQ Company * Haiku Asian Bistro * Lola’s Mexican Kitchen * The Melting Pot * Mulino’s of Westchester * The Olde Stone Mill * RaaSa * Sam’s of Gedney Way * Scarsdale Pastry Center * T & J Restaurant & Pizzeria * The 808 Bistro * Toma Artisanal Bloody Mary Mix * Via Garibaldi * Vino 100 *
Sponsors include Alloy Printing and Marketing Services and studiokat, Kat Nemec graphic design services.
Additional partners and sponsors are welcome. The event is open to all: Tickets are available online at www.womansclubofwhiteplains.org
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HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS ARE PREPARING FOR THEIR FALL SEASONS.
LEARN ABOUT CONCUSSIONS
HOW THEY HAPPEN
FROM BURKE REHABILITATION HOSPITAL’S
DR. BARRY JORDAN
HOW THEY ARE TREATED
SIGNS TO WATCH FOR
IN A REBROADCAST OF PEOPLE TO BE HEARD
AT 8
ON www.communitymedia.org
AND ON ALTICE CH. 76 AND COUNTYWIDE ON FIOS CH. 45
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WPCNR LABORING. From the Service Employees International Union 32BJ. August 15, 2018:
This morning, contract negotiations opened in White Plains for superintendents, handymen and women, porters and others who serve 100,000 apartment building and condo residents in towns and cities across the Hudson Valley.
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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From the Westchester County Department of Communications. August 14, 2018:
In light of the high volume of rain our region has experienced the last few weeks and last night’s incident in Ossining, Westchester County Executive George Latimer has directed the County’s Department of Public Works to inspect and determine the safety of County-owned retaining walls.
Retaining walls, or walls built to support soil mass on a sloped landscape, aim to provide security from potential “mudslides” which may occur when large amounts of rainfall create wet, heavy soil.
Latimer said: “What we saw in Ossining overnight should be a warning to all governments that advance preparation for possible problems saves time, money, and energy in the long run. That is why I am issuing this directive – it is imperative that we ensure the safety of all our residents who could be impacted by this type of emergency.”
Westchester County has several well-built retaining walls on its properties which have stood up to stretches of rain similar to the one our region has experienced – even standing up through the worst of Super Storm Sandy. Regardless, the County will be checking all retaining walls in an abundance of caution.”
Department of Public Works and Transportation Commissioner Hugh J. Greechan Jr. said: “We are in constant communication with our road maintenance staff, parks department, and facilities managers to monitor retaining walls along County roadways, parkways, parks, and buildings. We do not anticipate any issues but are prepared for all circumstances.”
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WPCNR REALTY REALITY. By John F. Bailey. August 14, 2018.
WPCNR reports the quarterly real estate sales and statistics for Westchester County provided by the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors.
Yesterday, media reports, according to Mary Prenon, Director of Communications for HGAR misconstrued a trade press article.
On the News 12 Nightside telecast Monday evening it was reported that HGAR statistics were incorrect for the second quarter and had sales down 14% in Westchester, when in reality it was 4.8%.
The problem was that it was HGAR’s report of 4.8% that was the correct figure, and HGAR was not responsible for the 14% figure.
Ms. Prenon theorized the original misinterpretation in a trade press article apparently contributed to the repetition of the error.
Prenon assured WPCNR the HGAR 2nd quarter statistics were correct.
She had no explanation as to how the original misinterpretation happened, and why it was repeated on the News 12 Nightside program Monday night.
Ms. Prenon furnished WPCNR with the 2nd Quarter Westchester Statistics as compiled by the Hudson Valley Multiple Listing Service, as published the second week in July:
