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WPCNR MAIN STREET. From the City of White Plains. February 25, 2014:
On Saturday, March 8th the City of White Plains will be wearing green for the 17th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Councilman John Martin, the Parade Chairman, has announced the selection of Mary Helen Jordan as the Grand Marshal.
The parade will begin promptly at Noon at the intersection of Mamaroneck Avenue and Livingston and proceed up Mamaroneck Avenue to Main Street, ending in front of City Hall.
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Thomas Paine Cottage Museum –
20 Sicard Avenue,
New Rochelle, NY
Upcoming events
Exhibit Opening & Reception – “The Trailblazers”
When: Sunday, February 23, 2:00 P.M.
Discover the Black heroes of the New Rochelle community who opened the way for future generations to move from slavery into politics, public service, business, theatre and the military. Admission: $5.00 Adults $3.00 Children
Living History- “Rebels & Redcoats” (Re-enactors!)
When: Saturday & Sunday, March 1 & 2, 10:00 A.M to 5P.M.
Discover the differences and similarities of the soldiers who fought for and against freedom during the Revolutionary War. “Join” one of the armies by signing enlistment papers with a quill pen and learn to march. See a soldier’s camp. Muskets will be fired and food will be cooked over a fire. Learn the role that women camp followers and blacks played in each of the armies. Admission: Adults $5.00 Children $3.00
Lecture- “The Birth of the Women’s Movement & it’s Connection to New Rochelle”
When: Saturday, March 15, 2:00 P.M.
For Women’s History Month the Cottage will proudly present a lecture by Sydelle Herzberg, League of Women Voters of New York, Treasurer and Historian. Mrs. Herzberg will speak about former New Rochelle residents Susan B. Anthony and Carrie Chapman Catt and the role they played in the women’s movement. Admission: Adults $5.00 Children $3.00
Where: Thomas Paine Cottage Museum, 20 Sicard Avenue, New Rochelle, NY
914-633-1776, http://www.thomaspainecottage.org
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WPCNR ENVIRONMENTALIST. From Westchester4Geese Facebook. February 21, 2014:
On July 22, 2013 Westchester 4 Geese met with Senator George Latimer for the express purpose of creating legislation to restrict the DEC and USDA ‘s (bird) culls, mandatory prior notification of culls and the termination of food bank donations of culled animals.
The DEC is the licensing agent for the USDA. After months of repeated followup State Senator George Latimer has created the following bill; some items may be added:This is the bill:
Subject: Geese Protection LawProposed new law to protect geese with (a) public hearing; (b) requirement to review all human alternatives, and (c) prohibit use of meat for human consumption.
New Sect. 11-0541. Turkeys and geese
1. Prior to filing a request with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation for a permit for lethal disposition of turkeys or geese, the
local government shall hold a public hearing thereon in a place determined by that government in the locality affected. At least ten (10)
days before the hearing, notice thereof shall be advertised in a newspaper published in the community affected. The notice shall state the
subject of the hearing and the proposed disposition of the turkeys or geese.
2. Prior to filing said request for permit to the NYS DEC, the local government shall provide proff that they have fully evaluated all humane
alternatives to execution of the turkeys or geese, subsequent to the public hearing, and have reviewed that evaluation at a public meeting
of the governing board of that government, no more than sixty (60) days after the public hearing, such meeting held under full compliance
with the applicable open meetings laws.
3. The local government shall not donate turkeys or geese to be used for human consumption.
Sect. 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Please contact Senator Latimer and thank him for this ground-breaking legislation, which comes at a time when the public has been made aware of the vast abuses of those agencies, which will hopefully assist in the passage of this bill.
Contact Senator Latimer via legislative aide Andrew Ferris:
EMAIL:
Ferris@nysenate.gov
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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. From the Office of the Westchester County District Attorney. February 21, 2014:
Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore announced that Anthony Delmaro (DOB 12/11/71) of 44 River Street, Lindenhurst, New York, pled guilty Thursday to:
The defendant owns various roofing businesses and in 2005 met the victim, an elderly semi-retired graphic designer who resided in his New Rochelle home with his sister, when he made roofing repairs to the victim’s home. The defendant convinced the victim that he wanted to bring him in as a partner in his roofing business. The defendant convinced the victim to write numerous checks payable to his business on the pretext that the defendant would merely show these checks to potential customers as proof that defendant had funds to cover the purchase of supplies for new projects.
The victim wrote cash advance checks on his credit card accounts.
When the victim had amassed credit card cash advance balances in excess of $80,000, the victim attempted to obtain a mortgage on his property in that amount to pay off his high interest credit card balances.
The defendant and a co-defendant, Claude Naracci (DOB 08/07/57) of 7 Woodbine Street, Coram, New York, who owned a check cashing business in Connecticut, used this as an opportunity to steal the equity in the victim’s home.
Naracci pled guilty on March 28th, 2011 to:
Naracci introduced the defendant and the victim to a mortgage broker in Long Island, New York.
The defendant and Naracci attended the closing in March of 2006, where they convinced the victim to sign over said mortgage proceeds.
The victim believed that the mortgage proceeds would be used to pay off his credit card debt and to invest in defendant’s business, with the remainder being returned to the victim to use for whatever purpose he desired. The victim signed over all the proceeds to the Naracci believing him to be defendant’s “accountant.”
Thereafter, the defendant and co-defendant used the stolen money without the permission of the victim, for their own personal use.
The total amount of the larceny is $507,390.
The defendant initially paid some money back each month to the victim, while continuing to defraud him out of additional money, however, after a few months, he stopped paying the victim any money.
Charges were filed in December 2009, at which point the defendant absconded.
The defendant was arrested on an unrelated matter in November of 2013 after he returned to WestchesterCounty and defrauded an 85-year-old out of $5,000.
The defendant was arrested on December 5, 2013 by the Harrison Police Department.
Sentencing will be in May 8th, 2014.
The defendant faces a maximum sentence of fifteen years in state prison.
He also faces additional criminal charges in both Nassau and SuffolkCounties on Long island.
Assistant District Attorney Brian Conway Deputy Chief of the Public Integrity Bureau prosecuted the case.
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WPCNR THE ARTIST.From Westchester Arts Council. February 20, 2014:
Some fifty business leaders gathered yesterday with Deputy County Executive Kevin J. Plunkett, and President and CEO of Americans for the Arts Robert Lynch at the Ritz-Carlton, Westchester hotel to promote what has become a national movement of partnerships between business and the arts. Leading this effort locally is ArtsWestchester, which over the next two years, in celebration of its milestone 50th anniversary in 2015, plans to inspire 50 new partnerships with local companies that will bolster Westchester’s neighborhoods and business opportunities.
Lynch, whose Washington, DC-based organization has a membership of 10,000 arts agencies throughout the country, believes that the arts and business are a “mighty powerful pair.” A recent study, he reports, revealed that in this competitive market, creativity outweighed management capability and dedication as the most valuable leadership quality to the 1500 business leaders polled.
“The arts are one of the most important aspects of what we do in Westchester County, said Kevin J. Plunkett at the event. “It’s a team effort, a partnership effort… The real partnership has to be a tripartite partnership – ArtsWestchester, County Government and private business.”
Established in 1965, ArtsWestchester is New York State’s largest private, not-for-profit service organization. Throughout the years, it has had a robust history of diverse business partnerships with such corporations as IBM, PepsiCo, First Niagara, Con Edison, J.P. Morgan Chase, Maxx Properties, RPW Group and Entergy, and more recently with Aetna Foundation, Curtis Instruments, Westchester Medical Center, Regeneron and the Cross County Shopping Center. Many of these partnerships will be demonstrated at today’s breakfast as a way to inspire others.
“These partnerships not only support the arts,” says ArtsWestchester CEO Janet Langsam, “but they have been shown to be good for business in that they promote innovative thinking and creativity in the workplace, strengthen community engagement and increase the vibrancy of places to live and work.”
Robert Lynch agrees, adding, “When the arts and businesses partner, everyone profits, and that’s the thing that savvy businesses across the country and savvy communities and community leaders have seen for a long, long time.”
ArtsWestchester offers a diverse menu of partnership opportunities throughout the year. They range from event sponsorship; to space rental; to advertising in its monthly publication, ArtsWNews; to volunteer opportunities and underwriting of educational programs. Partnership opportunities are also available with ArtsWestchester’s affiliate organizations, of which there are more than 150.
A list of ten (10) easy ways to partner with ArtsWestchester can be found at: www.artswestchester.org/artsandbusiness.
To arrange a custom arts & business partnership with ArtsWestchester, interested parties should contact Debbie Scates, Manager of Partnership Marketing, at (914) 428-4220 or email dscates@artswestchester.org.
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WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. From the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. February 17, 2014:
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance has valuable news for New Yorkers – new this year, 85% of taxpayers can e-file their state returns for free.
The Department is accepting e-filed income tax returns for the 2013 tax year through its Web site (www.tax.ny.gov) effective immediately.
“Last year, nearly 90% of New Yorkers opted to e-file their personal income tax returns,” said Commissioner Thomas H. Mattox. “Join them – right now – since it is safe, secure, and you’ll receive your refund up to two times faster than if you submit a paper return.”
Two options make it possible for 85% of New York State taxpayers to e-file for free:
Taxpayers should be sure to select an e-file option on the Department’s Web site to avoid being unexpectedly charged for their state return.
“You cannot be charged to e-file your state return – it’s the law,” Commissioner Mattox added. “But taxpayers are often caught off-guard when software providers require them to pay toprepare their state return. Use the free options directly from our Web site to ensure you’re not charged.”
Credit-Only Filers
More than 212,000 New Yorkers, who are not required to file income tax returns, file credit forms for refunds each year. For the first time, these individuals and families will be able to electronically file their forms – and receive their refunds twice as fast as they have in the past. The accepted credit forms are Form IT-214, Real Property Tax Credit and Form NYC-210, New York City School Tax Credit.
The filing deadline is April 15th this year, but don’t delay; file early to get your refund as soon as possible.
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As we observe the trainwreck of leadership in this country–from Obama, Boehner and Christie on down, it is also fitting on “President’s Day,” that we take a look at the greatest President of them all.
Thursday is George Washington’s Birthday again. 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.
The Jacob Purdy House, a National Historic Site, was built c. 1721, and served as Washington’s Headquarters both during the Battle of White Plains, on October 28, 1776 and again in 1778.(Photo, WPCNR NEWS ARCHIVE)
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.
Where did he get this character? He specialized in self-control at an early age. That congressmen, lobbyists, and pundits means mind-control, reason and responsibility.
Reenacters Marching to Raise Old Glory at Purdy House in Honor of George Washington’s Birthday. Photo, 2003 WPCNR News Archive.
According to 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 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.
Washington inspired by example. 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, 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
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.
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 on George Washington.
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WPCNR MILESTONES. From the Warren Family. February 15, 2014:
The Warren family is holding the eleventh memorial for their son, Larry-Jamaal Warren on February 17, 2014 at 7 PM at Bethel Baptist Church, 1 Fisher Court, White Plains, NY
Larry-Jamaal was ambushed and tragically killed on February 16, 2003 after trying to help a friend “peacefully” resolve a dispute while at a party at Tino’s (Villa/Steakhouse) Restaurant in Hawthrone, NY.
The family has vowed to continue holding the annual memorials with firm believe that one of the many witnesses will finally come forward and rightfully assist the police in capturing Larry-Jamaal’s killer. The family hopes the memorial will not only reflect upon their son’s character and wonderful life, but motivate others to help solve the case and inspire everyone to become involved in the “Live” (Stop the Violence) movement.
The Warrens are very thankful for the support of their church, the community,and for the persistence of the Mount Pleasant Police Department and the Westchester District Attorney’s Office.
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WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. By John F. Bailey and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. February 15, 2014:
White Plains retail sales continued soft in January, $5,000 less than last year, putting $4,875,684 in the city exchequer.
Westchester County started the new fiscal year 2014, up 1.8%, $41.8 Million in sales tax receipts compared to $41.1 Million in January 2015. The County continued its retail winning streak, while White Plains continues to lag behind the county pace.
After 7 months reporting in fiscal year 2013-2014 White Plains has generated $30,526,470 in Sales Tax dollars. If the city continues to meet last year’s “sales tax handle” the next five months ($20.3 Million), the city will generate $50.9 Million in sales taxes which would on target to match the 2012-13.
IN OTHER NEWS…
New this year – Geoffrey Gloak, of the Department and Finance reports half of NY taxpayers can now prepare and e-file their income taxes for free! New York Stated developed a great new option for New Yorkers to file their state tax return at no cost. Here’s a link to the News Release: http://www.tax.ny.gov/press/rel/2014/85percentefile012314.htm
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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. Special to WPCNR From the White Plains Police Benevolent Association. February 14, 2014:
The White Plains Police Benevolent Association has prepared a video which may be seen at the link:
advising family and friends and young persons on the dangers of the current brands of heroin circulating in Westchester County and what you can do about protecting yourself and the ones you love. If you have questions and want more information on how you can help, contact the PBA at 422-6164