WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER SETS RECORD VISITS FOR YEAR 7,017,658 VISITS! 2,098,003 VISITORS MADE 6 VISITS A DAY EVERY DAY. 63,330 UNIQUE VISITORS MADE 133,730 VISITS IN DECEMBER. WPCNR AVERAGED 17,284 VISITORS A WEEK, VISITING 31,270 TIMES. | 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.

State Unveils New Mandatory License Plates. Change Passed in 09-10 Budget

Posted on November 11, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR BLACK DENIM TROUSERS AND MOTORCYCLE BOOTS. November 11,2009: The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles introduced the new look of New York State License Plates today. The changeover to the new plates will be required of all motorists in April 2010 when all 12 Million New York State automobile owners will need to purchase new plates at the cost of $25 per set of two per car. A family with three registered cars would pay $75 for three vehicles they own, (with new license numbers), $135 to keep the same license plates with the new design.

The new New York State Plate introduced today by the DMV. If you wish to keep your old plate number, it costs you $45 per set, and this would mean $90 for two cars. The DMW will sell the plates, by mail through the automatic mailed registration renewal. Previously New York State Plate Sets for new vehicles sold for $15 per 2-plate set.

The legislation introducing the new plates and fees was included within the 2009-10 New York State Budget, and will raise $120 Million for the 2010-11.

Here is the official news release from the DMV introducing the new plate, edited:

New York State Commissioner of Motor Vehicles and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee David J. Swarts today unveiled the “Empire Gold” license plate which will be issued to most vehicles registered in the state beginning in April, 2010.

A plate fee of $25.00 will be added to the registration renewal fee. Single plate registrations (e.g. motorcycles) will be charged a plate fee of $12.50. Motorists registered in the Passenger (PAS), Commercial (COM), Motorcycle (MOT) or Trailer (TRL) registration classes will have the option to keep their current plate number/letter combination.

Those with vehicles registered in other classes may also have this option. The registration renewal invitation will tell motorists if this option is available.

Those choosing to keep their current plate number/letter combination on the new Empire Gold plate will be required to pay a $20.00 fee (in addition to the $25 fee).

Vanity Plates Do Not Pay Extra $20

Those motorists holding a personalized plate will automatically be re-issued the same number/letter combination on their new plate. Because they currently pay an annual personalized plate fee, they will not be required to pay the $20.00 fee.

Most plates with the New York skyline banner across the top of the plate will begin to be replaced by the new Empire Gold plate in April. Custom picture plates will be replaced at a later date.

EZPASS automatically updated.

The DMV will also be electronically sharing updated plate number information with EZ-Pass so that motorists who participate in that program will not have to do so.

The DMV Explains what the colors mean.

“The bold colors of the new license plate reflect New York’s force and its resilience,” said Commissioner Swarts. “These new plates, in the official colors of the State of New York, will help maintain highway safety, reduce the number of unregistered and uninsured vehicles on our roads, and generate $129 million in General Fund revenue over two years, which will help address the State’s financial crisis.”

The new plate is gold in color with dark blue letters and numbers in the central part of the plate, separated by a small dark blue state silhouette. There is a dark blue banner across the length of the top of the plate, with “New York” printed in gold in the center. “Empire State” is in dark blue letters across the bottom.

State Police Superintendent Harry J. Corbitt said, “License plates are a fundamental tool of law enforcement that has been enhanced in recent years through a variety of technologies that improve their readability, especially under low light conditions. The State Police has worked cooperatively with DMV to ensure that the new plates will continue to serve the law enforcement community effectively.”

Rationale

Periodically re-issuing plates is important for overall safety, law enforcement and the general integrity of the plate. License plate visibility tends to decrease as license plates lose their reflectivity and become marred and damaged from use. The legibility and reflectivity of the current Empire plate, which was issued beginning in 2001, was only guaranteed for up to 5 years. Current plates will have been in use for 10-11 years by the time they are replaced by the new Empire Gold plates.

“This project will benefit law enforcement efforts, and therefore enhance public safety, in several ways,” said Denise E. O’Donnell, Deputy Secretary for Public Safety and Commissioner of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. “For instance, nearly 300 police agencies in New York State are currently deploying approximately 500 computerized license plate readers (LPRs) that enable authorities to quickly identify vehicles that have been stolen or used in a crime. These new plates will ensure that the LPRs are as effective as possible.”

Periodic re-issuance also helps to ensure compliance with motor vehicle registration and insurance requirements. As new plates are issued, motorists that are driving with suspended or revoked registrations become more conspicuous.

“By helping to reduce the number of uninsured motorists, the new Empire Gold plates will help keep auto insurance costs down for all New Yorkers during these difficult economic times,” said New York State Superintendent of Insurance James J. Wrynn.

DMV will begin issuing the new plates for registration renewals that expire in May 2010. Customers renewing their vehicle registrations in person in a DMV office, over the phone, by mail or through the Internet, will receive their new Empire Gold plates in the mail. Customers completing an original over-the-counter registration transaction will receive their plates immediately. The replacement will take place as part of scheduled vehicle registration and renewal and will take two years to complete. There are currently 12 million registered vehicles in New York State.

Additional information on the new license plates can be found by visiting the Department of Motor Vehicles website at www.nysdmv.com.

Thank a Veteran for America.

Posted on November 11, 2009 by John Bailey

Ninety-one years ago today, representatives of the allied powers and the German allies met in a railroad coach outside Paris and agreed to an armistice, ending World War I, the so-called “War to end all wars,” a war in which 10 million persons died.

Since that day, November 11 has been set aside as first Armistice Day, later changed to Veterans Day. White Plains CitizeNetReporter salutes and remembers and thanks our veterans on this day which recognizes how special they are. Two events celebrated America’s first veterans last month.

On October 22 (2001) at “Washington’s Headquarters,” in White Plains, the Jacob Purdy House, the White Plains Historical Society recognized America’s first veterans. These were the men of White Plains who defended Chatterton Hill and Miller Hill from the advancing British army under General Howe.

GUNSMOKE REMEMBERS THE FIRST VETERANS. The militia men and volunteers who defended White Plains at the Battle of White Plains in 1776 were commemorated October 21, 2001 with a volley of remembrance at Jacob Purdy House.WPCNR PHOTO

Eighty-three years ago today, representatives of the allied powers and the German allies met in a railroad coach outside Paris and agreed to an armistice, ending World War I, the so-called “War to end all wars,” a war in which 10 million persons died.

Since that day, November 11 has been set aside as first Armistice Day, later changed to Veterans Day. White Plains CitizeNetReporter salutes and remembers and thanks our veterans on this day which recognizes how special they are. Two events celebrated America’s first veterans last month.

On October 22, 2001 at “Washington’s Headquarters,” in White Plains, the Jacob Purdy House, the White Plains Historical Society recognized America’s first veterans. These were the men of White Plains who defended Chatterton Hill and Miller Hill from the advancing British army under General Howe.

GUNSMOKE REMEMBERS THE FIRST VETERANS. The militia men and volunteers who defended White Plains at the Battle of White Plains in 1776 were commemorated October 21, with a volley of remembrance at Jacob Purdy House.WPCNR PHOTO

An elite reenactment contingent of British troops gathered about the flagpole overlooking White Plains below. Old Glory was raised on the flagpole. A volley of gunfire from 18th Century muskets saluted the fallen from that long ago battle. The names of the residents of White Plains who died on those hills 225 years ago were solemnly read from a podium at the steps of the old red home.

The names of three White Plains citizens killed in the World Trade Center attack were added to this distinguished list of America’s first veterans, as Jack Harrington, President of the White Plains Historical Society oversaw the ceremonies.

It strikes WPCNR that these three 2001 citizens were much like those first veterans who defeneded White Plains in 1776. Those first veterans lay down their plows or crafts and took up arms when their town and country was threatened. Some citizens lost everything when British troops burned parts of White Plains after the battle.

We remember our fighting men and women on Veterans Day, because most of them were every day citizens called to duty who went out and did something they did not know they could do. Perform acts of heroism, bravery, losing their lives for the American way. Many were just kids themselves. For example, most B-17 pilots over Germany in World War II were in their early twenties.

NAMES OF AMERICA’S FIRST VETERANS ARE READ AT ENTRANCE TO JACOB PURDY HOUSE. Jack Harrington, President of White Plains Historical Society solemly conducts reading of the White Plains Honor Roll at Battle of White Plains ceremonies.WPCNR PHOTO

We can in no way, or through no motion picture know what any veteran experienced. The veterans who still are with us do not like to talk about their combat experiences. And they do not. One veteran of D-Day, asked what he thought of Saving Private Ryan and the realism of it, said the real D-Day was worse. However, veterans we have interviewed remark that they think of their combat experience every day. It is always with them.

It is inconceivable to me that I could ever be able to do what these men and women did. I would like to hope I could. However, the veterans have. They left ordinary lives as office workers, factory workers, farmers, accountants, and what have you and were able to go to war and “rise to the occasion,” or as they say today, “step it up to the next level.” The highest level.

MAYOR DELFINO UNVEILS HISTORICAL SIGNAGE AT BATTLE HILL. In another effort to commemorate America’s veterans, Mayor Joseph Delfino, working with New York State and local groups unveiled a series of permanent historical signs in Battle Hill-Whitney Park October 28 detailing the Battle Hill and Miller Hill battle grounds of the Battle of White Plains. It is the first effort to produce a heritage trail in the City of White Plains. Other markers of historically significant areas of the city are planned in the near future.WPCNR PHOTO

How should Armistice Day be observed? Well, a thought about the sacrifice of these veterans and those who died perhaps brings new vibrancy and dedication to the ideals for which they fought. A thought to what they considered important enough to leave a safe existence to fight for valiantly at great risk and high valour reinforces those sacred American standards: freedom, the pursuit of happiness, free speech, the big little things.

We should value the sacrifice of our local public defenders, the police, the firefighters, the enforcement officials who routinely do this to keep the fabric of American society safe. Thank you.

Now Batting for LSU, Somers’ Tammy Wray

Posted on November 10, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR PRESS BOX. From Rob Crews of “Complete Game,” November 10, 2009: Over the years, the interest in competitive softball has really taken off in the Northeast. Consequently, there are many girls who’s love for the game has motivated them to make Softball a year-round commitment, taking part in rigorous off-season training and showcase tournaments around the country in order to market themselves as Major Division I softball prospects.

Every now and then a special player is born here in Westchester –someone with special gifts combined with the focus and work ethic to hone those abilities into a polished top Division 1 prospect. On Thursday, November 12, 2009, at 5:30pm, Tammy Wray of Somers High School, will be signing her National Letter of Intent. For Tammy, it is the school that has won her heart during the softball recruitment process. Louisiana State University, a major force in College Softball, will be Tammy Wray’s new home in 2010, where she will continue her education in the School of Psychology.

NY ATM Is Empty. Comptroller: $4.1 B Gap This Year $27.5 BILLION Next 2 Yrs

Posted on November 10, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From the Office of the State Comptroller. November 10, 2009: State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, in a statement last week and special budget report, not covered in depth in other media described the New York State three year budget out look in these terms:

“The state is facing a three-year budget gap of more than $27.5 billion. The state’s fiscal picture can’t be ignored any longer. New Yorkers understand you can’t spend more money than you make. The state needs to learn that lesson.

New York is on track to spend $4.1 billion more this year than it will take in. That is irresponsible and unacceptable. Taxpayers deserve better. The state has to stop treating New Yorkers like ATMs. The cash machine is empty.”

New York State, according to the Comptroller, faces a cumulative General Fund gap of up to $27.5 billion through fiscal year 2011-12 even as the Governor and the Legislature confront a deficit in the state’s current budget that could exceed $4.1 billion, according to a spending and revenue report State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli released today as part of the state’s “Quick Start” budget process.

“Albany has played roulette with taxpayers’ money for too long,” DiNapoli said. “And now, in the face of the greatest fiscal challenge in our recent history, the game continues. New Yorkers understand you can’t spend more money than you make and they are tired of waiting for the state to learn that simple lesson. Taxpayers deserve better. The state has to stop treating New Yorkers like ATMs.”

DiNapoli’s Report on Estimated Receipts and Disbursements indicates New York’s three-year, cumulative General Fund gap through FY 2011-12 could approach $27.5 billion — which is $3.6 billion higher than the Governor’s estimate for the same period. Based on an analysis of the Enacted Budget and actual revenue and spending results through the first half of the fiscal year, DiNapoli projects the current year gap could reach $4.1 billion if present trends continue and spending is not aligned with revenue.

DiNapoli warned that while there are signs of economic recovery, revenue collections are still declining and may be slow to bounce back due to the state’s reliance on revenue related to employment and consumption, such as personal income and sales and use taxes, which account for 60 percent and 25 percent of New York’s tax base respectively.

Additionally, the state went into the recent recession with a structural budget problem due to years of over-reliance on temporary fixes, debt issuances and other gimmicks routinely used to finance recurring spending without regard to long-term implications. While payment delays and temporary loans may allow the state to manage its cash through the year, these are only temporary solutions that postpone the implementation of long-term solutions to the state’s worsening budget gap.

The DiNapoli report also found:

More than $11 billion used to close the $17.9 billion fiscal year 2009-10 General Fund gap was either non-recurring “one-shot” or temporary revenue, including nearly $4.9 billion in federal stimulus funding (scheduled to end in FY 2010-11), $1.7 billion in non-recurring actions and $4.5 billion in temporary revenue actions (ranging in duration from three to five years);
While the budget included approximately $775 million in recurring revenue and $6 billion in recurring spending reductions, the greater dependence on temporary resources illustrates that the current budget did little to address the state’s long-term structural imbalance, and instead exacerbated the problem;
The state faces potentially significant cash flow shortfalls in the months of November and December, which will have to be addressed. Although the Governor has begun to take action to manage these shortfalls, it is unclear what further actions may be taken. For example, due to the state’s worsening cash flow situation, the Governor delayed much of the scheduled October and November School Property Tax Relief Program (STAR) payments to December. This increased the projected December STAR payment to $2.5 billion, exacerbating the cash flow challenge for that month. There is also a significant school aid payment of $1.6 billion due in December;
The Governor reversed his earlier decision and has decided not to prepay the state pension payment, costing the state an additional $30 million in interest;
Significant structural gaps are projected in each of the next three fiscal years. The Division of the Budget (DOB) is projecting that All Funds spending will approach $152 billion by FY 2012-13 while All Funds revenue will only be $132 billion. DOB projects that General Fund spending growth from FY 2009-10 through FY 2012-13 will be 37 percent, while General Fund receipts growth will be only 3.4 percent over the same period.

Scarsdale Recount Hands Ryan 136 Vote Lead. Hyland Needs 220 of315 Absentees/EBs

Posted on November 10, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2009. Special to the CitizeNetReporter. November 11, 2009: William Ryan, the Democrat, and County Board of Legislators Chairman, has a 136-vote lead over Republican/Independent Bob Hyland, after a recount of all voting machines in Scarsdale completed moments ago. Now, with all White Plains and Scarsdale machines recounted, Ryan has a 136-vote lead, with 300 Absentee Ballots and 15 emergency ballots to be counted on Thursday.

Information on the latest recount of the Ryan-Hayland race reported to WPCNR by Dan Seidel based on direct information from Joe Montaldo, a member of Bill Ryan’s campaign staff, indicates Mr. Ryan has seized a commanding 136-vote lead. Mr. Hyland needs to receive about 220 of the remaining 315 paper ballots (absentee and emergency votes) to win.

Previously, going into Monday afternoon’s recanvass of the machines, Ryan was trailing Hyland by 44 votes. Ryan picked up 100 votes due to a reading error on one machine in White Plains, and then, with the Scarsdale recount completed late this afternoon added 36 votes for the 136-vote margin.

In order for Hyland to overtake Mr. Ryan, he must command at least 75% of the absentee and Emergency Ballots yet to be counted, a total of 228, to defeat Mr. Ryan by 17 votes.

Astorino Committees to Ponder Downsizing. Fates Revealed Week Before Xmas

Posted on November 10, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. By John F. Bailey. November 10,2009: County Executive-Elect Rob Astorino announced this morning he is establishing a series of “subcommittees” by next Monday to analyze operations of all Westchester County Government Departments, possibly leading to a plan for downsizing within the next seven weeks.

County Executive-Elect Rob Astorino beginning his meeting with his new Transition Team at Westchester One Wednesday morning.

Astorino said he expected after the Subcommittee written reports were submitted, that decisions would then be made by him and his transition team as to how many executives, workers, and who would stay and who would go, and what departments might be contracted, meaning that county employees not under contract, or any job-security assurance can expect notice of their fate in mid-December. Astorino added he’d be being briefed by the HUD Adminstrator on the county housing obligation to build $60 Million of affordable housing Thursday.

These sub-committees will submit written reports back to him by December 10, (after reviewing what the departments do, who is doing what in them) and recommend what departments would be cut back, consolidated, or remain as is in the new county administration. They would also be responsible for recruiting “top talent” to go to work for the new administration.

Astorino said that he and his team are working with the outgoing administration (describing them as “cooperative”), to determine who is under contract, where positions are protected and other factors that would affect downsizing decisions. Astorino said downsizing was an obvious mandate resulting from the voters’ overwhelming choice in last week’s election.”The people of Westchester voted for change last Tuesday, and it is our duty to deliver it.”

He said that administrators doing their jobs well and who believe in this philosophy may indeed remain in his administration.

Astorino said he would be establishing a website within the next week, for volunteers who wished to serve on these analytical subcommittees, as well as applying for positions.

The subcommittees, Astorino said which would be supervised by his transition team he announced today. He added that he expected to convene a task force on downsizing county government after he took office the first of the year. He said he would be announcing major members of his new team before December 10^th, perhaps as early as next week.

Astorino ran the news conference today,convening his new Transition Team which would be conducting the analysis of County government via the subcommittees they will establish, and introduced the distinguished group to the media.

They are:

Kevin Plunkett, (right) partner in the law firm of DelBello, Donnellan, Weingarten Wise & Wiederkerhr, White Plains, a major legal influence in the county who chairs the Team. Ale Frederico, Vice President (left) – Team Leader, TD Bank Government Banking, who participates on the Board of Directors of White Plains Hospital Center, Chair of the Westchester Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and founding Board member of 100 Hispanic Leaders.

Kay Carsky, (far right) former member of the Westchester County Board of Legislators for 19 years, when she represented Yonkers.

Wiley Harrison, (Left) Chairperson of the Board of the Thomas H. Slater Center, President of Your Business LLC, a financial services firm, and who also serves as Treasurer of the Business Council of Westchester. He is seen with Robert Elliot, Mayor of Croton-on-Hudson from 1991 to 2005 and former President of the New York State Conference of Mayors and the Westchester Municipal Officials Association.

Thomas F. Eagan (right) former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the State University of New York from 1996 to 2007, who was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority from 1985 to 1992, and Harry J. Wilson, (left) recently Senior Advisor to the Presidential Task Force on the Auto Industry, where he was one of four leaders of the working team that arranged the restructurings of General Motors and Chrysler. Now described as a private investor, Wilson has worked at Silver Point Capital, The Blackstone Group and Goldman, Sachs.

Ryan Rumored Reported Ahead with Scarsdale to Be Counted in 5th District

Posted on November 10, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2009. By John F. Bailey. November 10, 2009: Commissioner of the Board of Elections, Reginald LaFayette told WPCNR this morning that the recanvass of last Tuesday’s White Plains voting machine counts has been completed, and that the recanvass of Scardale will begin tomorrow. Mr. Lafayette declined to comment on whether reports of Bill Ryan, incumbent County Legislator, surging ahead in the White Plains vote count were correct.

Dan Seidel, a supporter of Bill Ryan told WPCNR today that so far in the recanvass, Mr. Ryan is ahead, this morning Seidel told the CitizeNetReporter: “Rumor has it the Board of Elections did a tally of machines last night – the Board’s people were wrong and the Democratic runners were correct. Bill is apparently ahead again by about 110 votes with the paper/absentee not yet counted – rumor has it the count on those is about 315 and is about 50/50 dem – repub/others, which means if the vote splits 50/50 on paper, Bill wins by about 100 votes.”

Lafayette said today that Scarsdale recanvass has yet to be counted. Ryan in an e-mail had previously thanked a Scarsdale supporter for getting out the vote in Scarsdale which apparently put him over the top last week.

White Plains Performing Arts Center Announces Winter Season

Posted on November 9, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From Kathleen Davisson, White Plains Performing Arts Center. November 9,2009 (EDITED): The White Plains Performing Arts Center announced its winter season today in a news release today. The sixth season begins December 4, highlighted December 11 through December 13 with the debut of We are Lights, ‘Tis the Seaons and More, an original review featuring Tony Award Winner, Melba Moore (Purlie, Hair, Les Miz), Kevin Earley (A Tale of Two Cities), Marsha Waterbury (Mamma Mia, Days of Our Lives), Celina Carvajal (Tarzan), Kathy Deitch (Wicked), and more.

In addition to the holiday show, the theatre will present a selection of holiday entertainments: On December 4, Mistletunes, featuring Squeaky & Clean, a rock and roll group playing and celebrating different cultural holiday traditions.Twas the Night Before Christmas is a musical review of the Santa classic, presented December 5 The Calpulli Mexican Dance Company performs a colorful dance extravaganza on January 31.

The Westchester Philharmonic Holiday Brass Quintet performs the first of four concerts December 6 playing baroque to pops to seasonal holiday favorites.

The lineup for the rest of the 09-10 season:

‘Tis the Season and More,” “a scripted and choreographed Holiday concert: is a “jubilant, upscale celerbration of the Holidays.” In addition to Ms. Moore, Mr. Earley and Ms. Waterbury, Ms. Deitch and Ms Carvajal, the production features a cast of Broadway, film and television greats: Liz Larson (Hairspray), Jodie Langel (Les Miz),Jana Robbins (Gypsy),Cindy Robinson (Peter Pan) and the talented Craig Laurie, Chase Matthews and Elizabeth Torres.

Returning to the White Plains theatre for “Tis the Season,” are WPPAC favorite performers Cris Groenendaal, Carlos Lopez and Nick Wyman, who will host. Under the direction of Walter Winston O’Neil and music director Kim Douglas Steiner, the four performances run from Friday, December 11 through Sunday, December 13. An opportunity for local performers to join the Broadway stars on stage will be offered through auditions to be held at the Theatre later this month.

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, the beloved children’s story, will be presented in American Sign Language and spoken English on April 24^th by a cast of deaf and hearing performers.

The second in a series of Westchester Philharmonic Concerts will be performed on Sunday, February 28^th, when the Philharmonic’s string quartet will chase away the winter blues with music of Mendelssohn and Haydn.

The Westchester Phil’s series concludes on Sunday, March 28^th, with jazz music led by renowned Philharmonic percussionist Jim Saporito. The trio will perform selections from The Great American Songbook and jazz originals from their new CD.

Other offerings in the Broadway concert series include: “Mancini and Moonlight” starring Edward Watts and Jenn Gambetese (Tarzan and All Shook Up) on Saturday, February 13.

“Musicals That Rock” is a must see for audiences who enjoy contemporary musical theatre presented by a star studded cast of Broadway veterans on Friday March 12 through Sunday, March 14.

Fascinating Gershwin celebrates the music of George and Ira Gershwin with the incredible pianist Joseph Joubert, the stunning soprano Rosena Hill (last seen on the WPPAC White Plains stage in Ragtime) joined by baritone Nathaniel Stampley (The Lion King, The Color Purple) on Sunday, April 25.

Rogers and Hammerstein Celebration is presented on Sunday, May 9^th, starring Teri Dale Hansen (The Boys from Syracuse) and Nat Chandler (The Scarlet Pimpernel).

The final concert of the season, Today’s Broadway celebrates current Broadway musicals performed by stars of contemporary shows including Leah Hocking (Billy Elliott), Sarah Uriarte Berry (The Light in the Piazza) and Norm Lewis (The Little Mermaid) on Saturday, June 12th.

Forbidden Hollywood, a hilarious spoof of film classics in the vein of Forbidden Broadway”, runs on Saturday, May 15^th.

The White Plains Performing Arts Center (WPPAC) sixth Winter/Spring season produced by the White Plains Performing Arts Center Foundation will be presented at its White Plains theatre, located on the third level of the City Center complex in downtown White Plains. The productions appeal to a wide audience of children, families, serious music lovers and fans of the most beloved Broadway performers, shows, composers and lyricists.

For further information about these events, updated cast listings and additional productions being added to the season schedule, visit www.wppac.com or call 914-328-1600.

Rita Malmud Talks Common Council Issues at CNA Tuesday.

Posted on November 9, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR SOUTH END TIMES. From Lou Bruno, Co-President, Council of Neighborhood Associations. November 8, 2009: The November meeting of the White Plains Council of Neighborhood Associations (WPCNA) will be held on Tuesday, November 10 at 7:30 pm in the lower meeting room of Education House, 5 Homeside Lane, White Plains.

During a brief business meeting:

* WPCNA Treasurer Joel Rudikoff will report on the NYS Department of Transportation’s plans for a major reworking of I-287 Exit 8 at North Street and Westchester Avenue.
* Captain David R. Burpee of the White Plains Department of Public Safety will be introduced and will discuss the Neighborhood Watch and Tip411 programs

The guest speaker will be Common Council Member Rita Malmud, who will explore “Leadership in the City” and take questions afterward.

Please be prompt to allow time for networking and questions.

Meeting Links

Press Release for the November Meeting: http://www.wpcna.org/docs/111009pressrelease.pdf
Agenda for the November Meeting: http://www.wpcna.org/docs/111009agenda.pdf
Unofficial Minutes of the October WPCNA Meeting: http://www.wpcna.org/docs/101309minutes.pdf

For more information, please visit the WPCNA website: http://www.wpcna.org

Westchester Residential Opportunities (WRO), which offers free counseling services to Westchester residents facing mortgage default, eviction, housing discrimination and other housing difficulties, is holding a “friendraiser” to publicize its services. See the press release: http://www.wpcna.org/docs/WRO110409pressrelease.pdf

Photographs of the Day

Posted on November 9, 2009 by John Bailey

WPCNR PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE DAY. By the WPCNR Flying Photographer. November 9,2009: It was a beautiful Indian Summer day in White Plains Sunday, a great day to fly to those out of the way little airports of yesteryear, where any weekend you may encounter aviation’s ghost planes still flying after all these years, and to share a All-American sandwich at those little airport restaurants, and watch those the little planes fly off into the wild blue yonder.