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.

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WPCNR MAN WATCH.  From Bill Ryan and Men’s Forum News  Release. June 24, 2009: White Plains’ legislator Bill Ryan told WPCNR Wednesday evening that he was in for a medical checkup about a year ago, mentioned to his doctor that he noticed when walking uphill or stairs he got a little short of breath, and also noticed the same shortness of breath when he was lifting heavy loads.

 

His doctor did not like the sound of that and ordered some tests. One year ago last night Mr. Ryan underwent emergency bypass surgery based on what the tests revealed.  The experience changed Mr. Ryan’s lifestyle and was the inspiration for him to organize the first Men’s Health Forum last night at Ridgeway School to draw mens’ attention to taking better care of themselves. While he was recovering in the ICU unit that night, he said “Ice chips never tasted so good.”

 

Crowd at Legislator Bill Ryan’s inaugural Men’s Health Forum last night at Ridgeway School

 

 

Ryan addressed over 40 residents, most of them men, telling his story of his heart problem which he never knew he had:

 

“One of the biggest risks to men’s health is their reluctance to seek help from their general practitioner or pharmacist or to take part in health improvement programs like weight-loss clinics.  That’s why this Men’s Health Forum was so important to me personally,” said Ryan.  Ryan advises men to visit their local community health center to develop plans for exercise, weight reduction, healthy eating and discuss other concerns. He also said he would continue Men’s Health Forums later this year. Photos, Except Where Noted, Courtesy, Legislator Ryan’s Office.

“The importance of having screenings done early is that you may prevent more difficulties later,” said Ryan. “Like me – and so many men — they choose not to go to the doctor.  In my case, I know that had I not gone to see a doctor early, my condition would’ve have been much worse. Believe me…there’s no doubt that after the surgery, I got the message. However, since the surgery, I’ve tried to take better care of myself by exercising and watching what I eat.”  

Bill Ryan Today, Photo, WPCNR.

Ryan told WPCNR that before the surgery, he was fifty pounds overweight, never exercised, did not watch what he ate, did not sleep enough, and maintained a vigorous schedule. Now, he tells WPCNR he walks 4 miles a day, eats a balanced diet and not as much as he used to. He is in so much better shape that in his latest checkup it took him such a long time on a treadmill to get his heart rate up that his doctors were laughing that the test took so long to be conducted.

. “Men take too many risks with their health.  Too many men smoke, eat a poor diet and generally live unhealthy lifestyles- — even I did,” said Chairman Ryan.  “Poor use of community services by men has a direct impact on their health and wellbeing.   The purpose of this Men’s Health Forum was to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.  Part of being aware is looking at the impact of lifestyle choices on health, such as diet habits, smoking, lack of frequent medical check-ups and alcohol use.”

A capacity crowd attended the men’s health forum, hosted by Westchester County Board Chairman Bill Ryan to mark National Men’s Health Month.  The forum was held at the Ridgeway Elementary School and was attended by over 40 residents, health care providers and professionals from across the White PlainsMaterials were available for the men attending included information on prostate cancer, nutrition, men’s reproductive health, heart disease, HIV/AIDS prevention,  anxiety, stress and overall men’s’ health maintenance. 

 

 “The American Heart Association was thrilled to participate in an event that highlights men’s health,” said Taryn J. Branca, Executive Director of the American Heart Association in Fairfield and Westchester Counties.  “Every year in this country more than 410,000 men lose their battle against cardiovascular disease which is why it is vitally important for the American Heart Association to be present at events like these to educate the public about the dangers of heart disease and stroke.”

 

Legislator Ryan with medical specialists conducting the free tests last night. Photo, WPCNR

 

The forum, also, provided free prostate cancer, HIV and blood pressure screenings, as well as workshops on preventive care and healthy living. Expert speakers, discussing better healthcare options in men, included Dr. Seth Lerner, Chief of the Urology Section at White Plains Hospital Center, who spoke for about 30 minutes and answered questions from the audience. Dr. Lerner is Director of the Prostate Program at the Hospital’s Dickstein Cancer Treatment Center.

 

Also present were Wendy Ledesma, Senior Clinician for Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic; Doreen Dorion, Marketing Associate from Whole Foods Market and Dr. Asaf Cohen of the Open Door Family Medical Centers. “Men’s reproductive and sexual health care is an important part of the services offered at Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic. We were proud to participate in the Men’s Health Forum,” said Reina Schiffrin, President/CEO, Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic.

 

On average, men live sicker and die younger than American women. 

 

Men die at higher rates than women from the top 10 causes of death and they account for over 92% of workplace deaths. 

 

Each year, men make ½ as many physician visits for preventive care. 

 

Over 65% of men are less likely to see themselves as ill or susceptible to disease or injury when, in fact, the opposite is true.

 

“Open Door was happy to be a part of this important event,” said Lindsay C. Farrell, MBA, FACMPE, President and CEO, Open Door Family Medical Center. “We have been caring for families in Westchester for over 35 years and look forward to continuing to do so.”

 

There is an ongoing, increasing and predominantly silent crisis in the health and well-being of American men. Due to a lack of awareness, poor health education, and a paucity of male-specific health programs, men’s health and well-being are deteriorating steadily.  “White Plains Hospital Center was very excited to have participated in this wellness event for the community,” said Jon B. Schandler, White Plains Hospital Center President and CEO.  “Good health is so important and we applaud Chairman Ryan for his commitment to promoting prevention and early detection in our community.” 

 

Anchored by a Congressional health education program which designated June as Men’s Health Month, the honorary commemoration is celebrated across the country with screenings, health fairs, media appearances, and other health education and outreach activities.  “A healthy lifestyle, along with early detection means a life with more birthdays,” said Rick Lepkowski, Vice President of the American Cancer Society in Westchester.  “The men’s health forum is great opportunity to remind men how crucial it is to prevent and detect cancers early.”

 This month gives health care providers, public policy makers and individuals an opportunity to seek work together to increase awareness, provide access to services within the community and to speak frankly on the importance of men taking their health seriously. The response has been overwhelming with hundreds of awareness activities in the USA and around the globe.  “We believe that prevention is the best medicine and that includes early medical screenings, as well as physical fitness,” said Hélène Mogridge, YMCA Vice President WP YMCA. “A healthy community is a strong community.  Together we can make a difference.”

Co-sponsors for the forum included the White Plains YMCA, White Plains Hospital Center, the American Cancer Society, Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic, Whole Foods Market, the American Heart Association, Apogee Pilates and Wellness Centers, the Open Door Family Medical Centers, the White Plains Council of Neighborhood Associations and New York Sports Club.   

 

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL. June 23,2009- White Plains taxicab drivers Mario Alfonso, Marilu Ramirez, Raul Figueroa, Angel Figueroa,Carlos Figureroa, David Sanchez and Cesar Ortiz have filed a Civil Rights suit against Mayor Joseph Delfino, his Executive Officer Paul Wood, their aide, Melissa Lopez, Christopher Gordon and the City of White Plains in New York Southern District Court. The suit was filed June 5 according to Mr. Alfonso, who told WPCNR the suit was filed because of alleged actions by Wood,Lopez and the Mayor  directed at Mr. Alfonso and the other defendants during the city effort to  formulate new taxi regulations.

 

More details shortly. The defendants are being represented by Jonathan Lovett.

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. June 20, 2009: The Board of Education tonight voted unanimously to approve a new three year contract with the teachers union, granting across-the-salary-schedule 2% (retroactive to the current 2008-2009 year), 2% in 2009-2010, and 2-1/2% on February 1,2011.

 

 

The Board Approves Settlement: Moment of Truth.

 

The Superintendent and the Board of Education made no public comment on the terms of the contract in the public meeting. Donna McLaughlin, President of the Board of Education told WPCNR after the meeting, “I’m thrilled we have a settlement and we can move forward, especially with the new Superintendent of Schools (Dr. Christpher Clouet) coming in.”

 

 

Kerry Broderick, head of the White Plains Teachers Association, speaking on different matter Monday night, in attendance, also did not make any public statement on the settlement agreed to privately Friday  June 12, and first reported by WPCNR Monday, June14.

 

Kerry Broderick of the White Plains Teachers Association told WPCNR that the Board of Education had not attempted to negotiate any scaling back of  the White Plains Salary Schedule for new teacher hirings during the 18-month negotiation.

 

Asked if the Board of Education had attempted downward adjustments to future new hires during the course of the negotiations, McLaughlin confirmed they had not, “Not this time.”

 

 Asked why, McLaughlin said “This was a rollover. It was not a major negotiation.” She said the next major negotiation  would take place in 2011. Asked if revision of the salary schedule for new hires would be part of that, Ms. McLaughlin declined to commit to exploring that as being on the table.

 

Asked why the school board suddenly settled after long months if any legal action was threatened by the White Plains Teachers Association based on Peter Bassano e-mails to teachers had anything to do with the district change of heart, McLaughlin denied there was any threat of litigation by the teachers that threatened suing the district for bargaining in bad faith.

 

Peter Bassano, the newly re-elected member of the school interviewed after the meeting by WPCNR asked why the Board of Education did not explain the settlement to the public, said, “We didn’t want to rub their nose in it.”

 

Asked what made the 17% increase in wages over three years, the first year retroactive a good deal for the district Bassano said “We got them to pay 8% and 9% of health benefits in the second and third year, and agree to a $5 to $20 increase in the Co-Pay which creates a net savings. We also got them to eliminate the most expensive health care provider, Blue Cross-Blue Shield.”

 

Bassano said that a third of the teachers were at the maximum step level any way so they only received 2%, 2% and 2.5% and that saved the district money.  He also said retirements every year would mean new lower paid teachers would be hired to replace them, creating a savings – but he gave no figures, saying WPCNR would have to check with Assistant Superintendent of Business, Fred Seiler on those savings.

 

WPCNR expressed skepticism, asking  what with the compounding of  the salary schedule every year (based on higher salaries breeding high total dollar amounts), how can a $100 premium increase in pay the family level, possibly make up for increases totaling 5.5%, 5.5% and 6%?

 

Fred Seiler, the Assistant Superintendent for Business told WPCNR last October said the total premium for an individual with “SWSCHP” as it is known, this year (08-09)is $7,293, of which a teacher pays $625  annually (8.6%) . For a two-person family, the premium is $15,388, the teacher share they pay is $1,075 annually (7%). The premium for a family for more than two persons  is $16,336, of which a teacher on the family plan pays $1,220 (7% of the cost).

 

Today, Ms Broderick said that a Family Plan of over two persons costs the district using Health Net, the premier carrier now left after the contract approval, pays $18,000.

 

The teacher now having such a plan pays $1,260 a year of that $18,000, and that would go up $180 beginning July 1 to $1,440. In July, 2010, that same teach with a family of over two persons would pay 9% of that and if the cost goes up 10% to $19,800 as predicted they would pay $342 more.

 

The average increase in salary for the teacher with one year of service going  into 2008-2009 will receive $1,041 retroactively thanks to the 2% settlement on the wages in addition to the $1,831 they already received starting their second year with a B.A. This year will make $2,763 more in salary the first year of the three year contract. Teachers along the 20 year salary schedule of course receive more.It is unclear how a maximum increase inpremium the teacher pays at the family of more than two level, “nets” a saving for the district.

 

Mr. Bassano said the district would save a vast amount of money by the teachers eliminating the Blue Cross/Blue Shield health care choice but did not say how much. He advised WPCNR to get the numbers from Mr. Seiler.

 

Broderick told WPCNR Monday evening health care providers she has been told are keeping their health care insurance premium increases  this coming year and next, lower than the10% predictions in health care costs made nationally, in the 4% range because, she said they do not want to give the Obama Administration ammunition to use as rationale for a national health care plan initiatives.

 

WPCNR asked Mr. Bassano why the district did not attempt step increase adjustments beginning with new highers. Bassano said the state United Federation of Teachers representative who was with Ms.Broderick during negotiations would not have allowed that. Bassano said the step levels are sacrosanct.

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. By John F. Bailey. June 22,2009 UPDATED June 23, 2009 12:20 P.M. E.D.T.: With a single uttering of the word “Over,” County Legislator Tom Abinanti delayed consideration and a vote scheduled  this morning by the 16 members of the County Board of Legislators of establishing a Westchester County Assessment Commission to upgrade data and assessment standards, that county area assessors and city managers said could lead to considerable increases in county and municipal assessibles

Ken Jenkins, the Legislator and  Chairman of Government Operations offered this explanation of the “Over” Rule to WPCNR Wednesday:

By rule, any Legislator can “lay over” an item.  The motion is not debatable.  There are no changes that I plan to make to the Resolution.

Clearly the State Office of Real Property Services, the Westchester Municipal Officials Association and the Westchester Chapter of the NYS Assessors Association support this resolution.  The item does appear have enough support to pass when it appears as unfinished business at the July 7th meeting.

Lloyd Tasch, President of the Westchester Chapter of the NYS Assessors Association, said the Association did not have a statement regarding the “over”.

Jenkins assured WPCNR that  an item can only be “over’d” once so the item will be on the July 7 agenda for a vote.  He also acknowledged some pressure from business groups may be being put legislators, in a written statement, Jenkins wrote WPCNR:

 

Legislators at every level get lobbied by interest groups all the time – so this is not unusual.

 

I believe that some legislators would like to move towards enacting legislation for county-wide revaluation.  So they do not want to support what has been acknowledged by the real property assessment experts as a reasonable and responsible first step.  Some may be feigning a better solution but are actually using procedures to delay. 

 

As far as this legislation is concerned, my view as Committee Chair is that the delay in action until July 7th will not impact the goals of the resolution.  I also expect that there is a set of best practices to develop a model for Westchester that will come quickly as we wait for the next available window to perform the photography (late fall ’09 or spring ’10).

 

 

Assessors sitting in “Assessors Row,” expecting a passage of the resolution establishing the Commission, especially after a Board of Legislators’ press release issued Friday touting the possible passage of the Commission, were stunned.

WPCNR has contacted Mr. Abinanti’s explanation for the tabling of the resolution. Any legislator can prevent an item from coming to a vote by calling for an “over” which moves the resolution to the July Board of Legislatures meeting.

One of the speakers at the Citizens to Be Heard portion of the County Board of Legislators, the Assessor form the City of Yonkers, said Dade County Florida, found $1 billion of additional assessments based on a $1.2 Million expenditure of such a oblique photographic survey in $1 Billion in changes to property characteristics that were not on record.”

The “Overing” of the resolution comes two weeks after County Executive Andrew Spano called for a revaluation of Westchester county as an answer to establish fair and equitable property taxes.