Bradley: White Plains, local Schools Lose in Spitzer Aid Formula

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WPCNR’S ADAM IN ALBANY. By Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley, 89th Assembly District. February 21, 2007: Governor Spitzer presented a better budget on January 31st than we have seen in the past.  There are many highpoints in his first budget proposal – significant property tax relief, commitment to fulfilling the CFE decision and adequately staffing the Department of Environmental Conservation.  However, there are some areas that are problematic in that they shortchange Westchester County.  One such area is the new formula the governor’ uses to fund Westchester schools.

 


 


The governor proposed a revamped Foundation Aid formula that has some new components:


·        Combines 30 existing aid programs;


·        A minimum three percent increase for all districts; and


·        A standard local cost of education.


 


I support the governor’s simplified formula but the “standard local cost of education” piece causes me concern because it includes a “regional cost factor” computation that unfairly groups Westchester with lower cost-of-living counties. 


 


There are nine Regional Costs Indexes proposed and Westchester falls into the Hudson Valley index that includes: Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan and Ulster Counties.  This is the wrong classification for Westchester County and it negatively impacts the amount of aid our schools will receive.  I am advocating for Westchester to be included in the Long Island/New York City index because our cost-of-living is much more in line with the cost-of-living in these communities. 


 


The governor proposed the following operating aid increases for the districts I represent:













































School


FY 06-07


FY 07-08


% increase


Bedford


$5.71 million


$5.77 million


4.67%


Byram Hills


$3.15 million


$3.22 million


3.37%


Chappaqua


$6.29 million


$6.54 million


6.19%


Harrison


$3.79 million


$3.89 million


3.34%


Katonah-Lewisboro


$7.00 million


$7.15 million


3.70%


Valhalla


$2.80 million


$2.87 million


3.78%


White Plains City


$13.15 million


$13.36 million


2.03%


 


I am concerned that Westchester County schools will get shortchanged under the governor’s proposed school aid formula.  The cost-of-living in Westchester is higher than Sullivan and Ulster Counties and I will fight during budget negotiations to make sure Westchester is classified properly and that its high cost-of-living is accurately accounted for in the aid formula.  

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Saccurato Goes for Boxings Sweet 6– 6 Titles in Arizona — on FOX Sports

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WPCNR RINGSIDE. From TeamSaccurato. (EDITED) February 20, 2007: White Plains Million Dollar Baby, Ann-Marie Saccurato, ranked # 1 Lightweight Woman’s champion will meet Albuquerque’s 5-8, Blonde Bomber, Holly Holm — the Boxing Preacher’s Daughter,  in a world -title fight card March 22 in a Main Event  from New Mexico, that will be televised on Fox Sports. Ann-Marie with a 12-1-2, 5 KO record faces the 5-8 Holly Holm, 16-1-2 — 5 KOs. You can read all about Ms. Holm’s formidable career on her website, www.hollyholm.com



Saccurato defeated Jelena Mrdjenovich in Edmonton, Alberta November 4 for the Lightweight Crown in a split-decision. She now will move up in weight class and contest Holm for the undisputed  WBA Welterweight title and the Welterweight Crown of five other boxing commissions, the WBC, WIBA, IFBA, GBU and IBA. The fight is the Main Event of Destiny — the all-women’s Fight Card at the Isleta Casino in Albuquerque.  Saccurato is shown here punishing Ms. Mrdjenovich November 4 in “The Pounding on the Prairie.” Photo, Courtesy Team Saccurato, by Mary Owen


 



“I have confidence in my training with Hector Rocca and my strength coach Juan Carlos Santana, from the Institute of Human Performance in Boca Raton. I am also taking steps to combat the change in altitude by using the Colorado Altitude Training world class altitude simulation tent at night. I am doing everything I can to be mentally and physically prepared for my destiny. I importantly hope we both can raise the skill level of women’s boxing and show the world the talent and athleticism that top women boxers possess,” Saccurato said in a statement released to the media.  The fight will be televised live at 11 PM on Fox Sports “The Best Damned Sports Show” March 22.


 

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Senior Playwright Gets Her Show Produced at Purchase College.

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WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From Ann Brady, Purchase College. February 20, 2007:  The play But I Want Him, written and directed by senior Amy Grossman, will be presented by the Purchase College School of Humanities, Drama Studies program March 15, 16 & 17 at 8 PM in the Humanities Theatre of the Durst Family Humanities Building on the Purchase campus just a short ride from White Plains. But I Want Him is the story of a young woman who moves into an apartment with her best friend’s boyfriend and then falls in love with him. Tickets are $5 general public, and $3 for students. For more information, call 914-251-6550. Purchase College, State University of New York, is located at 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, N.Y.

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You Fix the Tappan Zee. Tell DOT What You Want

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WPCNR MR. AND MRS. & MS. WHITE PLAINS POLL. February 19, 2007: Last week the Department of Transportation briefed the media on their six plans for the Tappan Zee Bridge. On February 27 at Purchase from 4 PM to 8 PM at Purchase College Performing Arts Center they will hold a public hearing explaining the plans to you Mr. and Mrs. and Ms. White Plains and Westchesta. But, what does the public really think about the plans?  What does the public think?


For a more detailed version of the following plans proposed by the DOT, complete with diagrams, plus more than you every wanted to read about the Tappan Zee Bridge plans go to http://www.tzbsite.com/tzblibrary/stage1/aa/chapter8.pdf


Plan 1 would maintain the bridge structure and highway to avoid deterioration and complete the present I-287 bridge improvements now under way.


Plan 2 would Rehabilitate the present bridge and make it earthquake-safe, improve Metro-North and NJ Transit west of the Hudson and redesign the Tap Toll Plaza to include a three-lane highway speed toll plaza, weekend E-Z PASS PROGRAM, Ramp metering, congestion pricing.


Plan 3 would build a new bridge with two HOT lanes, 8 general purpose lanes, a pedestrian bike path between Rockland and Westchester. Transit would be improved with a Bus Rapid Transit line from Suffern to Port Chester using HOT lanes in Rockland, a barrier-separated facility in Westchester adjacent I-87 and I-287 and bus lanes on Route 119 in White Plains and Tarrytown — in addition to the toll plaza improvements.


Plan 4 adds a full Rapid rail transit line from Suffern to Port Chester with connection at the Hudson Line in Tarrytown to Manhattan. A new bridge would be built with 2 HOT lanes, 8 general purpose lanes and 2 rail tracks. Stations for the railroad wuold be built in White Plains (at County Center, Westchester Avenue).


Plan 5 — Is a variation on Plan 4 with Commuter Rail stopping at Tarrytown, and Light Rail taking over from Tarrytown to Port Chester. The Light Rail would course over Route 119 through White Plains.


Plan 6—  Is as 4, but eliminates light rail through Westchester, substituting buses, and keeping commuter rail, but stopping it at Tarrytown for connection to Manhattan.

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Arts Council Opens Velvet Rope on Spring Arts Season.

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WPCNR GALLERIES, GUESTS, GLITZ & GLAMOUR. From Westchester Arts Council. February 19, 2007: The Arts Award luncheon is the highlight of Westchester Arts Council’s spring season! Also in April, the LIVE @ the Arts Exchange series continues, the Triple Hill Music festival kicks off, and a full line up of exciting events round out the month. All events take place in the Grand Banking Room at the Westchester Arts Council’s Arts Exchange, 31 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains; at the corner of Martine Ave, unless otherwise noted. For more information call 428-4220 or visit www.westarts.com.

 



Nature As We See It
Photography Exhibit Through April 7


A themed showing of work by members of the Color Camera Club. Admission to the gallery is free, gallery hours are Tues.-Sat., 12-5:00 pm.


 


Wednesday, April 4, 7:30 p.m.


Mainstage Coffeehouse’s New Voices


A showcase of four exciting, up and coming local acoustic artists. Westchester-based performers will be considered for ten minute sets. Follow instructions at www.themainstage.org. Tickets for the performance are $15 per in advance, $20 at the door, $10 for children, members, students and seniors. To order tickets, call 428-4220 x 223.



Saturday, April 7, 7 p.m.


Runahurco with special guests Inti-Andino
Enjoy uplifting Andean traditional and contemporary acoustic music from Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia — played by exceptional musicians on strings, pan pipes, flutes and drums. Tickets for the performance are $15 per in advance, $20 at the door, $10 for children, members, students and seniors. To order tickets, call 428-4220 x 223. Made possible by a grant from the NY State Music Fund.


 


Wednesday, April 11, 11:30 a.m.


 Arts Award Luncheon
Arts, cultural and civic leaders will salute the eleven winners of the Westchester Arts Council’s 2007 Arts Award during a luncheon at the Hilton Rye Town. The Arts Award is the Council’s most distinguished award, bestowed each year on individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the arts. Tickets and Arts Award Luncheon sponsorships are still available by calling (914) 428-4220 x 273. 


 


Friday, April 13, 7 p.m.


Starving, Hysterical, Naked: A one-woman play


A brilliantly funny look at coming in second, amidst America’s media-inspired obsession with winning. The hit of Cherry Lane Theatre’s Alternative Play Festival. Written and performed by Kathryn Rossetter and directed by Judith Ivey. A staged reading presented with Hudson Stage Company.Tickets for the performance are $15 per in advance, $20 at the door, $10 for children, members, students and seniors. To order tickets, call 428-4220 x 223.


 


Saturday, April 14


Rock My Soul: The Black Legacy of Rock and Roll


Be the first to view this multimedia exhibit from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Rock My Soul examines the contributions of African-Americans in the development of rock & roll through gospel, rhythm & blues, jazz, folk and blues music. In rotunda at the Mount Vernon Public Library, 28 First Avenue Mount Vernon. Hours: Monday–Thursday, 10am to 8pm; Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm. This event is part of the Triple Hill Music Festival, a dynamic music education program designed to encourage exposure, awareness and hands-on involvement through direct interaction with musical material. The Triple Hill Music Festival is funded  through a grant from the New York State Music Fund an innovative program created by the Office of the New York State Attorney General to make contemporary music of all genres more available and accessible to diverse audiences and communities within New York State. The fund was administered by the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (www.rockpa.org).  Additional resources and support are generously provided by: the Westchester Arts Council, the City of Mount Vernon, Fleetwood Neighborhood Association, the Mount Vernon Public Library, Westchester Community College, Boys & Girls Clubs of Mount Vernon and the Mount Vernon Parent & Community Forum on Education.



Saturday, April 14, 8 p.m.


Rag Bahva Tal Bogh – Expressions of Rhythms and Colors of India (Part 1)


Music and dance by Satya Narayan Charka; Nalini Rau; Kantham Chatlapalli, Tappan Madak and others. A Westchester Arts Council Folk Arts event, in association with Long Island Traditions and the Westchester Indian American Cultural Association.  Tickets for the performance are $15 per in advance, $20 at the door, $10 for children, members, students and seniors. To order tickets, call 428-4220 x 223. This event is made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.


 


Tuesday, April 17, 7 p.m.


Jazz Jam


Jazz Forum Arts All Star Quartet welcomes aspiring and professional musicians/singers to this open jam session. Drop by and experience jazz artists developing and sharing their craft!


Tickets for the performance are $15 per in advance, $20 at the door, $10 for children, members, students and seniors. To order tickets, call 428-4220 x 223. An affiliate partnership sponsored by the Jacob Burns Foundation.



Saturday, April 21, 7 p.m.


Mozartly Yours (Mozartement Votre)


A string quartet comedy based on a play by the French author Eric Westphal, presented with Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts. Tickets for the performance are $15 per in advance, $20 at the door, $10 for children, members, students and seniors. To order tickets, call 428-4220 x 223.



 Thursday, April 26, 5:00pm-8:00pm


Grant Writing Basics: A Cornerstone to any Fundraising Organization!


Just because an organization is a not-for-profit and eligible to apply for grants doesn’t mean they’ve found the pot of gold.  Having good grant writing skills is critical for organizations so they can tap into the grant world successfully.  This workshop will focus on components of a full proposal, techniques for organizing a proposal, project & operating budgets (including indirect rates) and to where look for grants. Arts Council Affiliates/Associates: One free attendee per workshop, additional attendees $10 per person per workshop, non-affiliates:  $15 per person per workshop. RSVP 914-428-4220 x238 or cbruno@westarts.com.


Given by:  Waddy Thompson, author of Complete Idiot’s Guide to Grant Writing.


 


Friday, April 27, 8 p.m.


New Dance Downtown – Choreography Showcase


Featured works by Patrick Corbin (Paul Taylor Company), Jessica DiMauro, and special guests. Presented with Steffi Nossen School of Dance. Tickets for the performance are $15 per in advance, $20 at the door, $10 for children, members, students and seniors. To order tickets, call 428-4220 x 223.



Saturday, April 28, 11a.m. – 5 p.m.


Rag Bahva Tal Bogh – Expressions of Rhythms and Colors of India (Part 2) 


A fun day of participatory workshops in a range of arts, from dance to cooking to mendhi. A Westchester Arts Council Folk Arts event, in association with Long Island Traditions and the Westchester Indian American Cultural Association.  Tickets for the performance are $15 per in advance, $20 at the door, $10 for children, members, students and seniors. To order tickets, call 428-4220 x 223. This event is made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.


 



 

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White Plains 14th in State In School Spending. 8th in Taxes.

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. February 19, 2007 UPDATED February 20, 2007: Based on the New York State Education Department  Budget Report Card of  2006-07,  comparing the budget, tax, and percentage rises year to year of 678 independent School Districts across the state,  the White Plains City School District spends more than any of the 14 districts at the 7,000 enrollment level, and also matches the county’s posh districts dollar for dollar in per student expenditure.



White Plains High School


 


In comparing the White Plains 2006-2007 budget to school districts enrolling 6,500 to 7,500 students, White Plains  with 7,060 students is spending $165.8 Million compared to runnerup Syosset on Long Island with 6,779 students which spends $155.6 Million.


Distant thirds are Monroe-Woodbury (7,646, $126.5 Million), Freeport (6,635 at $128.5 M) and  Northport (6,521, $128M).  There are 14 districts ranging from Monroe-Woodbury (at 7,646 students) to  Northport-East Northport in the 6,500- 7,500 enrollment class.


In Westchester County, White Plains at $165.8 Million among the four independent cities (New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Peekskill, Yonkers) is third to the New Rochelle City School District which is second in spending. Yonkers at $412 Million (with 24,000 students) is first. New Ro budgeted  $196 Million in the 2006-2007 school year (New Ro serves 11,022 students, 4,000 more than White Plains). White Plains is next with $165.8 Million, and Mount Vernon was a grand behind White Plains at $164.801 Million but with an enrollment of 10,284. Peekskill is the poor city cousin spending $62.6 Million with its far smaller enrollment of 3,150 students.


 Number 1 Among County Big 5


In spending per student however, White Plains budget $165.8 Million outspends its four independent city rivals,  by expending $23, 490 per student. New Rochelle with the Number 3 budget in the state (at $196M) spends $17,787 per pupil. Mount Vernon spends $16,025 per student. Peekskill, $19,883. Port Chester is not a city, but is compared to White Plains in demographic makeup and spends $15,046 per student  while consistently outperforming White Plains in the ELA State Assessments. Peekskill Spends  $19,883 per student. Yonkers with the biggest budget – but not an independent district – spends $17,000 per student.



White Plains spends more per student than New Ro, Port Chester, Mount Vernon, and Peekskill and performs about even with New Ro on the ELA 8th Grade Assessments, and about 10 percentage points behind Port Chester which passed 68% of its 8th graders on the ELA while White Plains passed 53% in 2004-05.


 Keeping Up With the Swells


The White Plains City School District has maintained that they need to compete with other districts in Westchester County that are more attractive due to their suburban flavor and high reputation school districts. Analysis of White Plains per student costs, compared to Westchester’s posh districts show White Plains is definitely keeping pace with the “prestige districts” in what they spend per student.


Greenburgh Central School District with just 1,800 students is the per pupil spending leader among independent school districts in the county, according to the state at $28,322 per pupil on a $51 Million budget. A distant second is Briarcliff Manor at $25, 914 per pupil (with 1,800 enrollment), $46.7 Million budget.


White Plains City School District checks in at number 8 in school district spending per pupil  in the county at $23,490 for an 7,060 enrollment  with a  $165.8 Million budget.


 White Plains will approach  $25,000 a student in 2007-2008 with a $175 Million budget projected at this time).


The Per Student Spending Leaders in Westchester County in 2006-2007:



  1. Greenburgh Central School District , $28,322, (1,800 enrollment)
  2. Bedford, $25,914  (1,800 enrollment)
  3. North Salem, $25,244 (1,385 enrollment)
  4. Harrison, $25,113 (3,548 enrollment)
  5.  Scarsdale, $24,647 (4,702 enrollment)
  6. Katonah, $24,306 (4,100 enrollment)
  7. Dobbs Ferry — $24,168 (1,410 enrollment)
  8. White Plains –$23,500 (7,060 enrollment)
  9. Byram Hills — $23,407 (2,835 enrollment)

Statewide, the White Plains City School District with 7,060 students will spend only $5 million less than the City of Albany ($169.9 Million)  spends to educate Albany’s 10,240 students and  White Plains will spend 3-1/2 million dollars more than the Great Neck School District  does to educate its 6,168 students.


Eighth in State in Taxes.


White Plains is 14th in the state among independent districts in the size of its school budget and 8th in state on the size of its property tax levy at $133 Million in 2006-2007. New Rochelle is first in the State Tax Levy Tax-stakes, collecting $155.1 Million.   Ahead of White Plains in collecting Property Tax Levies are


 


Number 1, New Ro, $155.1 M,


2. Half Hollow Hills, (Long Island), $155.1 M.


3. Great Neck, $153M;


4. Smithtown,L.I. $150.1M


5 Sachem, L.I., 148.8M.. 


6. Haverstraw-Stony Point North Rockland, $145.3M.


7. Syosset, L.I., $143.5 Million,


with the Orange and Black, White Plains at $132.3 Million, according the NYSED Property Tax Levy Report, 2006-2007.


The number 1 spending school district in the state is  Sachem, Long Island with 15,634 students at $266.7 Million; Brentwood, Long Island is second with 16,123 students and a $259.3 Million budget, and our friends at New Rochelle third in the state, spending $196 Million to educate 11,022 students in 2006-2007.


 


Ahead of White Plains in budgets  are



  1. Sachem, $266.7M
  2.  Brentwood, $259.3M
  3.  New Rochelle, $196.1M
  4. Smithtown, L.I., $189M,
  5.  Haverstraw-Stony Point at $185.3M;
  6.  Newburgh, $183.1M,
  7.  Longwood, $181.2M;
  8. Greece,  (Rochester) $180.3M;
  9. Half Hollow Hills, L.I., $179.5M;
  10. East Ramapo (Spring Valley, $178.8M;
  11. Middle Country, $177.5M;
  12.  William Floyd, L.I. $174.3M, and
  13.  Albany at $169.9. 
  14. White Plains, $165.8M

Among Schools of its enrollment class, White Plains has the highest school budget of  14 school districts enrolling 6,500 students to 7,500 students, nosing out Syosset, Long Island, by $10 Million, Freeport  and Northport by $37 Million and Connetquot by $27 Million.


The Spending per Districts averaging 6,500 to 7,500 Students.



  1. White Plains, $165.8M – Enrollment, 7,060
  2. Syosset, L.I.,  $155.6 M- Enrollment,  6,779
  3. Connetquot, $140M – Enrollment, 7,091
  4. Freeport, L.I.,  $128.5M – Enrollment, 6,775
  5. Northport-East Northport, L.I., $128.1M –Enrollment 6,521
  6.  Monroe-Woodbury, $126.5M – Enrollment, 7,646
  7. Hempstead, L.I. $126.2M –Enrollment, 6,950
  8. Lindenhurst, L.I., $119.5M –Enrollment 7,365
  9. Middletown — $109.4M – Enrollment, 7,100
  10. Saratoga Springs — $100.1M – Enrollment, 6,845
  11. Elmira City – $99.9M – Enrollment, 7,252
  12. Fairport — $93.8M – Enrollment, 7,200
  13. Binghamton — $78.7M – Enrollment 6,635

 


Enrollment Growth Steady, yet Will it Stay Steady?


It is noteworthy that just six months ago during the Capital Project evaluations executed by the Capital Project Committee, White Plains projected that their enrollment was not expected to increase to 7,200 students until 2015. However this year they exceeded their projected enrollment by 200 persons.


In the summer, the White Plains demographer Bishop Inc. projected 2006-2007 enrollment as 6,791 (based on birth rate), yet as of October, the State Education Department reports the White District to be enrolling 7,060 students. The District may not be accounting for immigration into the district. In 1992, the School District educated 5,134 students, and has increased in size to 7,060 in 13 years.


Enrollment Increases 2,000 students, 38% .


Budget Increases 220% in 15 years.


 Based on the last audit of the White Plains City School District performed in 1993 by Edward Regan, the New York State Comptroller during the Cuomo Administration, the White Plains School Budget in 1992 was $76 Million.


 However the school budget has increased from $76 Million in 1992 to $165.8 Million in 2007, with a budget of $175 Million currently projected for 2007-2008. that is a 220% increase in spending with a 38% increase in the number of students served.  The inflation rate from February, 1992 to date was 43.07%. The White Plains budget has risen 5 times the rate of inflation over these 15 years.


In 1991-1992, the district had 5,134 students being taught by 409 teachers. As of 2004-2005, the district employed 937 instructional staff, including 588 teachers, 108 Professional Staff and 230 Paraprofessionals and 11 out of certification teachers or 937  to serve 1,926 more students than 1991-1992.


Teacher Count Up How Much Not Clear.


 1,400 Employees Today vs. 911 15 years ago.


It could not be determined from Mr. Regan’s report if the 409 teacher count included only the number of certified teachers, excluding  Professional Staff, Paraprofessionals, and Out of Certification teaching personal.


In 2006-2007, the White Plains district employees 588 Teachers, 108 Professional Staff, 230 Paraprofessionals and 11 Out of Certification personnel, a total of 937 teaching staff. If you take the 409 teachers of 1991-92 compared with the 588 certified teachers this year, the number of  teachers increased 44% while student population increased 38% in 15 years.  If the 91-92 figure included “ Professional Staff, Paraprofessionals, and Out of Certificationers…then the increase is much larger in teaching staff, 129%.


 In 1992, the Comptroller audit reports the City School District employing 911 persons, including 409 teachers. According to Michele Schoenfeld, Clerk to the Board of Education, the district now employs 1,266 plus full-time employees, and approximately 140 hourly employees for total employment of 1,400. 


The 1,266 full-time employees represents an  increase of 39% more employees than 1992 vs. a 38% increase in the student population. Neither the School District Audit, nor Proposed Budget from 2006-2007 lists the exact number of employees in the district. The 1,400 total employees represents a 54% increase in employees since 1992. It could not be determined whether the 911 figure included part-time employees from Mr. Regan’s report.


In looking at the City School District budget today in comparison with other school districts of its size, the district would appear to be very fortunate they have been able to spend at this level for so long.


At 220% growth rate, the budget will reach $830 Million by 2022.

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Sam’s Host West Cty Association Talk on Business Risks in Wired World

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WPCNR STREETS OF WHITE PLAINS. February 18, 2007:  Christopher Furey, Chief Operating Officer, Another 9, LLC, Tarrytown and  Erica L. Martinson, Director of Risk Management Services of The Rollins Agency, Tuckahoe and members of The Westchester County Association (WCA) will give a briefing on ”Mitigating Risk in a Wired  World”  Thursday at 11:30 AM at Sam’s of Gedney Way. The pair will explore the potential risks that businesses face including loss of records by damage or theft, leaking of company-sensitive information and liability issues surrounding electronic communication. Expert speakers will also discuss solutions to these and other risks during the WCA’s Lunch & Learn program.  Contact Julia Salem of the WCA, 914-948-6740.

 

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The Old Helen Hayes is Born Again as Riverspace Arts in Nyack

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WPCNR STAGE DOOR. February 18, 2007: The Helen Hayes lives again. The old Helen Hayes Theatre Company on the brink of being turned into a CVS last year at this time has its footlights back and is back in business. The theatre has been saved by a grassroots community effort of money and concern and completely different local management  which has announced its March events,  highlighted by a Master Class for young violnists taught by the acclaimed violinist Mark O’Connor on March 10.


WPCNR is pleased to give Riverspace Arts  a helping hand by showing our 10,000 regular daily readers an exclusive look at the Riverspace Arts March events:  


March Family Events at Riverspace Arts in Nyack


As of February 15, 2007


Contact: Alice Kriz (845-353-3585)


akriz@riverspace.org


 








Mark O’Connor March 10, 8pm
Concert and Masterclass




The first major event at Riverspace to engage young musicians of the region will take place on March 10 with acclaimed violinist, Mark O’Connor. Local violin, viola and cello students will be invited to participate in a master class prior to the concert. In addition to the class, students will accompany Mark O’Connor and his trio performing the string orchestra version of “Appalachia Waltz” to open the show that evening.

Mark O’Connor has enthusiastically supported the project. “It’s wonderful to work with presenters for whom community outreach is an integral part of their programming. Being able to spend time with young people… to teach, talk about and play music… is a wonderful opportunity for all of us.”

There is a strong commitment to community involvement in the Riverspace mission, with emphasis on students learning and working with professionals in the arts. Students have been playing music along side of local professionals since the November 4th launch party. The holiday rock concert was an outlet for young musicians to perform with seasoned performers. The café jazz series offers a monthly opportunity for new players to join in the jam session.


 


 


Sat. March 17, 10am


Milk ‘n Cookies Playhouse


Musicians, jugglers, puppet shows and others will engage, entertain and teach young audience members through live performances. Milk and cookies served! Hosted by the Bossy Frog.


 


Bubblemania! featuring Casey Carle


Fabulously funny Casey Carle amazes with tricky undulations, manipulations and juggling with bubbles. Effervescent entertainment for all ages!


Tickets $9 adult, $7 seniors/12 & under


http://www.bubblemania.com


 


Sat. March 24, 10:30am


Saturday Morning Fun Club


A cartoon short and a feature film for the whole family


Come experience two magical worlds. First is the cutting edge computer animated short STICK FIGURES, in which musical instrument’s play themselves. Then the 1971 classic WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Based on the story by Roald Dahl and starring Gene Wilder, this musical adventure is one of the best children’s films of all time.


Tickets $5


 


Sun. March 25, 1pm


Family Concert


Tom Chapin & Friends


 


Presented by Sundance Music


Multiple Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Tom Chapin comes home to Riverspace Arts in Nyack for his annual birthday concert! Accompanied by Jon Cobert and Michael Mark, Tom will present a program of engaging, witty songs from his award-winning family albums. Lend your voice, sing a round, learn a song in sign language and discover the music of a didjeridoo. Tom and the band will dazzle you with their versatility, rich harmonies, full sound, warmth and good humor. See why People magazine calls Tom “a uniquely appealing singer of children’s songs — funny, thoughtful and warm.” 


 


http://www.tomchapin.com


 


Tickets:


Advance: $15


Day of Show: $18


 


 


Sat March 31, 2pm and 7pm


Sun. April 1, 2pm


Amazing Grace CIRCUS!


Amazing Grace CIRCUS!, the Tri-State area’s only year-round circus program performed entirely by youth. The 90-minute show will delight and astound you with jugglers, clowns, acrobats, trapeze artists, tissu dancers, gravity-defying human pyramids and a special guest performance featuring the antics of Dikki Ellis from the Big Apple Circus (and clown consultant of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade). The circus is under the direction of Carlo Pellegrini and Janet Hayes.


 


Tickets: $12.50 adult, seniors/18 and under $8


www.jugglingmatrix.com


 


MUSIC IN MARCH —


 


Jazz in the Café at Riverspace


Sunday afternoons from 4pm-7pm


Tickets: $8, participating musicians: $4


March 4


March 11 – Lisa Sokolov, vocals & Cameron Brown, bass


March 18 – Matt Haviland


March 25 – Educational Event led by Mark Patterson featuring students from Nyack HS & other area schools


 


 


Sat. March 10, 8pm


Mark O’Connor will perform his Appalachia Waltz Trio


Mark O’Connor, violin; Gillian Gallagher, viola and Mike Block, cello


 


Acclaimed American composer and virtuoso violinist Mark O’Connor’s Appalachia Waltz Trio breathes new life into the music O’Connor created and performed with Yo-Yo Ma and Edgar Meyer in their Appalachia Waltz and Grammy winning Appalachian Journey projects.  Mark O’Connor will be joined by violist Gillian Gallagher and cellist Mike Block to perform fiddle tunes, original compositions, caprices and more in a thoroughly engaging evening O’Connor calls “Crossing Bridges.”


 


Tickets:


Tickets:  $20


Patron Tickets $50 includes premium seating and post-show reception with the artists


http://www.markoconnor.com


 


 


 


Fri. March 23, 8pm


In the Café at Riverspace: Songwriters by the River


To kick off the monthly series highlighting the songwriting talents of local songwriters as well as special guest songwriters.  Songwriters by the River will provide a glimpse into the art of the songwriting by showcasing songwriters in performance and conversation in an intimate setting. Co-hosted by local singer-songwriters Joe D’Urso and Andy Krikun.


Tickets: $10


 


 


 


 


Sun. March 25, 1pm


Family Concert


Tom Chapin & Friends


 


Presented by Sundance Music


Multiple Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Tom Chapin comes home to Riverspace Arts in Nyack for his annual birthday concert! Accompanied by Jon Cobert and Michael Mark, Tom will present a program of engaging, witty songs from his award-winning family albums. Lend your voice, sing a round, learn a song in sign language and discover the music of a didjeridoo. Tom and the band will dazzle you with their versatility, rich harmonies, full sound, warmth and good humor. See why People magazine calls Tom “a uniquely appealing singer of children’s songs — funny, thoughtful and warm.” 


 


http://www.tomchapin.com


 


Tickets:


Advance: $15


Day of Show: $18


 


 


To purchase tickets:
All tickets available through Riverspace.org, in person at the Riverspace box office, or by calling 866-811-4111


Box office hours


Wed-Fri 4pm-7pm, credit and debit only


Sat. 10am -1pm, all forms of payment


 

Riverspace is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating a dynamic cultural center serving our community through quality, compelling pres

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Weather Scoop: The Hawk Is Out. Weather Expected to Produce Arctic #s 2Night

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WPCNR WEATHER SCOOP. FROM NOAA. February 18, 2007: A WEAK CLIPPER SYSTEM…JUST EAST OF LONG ISLAND THIS MORNING…WILL RAPIDLY INTENSIFY AS IT TRACKS NORTHEAST OF CAPE COD THIS AFTERNOON…AND INTO THE CANADIAN MARITIMES TONIGHT. A TIGHT PRESSURE GRADIENT WILL DEVELOP TONIGHT BETWEEN THIS DEPARTING LOW AND HIGH PRESSURE BUILDING IN FROM THE OHIO VALLEY…WITH NORTHWEST WINDS OF 20 TO 25 MPH AND GUSTS TO 40 MPH EXPECTED AFTER MIDNIGHT INTO MONDAY AFTERNOON.


MEANWHILE A STRONG COLD FRONT WILL CROSS THE REGION LATE THIS
AFTERNOON…USHERING AN ARCTIC AIRMASS INTO THE REGION FOR TONIGHT INTO MONDAY. TEMPERATURES IN THE WAKE OF THE COLD FRONT WILL DROP THROUGH THE 20S THIS EVENING AND INTO THE LOWER TO MID TEENS BY MONDAY MORNING.

THE BITTERLY COLD TEMPERATURES…ALONG WITH STRONG NORTHWEST
WINDS…WILL PRODUCE WIND CHILL VALUES FROM FIVE TO TEN DEGREES
BELOW ZERO LATE TONIGHT THROUGH THE MONDAY MORNING COMMUTE.

EXPOSURE TO COLD CAN CAUSE LIFE THREATENING HEALTH CONDITIONS.
AVOID SERIOUS CONDITIONS SUCH AS FROSTBITE AND HYPOTHERMIA BY
KEEPING WARM. IF YOU MUST GO OUTSIDE…WEAR LAYERED CLOTHING…
MITTENS OR GLOVES…AND A HAT. IF YOU OR A PERSON YOU SUSPECT IS SUFFERING FROM FROSTBITE OR HYPOTHERMIA…SEEK MEDICAL HELP
IMMEDIATELY OR CALL 911.

THIS WEATHER SYSTEM WILL ALSO PRODUCE SCATTERED SNOW SHOWERS ACROSS THE AREA FROM THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH THE EARLY PART OF TONIGHT.



THE COMBINATION OF WINDS AND SNOWFALL MAY CREATE LOCALLY POOR
VISIBILITIES AND ICY ROAD CONDITIONS. THE SNOW SHOWERS WILL NOT OCCUR IN ALL AREAS SO PLEASE BE WARY FOR CHANGING TRAVEL CONDITIONS.

STAY TUNED TO NOAA ALL HAZARDS WEATHER RADIO OR VISIT OUR WEB
SITE AT WEATHER.GOV/NYC FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND UPDATES.


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Bob Hyland — Sports Page Impresario — Grand Marshall of St. Patrick’s Day Para

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WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. February 18, 2007: The White Plains St Patrick’s day Parade committee is happy to announce that the 10th annual White Plains St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on Saturday, March 10th at 12 noon on Mamaroneck Avenue & Main Street White Plains NY. A solemn mass will be held before the parade at Our Lady of Sorrows Church at 9:00 AM in White Plains.



Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, 2002. Photo, WPCNR News Archive.



Parade Grand Marshal will be Bob Hyland. Bob, a life long White Plains resident, has been a active member of the community and has been honored with induction to the Westchester County Hall of Fame, Stepinac Hall of Fame, the CHSAA Hall of Fame as well as  the Boston College Hall of Fame.


 


Bob graduated from Stepinac High School in 1963,  he accepted a full scholarship to Boston college to continue his education and football  career. Bob was named All American his senior year and drafted #1  by the Green Bay Packers. Bob’s professional career spanned eleven seasons in the NFL [Packers , Bears, Giants, Patriots & Raiders] which included being the center on the champion Packers in Super Bowl II. Bob has been married to his loving wife Liz [O’Brien] since 1975 and has four wonderful children [Michael, Dennis, Kevin & Christine].



Bob also has enjoyed a long career in the restaurant business in White Plains. He has owned the Single Wing & the Sports Page Pub for over 30 years. Bob also is a Special Agent for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company.
 


The Parade committee will  have it’s annual Installation of our Grand Marshal on Monday February 26th 2007 at Vintage Restaurant in White Plains at 6:30 PM.



The Aides to this year’s Grand Marshal are: Ann Bernstein, William Cuddy Jr., Austin Cunney, Mary Damico, Hon. Jo Falcone, and Chief Richard Lyman – WPFD. The WP Parade is co sponsored by the City of White Plains, WP BID, Heineken USA, Post Road entertainment & AOH Division 17

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