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Those autumn leaves are blooming in Westchester County. It’s a show no artist could paint. Next weekend it will be at its most showy.

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HAMILTON GREEN SECOND PHASE MOVES AHEAD  2 NEW BUILDINGS, 1 COMMERICAL OFFICE SPACE

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE THE NUMBER ONE CRIME IN WESTCHESTER– VIDEO OF GEORGE LATIMER AND D.A. SPOKESMAN

HAMILTON GREEN CHANGES PLAN

COUNTY BUDGET PUBLIC INPUT SESSION LET THEM KNOW WHAT YOU THINK

THE HIT LEADER HEADS TO THE HEAVENLY HALL OF FAME, JOHN BAILEY REFLECTS ON BASEBALL’S GREATEST PLAYER: CHARLIE HUSTLE

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 In recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, County Executive George Latimer, the Westchester County Board of Legislators and Hope’s Door will “Shine a Light” on victims and survivors of domestic violence.

In an effort to raise awareness, show community solidarity in support of prevention efforts and provide available resources, they SPOKE out on the issue at a special ceremony and candlelight vigil on the first day of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Other participating advocates include the Westchester County Office for Women (OFW), Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, My Sister’s Place, Pace Women’s Justice Center (PWJC), WestCOP Victims Assistance Services and New Dawn Family Resource Center.

Latimer said: “We need to do everything we can at the County level to make it safe for victims of domestic violence to report incidences and have conversations about their experiences. So much fear and shame cloud the lives of Domestic Violence victims and their families. It is time to move them from the darkness of these hidden circumstances to the light of healing, support and understanding.”

Board of Legislators Chairman Vedat Gashi said: “October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, reminding us of the important work we’ve done to support those impacted and the ongoing commitment needed year-round. This event highlights the urgency of addressing domestic violence and reinforces our dedication to supporting survivors and preventing future incidents.”

OFW Director Robi Schlaff said: “Domestic Violence is often hidden and families suffer in silence. The Westchester County OFW is here to assist you. We are confidential and bi-lingual. And yes, we help male victims as well. Please get in touch if you or someone you know is being harmed by an intimate partner. We provide services County-wide and if we can’t help you, we will find someone who can.”

Hope’s Door Executive Director CarlLa Horton said: “If you’re experiencing abuse in your relationship and feeling alone, isolated and without clear options, Hope’s Door is here to help with free and confidential support. We can offer shelter, counseling and legal services. Please know that you are not alone and that abuse is never your fault.  You can reach us 24/7 at our Hotline (888) 438-8700. Making the call may be the bravest thing you ever do but we’ll be there on your journey to safety, independence and healing.”

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley Attorney-in-Charge, White Plains Office, Joanne N. Sirotkin said: “At Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, we offer free and comprehensive civil legal services through our highly qualified and diverse team of attorneys and legal professionals to protect client rights and promote equal justice for our community members.  In our Domestic Violence Advocacy Unit, our team works tirelessly to ensure clients’ safety and rights by offering both protection and advocacy for victims of domestic abuse. We provide legal counsel to survivors of intimate partner abuse to help them navigate complex legal proceedings, from filing restraining orders to representing them in court for custody or support cases. Our expertise encompasses a deep understanding of the laws related to domestic violence to ensure a fair outcome, and we focus on taking a client-centered and trauma-informed approach to the work.”

My Sister’s Place Interim Chief Executive Officer Denise Durham Williams said: “During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, My Sisters’ Place joins with other organizations across the country to reaffirm our commitment to ending domestic violence and to honor, stand united with and lift up the voices of courageous survivors and their families. We speak up and speak out, educating our many communities and encouraging action to ensure all relationships embrace the principles of respect, equality and safety.”

PWJC Executive Director Cindy J. Kanusher, Esq. said: “We are so happy to be joining together during DV Awareness month with our community partners to bring awareness about the resources available in our County for DV survivors. It is so important for those living with domestic violence to know that they are not alone and that there is help available. At PWJC, we provide free legal services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse, and one of our main priorities is to ensure access to our services to those who need our help. We so appreciate the opportunity to highlight the services and help available from PWJC and all of our partner agencies.”

WestCOP Victims Assistance Services Program Director Samantha Favara said: “At Victims Assistance Services, we provide free, comprehensive victim-centered services to all victims of crime. We aim to mitigate the shame-inducing stigma of victimization, and provide all victims the opportunity to regain a sense of dignity, empowerment and wholeness through compassionate services. We may be reached at our 24/7 hotline at 914-345-9111. We hear you, we see you, and you are not alone.”

New Dawn Family Resource Center Vice President David M. Ryan said: “It is the mission of the New Dawn Family Resource Center to provide and expand support for programs and services for victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, elder abuse, and human trafficking. By having these conversations publicly and speaking out against domestic violence, especially as we enter October which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we can gain insight as to the serious nature of domestic violence and remind everyone that it is a crime and that it is unacceptable behavior.  Freedom from the fear of violence at home is, and always should be, a basic human right.”

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Pete Rose leading off for the Reds in Wrigley Field June 1975

WPCNR VIEW FROM THE UPPER DECK. By “Bull Allen”. September 30, 2024:

His nickname was the greatest nickname a ballplayer could ever hope to have:

“Charlie Hustle.”

Pete Rose played hard all the time.

He is the player who leads all of the thousands of major league players in number of games played: 3,562 in 24 seasons.

Hit .303 lifetime  in 14,053 trips to the plate.

Pete rifled out 4,256 hits, the most lifetime hits of any major leaguer who ever played.

Today he was finally inducted into the Heavenly Hall of Fame up yonder.

He dove head first into Third Base, his trademark, a spectacular sight. Players faster than he get thrown out trying head firsters  today but it was Pete’s extra effort superb feel for the game, the situation and his going airborne at the shortstop

No catcher ever blocked the plate on him because he bowled you over like he did Ray Fosse in the All Star Game, very unfortunate, but that is the way he played the game.

He was the unquestionable leader of the Big Red Machine the last dynasty of baseball in the early Griffey Morgan  Bench, Perez Days.

I remember when he got that name, “Charlie Hustle.”

It was in spring training in 1963. Whitey Ford and Mickey Mantle were watching the Reds  batting. A kid named Pete Rose was hitting and he drew a walk and ran to first base, top speed.

Whitey turned to Mickey and  grinning, crooking his thumb said to Mantle, “Charlie Hustle.”

The name stuck because he hustled all the time.

He was a throwback to Pepper Martin of the old “Gashouse Gang” St. Louis Cardinals and the great Redbird great Enos Slaughter, another hustler.

He was also the toughest player I ever saw. To my memory, Pete Rose never was on the disabled list.

My old scorecard with the legendary Cincinnati Reds line up in 1975 Pete is in the leadoff spot. He has grounded to 2nd and walked his second time up.

The last time I saw him play was in 1975 in Chicago at Wrigley field. He always hit leadoff, and often drew a walk raced to first base at top speed and sometimes kept on going to second base. If the catcher lazily tossed the ball back to the pitcher Rose was half way to second.

He was as intimidating as the great leadoff hitters, Wills, Henderson, Rivers, but he could also hit with power. Always took the extra base. Hit according to the situation on the bases.  He was a menace to face, bat cocked behind his ear a coil of energy. You never wanted Pete Rose to lead off an inning when you had a lead.

Pete Rose played 3rd base. 1st base. second base,third base and the outfield. He could play anywhere and he hit and bunt. He was the complete ballplayer. 

He was smart. He managed the Philadelphia Phillies in 1980 to their first World Championship as Player-Manager and hit himself in the leadoff spot, where he hit .331 in 160 games. Pete inspired players by example. After he was traded from Cincinnati after the 1979, the Reds have not won another World Series.

Pete Rose was affable, a great interview, and never belittled opponents or bragged. He was baseball for 24 years.

When he was found to be betting on his own team, he was banned from baseball. Could not be employed by any team in baseball. Swallowing his pride a number of times he asked baseball to reconsider. The baseball writers and major league baseball never did.

I found it ironic today watching the score of the Braves Mets double header how betting is ok with major league baseball now, except players still cannot bet. I was shocked by “what if” bets you could place via cellphone  on the Bleacher Report on outcome probabilities of today’s game on the Draft Kings betting ap.

I cannot think of how many players cheated their ways to pennants in 1951 and most recently the Houston Astros. No results have been overturned by major league baseball, no plaques of cheaters  removed from the faux “Hall of Fame.”

Cooperstown  stopped being the Hall of Fame when they would not forgive Pete Rose and denied him his entry as baseball’s all time hit leader and games played.

Pete’s death today is finally his induction  to the Heavenly Hall of Fame. At last

The Babe, The Iron Horse, Rabbit Maranville, Richie Ashburn,Chuck Klein, Grover Cleveland Alexander Mike Schmidt (four former Phillies), Pepper Martin, Phil Rizzuto, Jackie Robinson, The Duke, Big Newk, The Grey Eagle (Tris Speaker), Catfish Hunter are greeting him, with Shoeless Joe Jackson (member of Black Sox, banned for life for allegedly betting)and host of immortals playing in the Heavenly Leagues, cheers all around wearing their HHF blazers.

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The Old Crosley Field, 1961 where Pete started his  career (note incline at left wall and the Heirloom Beer Sign). Their is a statue of Pete head-first sliding into base at  the present Reds stadium. I miss the old parks.

A formal reception honoring Pete is being held tonight in the Heavenly Old Crosley Field where the Heavenly Reds play with its Sundeck, “Moondeck” at night  its incline in leftfield  and the Ohio River flowing by. Pete, who grew up in Cincinnati and played in that field will know he is in Heaven

Charlie Hustle has always been in the Hall of Fame in my book to  me and his fans. He, despite what  major league baseball did to him after all he did for baseball is now in the only Hall of Fame that matters— the one in our memories when Pete Rose and The Big Red Machine came to town.

Thank you Pete. We always loved you.

Looking in to homeplate  of a model of  Crosley Field where Pete Rose held court.

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White Plains OktoberFest

Sunday, October 13, 2024
1PM – 6PM

White Plains, N.Y. (October 27^th, 2024) – OktoberFest is back! Westchester residents are invited to don their Lederhosen and Dirndls and join thousands of locals and visitors in downtown White Plains to celebrate the return of White Plains OktoberFest on October 13^th!

On Sunday, October 13th, Downtown White Plains will transform into a little slice of Germany for Westchester’s most authentic OktoberFest. Held outdoors on Mamaroneck Ave. between East Post Rd. and Maple Ave., this tented event features live music, exciting competitions, and family-friendly activities—rain or shine.

Attendees, 21 and older, can enjoy a selection of six beers on tap, including Paulaner, Stella, Big Wave, Captain Lawrence Autumn Blaze, Sam Adams Oktoberfest, and Heineken, with White Plains’ own Wolf & Warrior also available. Food will be available from Walter’s Hot Dogs and Sundance Kitchen with seasonal bites. Participating establishments include Brazen Fox, Cantina, Freebird Kitchen and Bar, Hudson Grille, Lazy Boy Saloon, Lilly’s, Ron Blacks Beer Hall, Wolf & Warrior, Sundance Kitchen, and Walter’s Hot Dogs.

Entertainment includes:

• Live music with Melina & the Oompahs sponsored by our entertainment sponsor, Jägermeister! The band puts on a high-energy Oktoberfest performance with music ranging from traditional German Oompah to top hits from the ’50s to today’s favorites. Melina grew up in Germany and currently resides in New York City. Her performance pays tribute to the original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, where she has performed, as well as other Oktoberfest celebrations such as Central Park Oktoberfest and Oktoberfest at Hudson Yards.
• DJ playing a mix of American and German hits throughout the afternoon
• Fun German-themed competitions like Stein-holding, alpine horn-blowing, and the Frankfurter toss
• A variety of life-sized yard games (Connect four, cornhole, etc.)
• Picnic tables for chatting with friends
• Family-friendly hours early in the festival, featuring chaperoned activities like face painting, hands-on crafts, and a balloon artist

“OktoberFest is one of our most beloved public events,” stated Jennifer Furioli, Executive Director. “Our secret sauce is one of our key team members, Jennifer Tillerson, who hails from Germany herself and has continued to make this event more authentic every year. This is a great way to connect with neighbors and engage with our businesses on one of our downtown’s most dynamic blocks.”

To continue the German spirit, there will once again be pre-and p(r)ost-OktoberFest celebrations from October 1 -24 at our participating restaurants on Mamaroneck Ave. Attendees 21+ will enjoy themed food, beer, happy hour, and Jägermeister specials along with OktoberFest-themed trivia nights, bingo, and Karaoke. Gifts and swag will be available, courtesy of this year’s entertainment sponsor Jägermeister.

Limited advance wristbands are available for $11 online. Day-of wristbands will be sold for $15 at the East Post Road and Maple Avenue entrances. Wristband purchases are credit/debit only. All outside beer purchases are cash-only, and proof of age is required to obtain a wristband.

Attendees are expected to act responsibly and within the law at the event. Complimentary safe rides will be offered from 6:30 PM to 2:30 AM, courtesy of Dana Distributors.

This event is sponsored by the Cappelli Organization, Jägermeister, Heineken, Sam Adams Oktoberfest, Captain Lawrence Autumn Blaze, Kona Big Wave, Stella, and Paulaner.

For more information and wristbands visit www.wpbid.com/oktoberfest