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.

The Gressler Invitational Revisited

Posted on October 22, 2008 by John Bailey

WPCNR TRACK SIDE. By Tim Sheehan. October 1, 2008: White Plains High School boosters who needed a warm up to the afternoon football game got to the High School in the morning to stave off the rain and cheer on the Tiger harriers to a 2^nd place finish for the women and 3^rd place finishers for the men at the 13^th annual Fred Gressler Cross Country meet.

Already making preparations for the arrival of over 25 area teams, WPHS Cross Country coaches Fred Singleton and Carlos Agudelo got a pleasant surprise when Cross Country powerhouse Pearl River called and advised that their scheduled Long Island race was cancelled; could they come over and run up and down the short but deviously steep hills of the WPHS course, set over the upper three levels of the expansive school property? “Come on over” was the reply and area running fans were able to watch Pearl River stars Mike Hickey and Chelsea Kushner capture the Varsity I race titles with times of 16:41 for the men and 20:20 for the women.

The White Plains women’s’ team finished second to Pearl River in the Varsity I race, with freshman runner Elizabeth Trelstad finishing 6^th, sister Eleanor Trelstad finishing 8^th and sophomore Kelly Maguire finishing 10^th. On the men’s’ side, White Plains finished third in the Varsity I race, behind winner Pearl River and second place finisher Yorktown. Seniors Brian Broderick (3^rd) and Mike Dapice (7^th) and junior Matt Soyk (14^th) led the way for WPHS.

Fred Gressler was the Girls’ Cross Country Coach at White Plains High School until his sudden death in June 1995, at age 48. All proceeds from the meet benefit the Fred Gressler Scholarship Fund.

Development of Group Homes for Disabled Stopped Due to State Budget Woes

Posted on October 22, 2008 by John Bailey

WPCNR ALBANY ROUND. October 22, 2008: Adult disabled children and they parents who no longer can adequately care for them, who were hoping the pioneer New York State New York Cares initiative to build new group homes to house the young men and women are the first victims of the New York State finance crisis tied to the credit defaults swaps debacle.

WPCNR has learned that agencies seeking to open new group homes, some of which have already been purchased have been put on hold by the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, pending budget review.

The review which suspends opening of group homes already purchased and renovated comes during National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

The change in policy was disclosed in yesterday’s bulletin from the New York State Association of Community and Residential agencies, in which they report that on October 20 at a provider association meeting the NYSACRA was told “ALL out-of-home residential development” has been “halted, while they (OMRDD) assess their commitments in this grim financial environment.”

The newsletter reports the assessment by OMRDD “will deterimine which projects may move ahead (some of which have already been purchased by caretaker organizations) and be funded, and which will not.”

The newsletter notes “reconfiguring and downsizing projects for existing facilities most likely will not go forward;” that no new projects will go forward and even projects having received approval may not go forward.

It was pointed out by the head of one local provider that budgets may be approved for homes that are not “fiscally viable,” which, in effect, would kill the home.

County Exec Asks Heating Oil Companies Renegotiate Fixed Price Oil Contracts

Posted on October 22, 2008 by John Bailey

Andy Spano today asked heating oil companies in Westchester to work with their customers to renegotiate fixed-price contracts now that the cost of home heating oil has dropped dramatically.
A survey of home heating oil prices released by the county’s Department of Consumer Protection just today shows the average price has dropped to $2.78 per gallon. That’s down 46.3 cents per gallon from the last survey on October 6, and down $1.689 per gallon from the peak in mid-July.

Typically, oil companies send out fixed 10-month contracts in June to customers. This year, the typical home heating oil per month price rose 50%, going in one case from $600 a month to $900 a month. This is a story WPCNR first told White Plains about last June. In one instance fuel oil went from $2.10 a gallon last year to $4.40 a gallon this year.

“Some customers, particularly seniors who were worried that there was no end in sight to the cost of oil, locked in rates over the summer when they were at their peak – about $4.50 a gallon,’’ said Spano. “These consumers are now locked into sky high prices, even though much lower-priced heating oil is available.’’

In a letter to 69 home heating oil companies that do business in Westchester, Spano is asking them to be sensitive to customers in this situation. Spano said that while he understands that many oil companies are in the same boat since they purchased the oil at those higher prices, companies may have some leeway in pricing and should consider assisting customers, particularly those on fixed incomes.

“We urge the companies to work with these customers and agree to terms that are more affordable, and will enable both the customers and the oil companies to make it through these tough times,’’ Spano said.

Spano added that consumers should approach their companies to try to work out a deal. Companies may be willing to either reduce the fixed price or allow the customer to switch from a fixed-price contract to one with a price cap or variable rate. They may also agree to reduce the cancellation fee that is customarily charged to customers who cancel a fixed-rate contract. But Spano said even if the fee is not waived, consumers might still save hundreds in oil costs if they cancel and renegotiate at the now lower rate.

For more information on home heating oil prices, go to www.westchestergov.com/consumer.

Comptroller First Half State Budget Numbers Off. Biz Taxes Down 13%

Posted on October 21, 2008 by John Bailey

WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From the Office of the New York State Comptroller. (EDITED) October 20, 2008: The state budget number trends show growth is dropping off, according to a report issued Monday by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Business taxes have decreased 13 percent compared to last year and the growth in personal income tax is starting to decline.

Total personal income tax collections in the General Fund compared to last year grew a total of 15.4 percent through September, compared to 24.6 percent for the first three months of this fiscal year. The state collected $2.4 billion in General Fund business taxes through September, a decline of $356.7 million or 13 percent, compared to last year.

DiNapoli released his findings in a special quarterly report examining revenue collections based on revenue and spending information from the Comptroller’s Monthly Cash Report. The report noted after a strong start in April, growth in personal income tax collections is decreasing. Total personal income tax collections in the General Fund compared to last year grew a total of 15.4 percent through September, compared to 24.6 percent for the first three months of this fiscal year. The state collected $2.4 billion in General Fund business taxes through September, a decline of $356.7 million or 13 percent, compared to last year.

“The state started the fiscal year with surprisingly strong personal income tax collections that fueled growth in state revenues. But that growth is falling off and things are looking very shaky,” DiNapoli said. “Personal income taxes will likely decline significantly when Wall Street bonus payments drop off in December and January. Then we’ll have a more accurate reflection of the financial challenges facing the state this year and next. But even without the bonus numbers, it’s clear that despite the state’s current year spending reductions, the state faces potentially unprecedented deficits.

“The Governor has made the right call to bring the Legislature back to address the state’s finances. Now is the time to carefully evaluate our priorities and take a sensible, balanced approach. We should not look for quick fixes that could create more problems. New York needs long-term solutions that don’t make an already bad situation catastrophic.”

Among the reports findings:

Overall General Fund Revenues: State revenues totaled $29.4 billion through September, up $2.8 billion or 10.6 percent compared to the same period last year, primarily because of higher than expected personal income tax collections. DiNapoli cautions that this growth is primarily due to the settlement of the 2007 personal income tax liabilities.
Overall General Fund Spending: The state spent $26.5 billion, including transfers, through the first six months of state’s fiscal year. This was 3.9 percent, or $1 billion, higher than the first six months of last year but below projections. The majority of the growth was from local assistance payments ($677.7 million), which were actually less than expected by $221.3 million.
Breakdown of Business Tax Declines: The $2.4 billion the state collected in General Fund business taxes through September was a decline of $356.7 million or 13 percent compared to last year. Corporate franchise taxes were down $248.5 million or 17.6 percent; bank taxes decreased $67.9 million or 12.5 percent; and insurance taxes went down $57 million or 10.8 percent for the first six months. Business tax collections in September were $877.5 million, which is below projections of $1.25 billion. General Fund business tax collections have been below estimates in every month of the current fiscal year, even though projections have been lowered twice.
Other Taxes: Other General Fund tax collections of $756.2 million grew by $242.8 million, or 47.3 percent, primarily because of estate tax collections in July. Consumption tax collections, including sales taxes, of $4.4 billion grew less than 1 percent from the previous year.
Projected Budget Gap: The Division of the Budget is currently projecting a General Fund gap of approximately $1.2 billion. The Governor has said this gap could be as high as $2 billion. DiNapoli noted that his office had previously identified $1.6 billion in risks and $2.8 billion in non-recurring revenues used to balance this year’s budget. He expressed concern that this gap could increase if the economy continues to deteriorate and other anticipated revenue, such as the sale of Wellpoint stock, is lower than expected.

All Governmental fund receipts totaled $58 billion through September. This is approximately $536 million below projections. Year-to-date tax receipts of $32.4 billion were approximately $77 million over projections, while year-to-date miscellaneous receipts of $8.5 billion were approximately $283 million below projections and year-to-date federal receipts of $17.1 billion were $330 million below projections. Tax receipt collections were over estimates primarily because of strong personal income tax collections in April of this year. However, those collections represent estimated tax collections from the 2007 tax year and are not indicative of current economic circumstances.

Through the first six months of the fiscal year, spending in All Governmental funds increased 7.7 percent, or $4.1 billion, with the majority of the growth in local assistance payments. State Operations spending increased $733 million, or 8.3 percent, while General State Charges increased $96.3 million, or 3.1 percent. Spending for debt service increased 17.6 percent, or $294.7 million, and spending for Capital Projects has increased 12.5 percent, or $312.2 million, compared to year-to-date spending through September 2007.

The state’s finances are generally broken down by two main categories: General Fund and All Funds. The General Fund is the major operating fund of the State and accounts for all receipts that are not required by law to be deposited into another fund. All Governmental Funds includes General, Special Revenue, Debt Service and Capital Projects funds, as well as funds from the federal government.

Click here for the report examining first quarter state revenues.

Click here for a copy of the September 2008 Cash Report, which includes a full breakdown of all revenue and spending for the first quarter.

The Faux Stadium

Posted on October 20, 2008 by John Bailey

WPCNR VIEW FROM THE UPPER DECK. By Bull Allen October 20,2008: I have just taken a look at the new Yankee Stadium with the infield and outfield grass installed, viewed on the WFAN website from the air. The stadium confirms my worst fears.

The Big Ball Park, 1955

In attempting to duplicate the stadium, the architects have completely missed the towering effect of the former stadium, (above, 1955) with the antiseptic cantilever construction and setbacks of the upper decks. The sheer incline of the old stadium decks spread out all the action below you not way in front of you as the new upper decks will do. It also looks like the rakes of the many thousands of extra high priced lower level box seats may be flatter than they should be. The stadium seems lower in stature too.

Contrast this with Mr. Kaminsky’s photos on the WFAN website, You can see the new stadium view from the outfield at http://www.wfan.com/pages/3156752.php?imageGalleryXRefId=779910#imgGalleryImg

For a view from behind the plate go to http://www.wfan.com/pages/3156752.php?imageGalleryXRefId=779911#imgGalleryImg

Take a good look.

Instead, they have recreated Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles which is the oldest park in the major leagues next to Fenway and Wrigley Field.

Photographer Tom Kaminski’s photographs show the mezzanine and upper decks set quite a bit farther back. Instead of the upper decks’ edges being about 20 rows back from the edge of the field boxes as they were at the original Yankeee Stadium, they appear a good 40 rows back. Instead of the 60 degree rake of the old stadium, they appear to be 20 to 30 degree rakes. I think spectators are going to be way away from the action.

Note how the upper deck of the old stadium (circa 2003) poised you with the action at your feet — not way in the distance as it will be in the new stadium.

The field itself gives you a lot of left center, like the old ball park. But right field looks too shallow all the way to right center. The Yankees will need better arms than Matsui and Daimon in left next year. You have an approximation of new Comiskey Park in Chicago as a result. The outfield instead of the classic everyman melting pot bleachers of the old Big Ball Park, you have the monstrosity of the bleachers being split with what is going to be a restaurant in dead center field, with a big wrap around scoreboard. The wrap around scoreboard at the old ball park I never liked.

The replace of the copper frieze façade effect at the top of the top deck is lost because it is too far back. It will not dominate. You cannot even see it in the new photographs.

Overall this new stadium is a bad job, unimaginative, lacking grandeur. Of course, I am a crotchety old school baseball fan, so you may reject my views. However turning the new stadium into symmetricity, and allowing the tall scoreboard to block off views of the elevated loses a lot of the old stadium atmosphere, and creating a shooting gallery in right center in the outfield is not good in my opinion. Right field to right center has been given a Fenway look.

The new Yankee Stadium will be a fitting showcase for the team in decline that will inhabit it. A phoney, cheap imitation of baseball’s Westminster Abbey next door, which of course, they are going to tear down like the Barbarians did with ancient Rome.

Far be it from the city to keep the old stadium and tranform it into a New York Baseball Museum, which could actually still be used as a neighborhood ballpark, while preserving Yankee and Met, Dodger and Giant legacies with exhibits under the old stands, the old locker rooms — where the greats, Williams, Wynn, Dean, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Whitey, Mickey, Joe D., the Babe still haunt.

No, who would ever think of that — turning the old Stadium into a year-round tourism attraction for the South Bronx.

Go over to www.wfan.com and see what you think.

Hail to the Ray Men

Posted on October 20, 2008 by John Bailey

WPCNR PRESS BOX. By Grantland Rice. October 20, 2008: In honor of the Tampa Bay Rays, Grantland Rice from the Heavenly press box behind homeplate in the great pantheon stadium in the sky, has penned another immortal poem of verse to celebrate a team that will always be remembered for their season of hope: the American League Champion Tampa Bay Rays!

Hail to the Ray Men

By Grantland Rice

The American Leauge Champions Tampa Bay Rays ascend to Baseball’s Elysian Fields, shown above, Hoboken New Jersey (Weehauken, N.J.) Engraving, Harper’s Magazine, Library of Congress, Washington D.C

Hail to the Raymen, brash brave Champions of Junior Circuit!

Conquerers of the prentenda 2^nd Place Sox.

Restoring honor to horsehide postseason hustings, the team with no quit,

Exploding the clichés of sportswriters’ doubt with timely socks!

Hail to Garza the Goateed Guardian, “Matty the Second,” throwing inside like Gibson of days gone bye

Silencing vaunted scarlet hose cannons, fanning Big Papi in 6^th when it mattered most.

Defusing loaded New England batz with daring rise and darting drops to dazzle the eye.

To Young Reliable Langoria, eclipsing Eva, with trademark 2 strike opposite field clutch two bagger

Inside the line for equalizer, with Pena’s crafty slide turning Trop crowd to roaring host!

Here’s to the eyes of Willie in the 5th, Aybar sending Lefty Lester’s crafty curve one hop to corner’s wall.

Roars for Rocco-October’s 2-strike stroke in the SS hole to bring the Say Ray Kid around.

Plaudits again to noble Baldelli, ,modern Gehrig, his running, dashing one hand catch at his knees in right causing Boston to bawl

Kudo’s to the Say Ray Kid hero’s towering blow on 3-2 in the 7^th to extend

Boston’s misery at the end

World Series passes to maligned Ray Bullpen crew

Defusing Beaneaters’ last threats in faithful 7^th and 8^th.

To Wheeler the dealer bailing Matty out in 7^th, to Hang in There Howell hanging out Big Papi

To fearless Rookie David Price sacks full of Saux, fanning the redoubtable Drew on 3-2

The Tampa Bay Rays to the all – Improbable but true,

The nimble Iwamura, solving Lester to get things started.

The elegant Upton and threatening Crawford Carrying Rays

Over hard times and getting the Rays through.

To the starters, stoppers all who got the jobs done : Shields, Kazmir of The Kays,

Jackson and Sonnanstine one after another they threw.

To the Rays of the bedraggled moth-eaten Trop rug of the showing seams,

Take their place with the ball’s hope teams:

The Hitless Wonders, the Miracle Braves, Leo’s Giants,

The Impossible Dream Mets, creating others’ Improbable Dreams

Red Ribbon Week Against Drugs Begins.

Posted on October 20, 2008 by John Bailey

WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. From The Mayor’s Office. October 20, 2008: The City of White Plains joined with The Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson, Boy Scouts of America, the Dannon Co., White Plains Hospital, and POW’R Against Tobacco Coalition to promote healthy, drug-free lifestyles during Red Ribbon Week 2008 and recognize the many youth in the community who make positive choices everyday. The Opening Ceremonies Take Place at City Hall today.

Red Ribbon is a national event honoring Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Administration special agent who was killed in 1985 by drug traffickers. Soon after, “Camarena Clubs” were launched in high schools in California, and hundreds of students pledged to lead drug-free lives. Two club members presented the “Camarena Club Proclamation” to then first lady Nancy Reagan, bringing it national attention. Parent groups embraced the campaign, and in 1988, Congress proclaimed the first U.S. Red Ribbon Campaign. It can be a powerful educational tool during Red Ribbon Week in October and throughout the year.

The Big Three: Superintendent of Schools, Timothy Connors, left, Mayor Delfino and Youth Bureau Director Frank Williams. The Mayor said the schools and the city are “married together” and work to create a positive environment for youth to make the right decisions for themselves, with the school teaching about making the right decisions during the day, and the youth programs providing a wholesome atmosphere at night. The Mayor said the city does this because “we love the youth of the city,” and want them to grow in a positive way.

Nearly a hundred youngsters from Eastview School and Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts arranged themselves on City Hall Steps.

The City of White Plains has many things to celebrate as launching Red Ribbon Week. The city efforts over the years are paying off. The number of youth who are at high risk for drug use has dropped dramatically in the last three years. This means that White Plains has more youth today than ever before who are making positive choices everyday.

Percy Robinson, who uses the services of the Youth Bureau said that the main reasons youngsters turned to smoking and tobacco was having too much time on their hands, and stress. He said that he had joined the Youth Bureau Fitness program which has been very beneficial to him and relieved his stress. He said the Youth Bureau programs definitely work and recommended them.

The Red Ribbon Campaign celebrates the city’s many successes in safeguarding our youth and ensuring their positive development, but it also serves as a sobering reminder of the work that still needs to be done. Complacency is the friend to illicit substance use, and White Plains through the Youth Bureau program, will not take a back seat on this important issue.

The Ferris Avenue Learning Center Singers under the direction of Joe Mosely performed. The group is newly formed this year and is looking forward to holiday concerts ahead.

Red Ribbon Week is a time to celebrate and recognize the efforts of the community to keep all youth healthy and drug free. The community wide celebration is October 20–25.

Girl and Boy Scouts Troops from across White Plains are joining forces with youth from the City of White Plains Youth Bureau. The youth will spend Sunday afternoon putting up large red ribbons all along the White Plains downtown corridor. The youth in the troops have been working on prevention and education curriculum all month and will earn a certificate of completion as well as merit badges. Children enrolled in the Youth Bureau’s after school programs have been learning songs to commemorate the event and will be performing at the opening event on Monday. Girls Scouts are collecting pledges in support of the City’s celebration of a drug free community all week long which will be displayed at the closing ceremonies to be held Saturday, October 25. Once again this year the Youth Bureau will be planting red tulip bulbs at various locations in White Plains which will be visible when they bloom in the Spring in time to celebrate Alcohol Awareness Month. The week long activities will culminate in Youth Day event at the White Plains Youth Bureau on Saturday Oct. 25 from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m.

The Red Ribbon Week is sponsored by POW’R Against Tobacco, The Dannon Company, White Plains Hospital and Commerce Bank.

For more information about Red Ribbon Week contact Melissa Lopez at (914) 422-1411.

Presbyterian Hospital Presents Free Lecture Series on Adolescent Behavior

Posted on October 20, 2008 by John Bailey

WPCNR CYCLES. From New York Presbyterian Hospital. October 20, 2008: Parents wishing to get insight into the behavior of their teenage children will have the opportunity to learn all about it from mental health experts at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital’s free Fall Community Lecture Series, to be presented at the White Plains campus, 21 Bloomingdale Road, White Plains.

The new series on the challenging issues in adolescents will be presented on four successive Wednesday evenings from 7 to 8:30 PM. The first is October 22, when Richard A. Friedman, M.D., a regular contributor of mental health topics to The New York Times, will kick-off the series with “Pushing the Limit: Thrill-Seeking and High-Risk Behaviors in Teenagers and Young Adults.” Dr. Friedman is a Professor of the Hospital’s Clinical Psychiatry and Director of the Psychopharmacology Unit.

On October 29, Marilyn Kotcher, LCSW, will present “Is My Kid OK? What’s Normal and What’s Not in the Adolescent Years?” Ms. Kotcher is the Hospital’s Director of the Child and Adolescent Evaluation Service.

On November 5, the topic by Amy Silverman, M.D. will be: “You Did What? Understanding and Coping with Self-Destructive Behavior in Adolescents.” Dr. Silverman is Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Payne Whitney Manhattan and Westchester where she specializes in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

The last lecture on November 12 is “The Elephant in the Room: Talking to Your Teen About Drugs and Alcohol and Resources for Help,” presented by Catherine Bookless, LCSW, coordinator of the Addiction Recover Service and Jon Haber, CASCAC .

Launched four years ago, the Hospital’s Community Lecture Series has proven to be a very popular program, attracting record crowds who have learned about such topical issues as aggressive behavior and anger management.

All lectures will be held in the Auditorium located on the second floor of the Hospital’s Main Building with the clock tower. There is no fee and pre-registration is not required for any of these programs. Free parking is available and refreshments will be served. For further information, please

call (914) 997-5779.

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Westchester Division, opened in 1894, is one of the world’s most advanced centers for psychiatric care. The Westchester Division serves children, adolescents, adults and the elderly with comprehensive outpatient, day treatment, partial hospitalization and inpatient services. In addition to clinical treatment, the Westchester Division is also a center for interdisciplinary medical research and education through its academic affiliate, Weill Cornell Medical College. NewYork-Presbyterian is one of the nation’s top hospitals for psychiatry, as rated by U.S.News & World Report. For more information, visit www.nyp.org.

One Woman Dies; One Injured in Hav. Manor Accident. Woman Charged. Victims Named

Posted on October 19, 2008 by John Bailey

WPCNR POLICE REPORT. October 23, 2008 UPDATE 12:15 A.M.: Deputy Commissioner of Public Safetay Daniel Jackson said Wednesday that White Plains Police have no indication of what Hit and run suspect Sheldene Campbell was doing in the Havilands Manor neighborhood Sunday. Jackson released this statement to WPCNR Wednesday:

“The reason why the suspect was in the neighborhood is unclear. She did not have anyone with her in the vehicle at the time. As to the cause, that is also the subject of our investigation. Apparently, she has a recent criminal history in NJ. “

The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday that the suspect in the Sunday double pedestrian accident where Marie Bucci was killed and Roseanne Schiavone was injured, was wanted on a Bergen County Warrant from “two weeks ago.” The warrant was discovered by a fingerprint check. The car hitting the victims, was reported to police by Verizon personnel who were working on Havilands Lane at the time of the accident about 11:30 A.M.

Police identified the two victims struck in SUNDAY’s fatal double pedestrian accident on Havilands Lane.

The first pedestrian struck was Roseanne Schiavone 45 years old, of19 Bird Place in White Plains. She was treated at White Plains Hospital and released Sunday.

The second victim was Marie Bucci 65 y.o. from 189 Woodbrook Rd. White Plains. She was pronounced deceased at White Plains Hospital.

The investigation of the accident continues, Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety, Daniel Jackson told WPCNR Monday: “We believe the suspect was alone in the car. Her reason for being (in Havilands Manor neighborhood)there is still under investigation. We anticipate further charges at some point, but probably not today.”

Sheldene Campbell.

Photo, White Plains Department of Public Safety

White Plains Police reported Sunday night that Sheldene Campbell, 37, of 18 Ormian Drive, Pomona, New York was charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in a Death, in connection with the death of a woman killed Sunday morning on Havilands Lane. She is being held for arraignment Monday morning. White Plains Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety Daniel Jackson reported to WPCNR Sunday. Earlier yesterday, Commissioner Jackson noted to WPCNR:

“Alcohol is not believed to be a factor. The initial charge will probably be leaving the scene of a fatal accident which is a D felony. Further charges may be following as the result of further investigation. “

White Plains Police reported earlier today that a second woman died when hit by a motorist on Havilands Lane this morning, after the same motorist had first struck and injured another woman seconds earlier on Havilands Lane. White Plains Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety Daniel Jackson told WPCNR Sunday

“The first victim was struck near 205 Havilands. She suffered minor injuries. The second victim was struck near 89 Havilands. She is deceased. We have a person in custody and the vehicle involved. The investigation is ongoing. Charges are being determined with the assistance of the District Attorney’s office. The incidents occurred around 11:30 this morning. “

Motorist struck a second woman pedestrian Sunday morning at 89 Havilands Lane, fatally injuring her, as the motorist was leaving a victim they had hit and injured previously at 205 Havilands Lane a considerable distance farther down Havilands Lane. Baylor Circle is the street in the left of this picture by the parked car. Police could be seen in the background conducting the investigation. WPCNR News Photo by Janet Bailey

Ms. Campbell was arraigned Monday morning in city court, and bail set at $25,000. She is due in court November 14.

Westco GOLD Rock-O-La Rocks On With The Turtles Sat

Posted on October 19, 2008 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCENE. From Westco Productions. October 19, 2008: White Plains Westco Productions presents The Turtles featuring founders Flo & Eddie in concert Saturday, October 25, at 8pm, at the Irvington Town Hall Theater, 85 Main St., Irvington, NY.

Their top 40 hits include “Happy Together,””It Ain’t Me Babe” by Bob Dylan, “Elenore,” “You Baby,” “She’d Rather Be With Me,” “Let Me Be,” “You Showed Me,” “You Know What I Mean,” and “She’s My Girl.” THE TURTLES was the first rock band ever to be invited to play at The White House. They’ve recorded with John Lennon, Bruce Springstein, Alice Cooper, and Duran Duran, among others. They’ve even recorded two dozen children’s albums, including “Strawberry Shortcake” and “The Care Bears.”

Tickets on-line through www.westcoproductions.org or by phone at (914) 761-7463.