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Today Sunny, with a high near 78. Northwest wind 5 to 7 mph.
Friday Sunny, with a high near 84. Light southwest wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Saturday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph.
Sunday Sunny, with a high near 87.
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New Plan Will Seek to Create a Community-wide Vision for City
WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. Special to The CitizeNetReporter. June 16, 2021:
The City of White Plains has begun the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan, which serves as a guiding document for land use regulations, such as zoning code updates, and capital improvements.
The current plan was prepared in 1997 and updated in 2006, with subsequent amendments in 2012. The new plan will respond to current economic and demographic trends, while also reflecting changing priorities among the White Plains community.
The Comprehensive Plan, together with other planning and land use documents that are regularly updated by the City, including the 5-year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan, Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing, White Plains Transit District Strategic Plan, open space inventory planning, and comprehensive affordable housing regulations, provides City decision-makers with a framework to guide sound planning and development decisions.
The Planning Department will work with its consultant, BFJ Planning, on this effort. BFJ has provided professional expertise in planning and related fields since 1980. The firm has extensive experience with community engagement and consensus building throughout the New York Metro region and the Hudson Valley.
Mayor Tom Roach said, “The theme of the Comprehensive Plan, One White Plains, is intended to convey the vision that the plan can and should serve as a means of further bonding us together as one community. With One White Plains, we are looking forward together and thinking holistically about how to ensure the continued vitality of our city.”
One White Plains will investigate a wide range of themes with a goal of strengthening the connections that exist within our community, including: housing, future development, economic opportunities, transportation infrastructure, public health, parks and natural resources, equity and inclusivity, sustainability and climate change.
The process for creating the framework and developing policy recommendations for One White Plains will be guided by a Steering Committee with assistance from City staff and its consultants. The process will also include extensive community engagement to create a sustainable long term vision for the future of the City of White Plains.
The One White Plains process will consist of three phases:
Phase I: Imagine One White Plains (2021)
As an initial phase, Imagine One White Plains will create the framework for a successful Comprehensive Plan Update, with a focus on the following key outcomes:
Phase II: Plan One White Plains (2022-2023)
Phase II: Plan will kick off in 2022. The second phase of the process will consist of inclusive community engagement strategies to help develop the content of the Plan. Phase II will lead to
creation of a planning document with strategic recommendations to achieve the Vision Statement and Planning Goals to create One White Plains.
The City has created a webpage dedicated to the Comprehensive Plan, www.onewhiteplains.com that will be updated regularly throughout the planning process. The City has also created a kick-off vision survey question to which we are inviting residents to respond, as well as a generic email address: onewp@whiteplainsny.gov to collect general community comments. Both the vision survey question and general comment portal may be accessed through the Comprehensive Plan webpage. Participation is quick and easy.
Council President Nadine Hunt-Robinson said, “As we update our Comprehensive Plan, we are well aware that White Plains is a very diverse city and it is important to engage the myriad community stakeholders in the process, including neighborhood residents, workers, nonprofits, educational and religious institutions, healthcare facilities and the business sector. Our inclusive process will create one vision for ‘One White Plains.’”
Council Member Justin Brasch said, “As White Plains grows, I am thrilled that we will be kicking off a thorough update of our Comprehensive Plan. We need a vision to guide us in the 21st Century. This process must be as inclusive as possible, all voices need to be heard. With proper planning we can keep White Plains as the livable, safe, diverse and economically strong city we all love.”
Council Member John Martin said, “As Chair of the 1997 Comprehensive Plan and the 2006 Update, I am particularly aware of the critical importance of having a Comprehensive Plan that is updated and useful to city leaders and citizens in guiding the next phase of our City’s future. Our existing, citizen driven Plan has been instrumental in guiding us to where we are today and I look forward to a broad based effort in creating this new Plan.”
Council Member Vicki Presser said, “I hope that everyone in the White Plains community will take note of the City’s determination to update our Comprehensive Plan. The Plan will serve as a blueprint for the future of White Plains and the well-being of its residents, taking into account the many components of a healthy, thriving municipality. But in order to succeed, it needs all of us to engage in the planning process, through an array of public outreach and community input opportunities that will be available. Please watch for your chance to be heard.”
Council Member Jenn Puja said, “I am looking forward to an inclusive and thorough comprehensive plan update process. By utilizing various methods to obtain suggestions and opinions, thoughtful and strategic input will be generated. I look forward to working along with community groups, all neighborhoods, and city partners in providing a variety of opportunities to capitalize on the information our residents would like to share. The future of White Plains is in reach and I am confident that our entire city will come out of this process with a clear, comprehensive and complete vision for years to come – one that benefits our community, our residents and future generations.”
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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From the White Plains Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Joseph Ricca, June 16, 2021 :
As you know, Governor Cuomo announced additional changes to the New York State Department of Health’s COVID-19 Guidelines for large scale events (this is the guidance that covers Highlands Move-Up Day and WPHS Commencement).
The text of the guidance is included below this message. We recognize and respect that everyone feels differently with regard to NYSDOH health/safety standards and the WPCSD will continue to do our very best to serve all members within our community and make everyone as comfortable as possible.
Accordingly, there are some important adjustments to the requirements for both Highlands Move-Up and WPHS Commencement.
Please review the following:
1. Masks are strongly encouraged, but not required, for vaccinated individuals.
2. Unvaccinated individuals (adults and children) must wear a mask throughout the event(s).
3. Proof of vaccination/negative test result are no longer required upon entry to the event(s).
4. Physical distancing (seating) will be observed at both Highlands Move-Up and WPHS Commencement.
5. Contact tracing cards are no longer required.
Please note that official updates/reminders/communications from both Highlands and WPHS will be forthcoming via the district’s K12 Alerts System.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s school (Highlands and/or WPHS). Please be reminded that the New York State Department of Health guidelines for PreK-12 school operations has not been modified at this time.
The new guidelines (from the New York State Department of Health) issued today to the White Plains School District:
· The June 7, 2021 update to the Interim Guidance for In-Person Instruction at Pre-K to Grade 12 Schools During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency does not apply to end of academic year celebration events, such as graduations and moving-up ceremonies, which are large, public events that occur outside the scope of in-person academic instruction, scholastic, and extracurricular activities.
· As announced by Governor Cuomo on June 15, 2021, MOST COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted as 70 percent of New Yorkers aged 18 or older have received the first dose of their COVID-19 vaccination series. As New York surpassed that threshold, the State’s health guidelines—including social gathering limits, capacity restrictions, social distancing, cleaning and disinfection, health screening, and contact information for tracing—will become optional for most industries, including pre-K-12 education end of year events, provided however there are two exceptions that continue to apply to end of academic year celebrations:
o Masks are still required for unvaccinated individuals, pursuant to federal CDC guidelines.
o Large-scale indoor event venues — defined as venues that have an indoor capacity of greater than 5,000 —will still follow the State’s existing health guidance for large events. Specifically, consistent with the State’s implementation of the CDC guidelines, proof of vaccination can be used to eliminate social distancing and remove masks for fully vaccinated individuals. Unvaccinated or unknown vaccination status individuals who are over the age of four must continue to present proof of a recent negative diagnostic COVID-19 test result and wear masks within the venue. However, social distancing can be reduced or eliminated between tested attendees, allowing venues to reach 100 percent capacity in all sections. (See below and linked materials for additional guidance.)
· Please again note that, notwithstanding that 70 percent of New Yorkers aged 18 or older have received the first dose of their COVID-19 vaccination series, the Department of Health’s Interim Guidance for In-Person Instruction at Pre-K to Grade 12 Schools During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency remains in effect.
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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Westchester County Chairman of the Board of Legislators Benjamin Boykin. June 16, 2021:
The New York State Excluded Workers Fund was established in April to provide cash payments to workers who have suffered income loss due to COVID but who are not eligible for unemployment insurance or related federal benefits due to their immigration status or other factors.
This will be a one-time payment for help with income that was lost between March 27, 2020 – April 1, 2021
To be eligible you must currently live in New York State and must have lived here before March 27, 2020. Additionally, you may be eligible if a person who was the major source of income in your household died or became unable to work because of illness from the virus.
Such workers must be below a particular income threshold and provide sufficient documentation to establish work-related eligibility and residency in the state.
The New York State Department of Labor will make applications available soon at: https://dol.ny.gov/excluded-workers-fund.
Applicants may qualify for one of two tiers of compensation based on the documents they are able to provide: Tier 1 can provide up to $15,600 in benefits; Tier 2 can provide up to $3,200 in benefits, not including taxes.
To apply for Tier-1 assistance you will need:
To apply for Tier-2 assistance you will need:
Please check back at https://dol.ny.gov/excluded-workers-fund for more information and an online application when it becomes available.
Please forward this E-News to family and friends who may be interested in this information.
Elegibilidad Para el Fondo de Trabajadores Excluidos del Estado de Nueva York
El Fondo de Trabajadores Excluidos del Estado de Nueva York se estableció en abril para proporcionar pagos en efectivo a los trabajadores que han sufrido pérdida de ingresos debido a COVID pero que no son elegibles para el seguro de desempleo o beneficios federales relacionados debido a su estado migratorio o otros factores.
Este será un pago único por ayuda con los ingresos que se perdieron entre el 27 de marzo de 2020 y el 1 de abril de 2021.
Para ser elegible, debe vivir actualmente en el estado de Nueva York y haber vivido aquí antes del 27 de marzo de 2020. Además, puede ser elegible si una persona que era la principal fuente de ingresos en su hogar falleció o no pudo trabajar debido a una enfermedad del virus.
Dichos trabajadores deben estar por debajo de un umbral de ingresos particular y proporcionar documentación suficiente para establecer la elegibilidad relacionada con el trabajo y la residencia en el estado.
El Departamento de Trabajo del Estado de Nueva York hará que las solicitudes estén disponibles pronto en: https://dol.ny.gov/excluded-workers-fund.
Los solicitantes pueden calificar para uno de los dos niveles de compensación según los documentos que pueden proporcionar: el nivel 1 puede proporcionar hasta $ 15,600 en beneficios; El nivel 2 puede proporcionar hasta $ 3,200 en beneficios, sin incluir impuestos.
Para solicitar asistencia de Nivel 1, necesitará:
Para solicitar asistencia de Nivel 2, necesitará:
Vuelva a consultar https://dol.ny.gov/excluded-workers-fund para obtener más información y una solicitud en línea cuando esté disponible.
Envíe estas noticias electrónicas a familiares y amigos que puedan estar interesados en esta información.
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WPCNR GOVERNOR CUOMO’S CORONAVIRUS REPORT. From the Governor’s Press Office. June 16, 2021:
Statewide 7-Day Average Positivity is 0.40%, Lowest in the Country–Record Low for 18 Consecutive Days, Has Declined for 71 Consecutive Days
Additional State-Run Drive Through Testing Sites –including Glen Island in New Rochelle to Close Beginning Friday, June 18
9 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo yesterday afternoon updated New Yorkers on the state’s progress combatting COVID-19.
The Governor announced the demobilizing of additional state-run drive-through COVID-19 testing sites across New York State beginning Friday, June 18. These testing site closures follow historically low positivity rates and an 88 percent decrease in drive-through testing demand from January to May 2021.
“COVID-19 has been the most trying and difficult time in our lives, but New York State is finally moving forward into the future. Vaccination rates are up and COVID numbers are down, and we’re reducing restrictions across the board,” Governor Cuomo said. “We need New Yorkers to continue getting vaccinated, and that’s why we’ve launched a variety of incentives across the state. The pandemic is on the decline, but vaccination is the key to our success and I encourage any New Yorkers who haven’t taken the shot yet to do so right away.”
The state-run drive-through test sites will close as follows:
Friday, June 18
Binghamton – Binghamton University
Binghamton University
Lot ZZ South
Binghamton, NY
Rockland County – Anthony Wayne Rec Area
Anthony Wayne Rec Area
Exit 17 Palisades Parkway
Bear Mountain, New York
Suffolk County – Stony Brook University
Stony Brook University
South P Lot
Stony Brook, New York
Niagara County – Niagara County Community College
Niagara County Community College
3111 Saunders Settlement Road
Sanborn, New York
Friday, June 25
Albany – SUNY Albany
1400 Washington Avenue, Collins Circle
Albany, New York
Queens – Aqueduct Racetrack
Aqueduct Racetrack
110-00 Rockaway Boulevard
Queens, New York
Rochester – Monroe County Community College
Monroe Community College
1000 E. Henrietta Road
Lot G
Rochester, New York
Westchester County – Glen Island Park
350 Weyman Avenue
New Rochelle, New York
Bronx – Bay Plaza
The Mall at Bay Plaza
200 Baychester Avenue
Bronx, New York
Today’s data is summarized briefly below:
Each region’s 7-day average percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days is as follows:
| Region | Saturday, June 12, 2021 | Sunday, June 13, 2021 | Monday, June 14, 2021 |
| Capital Region | 0.35% | 0.33% | 0.33% |
| Central New York | 0.68% | 0.64% | 0.59% |
| Finger Lakes | 0.65% | 0.62% | 0.59% |
| Long Island | 0.42% | 0.41% | 0.41% |
| Mid-Hudson | 0.41% | 0.39% | 0.38% |
| Mohawk Valley | 0.39% | 0.40% | 0.41% |
| New York City | 0.39% | 0.39% | 0.38% |
| North Country | 0.54% | 0.58% | 0.56% |
| Southern Tier | 0.47% | 0.41% | 0.41% |
| Western New York | 0.44% | 0.38% | 0.35% |
| Statewide | 0.42% | 0.41% | 0.40% |
Each New York City borough’s 7-day average percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days is as follows:
| Borough in NYC | Saturday, June 12, 2021 | Sunday, June 13, 2021 | Monday, June 14, 2021 |
| Bronx | 0.56% | 0.54% | 0.52% |
| Kings | 0.37% | 0.37% | 0.36% |
| New York | 0.30% | 0.31% | 0.30% |
| Queens | 0.34% | 0.34% | 0.34% |
| Richmond | 0.50% | 0.50% | 0.50% |
Yesterday, 320 New Yorkers tested positive for COVID-19 in New York State, bringing the total to 2,092,599. A geographic breakdown is as follows:
| County | Total Positive | New Positive |
| Albany | 24,699 | 3 |
| Allegany | 3,555 | 0 |
| Broome | 18,623 | 4 |
| Cattaraugus | 5,720 | 0 |
| Cayuga | 6,337 | 0 |
| Chautauqua | 8,951 | 0 |
| Chemung | 7,761 | 2 |
| Chenango | 3,499 | 1 |
| Clinton | 4,835 | 0 |
| Columbia | 4,064 | 0 |
| Cortland | 3,926 | 1 |
| Delaware | 2,381 | 2 |
| Dutchess | 29,472 | 2 |
| Erie | 89,579 | 7 |
| Essex | 1,593 | 0 |
| Franklin | 2,563 | 0 |
| Fulton | 4,422 | 1 |
| Genesee | 5,435 | 0 |
| Greene | 3,403 | 0 |
| Hamilton | 313 | 0 |
| Herkimer | 5,187 | 1 |
| Jefferson | 6,136 | 5 |
| Lewis | 2,808 | 0 |
| Livingston | 4,520 | 0 |
| Madison | 4,562 | 0 |
| Monroe | 68,976 | 17 |
| Montgomery | 4,254 | 0 |
| Nassau | 183,649 | 25 |
| Niagara | 20,035 | 2 |
| NYC | 937,336 | 174 |
| Oneida | 22,619 | 5 |
| Onondaga | 38,931 | 3 |
| Ontario | 7,406 | 1 |
| Orange | 48,312 | 4 |
| Orleans | 3,118 | 0 |
| Oswego | 7,622 | 0 |
| Otsego | 3,462 | 1 |
| Putnam | 10,606 | 1 |
| Rensselaer | 11,229 | 1 |
| Rockland | 46,944 | 8 |
| Saratoga | 15,364 | 2 |
| Schenectady | 13,202 | 2 |
| Schoharie | 1,692 | 0 |
| Schuyler | 1,075 | 1 |
| Seneca | 2,011 | 0 |
| St. Lawrence | 6,640 | 3 |
| Steuben | 6,952 | 0 |
| Suffolk | 201,036 | 28 |
| Sullivan | 6,673 | 1 |
| Tioga | 3,830 | 1 |
| Tompkins | 4,346 | 0 |
| Ulster | 13,908 | 1 |
| Warren | 3,658 | 0 |
| Washington | 3,162 | 1 |
| Wayne | 5,783 | 1 |
| Westchester | 129,664 | 7 |
| Wyoming | 3,582 | 1 |
| Yates | 1,178 | 0 |
Yesterday, 9 New Yorkers died due to COVID-19, bringing the total to 42,882. A geographic breakdown is as follows, by county of residence:
| County | New Deaths |
| Bronx | 1 |
| Erie | 1 |
| Kings | 1 |
| Manhattan | 1 |
| Niagara | 1 |
| Orange | 1 |
| Queens | 1 |
| Steuben | 1 |
| Westchester | 1 |
All New York State mass vaccination sites are open to eligible New Yorkers for walk-in vaccination on a first-come, first-serve basis. People who would prefer to schedule an appointment at a state-run mass vaccination site can do so on the Am I Eligible App or by calling 1-833-NYS-4-VAX. People may also contact their local health department, pharmacy, doctor or hospital to schedule appointments where vaccines are available, or visit vaccines.gov to find information on vaccine appointments near them.
Yesterday, 39,435 New Yorkers received their first vaccine dose, and 79,050 completed their vaccine series. A geographic breakdown of New Yorkers who have been vaccinated by region is as follows:
| People with at least one vaccine dose | People with complete vaccine series | |||
| Region | Cumulative Total | Increase over past 24 hours | Cumulative Total | Increase over past 24 hours |
| Capital Region | 654315 | 1941 | 594281 | 5213 |
| Central New York | 519103 | 726 | 472004 | 3059 |
| Finger Lakes | 662790 | 1579 | 605339 | 4641 |
| Long Island | 1464254 | 8461 | 1290909 | 18004 |
| Mid-Hudson | 1188794 | 5554 | 1047006 | 11802 |
| Mohawk Valley | 255663 | 568 | 232925 | 1349 |
| New York City | 5133026 | 17411 | 4489312 | 27346 |
| North Country | 233613 | 288 | 213357 | 1032 |
| Southern Tier | 339141 | 877 | 309431 | 2126 |
| Western New York | 716432 | 2030 | 632559 | 4478 |
| Statewide | 11167131 | 39435 | 9887123 | 79050 |
The percentage of New Yorkers 18 and older who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is as follows, divided by region:
| Region | Percentage 18+ With At Least One Dose |
| Long Island | 75.3% |
| Capital Region | 74.4% |
| Mid-Hudson | 71.9% |
| Central New York | 70.5% |
| Western New York | 69.5% |
| Finger Lakes | 69.0% |
| Southern Tier | 68.4% |
| New York City | 68.4% |
| North Country | 63.9% |
| Mohawk Valley | 60.6% |
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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. Special to WPCNR from the White Plains City School District. June 15, 2021:
The White Plains Board of Education appointed Assistant Principal Leroy Dixon to the position of Principal at the Eastview Middle School at last night’s Board of Education meeting. He replaces Daisy Rodrigues Roncagliolo who resigned to take a position in another district. Sixty candidates applied for the position and Mr. Dixon was the unanimous choice of the advisory interviewing committee.
Mr. Dixon has been with the school district for 17 years, beginning as a House Administrator at the High School in 2004. Two years later he moved up to Assistant Principal there, where he remained for six years. In 2012 he was appointed Assistant Principal at Eastview.
Mr. Dixon holds a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Science Degree from Iona College and a Professional Diploma from Mercy College. He began his educational career as a Social Studies Teacher.
Superintendent of School Dr. Joseph L. Ricca said, “Mr. Dixon has all the tools required to continue the excellent work being done at Eastview,” and he looks forward to working with him.
Mr. Dixon expressed his thanks to the Board and community for their confidence and said he appreciates this wonderful opportunity. He will assume his new position on July 1st.
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“GOOD MORNING FROM WHITE PLAINS NEW YORK USA WHERE IT IS 66 PARTLY SUNNY WPCNR DEGREES.
DENNIS “DION” NARDONE: THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES IS MOVING INTO THE FORTUNOFF SPACE, WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THAT?
JOHN: I DO NOT THINK IT IS A GOOD IDEA. I THINK THE TRAFFIC GOING INTO THAT MALL IS ONLY GOING TO BE AGGRAVATED EXPONENTIALLY BY THE DMV TRAFFIC GOING INTO THAT PAID PARKING GARAGE. THERE IS EXTENSIVE DROP OFF/ PICK UP TIE-UP TRAFFIC OUTSIDE WHOLE FOODS AND THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY ON BLOOMINGDALE ROAD THAT WILL HANG UP TRAFFIC.
I DO NOT THINK IT IS A GOOD LOCATION AT ALL. THE DMV DOES NOT ENHANCE THE GLAMOUR OF THE WESTCHESTER. IT IS NO LONGER CENTRAL TO THE DOWNTOWN OR A CONVENIENT BUS ROUTE. YOU HAVE TO DRIVE TO IT. THIS WAS ALL CAUSED BY A UNION PROTESTING THE PREVIOUS PROPOSED LOCATION ON WATER STREET BECAUSE THE NEW CLEANING CONTRACTOR FIRED UNION WORKERS AND THE DMV CHANGED ITS MIND TO MOVE THERE UNDER POLITICAL PRESSURE—THE LAW OF UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES BY SHORT-THINKING POLITICIANS AND OWNERS WENT INTO EFFECT AND THE DMV HAS STAYED IN THE WHITE PLAINS MALL DELAYING BY THREE YEARS I THINK NOW THE START OF JEWEL OF THE WHITE PLAINS MALL DEVELOPMENT IN THE TRANSIT DISTRICT.
DENNIS: WHAT ABOUT THE WHITE PLAINS HOTEL.
JOHN: YOU MEAN THE HOTEL REPLACING THE RITZ? THAT IS GOING TO BE A GREAT SUCCESS, THE NEW OWNERS HAVE COMPLETELY CHANGED THE LOOK, IT IS UP SCALE, WELCOMING WITH GREAT ORIGINAL ART CONSIDERABLY BRIGHTENING UP THE BROWN ELEGANCE INTERIOR OF THE OLD RITZ AND THEY HAVE A COZY NEW COCKTAIL LOUNGE THAT IS SWANK, COSMOPOLOLITAN. IT SHOULD BE VERY POPULAR WITH THE COMMERCIAL TRAVELER AND THE DATING CROWD.
THIS WEEK, DENNIS I INTERVIEWED DR. JOSEPH RICCA WHITE PLAINS SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS ON THE CLOSE OF THE SCHOOL YEAR FRIDAY. HE TOLD ME PARENTS ARE VOLUNTEERING THEIR CHILDREN TO ATTEND SUMMER SCHOOL IN ADDITION TO THOSE THE SCHOOLS ARE REQUIRING TO GO. HE SAID GRADUATION FOR WHITE PLAINS HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2021 WILL BE HELD OUTDOORS AT LOUCKS FIELD WEDNESDAY JUNE 23RD AND THE HIGHLANDS GRADUATION TUESDAY OCT 22ND PARENTS HAVE TO HAVE PROOF OF VACCINATION TO ATTEND. THEY WILL BE SOCIALLY DISTANCED.
HE SAID THE SCHOOL DISTRICT WILL USE THEIR COVID AID TO MAKE HEAT AND VENTILATION IMPROVEMENTS AT ALL ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE SCHOOLS AND THE HIGH SCHOOL. THEY WILL AIR CONDITION ALL BUILDINGS INSTALL AIR FILTRATION AND AIR REPLENISHMENT SYSTEMS A FANTASTIC IMPROVEMENT. HE SAID THERE AT THIS TIME WILL BE NO REMOTE LEARNING IN THE FALL, AND IF THERE IS A NEW OUTBREAK OF COVID, THE DISTRICT WILL SWITCH TO A DIFFERENT KIND OF REMOTE LEARNING WHICH WILL NOT BE AS IT WAS THIS YEAR WHEN A TEACHER HAD TO TEACH A CLASS IN FRONT OF HER AND OBSERVE STUDENTS AT HOME ON HIS OR HER COMPUTER. THE SUPERINTENDENT SAID THIS REMOTE LEARNING WAS NOT ADEQUATELY EFFECTIVE.
HE SAID GLASS BARRIERS WOULD BE COMNG DOWN IN SCHOOLS, STUDENTS WOULD HAVE TO WEAR MASKS IN THE SCHOOLS AT THIS TIME AND NEXT FALL UNLESS LATER EVENTS AND DECISIONS ALLOW THE MASKING RULE TO BE RELAXED.
DR. RICCA SAID IN THE FUTURE THE DISTRICT IS GOING TO ADD MORE GUIDANCE COUNSELORS AND SOCIAL WORKERS TO THE DISTRICT.
TECHNOLOGY OF WHITE BOARDS WILL BE PHASED OUT IN FAVOR OF TELEVISION SCREENS.
HE REPORTS EVERY STUDENT IN THE WHITE PLAINS SCHOOLS IS EQUIPPED WITH AN I-PAD AND BROADBAND…HE SAID THAT IF A FAMILY DOES NOT HAVE ACCESS TO BROADBAND, THE DISTRICT WILL PAY THE COST TO EQUIP THAT FAMILY’S HOME WITH BROADBAND.
THE DISTRICT WILL ALSO DO A LEARNING LOSS SURVEY TO DETERMINE THE ACADEMIC PROGRESS LOST DURING THE PANDEMIC. HE SAID ENROLLMENT WAS SLIGHTLY DOWN AND EMPHASIS IN THE FUTURE WOULD BE REPAIR OF EXISTING WHITE PLAINS SCHOOLS AS SCHOOL DISTRICT DEBT IS PAID DOWN BUT NO NEW SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION IS IN SIGHT.
YOU CAN HEAR THAT COMPLETE INTERVIEW THURSDAY NIGHT ON “PEOPLE TO BE HEARD” ON CH 45 FIOS AND CH 76 OPTIMUM.
(SCRIPT PLANNED TO BE BROADCAST THAT WAS NOT AIRED:)
THERE IS A STORM BREWING OVER 701 WESTHESTER OFFICE CAMPUS OFFICE DEVELOPMENT PROPOSED. THE COUNCIL OF NEIGHBRHOOD ASSOCIATIONS WANTS A MEETING WITH THE COMMON COUNCIL BUT SO FAR THE MAYOR AND THE COMMON COUNCIL HAVE NOT AGREED TO IT. THAT MATTER WAS MOVED TO JULY FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION.
THE CITY IS GOING TO REVISE ITS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN BUT IT WILL TAKE 5 YEARS TO DO IT UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF A CONSULTANT MAINLY THROUGH ELECTRONIC INTERFACING AS OUR TRANSIT DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS WAS CONDUCTED. PEOPLE ARE NOT HAPPY WITH THAT.
THERE WAS A MOVIE PREMIER LAST NIGHT IN WHITE PLAINS AT THE WOLF AND WARRIOR RESTAURANT OF TO MY KNOWLEDGE THE ONLY MOVIE SHOT IN WHITE PLAINS DURING THE PANDEMIC. IT IS THE DEMITASSE PLAYERS PRODUCTION OF “AN EXISTENTIAL DATE” WRITTEN BY FORMER ECONOMICS PROFESSOR RICHARD CIRULLI
THE FILM WAS WELL RECEIVED BY W & W FIRST NIGHTERS LAST NIGHT. IT STARRED LOCAL ACTORS DONNA L. WHITE AND ROBERT ANSBRO WHO NAILED AN INTRIGUING EXISTENTIAL COMEDY PROVIDING SOME INTELLECTUAL HUMOR IN A TIME WHEN EXISTENCE DAY TO DAY IS BEING REEVALUATED AND REVALUED EVERY DAY. THE ENDS WITH A TWIST WORTHY OF ALFRED HITCHCOCK.
IT IS FUNNY WITH HANG-ON-EVERY-WORD CHARM CREATING STIMULATING, SOPHISTICATED INTIMACY – SENDING UP PHILOSOPHY OF EXISTENTIALISM THROUGH VERBAL VOLLIES OF MS. WHITE AND MR. ANSBRO MENTALLY TOPPING ONE ANOTHER WITH BRAINY BANTER , SCINTILLATING ZINGERS EXPOSING REAL EMOTIONS THEY PUT OUT THERE AND EMBRACE THEIR “EXISTENCE.”
MS. WHITE AFTER APPEARING IN THE ONLY MOVIE PRODUCTION DURING THE PANDEMIC IN WHITE PLAINS MOVES INTO “THE BIG DREAM” BY ROLLIN JEWETT NEXT WEEK AT THE NEW YORK URBAN ARTS FESTIVAL SHE’LL FIT SMOOTHLY PLAYING A THERAPIST—GIRL FRIEND OF A SHOW BIZ PERSONALITY .
ACCORDING TO BROADWAY WORLD “THE BIG DREAM” IS ONE OF THE FIRST PLAYS TO BE STAGED IN NEW YORK CITY SINCE THE PANDEMIC BEGAN AT THE URBAN ARTS FESTIVAL ONE NIGHT ONLY AT THE ABRONS ART CENTER 466 GRAND STREET ON THE LOWER EAST SIDE , NEXT WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT 7 PM FREE. BROADWAY WORLD SAYS:
“STAGED IMMERSIVELY, WITH CHARACTERS TAKEN FROM AUDIENCE MEMBERS ITSELF, “THE BIG DREAM” TELLS THE TALE OF JACK, AN ARROGANT STAGE-PIG WHO RECOUNTS HIS JOURNEY OF HOW HE HOOFED AND WHORED HIS WAY ON STAGE AND ON FILM. WITH ONLY THE GOADING OF AN ENIGMATIC THERAPIST (PLAYED BY MS. WHITE) TO KEEP HIM ON TRACK, JACK GOES IN AND OUT OF REALITY TRYING TO FIND WHO HE REALLY IS … IF HE REALLY IS.” MS. WHITE WILL CERTAINLY FIT RIGHT INTO TO THE THERAPIST JARGON BASED ON HER TURN IN LAST NIGHT’S PREMIER OF “AN EXISTENTIAL DATE”
MR. ANSBRO AS JONATHAN , IS POMPOUS, PONTIFICATING PUNCTILIOUS, A SUPERIOR INTELLECTUALIST CONFIDENT OF HIS CODE OF EXISTENCE SEDUCED BY MS. WHITE’S SEEING THROUGH HIS CAREFULLY CONSTRUCTED FAÇADES HE TRULY BELIEVES. SHE CHALLENGES HIM TO LIVE IN THEM .
MR. ANSBRO BRINGS OFF THE SUPERIORITY OF SELF-SATISFACTION AND MS. WHITE SHATTERS HIS SUPERCILIOUS OLYMPUS PERCH WITH HER DISARMING CANDOR. THE FILM IS RAPID-FIRE CONTEXTUALLY MEANDERING REPARTEE–AN EVER-INTENSE SEDUCTIVE REPOST-FILLED DENOUEMENT MOVED BY QUICK CUTS, CLOSEUPS, AND FLATTERING LINGERINGS CHOREOGRAPHED BY VIDEO EDITOR CHRIS CASABURI.
THE EDITING, AS SOCRATES WOULD SAY, MOVES THE DIALECTIC INTENSELY AS THE PRECISELY DELIVERED DIALOGUE IS PACED BY CUT-BY-CUT BY THE ACTORS—ORCHESTRATED WITH A TITILLATING “BED” OF ORIGINAL GUITAR BY DREW CAICO TO ITS IRONIC BLOCKBUSTER ENDING. INTENSELY EXISTENTIAL.
MR. ANSBRO IS A SHEET METAL WORKER WITH LOCAL 28 IN NEW YORK CITY BY DAY AND ACTOR BY NIGHT WILL NEXT BE SEEN IN “HEY DAD” BY CAROL MARKS AN ORIGINAL ONE ACT NEW WORK AT THE AERIE 20/20 FESTIVAL ABOUT A SON AND HIS FIREMAN DAD. SEPTEMBER 10, 17 AND 22ND IN GARRISON AT THE PHILIPSBURG DEPOT THEATRE. FOLLOW UP WITH THE AERIE 20/20 FESTIVAL FOR MORE. THIS IS JOHN BAILEY ON LOCATION SAYING SEE YOU AT THE WOLF & WARRIOR WHERE “AN ESSENTIAL DATE” WAS FILMED ON AN I-PHONE 11 IN TWO DAYS.
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WPCNR WESTCHESTER LAW JOURNAL. Special to WPCNR from the City of Mount Vernon. June 15, 2021:
The City of Mount Vernon has announced that the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester (YSOW) will be the lead agency in a new partnership with the 9th Judicial District and Mount Vernon City Court.
The Emerging Adult Justice Part of the Mount Vernon City Court is a new initiative established in the Ninth Judicial District.
The mission of the Mount Vernon Emerging Adult Justice Part or “Emerging Adult Court” is to provide meaningful opportunities for resolving criminal cases by pursuing alternatives to conventional prosecution, sentencing and incarceration for young people between the ages of 18-25.
Headed by Executive Director Joanne Dunn, YSOW will serve as the lead agency providing the coordination of services and case management for all involved within this critical project. The objective will be connecting young adults with services, resources, and opportunities through a collaborative effort involving public and private stakeholders to place emerging adults on the path of success and self-autonomy in becoming productive members of society.
To learn more, you can hear Ms. Dunn on a recent edition of White Plains Television’s “People to Be Heard” where Ms. Dunn explains how handling of young adult offenders will be improved through alternative case management of offenders up to age 25.
You can see that interview at
http://www.wpcommunitymedia.org/people-to-be-heard/05132021-1037
Since assuming the role of Executive Director of the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester in 2020, Joanne Dunn has sought to engage in conversations on the various aspects of criminal justice in an effort to effect change, particularly around alternatives to youth incarceration. “What we know here at the shelter is that young people are far better than the worst thing that they’ve done. We focus on their dreams, their aspirations, and their ambitions…to become successful members of their communities. And after 40 years of successfully providing meaningful opportunities for young people to turn their life around, I am grateful to the City of Mount Vernon to allow us to take the lead here,” said Ms. Dunn.
The kickoff of The Emerging Adult Justice Part of the Mount Vernon City Court will be on June 17 at 12pm on the steps of City Hall. It is a free event and all are welcome to attend.
For more information about the Youth Shelter visit www.ysow.org
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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced today the availability of $105 million in critical arts and cultural funding through the New York State Council on the Arts, including a program to reinvigorate near-term live performances that opens for applications Wednesday. The grants will aid in the arts sector’s multi-year recovery from COVID-19 and spur the revitalization of New York’s creative economy, which fosters $123 billion annually in economic activity and supports more than 500,000 jobs statewide.
“We must build New York back better than it was before, and part of that process will be strengthening and reinvigorating our state’s creative economy,” Governor Cuomo said. “These grants will pay dividends through the economic activity generated by our creative ecosystem, which will continue to flourish and inspire us as we work together to make New York stronger than ever.”
There will be four rounds of funding, with $20 million already committed to multi-year awards in the first round. Each round is designed to address the most urgent needs of organizations and artists within New York’s nonprofit creative sector.