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WPCNR PRESS BOX. By John F. Bailey. November 3, 2006 UPDATED 9:15 AM EST: After Paul Labarbera connected on two long passes first to Ray Mitchell for 28 yards to the Mahopac 26, then to Savaughn Green at the Mahopac 9, settling for a beautiful 33 yard field goal by Mike Howard, White Plains fans were feeling very good with a 3-0 lead with 8:13 to go in the first quarter.

Night Pic! Justin Otera of Mahopac (in Blue) just to the right of the blue padded upright is about to be run down by Mike Howard (15) and Connor Spellman(72) after an electrifying interception with  as the Tigers were attempting long passes to get back in the football game with 1:22 to go in the half. Otero picked off a pass at his own 30  that would have been a touchdown and returned it 65 yards cross field and cut back to the Tiger 10 before Howard doggedly brought him down on the Tiger 5. The interception was typical of the Tiger night — and easily the best run of a lot of great plays by the Indians.  The “Pic”  set up the fourth touchdown of the first half with 6 seconds to go to give Mahopac a 26-3 lead at the half. Photo, WPCNR Sports.

The Mahopac Indians then took over the game. The Indians were on fire. They chewed up 10 to 15 yards a carry with their fleet backs cruising around end and up the middle — their misdirection offense froze the Tigers with their deceptive fakes and looks — their quarterback rolled out and eluded pursuing Tigers like Fran Tarkenton. Mahopac scored the first four times they had the ball to build a 26-3 lead at the half, scoring 4 touchdowns in 16 minutes. They came out smoking in the second half, too, adding two TDs in the third quarter on route to a 40-3 victory on a frigid 36 degree night.

White Plains started off the evening positively. Sophomore James Bryant returned Mahopac’s kickoff 34 yards to the Tiger 44. On second down, Paul Labarbera got good protection and hit Ray Mitchell over the middle at the Indian 40 and Ray faught his way to the 26. The next play Paul clicked to “Shifty” Greene on a completion to the 9.  A run and two passes fell incomplete and Coach Stevens elected to try Mike Howard on a field goal from the 22. Mike nailed it – a majestic end-over-ender for 3 – a 32 yarder.

 

 

Then things went bad. Mahopac’s Deception and Devastation attack took over. The first play went 18 yards to the Tiger 48 around end. Then a 9 yard pickup. The Tigers stopped a third down but Justin Otera cruised around right end again for 21 yards to the 20. Another in the Mahopac “Back Pac” Nick Giumarro cruised around the corner again to the 15 and once more to the 5. Quarterback  Tony Castellitto went over the top for the touchdown on 2^nd and goal from the 1 and it was 6-3. The Indians had rolled 70 yards in 10 plays in 4 minutes, calling plays quickly and rolling up the yardage

 

After the Tigers managed one first down at their 30 They ponted to the Mahopac 29 and the Indians picked up where they left off as the first quarter ended, 6-3 with the Pac at their 39.  Not too bad, we’ll stop them next series.

 

Back Pac Powers Up

 

After the Tigers had trapped a back for a loss to the 37, the Pac QB, given enormous time with a rollout option hit a completion over the middle for a first down on the Tiger 48. Then a 30 yard run put the ball on the Tiger 28. Yet another back took a counter play and weaved to the 18. A 3^rd and 13 on the 21 produced a completion from Castellitto to Giumarro produced a first and goal at the Tiger 5. Giumarro scored on 4^th down at the half yard line to send Mahopac ahead 12-3 with 7 minutes to go in the half. Still close, but the Tigers were in trouble. Mahopac was throwing speed, muscle and sleight of hand and the most explosive set of running backs they had seen this year. How Mahopac has a 5-5 record, I do not know. 

 

Another kickoff and the Tigers punted again, three and out, and the Pac continued where they left off with 4 minutes to go in the half.

 

On first down  a back who should have been stopped at the line rambled to the White Plains 40, a pass put them on the 7, and Castellito flipped a 7 yard TD pass to Giumarro to make it 19-3 with 2:06 to go in the half. 60 yards in 5 plays.

 

Tigers Try and Make it Happen

 

It’s a long one down the right sideline! Bobby Thompson going for a long LaBarbera pass at the close of the First Half. Photo, WPCNR Sports.

 

Taking the ball at their 20, Paul LaBarbera tried to make it happen with the air game. With a minute to go he had I believe Savaungh Greene isolated at the Mahopac 30 down the sideline. The pass appeared right on target, but in the most electrifying play of the season Justin Otera came over from safety and in full tilt snared it on the run, raced down the far sideline cutback over the middle at the Tiger 40, weaving and swiveling lit out across the 30, down the near sidline with the Tigers in pursuit. Otero cut back again at the 10 before Mike Howard never giving up laid him out at the 6. With 6 seconds to go in the half Castellito passed 6 yards to Giumarro for the score that made it 26-3 at the half.

 

No Huddle, No Mercy in the Third Quarter.

 

After White Plains held Mahopac on their first series of the second half, Mahopac continued attacking in the third quarter playing their first string, passing long from inside their own 10 yard line and running a no huddle offense in the middle of the 3^rd stanza.  They passed for 20 yards to the 50, another 20 yard completion to the 30. Castellito hit Giumarro for a 30 yard TD pass in the end zone for “the clincher” that put the game out of reach 33-3 with 4:55 to go. A 60 yard run with a minute to go in the third quarter gave Mahopac added some needed breathing room at 40-3. 

 

Turf Factor?

 

This was for the White Plains Tigers their first experience on artificial turf this season.

 

 WPCNR observed that the turf appeared to give Mahopac terrific true cuts and acceleration that backs do not get on natural grass, and our linemen and defensive backs were taken aback by the speed they had to contend with.

 

When the Tigers switch to aritificial turf at either Loucks Field or Parker Stadium next year, they will need to make adjustments to commit earlier and turn the acceleration factor (no bumpy ground, no ruts, no terrain to negotiate) to their advantage.

 

 

White Plains Chilled Cheerleaders— Artificial Turf — the 12th Man in background. Photo, WPCNR Sports

 

 No team has had this much success against the Tigers except New Rochelle this year, and part of it had to be the artificial surface.  From this reporter’s observation the Tigers were having trouble adjusting to the smooth “no dig in” surface of the turf to hold their footing on the line charge, and dig in on the tackles, and did not accelerate to the ball carriers as quickly as they needed to do that turned 4 yard gains into 10 yards and more. I tell you once a back gets going on aritificial turf they move like a runway truck on the Skyline Drive.

 

Turf is an adjustment the young Tigers  (2-7) will have to make next year. Meanwhile, they prepare for Stepinac at the last Turkey Bowl at old Parker Stadium on Thanksgiving Day.

 

Friday Night Lights at Mahopac Friday night. Photo, WPCNR Sports

 

 

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WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE EXAMINER. November 3, 2006: Monday evening, the Common Council agenda at this time includes a resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with New York Presbyterian Hospital to subdivide 65 acres of their property in exchange for 5.5 acres of parkland for the city.

 Its appearance at this time on the agenda indicates the Council is going to authorize the Memorandum of Understanding. Also appearing on the agenda is a resolution calling for Westchester County to relocate the Drop-In Shelter from 85 Court Street out of the city. 

Common Council President Rita Malmud and Councilman Benjamin Boykin could not be reached to confirm whether the sense of the council was to approve the Memorandum of Understanding, in effect, authorizing the 125-home subdivision and park lease.  New York Presbyterian Hospital has not responded to a WPCNR question as to whether New York Presbyterian Hospital has prospective buyers of their property lined up, based on a television report the hospital was selling its property.

The agenda as of 9 A.M. Friday:

COMMON COUNCIL AGENDA REGULAR STATED MEETING

November 6, 2006

7:30 P.M.

 

PLEDGE TO THE FLAG:                Hon. Dennis Power

INVOCATION:                                  Rev. Joseph Agne

Memorial United Methodist Church

ROLL CALL:                                           City Clerk

RECOGNITION:                           Joseph Martin Costable

Youth of the Year 2006-07

EMPLOYEE                                           Mary Orsino

OF THE MONTH:                     Parking Enforcement Officer

Department of Parking

PUBLIC HEARING:

 

1.       Public Hearing in relation to the application submitted on behalf of Greenridge Management Corp. for a Special Permit to maintain a Neighborhood Parking Lot at 15-17 Longview Avenue (Section 130.27, Block 6, Lots 3 & 4).

 

2.                 Communication from City Clerk

FIRST READING

ORDINANCES:

 

3.        Communication from Corporation Counsel in relation to the retention of the law firm of Andrew S. Roffe, P.C., to act as Special Counsel for Legislative Affairs.

 

4.                 Ordinance authorizing the Corporation Counsel to enter into an agreement retaining the services of the law firm of Andrew S. Roffe, P.C., as Special Counsel for the period November 15, 2006 through November 14, 2007.

 

5.       Communication from Commissioner of Public Safety in relation to a grant from the United States Department of Justice – Community Policing Services, to provide funding for security technology for the White Plains High School and Middle Schools.

  

6.                 Ordinance authorizing the transfer of funds within the 2006-2007 General Fund Budget for the Department of Public Safety in order to increase the budget to reflect a $50,027 grant from the United States Department of Justice – Community Policing Services.

 

7.       Communication from Director, Youth Bureau, in relation to a contract with the Regional Partnership of Schools and Colleges to operate the Great Potential Program.

 

8.                 Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with the Regional Partnership of Schools and Colleges Great Potential Program to receive a $7,500 award to operate the Great Potential Program.

 

9.       Communication from Director, Youth Bureau, in relation to a contract with the White Plains City School District for the operation of the Outreach and Student workshops for Project Pride and the Reach for Success Programs.

 

10.               Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with the White Plains City School District to receive $4,000 in funding for Outreach and Student workshops (“Project Pride”) and $9,100 in funding for the operation of the “Reach for Success” Program.

 

11.     Communication from Deputy Commissioner of Building in relation to amendments to Sections WPBCAE-q(2)(iv), WPBCAE-q(2)(v), and WPBCAE-q(2)(vii) of the White Plains Supplemental Uniform Building and Fire Prevention Code regarding electrical permit fees.

 

12.               Ordinance amending an ordinance entitled, “Supplement Uniform Building and Fire Prevention Code for the City of White Plains (Rev)” last amended on June 5, 2006, is hereby amended in relation to fees for electrical permits for one and two family dwellings and electrical installations.

 

13.     Communication from Personnel Officer in relation to a proposed amendment to the Municipal Code by establishing a certain position title and amending the Table of Organization.

 

14.               Ordinance amending Section 2-5-81 of the White Plains Municipal Code by establishing a certain position title, and amending the 2006-2007 Table of Organization by adding a certain position title.

 

15.     Communication from Chairman, Traffic Commission, in relation to proposed amendments to the Traffic Ordinance at various locations around the City.

 

16.               Ordinance amending the Traffic Ordinance of the City of White Plains in relation to Parking Meter Zones, One Hour Parking, Three Hour Parking Monday through Friday, No Parking 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Monday through Friday, and Speed of Motor Vehicles, Etc.

RESOLUTIONS: 

 

17.     Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains authorizing the Mayor to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of White Plains and Royal Charter Properties Westchester, Inc. (aka New York Presbyterian Hospital).

 

18.     Communication from Mayor Delfino and Councilman Hockley in relation to a request from the Common Council for the County of Westchester to move the drop-in homeless shelter currently located at 85 Court Street in White Plains to another more suitable location in Westchester County.

 

19.               Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains urging the County of Westchester to relocate the drop-in homeless shelter for “hard core” homeless persons, including level 3 sex offenders, from 85 Court Street in White Plains, situated in the heart of the City’s downtown revitalization area encompassing numerous retail establishments, restaurants, shops, patrons, workers, visitors, residents and pedestrian traffic and within walking distance of six (6) schools, to another location in Westchester County.

ITEM FOR REFERRAL:

 

20.     Communication from Deputy Commissioner of Building transmitting a request from RPW Group Inc., for an amendment to a previously approved site plan to add 20,000 square feet, add a new cafeteria and executive dining room, and expand and enhance the lobby area at 1133 Westchester Avenue

ITEM FOR INFORMATION:

 

21.     Communication from Director, Youth Bureau, in relation to the recognition of Joseph Martin Costable as Youth of the Year 2006-07 for the City of White Plains.

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WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. Special to the CitizeNetReporter from Don Hughes. November 2, 2006: At an afternoon ceremony today at City Hall, an outdoor park bench was dedicated to the memory of the late Councilman Robert Greer, on behalf of White Plains City Hall employees

 

                                              

The Robert Greer Memorial Park Bench in the late evening Thursday Night. Photo by WPCNR News

 

The idea and funding came entirely from White Plains city employees. Annette Simmons of the Personnel Department headed the committee that coordinated the effort, but every department participated and donated time and money. The bench is located in the small park between City Hall and the Planning Department annex.

                         

 City Fathers Dedicate the Bench about to be unveiled. Left to Right: Alexis Greer, Mr. Greer’s daughter, Helen Greer, his wife. Mayor Joseph Delfino, Councilperson Benjamin Boykin, Jr., Councilperson Rita Malmud, Councilperson Dennis Power, Assemblyman Adam Bradley, Councilperson Arnold Bernstein, and Councilperson Glen Hockley. Photo by Don

Hughes.

                                                 

Mayor Delfino, with Alexis Greer, center, and Helen Greer Thursday afternoon. Photo by Don Hughes

 

                                                   

                                                  The Memorial Plaque. Photo by Don Hughes

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WPCNR SOUTH END TIMES. November 2, 2006: The Westchester Hispanic Coalition salutes Hudson Health Plan as its corporate honoree at the Dia De Los Muertos Gala tonight at the C.V. Rich Mansion in White Plains from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.  Hudson Health Plan is a not-for-profit managed care organization that provides free and low-cost health insurance to low-income residents in Westchester County and elsewhere in the Hudson Valley. 

 

            Hudson Health Plan is committed to enrolling everyone who is eligible for Medicaid Managed Care, Child Health Plus, and Family Health Plus programs, and has demonstrated expertise in reaching out to the Latino community throughout its coverage area. “Honoring Hudson Health Plan is a way of recognizing its commitment to providing quality health care in a culturally appropriate manner and treating the Latino community with dignity and respect,” says Graciela Heymann, Executive Director of the Westchester Hispanic Coalition, a private not-for-profit human services agency dedicated to the economic and social development of the Latino community.

 

            Hudson Health Plan and the Westchester Hispanic Coalition share a similar objective in their efforts to provide access to quality health care for all members of the community. “I deeply respect Hudson Health Plan’s efforts in advocating for universal health care,” says Ms. Heymann.

 

 Georganne Chapin, President and CEO of Hudson Health Plan, expressed her delight in receiving this year’s corporate award. “I am thrilled to receive this award on behalf of Hudson Health Plan.  Both the Westchester Hispanic Coalition and Hudson Health Plan encompass a strong belief that everybody should have health coverage and access to excellent health care. The Westchester Hispanic Coalition works with great dedication and advocates for resources that are sorely needed by many Latinos in this county.” 

 

About Hudson Health Plan

Founded in the mid-1980s by a coalition of community health centers, Hudson Health Plan’s Mission Statement is “to promote and provide access to excellent health services for all people.” The Tarrytown-based not-for-profit organization provides services to more than 60,000 members in New York’s Hudson Valley. Hudson Health Plan has been driving health care innovation by developing technology to support clinical quality initiatives and streamline the enrollment process for Medicaid Managed Care, Child Health Plus, and Family Health Plus.

 

Hudson Health Plan is the winner of the 2006 Poughkeepsie Journal Diversity in the Workplace Award; the 2005 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Corporate Award for Diversity from the YWCA of White Plains and Central Westchester; the 2005 Advancements in Health Care Award from Hudson Valley Life and Hudson Valley Parent; and the 2003 Community Leadership Award from the New York Health Plan Association.

 

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WPCNR PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE NIGHT. By a WPCNR Roving Photographer. November 2, 2006: Crews worked late into the evening Wednesday night pouring over 900,000 yards of concrete to complete the roof of the Ritz-Carlton parking garage under the Court Street extension. The thick slab (appearing to be about three feet in depth), will eventually support the new extension of Court Street right of way to the Ritz-Carlton hotel and condominiums. The slab needed to be poured all at one time, and crews were prepared to work until it was done — regardless of weather or nightfall. Thanks to some rented portable lights, none of that came to pass and it was completed around 8:00 P.M.

Court Street Extension One Step Closer for White Plains Kind. Crews smoothing rooftop to the below surface Ritz-Carlton Parking Garage catacombs at 221 Main Street between Hamilton Avenue and Main Wednesday evening. Photo by Don Hughes, a WPCNR Roving Photographer

They Serve who Pour Concrete By Night: Smoothing out the new Court Street extension roadbed-to-be. Bar Building is in the background. Photo by Don Hughes, a WPCNR Roving Photographer.