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WPCNR ROVING PHOTOGRAPHER. November 13, 2004: Saturday’s Photograph of the Day captures the new skyline of White Plains, Trump Tower at City Center going up on the left, and the North Tower of City Center on Main Street looking West from Broadway. The Pinnacle, Ginsburg Development Corporation proposed building would sit in the middle of the two ziggurats.
WHITE PLAINS WEST. Photo by TheWPCNR Roving Photographer.
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WPCNR East Ender. By John F. Bailey. November 12, 2004: The new Stop N Shop on Westchester Avenue confirmed to WPCNR today at they are monitoring occupants of their free parking structure on Westchester Avenue because a fair number of parkers have been using their lot to park and walking to The Westchester, Fortunoff and other retail and restaurant establishments in the vicinity.
A White Plains CitizeNetReporter advised WPCNR on Wednesday that Stop N Shop was issuing time slips to motorists parking in the lot. Friday, a spokesperson at the Stop N Shop Customer Service desk told WPCNR Stop N shop was issuing time receipts which customers had to have validated by the cashiers at checkout. The Scene Friday afternoon. The Booth Sign says “Traffic Study.” It is manned. Photo by WPCNR News.
Asked why, the spokesperson said that Stop N Shop was taking a survey to see how many visitors were actually shopping in Stop N Shop. “We want our lot for our customers,” the spokesperson said. Asked if a number of persons had been parking at S N S and not shopping there, but pedestrianing it to other stores in the area, the spokesperson said “Yes.” WPCNR queried as to whether a parking fee was being contemplated. The spokesperson said, “no, we’d never charge for parking for our customers.” Asked if this was being done on a widespread basis, parking at Stop N Shop, and shopping elsewhere, the spokespersons said yes. “We want our parking to be for our customers,” she said.
The revelation that motorists are parking free at one establishment to shop at others, raises the issue of whether Wal-Mart, which traditionally offers free parking will do so at their new headquarters on Main Street.
The free parking lot at The Container Store is another scene of free parking abuse, according to frequent Container Store devotees. Motorists park at the Container Store and stroll over to The Westchester, Fortunoff, or other points.
WPCNR’s correspondent notes that White Plains parking is becoming too expensive for the average citizen, saying her husband drops her off at Whole Foods Market when she only has to pick up a few items, does some errands himself, then swings by and picks her up.
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WPCNR East Ender. By John F. Bailey. November 12, 2004: The Italian Hospital Society, the organized labor-supported health organization responsible for building the first Italian Hospital in Manhattan, catering to New York’s immigrant population in the late 1930s, held an organization meeting at Antonio Meucci Lodge Thursday evening to acquire community support throughout Westchester County for creation of an Italian Home for the Aged in White Plains on the St.Agnes Hospital property off North Street.
How Italian Home for the Aged would be placed on the St. Agnes Hospital Site: Architect’s rendering of facility is in left center of sketch. Existing hospital buildings at right would be renovated for various stages of aged care. (View is looking West.) Thomas Carvel Children’s Rehabilitation Unit would stay in service in the foreground (arrow bottom of picture). Under present Dormitory “Auction Package”, the Children’s Rehab Center built with a multi-million dollar gift from Tom Carvel, the Carvel soft ice cream founder, could be razed by real estate speculators, the Carvel Center perpetuity is not guaranteed by the Dormitory Authority auction arrangement, according to the Italian Hospital Society organizers, one of the advantages, they say of the Society acquiring the property. The Home for the Aged would be built on the site of the abandoned convent behind the Carvel building. (North Street runs along the bottom of the photo.) Photo by WPCNR News.
Carvel Children’s Unit Could be Torn Down, Not Protected by Dorm Authority.
Another benefit to their acquiring the St. Agnes site, would be to continue the existence of the Thomas Carvel Children’s
Mignone said a real estate developer acquiring the property for housing, for example, could simply tear down the Carvel center if they wished, because it is part and parcel of the Dormitory Authority offering of the property.
Grassroots Movement Begins Tentatively November 22
A group of fourteen persons met with Dr. Mignone, former Director of Juvenile Patient Services at
Italian Hospital Society and members of the Antonio Meucci Lodge meeting Thursday evening at the Lodge on Maple Avenue in White Plains. Photo by WPCNR News
Mattace said there would be widespread labor support for the home which he felt would also supply funds to build the project. Mignone said the facility would cost $100 Million to construct, including acquisition of the property from the Dormitory Authority, and construction of the residential facility, and renovation of existing hospital buildings for end-of-life care.
The committee organizing the effort decided to call a meeting with other Presidents of the Sons of Italy Chapters throughout the County tentatively scheduled for November 22 at the Meucci Lodge in
Will Not Get $38 Million for it.
Dr. Mignone said the St. Agnes property, currently scheduled to be auctioned off to the highest bidder by the State Dormitory Authority, which foreclosed on it six months ago, taking the property back from the Catholic Church, its former operators, is not worth the $38 Million the Dormitory is asking for it.
Dr. Domenico Mignone, Spearheading the Italian Home for the Aged last night. Photo by WPCNR News.
He said the Italian Hospital Society hoped to acquire it for actual real property value, (estimated at $10 Million, as presently zoned), and have it rezoned for hospital use. The special permit allowing St. Agnes Hosptial to operate as a hospital there expired when the hospital was foreclosed upon by the Dormitory, he said.
Mignone said Mayor Joseph Delfino of
Request to Put Off Auction.
Mignone said the Society is hopeful after generating grassroots support in the next two weeks, of convincing the Governor, and the Dormitory Authority, and state senators and assemblypersons to throw the site open for Requests for Proposals for use of the property, and postpone the auction, so the Society could acquire the property without getting into a competitive bidding war with other organizations. That failing, Mignone said the Society would attempt the bidding if necessary.
Dr. Mignone said there was not a date set for the auction of the property as yet, expecting the Society had about two months in which to gather state administration support for the project.
A Need for an Italian Heritage-sensitive home, open to all.
Mignone noted that a home catering to the special needs of aging Italians is needed, because as the Italian population ages, the earlier memories become more vivid to the elderly, who tend to lapse back into their native language, customs and traditions, which Mignone said would be incorporated into the home’s atmosphere, cuisine, and care.
Mignone and Mattace said that whether or not the Society was able to obtain the St. Agnes site, would not matter, that another site was already under consideration, should the St. Agnes property not be possible to obtain.
A dinner is being held this Sunday at the V.I.P. Country Club in New Rochelle to kick off fundraising for the project, which will honor John Ahern, Business Manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 30; Stuart Applebaum, President, Retail, Wholesale & Department Store Union; and Giannandrea Falchi, Bank of Italy representative in the United States. For information on the dinner, contact Dr. Mignone at 1-914-776-2778. The Italian Hospital Society website is at www.italianhospitalsociety.com.
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WPCNR STARS AND STRIPES. November 11, 2004: The traditional Veterans Day ceremony at the White Plains Rural Cemetery were held this morning in the traditional somber gray skies poignantly swept by the bitter Northeast wind.
Adele Zucker set the tone of the day when she noted, “It is the veteran, not the politician, who guarantees our right to vote; It is the veteran, not the reporter, who guarantees freedom of the press, It is the veteran not the preacher, who guarantees freedom of religion.”
Ron Tocci, the New York Assemblyman, retiring after twenty years in the Assembly, and 82nd Airborne Paratrooper, gave the address emphasizing that the veterans and their care and their contributions must never be forgotten.
Mayor Joseph Delfino reminisced with deep feeling recalling watching his brothers go off to fight World War II, saying goodbye to his mother and dad, saying they’d be o.k., not to worry, and asked those in attendance how parents must feel when they are sending their children of today off to war.
American Legion Post #135 Salutes and remembers the fallen, as Middle School Student Jacob Paul, 14, plays “Taps” Photo by WPCNR News.
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WPCNR PRESS BOX. By John F. Bailey. November 11, 2004: Horace Greeley’s great Maddy Coon, the most recruited softball player in the country, scourge of fastpitch twirlers up and down the East Coast, recruited by 80 Division I schools, signed a letter of intent today to play with Stanford University on a four year, “Full-Ride” Scholarship. The ceremony took place with her parents, Randy and Jean Coon, and her coach since she was 12 years old, Rob Crews, at White Plains Frozen Ropes downtown.
PERSEVERENCE, PRACTICE, WORK ETHIC PAY OFF TODAY: Maddy Coon signs her Letter of Intent to play softball with Stanford University at Frozen Ropes, White Plains. Left to right, Frozen Ropes’ Rob Crews, Ms. Coon’s hitting instructor for seven years, Randy Coon, her Dad, and her Mom, Jean. Maddy, legendary Hudson River Bandit, member of the feared Team New Jersey, and the Virginia Shamrocks is expected to start for Stanford on their infield next year. Ms. Coon said she selected Stanford over UCLA, for its academics. Photo by WPCNR Sports.
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WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From Anne Brady, SUNY PURCHASE Performing Arts Center. November 11, 2004: Christopher Beach, Director of The Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, announced Monday that he plans to step down from his post at the end of the 2005/2006 season, which concludes in June, 2006.
Speaking at a meeting of The Performing Arts Center Foundation Board of Trustees, Beach said he is eager to pursue new personal challenges after having guided The Center through 16 years of uninterrupted growth. “In this business I have been here for what is considered a very long time,” he
told the Board. “I have added what I can to The Center and I believe it is now time for someone else to add their energy and vision to The Center. It has been an honor for me to play a part in the achievements of The Center.”
Purchase College Provost Elizabeth Langland will shortly form a search
committee comprised of members of The Performing Arts Center Board and
Purchase College faculty, staff and students. Leaders of other arts
organizations will be consulted and a search firm will be engaged.
Throughout the process faculty, staff and the community will be involved in
critical decisions and the entire Performing Arts Center Board will
participate in the final selection.
“We are enormously grateful to Christopher Beach for his superb leadership
of The Performing Arts Center and his foresight in identifying new and
emerging talent,” said Purchase College President Thomas J. Schwarz. “His
unflagging energy and enthusiasm have brought some of the world’s finest
artists to Purchase and he has greatly enriched the cultural life of our
campus and the surrounding community. We value the standards of excellence
he has defined and his many contributions. He has received enthusiastic
praise from all who have worked with him and we wish him much success. I
also am grateful for the advance notice he has given the College in order
for us to insure a smooth transition to new leadership.”
Beach came to Purchase in 1987, as Managing Director of PepsiCo Summerfare,
an international festival of cutting edge and contemporary music, dance and
theatre.
Praising the “wonderful and generous support” of the Board and the “hard
work and dedication” of his staff of The Performing Arts Center, Beach said
the timing of his announcement was made to ensure an orderly transition and
to allow ample time for the College and Board to choose his successor.
Noting “the outstanding contribution” that Beach has made to The Performing
Arts Center, Perry Lewis, the Board’s Chairman, lauded him “for enabling The
Center to reach and, in fact, exceed all of the very ambitious goals set
forth in our five-year plan.” He added, “His energy, commitment, knowledge
in all aspects of the performing arts and theatre management, his
programming skills and his exemplary leadership qualities have been
indispensable to the success of The Performing Arts Center.”
During Beach’s tenure, the number of public events at The Center has
expanded nearly five-fold, from 125 in the 1988/1989 season to over 600 in
the current 2004/2005 season. During the same period, ticket sales have
grown from $125,000 to $1.7 million, while donor contributions have grown
from $6,000 to $1 million. Most remarkably, notes Beach, the tremendous
growth has been achieved without any increase in staff. The number of
full-time staff has remained at 24 since 1988.
Perhaps the Director’s most important contribution, however, has been to
create an identity for The Performing Arts Center: one that conforms to the
College’s mission to equate arts with academics, and to serve both students
and the community. “When I came on board as Director, I asked Sheldon
Grebstein (then the President of Purchase College) what he wanted me to
accomplish,” Beach recalls. “He said, ‘I want you to fill The Performing
Arts Center all year long with the best the world has to offer.'”
After meeting monthly with Westchester and Fairfield County residents, Beach
expanded the classical music programs to include international orchestras
and emerging artists. The greatest classical artists in the world have come
to Purchase, including Daniel Barenboim, Mitsuko Uchida, Leontyne Price, Yo
Yo Ma, Maxim Vengerov, Evgeny Kissin, Isaac Stern, Lang Lang, Jessye Norman,
Garrick Ohlsson, Shura Cherkassky, Earl Wild, William Christie’s Les Arts
Florissants, and many others.
The highly respected reputation achieved by The Center under Beach’s
direction has made it “the venue” for American premieres, as well as for
dozens of artists and companies, which have presented exclusive New York
area performances at Purchase. The legendary Daniel Barenboim, for example,
gave his only American recital at Purchase last season. The Suzuki Theatre
Company’s production of King Lear in Japanese had its American debut at The
Center. This season features the New York premiere of jazz composer Uri
Caine’s jazz orchestra performing Beethoven’s Diabelli Variations.
The Center itself has also undergone dramatic change during Beach’s tenure.
He conceived, directed and was instrumental in the design of a $3.2 million
renovation of the public spaces at The Center. Along with Perry Lewis, he
spearheaded the creation of The Performing Arts Center Foundation. The
group has raised over $7 million for beautification of The Center’s theatres
and in support of The Center’s many programs.
His special relationships with artists such as piano virtuoso and White
Plains native Garrick Ohlsson, British conductor Jane Glover, and
groundbreaking French jazz pianist Jacques Loussier has benefited the
college and its students with a close and continued relationship. “Many
great artists have agreed to conduct master classes and open rehearsals at
the College, providing models of excellence for our students,” Beach noted.
In addition to integrating The Performing Arts Center into the academic life
of the College, Beach said, “I’ve wanted to establish The Performing Arts
Center as a place where artists know they’ll be well-presented, appear
before a discriminating audience, appear in the company of distinguished
colleagues, and be supported by a first-rate staff.”
Along with the classics, Beach also added new series in jazz, film, comedy,
cabaret, world music, dance, rock and roll, and family and children’s
performances to The Center’s programming. He has become a familiar face to
patrons in the lobby, where he is ever-present at more than 600
performances.
CHRISTOPHER BEACH, BIO
Christopher Beach has been the Director of The Performing Arts Center at
Purchase College since October, l989. Mr. Beach oversees a professional
staff of 24 and a year-round schedule of over 600 events. A graduate of
Johns Hopkins University, Mr. Beach’s performing arts experience is
extensive. He has been Production Manager for the Baltimore Opera Company,
Production Stage Manager for the Santa Fe Opera, and for five seasons, was
the Administrative Assistant to John Dexter, the Director of Production at
the Metropolitan Opera.
Mr. Beach founded the Santa Fe Festival Theatre in 1980, the first
professional theatre company in New Mexico, and then returned to the
Metropolitan Opera as Operation Director in 1985.
Mr. Beach served for two years (1987-89) as Managing Director of PepsiCo
SUMMERFARE, an international festival of cutting edge and contemporary
music, dance and theatre that took place on the campus of Purchase College
for ten years. Under his leadership since 1989, The Performing Arts Center
at Purchase College has grown from a local venue for primarily classical
music to the largest professional performing arts series in the SUNY system.
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WPCNR Phantom of the Arts. By John F. Bailey. November 10, 2004: Christopher Beach, scion of the Hamilton-Beach fortune, longtime Executive Director of the SUNY Purchase Performing Arts Center will be stepping down as its Executive Director, WPCNR has learned. Mr. Beach told his staff he would be leaving at a meeting Tuesday morning, according to a WPCNR source. Calls to the Director of Public Relations and Mr. Beach were not returned yesterday or today, however a news release is being prepared confirming Mr. Beach’s departure. Beach is expected to serve through 2005, leaving in 2006, creating a void at one of the most prestigious theatre complexes in area. A source familiar with the SUNY arts center informed WPCNR a national search will be conducted to select a successor to Mr. Beach.
SUNY Purchase Performing Arts Center showcases a wide variety of prestigious events throughut the year at a $36 million theatre complex adjacent to White Plains. It grosses $6 Million in revenues, and loses money to the tune of $400,000 a year. Mr. Beach’s career there has spanned approximately 18 years, according to an office source. No reason for the departure was given.
Mr. Beach did not return calls for comment yesterday or this morning when contacted by WPCNR.
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WPCNR PRESS BOX. By John F. Bailey. November 10, 2004: Devon Austin, the White Plains Tiger playmaker signed a Letter of Intent today to attend Manhattan College, the NCAA Division I school, on a four-year “full-ride” basketball scholarship, for room, tuition, books and board to play for the two-time MAC Champions, and respected contenders in the NCAA Basketball Tournament.
SWISH! Devon Austin, White Plains Tiger 40% three-point shooter, intense defender and floor leader will be playing for Manhattan College in Riverdale next year. Devon is flanked by his mom, Danita Sturdivant, left and stepfather Michael Hayes at the signing ceremony at White Plains High. Devon told WPCNR he really liked Manhattan’s coach, the brand of ball they play, and expected to major in business at Manhattan. Mr. Austin said he would begin practices with Manhattan two weeks after graduation in June, and hoped someday to make it to the National Basketball Association. Photo by WPCNR Sports
Mr. Austin selected Manhattan as being a good fit for him and his abilities. The signing was celebrated today in front of many of his teammates and his mother, Danita Sturdivant and stepfather, Michael Hayes looking on at a ceremony in the White Plains High School Career Center.
A Great Day In His Life: Devon, seated with his parents with Henry Cafaro, welcoming teammates, family and media, Ivan Toper, Principal, second from right, and Interim Athletic Director Nick Panaro today. Photo by WPCNR Sports.
Ivan Toper, Principal of WPHS, said of Mr. Austin “The first day I saw Devon, I liked him because he’s a likable young man, he’s a respectable young man. He should serve as a role model for other kids that come behind him who see that there is a way to get athletics and academics together in one package. We will always be a part of him so if there’s anything he needs down the line, he always has a home here in White Plains.”
Mentor Spencer Mayfield, left, with his protege, Devon Austion today.
Photo by WPCNR Sports
Mr. Austin’s basketball coach Spencer Mayfield said, “On behalf of his teammates and all his coaches, I can’t say how proud we are of Devon. He’s done everything we’ve ever asked him to do. He’s a great leader, a great teammate, one of the finest kids I’ve ever been asspciated with. I told your mother how proud I was of you. You have been nothing but a role model for everyone who comes in contact with you. When anyone talks to me about Devon Austin, it always comes out what a terrific gentleman you are. You made an excellent choice, you’re going to one of the best programs athletically, a fine academic institution. On behalf of the program, I’d like to congratulate you.”
Mr. Austin’s scholarship is for five years, in case he is red-shirted, or injured, he will have the time to complete his full degree.
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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. November 10, 2004: James J. Jordan, Class of ’48, an award-winning advertising copywriter; Thelma Washington, Class of ’55, White Plains Church Street School elementary teacher; Dr. Andrew Arnold, Class of ’70, a world-recognized leader in endocrinology and cancer research; and the world renowned concert pianist, William Wolfram, Class of ’73, were inducted into the White Plains High School Hall of Fame Tuesday at a reception at WPHS Tuesday afternoon.
Jordan, of the WPHS Class of 1948, was honored posthumously, for being one of the greatest advertising copywriters of all time. He created such legendary slogans as “Us Tarreyton Smokers Would Rather Fight than Switch,” and “Delta is ready when you are.” Mr. Jordan rose to head the signature Madison Avenue advertising agency of the 1950s and and 60s, Batton, Barton, Durstine & Osborne, and founded his own advertising agency, Jordan, Case & McGrath & Taylor.
Thelma Washington, a resident of Whtie Plains, Class of 1955, and teacher at Church Street School was honored as an active leader in a wide range of community organizations, including the Winbrook Study Center and the Carver Center Tutorial Program.
Dr. Andrew Arnold, Class of 1970 is Chief of the Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. Arnold isolated the PRAD 1 cancer cell, and by so-doing revealed the rate at which cancer cells divide.
William Wolfram of the Class of 1973 is a highly-acclaimed and award-winning recitalist, chamber musician and concert piano soloist, who performs for audiences worldwide.
The quartet join 38 other outstanding graduates in the WPHS Hall of Fame, whose photographs hang in the main rotunda of White Plains High School. The new inductees were selected by a committee of representatives of civic and school groups from nominations submitted by the public. The Hall of Fame Steering Committee is co-chaired by Amy Geiger and WPHS Principal Ivan Toper.
The Hall of Fame was created by Ms. Geiger in 1995. This is the ninth year of inductions, since it was established in 1996. There are now 42 members from among the 25,000 gradustes from White Plains High School in its 107-year history.
Honored as those graduates who have achieved significant success in their chosen careers and who have contributed to the betterment of society, the 2004 inductees are James J. Jordan, Class of ’48, an award-winning advertising copywriter; Thelma Washington, Class of ’55, White Plains Church Street School elementary teacher; Dr. Andrew Arnold, Class of ’70, a world-recognized leader in endocrinology and cancer research; and the world renowned concert pianist, William Wolfram, Class of ’73.
Arnold, Wolfram and Washington (Mr. Jordan is deceased), will be honored at the Hall of Fame Day ceremonies at White Plains High School November 9, when they will spend time with high school students and staff. The Induction Ceremony will take place in the new Media Center, followed by a reception, and is open to the public.
Jordan, of the WPHS Class of 1948, Mr. Toper said, created such legendary slogans as “Us Tarreyton Smokers Would Rather Fight than Switch,” and “Delta is ready when you are.” Toper noted that Mr. Jordan rose to head the signature Madison Avenue advertising agency of the 1950s and and 60s, Batton, Barton, Durstine & Osborne, and founded his own advertising agency, Jordan, Case & McGrath & Taylor.
Thelma Washington, Class of 1955, and taught at Church Street School. He described her as an active leader in a wide range of community organizations, including the Winbrook Study Center and the Carver Center Tutorial Program.
Dr. Andrew Arnold, Class of 1970 is Chief of the Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. Toper said Arnold isolated the PRAD 1 cancer cell, and by so-doing revealed the rate at which cancer cells divide.
William Wolfram of the Class of 1973 was hailed by Mr. Toper as a highly-acclaimed and award-winning recitalist, chamber musician and concert piano soloist, who performs for audiences worldwide.
The quartet join 38 other outstanding graduates in the WPHS Hall of Fame, whose photographs hang in the main rotunda of White Plains High School. The new inductees were selected by a committee of representatives of civic and school groups from nominations submitted by the public. The Hall of Fame Steering Committee is co-chaired by Amy Geiger and WPHS Principal Ivan Toper.
The Hall of Fame was created by Ms. Geiger in 1995. This is the ninth year of inductions, since it was established in 1996. There are now 42 members from among the 25,000 gradustes from White Plains High School in its 107-year history.
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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. November 10, 2004: At the monthly Board of Education meeting Monday night, the Board voted to negotiate a contract with Syntax/Education, a public relations firm, specializing in publicity and conduct of academic and school district image programs. Michele Schoenfeld reports that Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors and Board of Education President Donna McLaughlin will be entering into discussions with the Principal of Syntax/Education within two weeks to establish a contract.
Original discussions with Syntax/Education last month indicated Syntax had made a proposal to handle complete public relations operations for the district for approximately $50,000 a year, but the actual contract has not been drawn up yet. Presently, the 2004-05 School Budget appropriates $25,000 for publication of the school newsletter.
The Board also extended the interim status of Interim Athletic Director Nick Panaro at White Plains High School until January 31, 2004.