WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER 3,374,995 VISITS IN ONE YEAR---65,000 VISITS A WEEK BY 985,281 VISITORS | White Plains Daily News Service Since 2000 A.D. "24th YEAR DAILY COVERAGE OF WHITE PLAINS NY USA. John F. Bailey, Editor (914) 997-1607 wpcnr@aol.com Cell: 914-673-4054. (WE ALWAYS CALL YOU BACK.) 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 76 "Fighting for Truth, Justice and the American Way." EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT! CHOICE OF WHITE PLAINS, WESTCHESTER AND THE WORLD FOR 23 YEARS. AND YOU CAN READ THE TYPE! ADVERTISE WHERE THE EYES AND THINKERS ARE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD! IN MARCH TOP 10 VISITOR COUNTRIESl 1. USA 8,327 2. CHINA 3,590 3.IRELAND 1,018 4 GERMANY 933 5 RUSSIA 426 6 ISRAEL 366 7. CANADA 268 8 FRANCE 243 9 UNITED KINGDOM 240 10. NORWAY 216 (RATINGS SOURCE WORDPRESS ROBOT FREE)) THE NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW THAT THEY DON'T TELL YOU! LOOK FOR THE FEDORA!

Governor Pataki Surveys Damage at Bet Am Shalom. Arranges SUNY for Services

Posted on September 19, 2003 by John Bailey

WPCNR STREETS OF WHITE PLAINS. By John F. Bailey. September 19, 2003: Governor George Pataki visited the fire-ravaged Bet Am Shalom temple in White Plains Friday afternoon to lend his support, concern and compassion to the templeless congregation. The Governor arranged with SUNY Purchase to make available the Fine Arts Center at Purchase to the congregation for the High Holy Days coming up. Saying it was important in crisis for us all to hang together, the Governor congratulated the White Plains Fire Department for their bravery in containing the blaze, preventing the sanctuary from being extensively damaged. He and Mayor Joseph Delfino surveyed the interior damage to the old Bet Am Shalom mansion it sustained in its Primary Day fire, September 9.

“GOVERNOR WITH A HEART:” George Pataki, arriving at 3:35 P.M. Friday, views the damage at Bet Am Shalom on Soundview Avenue with Mayor Joseph Delfino, and Rabbi Lester Bronstein, head of the congregation. Later, Mayor Delfino characterized Governor Pataki as a “Governor With a Heart,” for his prompt arranging space for the congregation at SUNY Purchase. Photo by WPCNR News.

IN PROCESS OF ESTIMATING COST OF DAMAGE: Governor Pataki and Mayor Delfino solemnly surveyed the devastated, roofless hulk of the Bet Am Shalom mansion as it looked Friday. Robin Rattner, the synagague Executive Director, said their insurance company, Church Mutual Insurance Company, is in the process of determining the cause of fire and estimating the cost of the damage, and that was not expected to be calculated for about 2 to 3 weeks. She also reported the congregation anticipates rebuilding the mansion on the structure in place and perhaps enlarging it and adding additional sections, figuring the time to rebuild would be about 2 to 3 years, at the cost of several million dollars. Rabbi Bronstein said the temple sanctuary at the extreme right in this picture is being clean up and will undergo reconstruction of the beams before it could be ready for services again. Rattner said the temple’s Hebrew School is being housed at Solomon Schechter in White Plains, and praised Solomon Schechter for stepping forward so promptly to provide facilities to keep the school operating. Photo by WPCNR News

Commerce Bank Invites Public to Celebrate Grand Opening in White Plains

Posted on September 19, 2003 by John Bailey

WPCNR STREETS OF WHITE PLAINS. From Commerce Bank. September 19, 2003: Commerce Bank celebrates the grand opening of “America’s Most Convenient Bank” in White Plains on Saturday, September 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Located at 285 Mamaroneck Ave., the former site of the Sea Star Diner, this Commerce Bank store is the first of several convenient locations planned for Westchester County.

Celebrate with the Commerce Bank team at this Grand Opening party that is free and open to the public. Enjoy:
– Plenty of free food and refreshments
– Jugglers, stilt-walkers, caricaturists and more family fun
– Music from a deejay spinning your favorite tailgate party hits
– Exciting games and prizes, including a drawing to win a Bose Entertainment System!

The inviting design of Commerce Bank’s stores – open, airy interiors, interactive Penny Arcades, historic murals, and easily accessible ATM machines – reaffirm that unique Commerce Bank retail banking experience. The White Plains location also provides ample, off-street parking for customers.

As “America’s Most Convenient Bank,” Commerce looks different, thinks different and provides a truly different banking experience. Committed to providing customers with convenient, quality financial services whenever, wherever and in whatever way they want them, Commerce offers a variety of convenient products and services:
– Seven-day branch banking with longer hours
– Free personal checking
– Commerce Check Card, a combination ATM/VISA debit card
– Free Penny Arcade coin counting machines
– Free on-line banking at www.commerceonline.com, the bank’s award-winning, interactive financial resource

Board of Elections — You Be the Judge

Posted on September 18, 2003 by John Bailey

WPCNR WHITE PLAINS VOICE. September 18, 2003: The Board of Elections has done it again. For the third straight election WPCNR has covered, reporting of results by the Board of Elections has been late, inaccurate, and poor decisions and priorities have been set. Every year the Board of Elections has ten months to fix their performance and every year the same dismal nineteenth century reporting methods keep White Plains voters, and all voters in the county in suspense. Take our poll at the right and let us know your thoughts, after all you are the electorate. Vote more than once.

Yet the Westchester County Board of Elections does not improve performance. Board of Elections canvassing on Election night is not as accurate as party call-ins on the votes. Recanvassing takes too long. Counting of Affidavit Ballots and Absentee Ballots delays results more than a week, and this happens every election year. You also ought to know this. The Board of Elections is not accountable to the County. Complaints are to be directed to State Elections Board.

What do Mr. and Mrs. White Plains think? Take the poll at the right. And I encourage you to vote more than once so we can pinpoint areas that might help the Board of Elections count quickly, accurately, and authoritatively, something they demonstrate every year they cannot do.

This is not a knock on the volunteers who work on the Board of Elections. They only use the systems that are put into effect by their management, and the volunteers need to be used more strategically and intelligently. What do you think?

It’s Official: Republican Slate is Tim Sheehan, Jeff Binder & Dan Hickey.

Posted on September 18, 2003 by John Bailey

WPCNR PRIMARY NIGHT EXTENDED COVERAGE. From Jeffrey Binder. September 18, 2003, 2:30 P.M. E.D.T.: Jeffrey Binder, Republican candidate for Common Council telephoned WPCNR moments ago with the Board of Elections results of the White Plains Republican Primary. He reports the Board of Elections has counted all Absentee Ballots and evaluated all Affidavit Ballots and has come up with a final count. According to Binder, the results bring Dan Hickey in ahead of previously nominated Rosa Munoz for one of the three Republican slots for Common Council. The final totals:

Tim Sheehan, 989 Jeffrey Binder 918 Daniel Hickey 855 Rosa Munoz 830

DAN HICKEY Wins His GOP Primary Challenge: Mr. Hickey, former Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety in White Plains is shown, third from the left at Wednesday Evening’s Candidate’s Forum at the United Methodist Church. Hickey’s 25-vote victory wins him a Republican Council Candidate line on the November ballot. Ms. Rosa Munoz will still be on the ballot on the Independent and Conservative lines. Photo by WPCNR News

PRIMARY DAY REACH OUT PAID OFF FOR LEADERS SHEEHAN AND BINDER: Top vote-getters in the Republican Primary, Timothy Sheehan, left, and Jeffrey Binder shown getting out the vote on Primary Day. Photo by WPCNR News

Isabel is a Country Girl. Moving “Well West.” But Watch for Gusts.

Posted on September 18, 2003 by John Bailey

WPCNR WEATHER SCOOP. From National Weather Service. September 18, 2003: Hurricane Isabel Is About To Make Landfall In The Outer Banks Of North Carolina. This Storm Will Then Move Inland This Afternoon… And Will Track Well West Of The Area On Friday As It Weakens. Meanwhile…A Large Area Of High Pressure Will Continue To Slide Slowly Eastward Over Northern New England. The Difference In Pressure Between These Systems Will Result In Strong And Gusty Winds Across The Region Tonight And Friday.

Currently…Winds Across The Region Are Generally Out Of The Northeast Around 15 Mph…With Gusts Between 20 And 25 Mph. These Winds Will Gradually Increase In Magnitude This Afternoon And Will Climb To 30 To 35 Mph…With A Few Gusts As High As 45 Mph.

Adam In Albany: Property Tax Exemption for Seniors Raised

Posted on September 18, 2003 by John Bailey

WPCNR’S ADAM IN ALBANY. By 89th District Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley. September 18, 2003: The governor recently signed legislation, which I supported in the Assembly, to increase income eligibility levels to $24,000 for the “Over 65” property tax exemption (A.8930-A). Increasing the eligibility levels will help more seniors afford to stay in their homes and communities.

The law allows localities to increase the maximum income level up to $24,000 from $21,500 for a 50 percent property tax exemption from municipal and school district taxes. Localities may also grant an exemption of less than 50 percent to senior citizens whose incomes exceed the local income limit. For example, in a community that has taken this “sliding-scale” option and adopts the $24,000 income maximum, an eligible resident whose income is more than $24,000 but less than $25,000, is entitled to a 45 percent exemption. Those making the maximum income level of up to $32,400 would be eligible for a 5 percent exemption.

A related measure also signed by the governor increases the income ceiling for persons with disabilities to qualify for this tax break to $24,000 (A.2439-A).

I am committed to helping seniors – who have worked so hard all their lives – maintain their independence and enjoy their retirement. Each year, seniors who receive cost-of-living increases in their pensions and social security benefits risk losing their “Over 65” tax exemption eligibility. By increasing the eligibility limit, participating seniors and those with disabilities can continue saving money.

The measure is part of my ongoing effort to help lower the cost of living for seniors and those with disabilities. This year, the Assembly enacted a bipartisan budget over the governor’s veto that prevented an average 20 percent property tax hike – the largest in state history – and rejected the governor’s proposal to freeze STAR. The Assembly also passed a law that I supported which would increase income eligibility for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (Ch. 382 of 2003).

For more information or to apply for the “Over 65” property tax exemption, go to http://www.orps.state.ny.us/pamphlet/exempt/senior.htm or contact your local assessor.

For information on applying for the exemption for those with disabilities, go online to http://www.orps.state.ny.us/pamphlet/exempt/disable.htm or call 3-1-1 in NYC for more information.

For more information or to apply for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption, go online to http://home.nyc.gov/html/dfta/html/16benefits.html#scrie or call 3-1-1 in NYC for more information.

BOE To White Plains: Manana Is Soon Enough for You. 2 pm: Still Counting.

Posted on September 17, 2003 by John Bailey

WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. September 17, 2003 UPDATED September 18, 2003, 2 PM E.D.T.: Frank Cantatore, Chairman of the White Plains Republican Committee told WPCNR Wednesday evening that The Board of Elections had assured him the White Plains Primary votes would be counted Thursday morning. Yesterday, he said he was told by Carolee Sunderland, “They were more interested in the Yonkers and Eastchester races.” Mr. Cantatore said the delay, “was inconvenient for everybody.”

By 5 o’clock Wednesday, a spokesperson for Co Commissioner Carolee Sunderland’s office told WPCNR that recounting of White Plains Affidavit Ballots and Absentee Ballots in the “too-close-to-call” Republican Primary would not take place at the Board of Elections until Thursday. “They’re still busy making rulings on Eastchester, New Rochelle and Yonkers,” the spokesperson said.

A total of 80-odd Absentees and Affidavits were to be counted by the Board of Elections in the White Plains race, and instead of taking White Plains first, the Absentees and Affidavits from more populated areas of the county were opened and are being ruled on first. The spokesperson said no White Plains results were expected the rest of today; and they had not started counting and ruling yet, and gave no reason why the much lower vote in White Plains was not handled first.

WHITE PLAINS WAITS for The Board of Elections on Quorropas Street in White Plains to count less than 100 votes. Dan Hickey and Rosa Munoz still await their fate after 8 days. Photo by WPCNR News.

The Anchor Drops: Fortunoff Opens. Over 500 M’s and S’s Attend A Shopper’s Dream

Posted on September 17, 2003 by John Bailey

WPCNR WHITE PLAINS STREET. By John F. Bailey. September 17, 2003: Louis Fortunoff and family, “America’s First Family of Retail” threw a shopping party for hundreds of “Westchester’s Well-to-do, Restless, and Powerful” Wednesday, and officially opened their Fortunoff shopping palace at the corner of Martine Avenue and Bloomingdale Road. At 10 A.M., guests were invited to view all three glittering, marble-floored levels of the “Temple of Temptation” and its delights from china and jewelry, to furniture and bedding. The $93 Million project, approved and constructed in 15 months, is now open for discriminating consumers today.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS MILL, MINGLE IN AWE AT THE NEW FORTUNOFF OPULENCE WEDNESDAY MORNING. Guests enjoyed canapes and coffee, circulated by discreet servers, and had the opportunity to chat with the numerous Fortunoff associates in each department, prior to the Opening Ceremony. Photo by WPCNR News

“HEAR HEAR” Louis Fortunoff offering a champagne toast to the future of his store at the conclusion of the news conference Wednesday. Fortunoff said Fortunoff in White Plains would not have happened if it were not for the persistent efforts of Mayor Joseph Delfino, in finding him a place for the store, clearing away the red tape, keeping the inspections and approvals from city departments moving in a timely manner. In the background, raising champagne flutes are County Executive Andy Spano and Mayor Joseph Delfino. Photo by WPCNR News

AMERICA’S FAVORITE MAYOR, Joseph Delfino congenially and emotionally recounted his historic phone call to Louis Fortunoff, when the Mayor learned Saks was closing his store. “Lou, I’ve got the spot!” Mayor Delfino said that he promised Mr. Fortunoff, “If you say Yes, we’ll build it in 18 months, and we fell 2 days short of 15 months. When people work together, there isn’t anything you can’t do with government.” Mayor Delfino characterized Fortunoff as “The Anchor” in the city’s beginning “Renaissance,” which he said would make White Plains “The Best Little City in the United States.” The Mayor predicted Fortunoff would generate $9 Million in new sales taxes, of which White Plains was anticipated to receive $2.5 Million a year. Photo by WPCNR News.

DIAMONDS F “FLAWLESS”: Helene Fortunoff, Mr. Fortunoff’s mother, designer of Fortunoff’s first jewelry department in the early 50s, complimented her son and daughters as being “Diamonds F: Flawless” for the manner in which they worked together to create Fortunoff The Source at White Plains. She remarked it was 39 years ago (1963) that her late husband Allan, Louis Fortunoff’s father, opened their landmark store in Westbury, Long Island. Three other members of the Fortunoff family ( Isidore Mayrock, Elliot Mayrock, and their sister) spoke highly of the cooperation and named a who’s who in development of firms and personalities whose expertise created the project. Louis Fortunoff, noticeably moved, stands at far left, County Executive Spano to his right, and Mayor Delfino. She noted that 2003 is the 81st Anniversay of the founding of Fortunoff in Brooklyn. Photo by WPCNR News

MARBLE FLOORS, BECKONING TABLEAUS AWAIT THE SEARCHER FOR THE UNIQUE, THE DIFFERENT, THE ELEGANT 7 Days a Week: Fortunoff The Source at White Plains is “Retailtainment,” presenting whimsies and necessities uniquely and distinctly. Marble floors create a mansion like atmosphere. The octagonal circular floor design invites you to roam and dream with no natural stops. No overhead signage assaults your senses. The environment expects the consumer to need all the merchandise they carry, and of course, purchase it all, and believe this reporter you will want to see it all. “The Source” showcases 70 decorated beds in coordinated “bedding environments,” 100 patterns of crystal, 400 patterns of dinnerware, and 450 patterns of casual and formal flatware. Photo by WPCNR News.

Displays Are Intriguingly Lit, Inspiring Decorating Imagination: Consumers will find in addition to viewing 75 “vignettes” showcasing furniture of substance, kitchen wares, and a holiday section (which will change with the seasons). A seasoned observer of retail development noted that this Fortunoff will strongly draw from specialty store retail clientele, because it has “everything”. “The Source at White Plains” is open until 9:30 P.M. tonight to check it out. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 A.M. to 9:30 P.M., Sundays, 11 A.M. to 6 P.M. Photo by WPCNR News.

White Plains Hospital Auxiliary Invites Children to Scarecrow Festival

Posted on September 16, 2003 by John Bailey

WPCNR STREETS OF WHITE PLAINS. September 16, 2003: The Auxiliary of the White Plains Hospital Center will hold its 27^th annual Scarecrow Fun Festival at Crossway Field, Mamaroneck Road (across from the Scarsdale Municipal Pool), Scarsdale, on Sunday, October 19, 2003 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (rain or shine.) Proceeds from the event will be used to purchase Critical Care Beds for White Plains Hospital Center. Parents are urged to register their children no later by October 10.

Adults and children of all ages are welcome to create their own, unique, life-size scarecrow, complete with birth certificate. All supplies needed for scarecrow construction are provided (recycled shirts, pants, neckties, decorative materials, glue, twine and straw.) However, feel free to bring your own clothing and decorations to personalize your creation.

This event makes a great family outing. You are guaranteed to have lots of fun. There will be food, music, magicians and face-painting. Use this opportunity to have quality family time and to teach the value of helping others in the community.

There will be three scarecrow-making sessions:10-11:45; 12:00-1:45; and 2:00-3:45. Due to space restrictions, only 75 scarecrows can be made at each session. Reserve by October 10^th to receive confirmation and reservation time of your choice. The cost is $30.00 per scarecrow. A maximum of five members are allowed on each team, which must include at lease one adult, over 21 years of age. There is a charge of $5.00 for one additional child per team. However, children under 2 are admitted free. No refunds will be given. Contributions are welcome and tax deductibe to the fullest extent allowable by law. For additional information, phone 681-2440. Send checks made payable to The Auxiliary of White Plains Hospital Center c/o Leslie Schwartz, 28 Haverford Avenue, Scarsdale,New York 10583. Free parking is available.

WP’s Smayda and Donohue-Gilmartin take firsts in Gressler X-Country. Win Tues 2!

Posted on September 16, 2003 by John Bailey

WPCNR PRESS BOX. By John F. Bailey. September 16, 2003 UPDATED September 17, 2003: Mike Smayda outdistanced his closest rival in the last 200 yards to take first place in the Varsity Boys Cross Country race Saturday on the White Plains High 3-mile course, and Freshman “K.K.” Gilmartin-Donohue took first in the Varsity Girls’ race, running the second fastest time run on the “alpine” White Plains Course. It was K.K.’s second straight first.

On Tuesday afternoon, Mike Smayda and Jeff Bergman finished 1-2 to give White Plains Varsity Boys the X-Country Win, and Ms. Gilmartin-Donohue won her third straight race.

STRIDE FOR STRIDE: Mike Smayda and Jeff Bergman of White Plains running 1-2 in Tuesday afternoon’s Cross Country Meet on the White Plains “Alpine Course.” The pair were in a race of their own. Mike notched his second straight first place by 4 lengths over Jeff. Three of the Varsity Girls look on. Photo by WPCNR Sports.

LONG GONE AGAIN!: K.K. ( short for “Kross Kountry”) Kaylin Gilmartin-Donohue streching it out Tuesday afternoon for her third First Place finish in a row. She cruised to a finish Saturday at the Fred Gressler Memorial Cross Country meet, too. The freshman cruiser ran the 3 miles in 20 minutes 15 seconds. After the Saturday race, the second place finisher was heard to be muttering to herself, “I can’t believe I lost to a junior.” White Plains teamates cheerfully informed her that she had actually lost to an eighth grader. Gilmartin-Donohue took command midway in the race and just kept pulling away. Photo by WPCNR Sports

SMAYDA TAKES THE LEAD Saturday Morning. Photo by WPCNR Sports

DOWN THE CHUTE: “K.K.” winning her third First Place in 3 Meets Tuesday afternoon with about 150 yards to go. Photo by WPCNR Sports

COOLING DOWN: Left to right, Kate, Tamiko, Juliana and “K.K.” reflect on the race. Photo by WPCNR Sports.