City to Charge Ebersole Rink Instructors Commission. Skating Program at Risk.

Posted on October 20, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR EBERSOLE AXELS & LOOPS. By John F. Bailey. October 20, 2004: WPCNR has learned that before the Ebersole Ice Rink in White Plains was to open for the season last week, the city sent letters to figure skating instructors informing them that they would have to pay a $500 commission fee for the right to teach private figure skating lessons to White Plains figure skaters this season. To date, no instructors have paid this fee. The controversy has put the entire skating program at Ebersole that involves some 500 children at risk for the season, according to one figure skating instructor.

“We do not know if we (the instructors) are going to be able the continue to work there under the conditions they want us to work under,” the instructor said. “Right now the whole skating program is in jeopardy. Right now the program is scheduled to start Saturday and no one knows what they are doing.”

Commissioner of Recreation and Parks, Arne Abramowitz, instituted the new commission policy according to skating instructors interviewed by WPCNR, without consulting with the Figure Skating School Director Kristen Fierst on the objectives or feasibility. At least one letter has been written by parents to Mayor Joseph Delfino protesting the heavy handed manner in which the policy was sprung on the rink instructors, and asking for an explanation. Instructors asking for a meeting on the issue were told by the Recreation and Parks Department, “it is a done deal.”

As a result of complaints by instructors, the Commission Fee has been lowered to $400, WPCNR has been told, but is still in place. That means an instructor would have to work about 10 lessons (two weeks of work for a busy instructor), before an instructor starts making money on her time. The purpose of such a commission to be paid by instructors is unclear. WPCNR sought Commissioner Abramowitz personally for an explanation for this, but the Commissioner did not return our calls.

The Rink Girls’ Life.

Figure skating instructors are employed as free lancers at Ebersole Ice Rink. The rink negotiates individually with each instructor, basing whatever financial deal they make on the instructor’s years of experience, how many public sessions are involved, how many club sessions they teach. There is no set formula, a figure skating instructor told WPCNR.

Skating instructors teach individual private lessons on Ebersole Advanced Figure Skating Club ice time, as well as public sessions. This is a practice that is traditional at most rinks in Westchester, and across the country. However, every rink around the county is different. Skating Instructors, WPCNR is told are independent contractors and cut their own deals with the rinks. The instructors charge fees of approximately $30 to $40, $50 and up an hour for individual lessons. One rink, one parent said, , Hommocks Rink in Larchmont, charges a commission fee (of $100).

The new Ebersole Rink commission policy was announced at a meeting with instructors just before the rink opening. The commission plan was a surprise to all, including the Figure Skating School Director, who did not return WPCNR calls asking for clarification of this commission situation and how it affects White Plains skaters.

The Two-Job Problem Snaps the Whip.

WPCNR has learned that part of the new policy was apparently aimed at one figure skating instructor, who also works for the City of White Plains, and according to our source, it is against city rules for one person to have two jobs with the city and draw two checks.

That instructor volunteered to simply continue her rink job without the city paying her, in order to comply with city rules, and eliminate the problem. However, the Department of Recreation and Parks, or the city found that an unacceptable solution, and stayed with the commission policy, at least as of this morning.

In speaking with rink personnel, WPCNR has also learned that maintenance employees who worked for the city and also at the rink, working two jobs have also been let go at the rink, but this could not be confirmed with the Commissioner of Recreation and Parks because Mr. Abramowitz has not returned WPCNR calls for an explanation of the commission policy or the maintenance layoffs.

Two calls by WPCNR to the Commissioner of Recreation and Parks, Arne Abramowitz, asking specifically for an explanation of the new policy, and why it was implemented were not returned. This morning, the Recreation and Parks Department said WPCNR should call the Mayor’s office for an explanation.

Mentoring Program Commission Fee for 16s, 17s wanting to Teach?

WPCNR sought to clarify whether or not 16 and 17 year old figure skaters, members of the Ebersole Advanced Figure Skating Club, could still teach lessons as part of their mentoring program for pay, something they do for a small fee, about $16 an hour, we are told, and not have to pay the $500 commission fee to teach.

The mentoring program allows advanced skaters to get the experience of teaching younger skaters for a nominal fee paid them by the figure skating program, and they are supervised by the professional instructors. But, at this time, we do not know whether the skating school (the rink) pays them.

The recreation department source refused to say whether the young ladies who participate in the mentoring program would have to pay the $400 commission fee, or how much it would be, too, in order to teach. WPCNR was told the policy was still being “flushed out.”

Community Service at risk?

It has not been made clear by the Department of Recreation and Parks on how the new policy affects the volunteer community service work that has for years been available to White Plains students who figure skate, mostly young ladies who are accomplished skaters work with 4, 5,6, 7 , an 8 and 10 year olds in the beginning and intermediate programs presented by the Figure Skating School at Ebersole. They help out with the classes and are credited with community service time on their record at White Plains High School.

The new policy has not been explained in writing to parents or children. Depending on whom you talk to, it either prohibits instructors are prohibited from volunteering and so are students, or students will be allowed to volunteer to teach beginner, Alpha and Beta classes, or permits students to volunteer, with instructors not being allowed to volunteer. The Department of Recreation and Parks would not clarify this situation as of Wednesday morning.

Group Lesson Pay Raised for Pro Instructors

Another aspect that is puzzling about the policy is that the pay for professional instructors for teaching group classes has risen from $15 to $30 for a half-hour, or $60 an hour. Hopefully the Commissioner of Recreation and Parks can explain why the new policy charges $400 for the privilege to teach, while raising pay in Group Lessons and the reason for this change.

A call to Joe Roche, head of the White Plains Civil Service Employees Association, has been placed to see if the union has had any problems with the two-job situation, and whether that was the cause of the city implementing this policy to oust two-job employees out of second jobs with the city.

City reportedly allowed to use its “discretion” on seasonal jobs.

A parent familiar with city regulations regarding dual employment said that there is a clause which allows the city, “at its discretion” to allow city employees to hold a second “seasonal” job with the city, and the source could not understand why the city would go to this length simply to punish an employee, (the unfortunate figure skating instructor) who has been allowed to do this for years.

WPCNR awaits City Hall’s explanation, and Commissioner Abramowitz explanation of the development of the policy.

Mentoring, Community Service Makes Ebersole Special.

The friendships, mutual respect, and tradition of growing up skating at Ebersole Ice Rink is unlike any other rink in Westchester County. Both the boys who learn to skate and play hockey with the White Plains Plainsmen, and the little girls who learn to skate at ages 4 and 5, and go up through the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and finally earn their Ebersole Black “Advanced Figure Skating Jacket” look fondly back on their growing up at Ebersole.

Past Mentors and Graduates of the Ebersole Rink Figure Skating School, March 2002. The young ladies in the second row graduated in 2004, during their last two years many taught lessons under the tutelege of the Skating School Instructors, setting examples for the younger students of the school. It is unclear how the new city policy relates to the mentoring by future 16s, and 17s, and the community service time of high school freshmen and sophomores in the program. Photo, WPCNR News Archive.

Part of that is the staff does not change, and they are taught by teen idols just a few years older whom they want to be like. For the ten years my daughter has been skating at Ebersole, she has made fast friends with older girls, simply because the mentoring program is there, and the community service program is there.

The little girls see the big girls doing axels, and loops and walleys, and they want to be like them. They look up to them. That’s what the tradition of inviting the older girls down to help out, volunteer in community service time with the younger skating classes fosters. The older girls learn how to be mentors and role models. The little girls see what it takes to be great skaters.

The Instructors Who Give Back are Being Asked to Pay Back.

The Figure Skating Instruction Staff is well-loved by parents: Michelle, Stacy, Claudine, Kristen, Amy, and those I may have missed never leave because of the special atmosphere at Ebersole. Parents of skaters are so happy to have instructors like these young women as role models and caring supporters of the girls. The Department of Recreation and Parks actually saves money by having such a dedicated staff which gives back to the rink by donating some of their time to stage three shows a year at Ebersole, though getting paid to rehearse and choreograph.

The Figure Skating School Instructors stage three shows: The Winter Ice Show, The Exhibition Night, and the Annual Ebersole Skating Show in the spring. The Figure Skating Instruction Staff administers and produces those shows involving hundreds of White Plains girls and boys. Why? Because they think it is important for the children’s self-esteem, pride and growth. They are paid for the choreography, and the rehearsals, but also volunteer a lot of their time.

WPCNR awaits the City Hall explanation of the reasons and the important details of this policy.

Bound Up in Glory! Gospel Fund Raiser Preparing for Juneteenth Celebration Sat.

Posted on October 20, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR Downtown Jubilation. From Rick Ammirato, White Plains BID. October 20, 2004: The Juneteenth Heritage Committee, in cooperation with the Ministers Fellowship Council of White Plains & Vicinity, is sponsoring a Gospel Concert to raise funds for the June 2005 Juneteenth Parade Festival this Saturday, October 23 at 6 in the Mt. Hope AME Zion Church, at 65 Lake Street, White Plains.

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19^th as the African American emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education, achievement and cultural diversity.

An assembly of 7 local choirs, Honorary Chairs White Plains Mayor Joseph M. Delfino and County Legislator Lois Bronz, the White Plains Common Council, Rep. Nita Lowey, local and State representatives and over 500 local supporters of the Juneteenth Parade Festival are expected to attend.

Cruising Condos: Council to See, Hear 4 Condo Proposals at 6.

Posted on October 20, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. From City Clerk. October 20, 2004: The Common Council will hold a special meeting this evening at 6 in the Mayor’s Conference Room at City Hall and will discuss four condominium proposals as part of the agenda, including an “informal site plan” from the Pinnacle-Westchester LLC for an 81-unit condominium on the South Side of Main Street, and a proposal from BNE Investors foran 81-unit condominium on the corner of Maple and DeKalb Avenues.

In other matters, the Department of Public Safety will discuss Fire Fighter staffing and overtime. Click on the rest of the story for the official agenda issued one hour ago:

COMMON COUNCIL AGENDA

SPECIAL MEETING

OCTOBER 20, 2004

6:00 PM

FIRST READING

ORDINANCES:

1. Communication from Director, Department of Parking, in relation to a contract with Complus Data Innovations, Inc. to provide parking ticket processing.

2. Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of White Plains authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Complus Data Innovations, Inc., to provide full service parking ticket processing services for a term of five years.

RESOLUTION:

3. Communication from Commissioner of Public Safety in relation to an agreement between the City and Maryann De Leo in relation to the production of a documentary on domestic violence.

4. Resolution of the Common Council of the City of White Plains authorizing the Mayor or his designee to enter into agreements between the City of White Plains and Maryann De Leo to permit production of a documentary on domestic violence utilizing certain resources of the City.

ITEM FOR INFORMATION:

5. Communication from the City Clerk transmitting a communication in relation to a public hearing on the request for a renewal of a Special Permit for an Accessory Parking Lot at White Plains Medical Centre Associates, 2 – 6 Oakwood Avenue.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION:

6. A request for reinstatement of an application from White Plains Avenue LLC and Kensico Terrace LLC, for an extension to a previously approved Site Plan/Special Permit to construct a 42 unit apartment building at 24 South Kensico Avenue (Hadden Place).

7. Revised plans on the application for construction of Hamilton Condominiums on the corner of Barker Avenue and Church Street.

8. An application for proposed construction of 111 Hale Condominiums and 114 Condominiums, and request for a Special Permit in relation to an increase in the number of stories.

9. An application from BNE Investors, LLC, for proposed construction of an 81 unit condominium apartment building at the corner of Maple and DeKalb Avenues.

10. An informal site plan application from Pinnacle-Westchester LLC for proposed construction of a 148 unit luxury residential condominium on the southerly side of Main Street.

11. A grant from the U. S. Department of Justice in the amount of $250,000 as part of the Urban Area Security Initiative.

12. Fire Fighters staffing and overtime.

Dracula Immortal at Roch. Green a Creepy Evil, Seductive Count. A Howl!

Posted on October 19, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR Stage Door. By John F. Bailey. October 19, 2004: It was a Dracula night when Dracula opened this weekend for five performances by the Fort Hill Players: rainy, windswept, chilling. Count Dracula, the character who, with Sherlock Holmes, has held the fascination of horror and mystery aficionados, and particularly women, for a hundred years, is chillingly recreated by Peter Green whose chosen and comely companion for immortality, Suzanne Davis, is succulently vulnerable and lustfully mouthwatering as the vampire’s apprentice.

The Wretched Renfield (Douglas Zimmer) Begs for The Master’s Mercy. Peter Green is Count Dracula walks for two more nights, Friday, the 22, and Saturday, the 23. Photo by WPCNR StageCam

The production is the most elaborately-staged production the Players have done in the five years WPCNR has reviewed the group. The attention shows the fanatic reverence players and staff have for this classic. From the howls of wolves, to chants to chilling musical interludes the production is haunted with the menace of the undead. Here is staged horror: believable, eerie, compelling. We see real persons caught in a web of mystery and the macabre. Such a mood is particularly difficult to achieve because most everyone (with perhaps the exception of the teens and young persons in the audience), knows the story.

The Seward Residence Under the spell of The Count at The Rochambeau. Left to right, Larry Reina as Van Helsing; Stanley Wexler as Dr. Seward, Peter Green as The Count; On Stairwell, Suzanne Ochs as the maid; Suzanne Davis as Lucy, and Timothy Young as Jonathan Harker. The Count pays his condolences to Lucy, the ingenue is under the weather. Photo by WPCNR StageCam.

Dracula played to a full house Friday night of over 100 persons and drew 60 persons for the Saturday evening performance at The Rochambeau School. What they heard as they were taken to their seats were howls of wolves and eerie music, setting a mood of foreboding which carried through the evening. They saw an actual set (the detail of which was close to Broadway in effort), recreating the library of Dr. Seward in an English country estate where evil things just seem to happen.

A relic from another stage, another time.

The play, adapted by John L. Balderston and Hamilton Deane from the Bram Stoker novel, is a melodrama, filled with hysterics and long winded explanations to carry the action, complicated explanations of technical vampire lore. It is an adventure, and on a higher level a psychological exploration of temptation, control, manipulation, and fear of the unknown.

It is hard to articulate the part of the compulsive Count, the disbelieving Dr. Seward, the maniac Renfield, the crusading, intense Van Helsing (the vampire hunter), and the ingénue Lucy as straight action, due to the rambling, often hysteria-tinged lines actors have to deliver. They have to feel it. This cast feels it.

For Dracula to work for an audience, the players who surround Dracula, the central figure, who dominates the stage, and their reaction to him, have to play in a believable manner. Their reaction to him when he glides into their midst, their fear, their interaction creates the illusion of the vampire’s power.

A web of a play.

To the credit of director Carin Zakes, she has been able to channel the actors and actresses to play off Mr. Green in a credible manner, each endowing their characters with a humanity, while Peter Green’s Dracula relentlessly demonstrates no humanity whatsoever – a key component of the Dracula character. Each of the supporting cast react as a victim reacts to the silent legs of a spider making its way towards a victim in its web.

The tall Stanley Wexler as Lucy’s Father, Dr. Seward, projects his growing dread and horror, in a controlled very British sort of way. Timothy Young as Jonathan Harker is a more a manly fiancé of Lucy than we are used to seeing, demonstrating real concern for his girl friend and her illness. Butterworth, (Kevin Rishel) the asylum aid, (Seward operates a lunatic asylum), provides comic relief in his chatting up of Wells, the maid, played by Suzanne Ochs. Ochs is your typical English maid.

Douglas Zimmer as Renfield is a hideous foil to The Count, as the fly-eating maniac. His wild eyes, electric shock hair and precise movements give you the creeps. He invokes pity as he does the vampire’s bidding. Having once myself, tried out for this part, I can tell you it is no easy role, so easy to overplay. Zimmer’s first appearance slides the audience into the bizarre twisted evil of Dracula’s world.

Mr. Green’s Dracula is a compulsive practitioner of the seven deadly sins: lust, pride, greed, murder, sloth, gluttony, and envy. His appearance reflects it – all appetite – all predator. The shaved-head Mr. Green, though short of stature, (considering the Stoker novel describes Dracula as “a tall old man, clean-shaven, except for a moustache”), plays The Count with presence and dignity, creating a creepy aura that swirls palpably ahead of him filling the stage with a fascinating dread, enhanced by Green’s gleaming snaky eyes, like a cobra in a cape.

If you’re a nice girl, you best keep away.

But the way Green plays him, you could not. Green is better than the pretty boy Draculas, Frank Langella and Michael Nouri. Why? The trouble with having a pretty boy like Langella or Nouri play Dracula it gives appearance as the reason why women are attracted to him. With Mr. Green, who is striking, compelling rather than clean-cut handsome as a Langella or Nouri are – shows the seductiveness of the Count lies in his power, his mystery, the evil, not simply sexual attractiveness, in this reporter’s opinion. (While I am at it, what is it about bald headed men that women find attractive, what is going on there?)

Peter Green, The Prince of Darkness Calling to His “Children of the night…What beautiful music they make.” Photo by WPCNR StageCam.

From his first grand entrance at the top of the stair, when he is announced as “Count Dracula,” Green is the rock star of horror creatures. Green is pale of countenance, majestic in carriage, and speaks his lines with eloquence and an attitude of self-importance as befits the King of the Vampires. He moves about, slithery, silently and throws back attackers with a flick of a gesture, and a look of pompous disdain. He was made to wear the crimson-lined cape.

His pomposity does not cross the line into foppish caricature. He even carries off the joke, “Thank you for reminding me of the time,” when it is just before sunrise with applomb. Another laugh is when The Count says “I love England so filled with opportunity.”

A Star is Born.

Suzanne Davis, the lissome heroine in the vampire’s cross-teeth, delivers the wailing role of Lucy Seward very convincingly. Just 22 herself, Ms. Davis is bewildered at what is happening to her at the outset of the play, afraid to sleep in her own bed, looking suitably virginal and angelic, and wailing, crying and being depressed. It is hard for modern audiences to relate to this much emoting, but Ms. Davis appeared to get the emotions just right.

Ms. Davis adapts the style of the role acted by Helen Chandler as Lucy in the original 1931 Dracula motion picture. She has the wails, the anxiety, the perplexed notion of a woman who does not know what is wrong with her, and increases those levels as the first act builds in intensity. Ms. Davis confided to the CitizeNetReporter that she has studied Dracula and has long been fascinated by the story. It was obvious from the way she played her role, she has done her “homework.”

Harker (Timothy Young) consoles Lucy (Suzanne Davis). Lucy is telling him no matter what, do not tell her what he knows, even if she begs him. Photo by WPCNR StageCam.

The best scene in the play is the languid, sexy visitation of Dracula in Lucy’s boudoir where Dracula evokes both the consuming lust of the vampire for blood, and displays the vampire’s awesome sensual attraction. The steam generated from the couch by this subtle and compelling pas de deux is carried off with one very shocking and powerful embrace. The way this scene is lit, the overwhelming presence of a heavy atmosphere of evil, the helpless, growing, eager anticipation of Lucy, the intensity of The Count casts a sinister, irresistible appeal. It is lusty, uninhibited, and deliciously decadent!

The other Lucy emerges. Suzanne Davis transitions to Vampiress.

Photo by WPCNR StageCam.

In Act II, Ms. Davis succumbing to the “Vampire’s Kiss,” transitions shockingly to Lucy the Vampiress. She is so different, it is startling and arousing. The seductive wiles she practices on Jonathan Harker, may be a little too-2004, a little too Orange County for a 19^th century seductress to practice, the tantalizing invitation she smothers Timothy Young with in Act II is perhaps the sexiest interlude we have seen on a Fort Hill Players stage. (For example, did 19^th century ladies cross their legs? Did they flounce and slither down the front of their intended seducees? Ms. Davis is a willowy undulating slithereress. I don’t know, maybe they did.)

Resistance is Futile.

Young’s reaction to Lucy’s wiles, on the other hand, is one of shock as Lucy through her personality change radiates the evil of the vampire. Davis conveys a mature, calculating, dedicated, bright eyed intensity in Act II that rivals the presence of Dracula himself. The parallel personas Green and Davis create (as Lucy is partially turned into a vampire) through the play sends weaves a spell of evil.. Good evil is always seductive, that is one of the points of Dracula.

Harker on the other hand recoils appropriately. Men of the nineteenth century, the late Victorian Period, especially Englishmen were not used to strong women. Lucy’s hunger expressed in her body language, her intense eyes repel him rather than seduce. Davis acts like a beautiful wolf about to tear into a meal (Harker), which she is.

Enter the Crusader

Larry Reina as Abraham Van Helsing the vampire exterminater, brings the earnest “Reina rush” of intensity to an earnest part. He brings the exasperated impatience of a man with knowledge who is consistently frustrated that people do not grasp what he is telling them. (Much like some reporters and lawyers, of which Mr. Reina is one. ) He delivers for instance, a classic line from this play: “The strength of the vampire is that people will not believe in him.”

A mixture of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, (contemporary literary figures of the time), Reina brandishes a sacred wafer, a piece of garlic, and a cross like Indiana Jones brandishes his bull whip, to fight off the menacing Green, even applies deductive reasoning. He analyzes the symptoms in quizzing Dr. Seward, Lucy’s father. WPCNR liked Stanley Wexler, the former opera star, playing Seward, and doing his best John Gielgud. He is so British, so serious, so “shocked,” but practical. I loved him in that role.

Reina and Green as The Count play off each other well in the contests of wills between all-powerful vampire and spiritual hunter, choreographing Van Helsing’s resistance to the Vampire’s hypnosis, and catching the feel of the power of the vampire as well as Van Helsing’s courage.

The Chase is on

Great moments: the Van Helsing-Vampire standoff in Act One; the Vampire at bay in Act II, and Mr. Van Helsing’s words at the spiraling, catharthic denouement. The end of the play is powerful, but a little too short. However, before seeing this play, I always was disappointed at the fate of Dracula, wanting him to survive. In this play, my emotions of the moment were relieved that he does not. I think this is a tribute to the way Mr. Green embodied the evil force of the vampire.

Reina captures the one-track intensity of a man on a mission in Van Helsing, bringing a new heroism into a character who was played as too old a person in the original Dracula movie. Reina’s performance creates a new dimension future actors can give to the role.

The character Renfield is a delicious lunatic whose performance lends an air of the bizarre to the otherworldly events. Renfield’s rantings are tortured, evoking emotion, pity and repulsion on the part of the audience. His twisted figure is a metaphor for a soul tortured by demons, restless with guilt, beholden to his mentor, Count Dracula, against his will.

Conflict of the Will

The play is all about will, of doing other’s bidding against what is right, fighting an evil power that is too much to resist. How the characters resist the power of the vampire and the need to resist is the same.

The set by Anthony Fabrizio is ingenious. Built obviously lovingly by Scott Fauble and Peter Cranco, designed in posh detail by Mario Fuentes, the three-panel set transforms into library Lucy’s Boudoir and a crypt at the close of the play. It cleverly unfolds making scene changes shrouded in gray lighting that gives the impression of a shroud. Lighting Designer David Ulman has created eerie effects with makeup and screened patterns giving the impression of dawn through library windows, the flicker of torchlight. All I missed was candelabras (a staple of the original Dracula movie). The way Ulman lit the vault in the final act conveyed the mustiness of the grave better than any movie scene.

Who Trained the Bat?

Another actor that should be congratulated is the giant live bat, (perhaps a refugee from the Greenburgh Nature Center who wanted to get into bat pictures), who makes a very realistic appearance in the show. Whoever trained that bat, well that bat has a future in show business. Actually I assume the bat was a prop, a marionette, that was manipulated very convincingly, and whoever was the “bat trainer” kudos. Very realistic. Unless of course, it was a bat. You could not tell. Though you knew it had to be not real. Or was it? See for yourself.

Dracula is all about us.

‘

What does this play and its popularity say about women’s fascination with blood-sucking vampires? With manipulative paramours? Is submission to a higher male power what women truly like? Women’s fascination with submission to the seductive vampire male, and men’s desire to hold hypnotic total control over women go a long way to explaining why Dracula is so enduring. Dracula, being unable to achieve eternal life through sucking beautiful ingénues’ blood, has achieved it instead by media celebrity. Dracula explores each of our capacities for evil.

You will see and feel this seductive power for yourself two more times, Friday night at 8 at The Roch (Rochambeau School), and Saturday night at 8. Admission is $15, $12 for students and seniors. For more visit the www.forthillplayers.com website. Box office is at 914-309-7278.

Some young persons after the performance were obviously attracted to the power that is in this play, the young men already appearing more intense and Count-like than before they came to the show.

Special effects include a very convincing mist, and a disappearing act in full view. The audience loved this show, applauding for a full two minutes, cascading The Count and his Vampiress for their transformation back into the humans they play every day, before they stalk the night in search of hot blood.

The Spell of Dracula. Photo by WPCNR StageCam.

Hospitals Say Financial Condition Worsens.

Posted on October 19, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR ER. From the Westchester County Association. October 19, 2004: Senior executives including several CEOs of the Pinnacle Healthcare’s member hospitals told business leaders at a special forum held Friday, October 15 by The Westchester County Association, Inc. (WCA) that county hospitals are facing a financial crisis that has serious implications for the business community and society in general and urged them to become active allies to help lower group health insurance costs. The top hospital administrators argued that health insurance reimbursement rates have been inadequate since 1997 when New York State shifted to a deregulated system, a principal factor contributing to the hospitals’ fiscal problems.

William M. Mooney, Jr. President of the WCA, who chaired the meeting entitled, The Healthcare Provider Contract Crisis—What’s Next? noted that the escalating cost of healthcare was of concern to businesses both large and small, a factor that gained increased attention on September 25 when Pinnacle hospital contracts with United Healthcare were terminated. “Immediately after this event, our members correctly noted that the whole issue of group healthcare insurance had major implications for them and their employees, prompting this special forum,” Mooney explained.

Joining Mooney in the discussion were: Jim Foy, President/CEO of Riverside Healthcare System; Edward MacDonald, Chairman of the Board, Hudson Valley Hospital Center; John Spicer, President/CEO of Sound Shore Health System, Joseph Pisani, Chief Administrative Officer, Westchester Medical Center as well as Helen Turchioe, Executive Director, Pinnacle Healthcare, Inc. and Arthur Weintraub, President of the Northern Metropolitan Hospital Association.

Citing independent research reports and distributing charts to the audience to support their argument, the panelists showed how the financial situation of New York hospitals has steadily worsened over the past several years. Arthur Weintraub noted the glaring comparison between the sharp decline in net income of New York hospitals over the last six years compared to the insurance industry’s steeply climbing profits of $762 million. “This is a serious problem threatening the viability of hospitals and their continued ability to deliver quality healthcare,” Weintraub cautioned, adding, “The rates paid by some insurers do not cover hospital costs, and the outlook isn’t very encouraging.”

Foy of Riverside Health System said that “the bad news is that the rate of inflation is going to accelerate over the next five years, triggered by the aging of the baby boomer population who will increasingly need health care services and the costs of technology and drugs.”

Spicer of Sound Shore Health System expressed concern about the impact that swelling numbers of uninsured individuals will have on the healthcare system. “Increasing numbers of uninsured people receive treatment in our emergency rooms for which we receive little payment while we struggle with low reimbursement rates from other payors. Caring for the uninsured is an important issue which must be addressed and has an effect on business as well as hospitals,” Spicer said.

Turchioe of Pinnacle Healthcare also observed that, “While the HMOs distribute their profits to shareholders, not-for-profit hospitals re-invest in new equipment and technology, staff and in programs designed to lower healthcare costs such as those for diabetes and asthma.” “Education is key,” she added.

Pisani explained that Westchester Medical Center’s Trauma and Burn Center provides a valuable service to the entire Hudson Valley Region. “But the costs for staffing this operation with specialists who are on standby status are not sufficiently covered.”

The panelists stressed the importance of hospitals in the economic life of Westchester County. “Hospitals are essential to the business community because we play an important role in keeping employees healthy,” Spicer of Sound Shore Health System remarked. He noted that the hospitals in the New York area contribute significantly to the economy, employing 30,000 individuals and contributing $1.7 billion annually to the economy.

MacDonald of Hudson Valley Hospital Center observed that termination of the contract between Pinnacle member hospitals and United Healthcare was a catalyst for the forum. He noted that “WCA programs like this one are an important way of bringing complex healthcare issues to the attention of the business community.”

The question and answer session that followed the presentation was “one of the most spirited we have ever witnessed and we had to extend it by 45 minutes,” Mooney remarked. “It proved that this is indeed a very hot topic for our members.” Mooney said that the forum was by no means the last word on the subject. “We plan on conducting future forums on related topics. We will do all we can to make sure that healthcare continues to get the focus it needs as a critical component to the county’s economic infrastructure that affects us all”

Pace Women’s Justice Center Hosts Seminar on Mediating Domestic Violence.

Posted on October 19, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL. From Pace University School of Law. October 19, 2004: The Women’s Justice Center (WJC) of the Pace University School of Law in conjunction with the Committee to Promote Gender Fairness in the 9^th Judicial District and the Westchester Women’s Bar Association will co-host an informative program entitled “Domestic Violence and Responsible Mediation: A Critical Look at Screening and Safety” at the New York State Judicial Institute, located at the Pace University School of Law, 78 North Broadway, White Plains, New York, Omni Room, on Wednesday, October 27, 2004, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Individual reservations are $85.00, which includes dinner and 2 CLE (continuing legal education) credits. For reservations or more information about the program, interested parties can contact James Bavero at (914) 422-4069.

Reflecting wide community interest in mediation within domestic violence cases, this program hopes to bring to light current knowledge about the nature and dynamics of domestic violence and whether and when mediation may be appropriate.

The evening’s panels of speakers reflect a range of perspectives including Westchester County’s Family Court, Integrated Domestic Violence Court, and New York State’s statewide ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) Coordinator.

Hon. Joan O. Cooney, is now the Supervising Judge of the Family Court, Ninth Judicial District. While in the private practice of law, she concentrated in the areas of Family and Juvenile Law, serving as a law guardian for the Westchester County Family Court from 1977-1992. She became a leader in juvenile rights and responsibilities. Elected to Westchester County Family Court in 1992, Judge Cooney has presided in Yonkers Family Court, New Rochelle Family Court, and White Plains Family Court. As Supervising Judge since 1999, Judge Cooney started the first specialized Neglect and Abuse Part in the Ninth Judicial District to help foster children attain a permanent plan. Judge Cooney has also initiated a specialized Juvenile Delinquency Part and has worked to implement the Integrated Domestic Violence Part.

Hon. Daniel D. Angiolillo, is a Justice of the Supreme Court, Ninth Judicial District of the State of New York and presides over the Integrated Domestic Violence Court in Westchester County, thereby presiding over criminal, family and matrimonial matters in addition to appellate cases. This court is the first of its kind in New York State and serves as a model for other domestic violence courts around the state. Prior to being elected to the Supreme Court, in 1993, Judge Angiolillo was elected as a County Court Judge in Westchester County. In 2003, he was appointed Associate Justice of the Appellate Term. Judge Angiolillo has further presided over New York State’s first Domestic Violence Felony/Misdemeanor Court since June 1999. He is a former prosecutor and current adjunct professor of law at Manhattanville College.

Daniel M. Weitz, Esq., is the Statewide ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) Coordinator for the New York State Unified Court System. Mr. Weitz oversees a statewide program of court-annexed ADR initiatives involving mediation, arbitration, neutral evaluation and summary jury trial. He also directs the Community Dispute Resolution Centers Program, which provides dispute resolution services as an alternative to civil, family, and minor criminal court litigation in all sixty-two counties of the State. Mr. Weitz has over twelve years of experience in the field of ADR, serving as administrator, professor, trainer, and practitioner. He is an Adjunct Clinical Professor at Cardozo School of Law and has taught ADR and conflict resolution at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Long Island University. Mr. Weitz has served as a mediator in a wide range of matters, including, general civil, family, employment, human rights, community, and police conduct cases.

Beginning with an introduction by Susan L. Pollet, Esq., Executive Director of the Pace Women’s Justice Center, who will also serve as moderator of the panel, the evening’s discussion will take up Mediation in Family Court Mediation in Integrated Domestic Violence Part and will end Screening for Domestic Violence in Mediation Cases.

WPPAC Releases Revised Fall Schedule

Posted on October 19, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR Stage Door. From White Plains Performing Arts Center. October 19: Here is the revised fall productions of the White Plains Performing Arts Center, released this week. For more information or tickets, it is suggested you contact the box office. Coming up this weekend is a performance of Puss N Boots at 11 and 1 P.M., followed next week by the first major production of the fall season, Born Yesterday, a comedy reminiscent of Pygmalion, the George Bernard Shaw farce.

PUSS AND BOOTS Taubenslag Productions brings to life one of the most beloved fables of all time – the tale of Puss in Boots. This delightful musical comedy will warm your hearts and keep you on the edge of your seats as Puss fools the Kingdom of Plotzenburg into believing he’s the famed “Duke of Orez”. Climb to the peak of Forbidden Mountain and help Puss outwit and conquer the evil Ogre who has been plaguing the kingdom for centuries. Kids of all ages will love this enchanting “tail”. Don’t miss out on the fun! For ages 5 and up. October 23 at 11am & 1pm Tickets: $12
JOHNNY PACHECO The Latin-music legend heats up White Plains with his classic compositions of pure salsa! October 23 at 8pm Tickets: $30 in advance, $35 at the door
BORN YESTERDAY Junk tycoon Harry Brock uses his ignorant and naive mistress, ex-chorus girl Billie Dawn, a “dumb but savvy blonde,” as a front for his shady deals but finds himself embarrassed to travel in Washington society with his illiterate paramour. Brock hires a journalist who agrees to educate Billie. You will delight at her transformation to a woman of intellect and culture; the Pygmalion-like story is filled with laughs and sexual innuendo. Billie is an apt pupil and the brutish Brock is the loser in the love game in this appealing, deft play. October 29 – November 7 – Times vary Tickets: $32.50-$40
BROADWAY SALUTES WHITE PLAINS II First Anniversary Gala honoring White Plains Mayor Joseph Delfino Celebrate our first anniversary with a dazzling benefit concert featuring some of Broadway’s hottest young performers. November 8 at 6pm Tickets: $150 (includes Pre & Post Performance Receptions – $100 Tax Deductible Contribution)

BEATLEMANIA, AGAIN! An exciting, multimedia media event celebrating one of the world’s greatest bands. Performing many of their biggest hits, Beatlemania authentically recreates the image of a live Beatles concert! November 12 at 8pm Tickets: $38.50 – $34.50
FIESTA ANDINA A Co-production with the Westchester Arts Council A concert of music and dance of the Andes, with regional and shared art forms from Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru featuring Bolivian Los Caporales y Tinku, Peruvian Conjunto Revelación, las Chicas Revelacion and the legendary tijeres scissor trance dance by Isaac Milares, also known as “El Volcancito.” November 13 at 8pm Tickets: $15
A CHRISTMAS CAROL The spirit of the holidays comes to vivid life in this colorful adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. The whole family will be thrilled by the glorious sets, stunning costumes and eye-popping special effects in this spectacular production. Travel back in time on an enchanted journey to Victorian England as Ebenezer Scrooge faces his past, present and future. A magical night of music, dancing, ghosts and spiritual redemption your family will never forget. Bring the children, bring the grandchildren and share with them one of the most powerful stories of all time. November 26 – December 12 Tickets: $32.50-$45
THE BIG BANG A Co-production with the Westchester Arts Council A concert of drum and dance traditions across four different cultures found in Westchester County. Performers will include the Afriye Fontonfrom Cultural Troupe, a Yonkers-based Ghanaian Akan royal drum ensemble, a middle eastern percussion demonstration with master musician Jamal Shafik on tableh (dumbek) and Ali Hamideh on conga, and daff (frame drum), Indian classical tabla drumming and kathak dance with drummer Naren Buddhakai, and with dancers Satya Narayn Charka and Ghargi Bagchi and their students. Finally, the Brazilian percussion, song and martial art of Capoeira will be performed by Mestres (masters) Ari Lima and Bom Jesu of the Capoeira Performance Art Center in New Rochelle. December 18 at 8pm Tickets: $15
THE FROG PRINCE The unexpected happens as the classic tale is transformed and modernized in the style of a Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers movie. With a lovely and lyrical musical score, The Frog Prince is a funny dynamic show for the whole family. December 27 at 11am & 1pm Tickets: $12
THE RUSSIAN AMERICAN KIDS CIRCUS Performed entirely by boys and girls aged 6 to 16, the Russian American Kids Circus dazzle with their flying acrobatics, unicycling, juggling and other exciting acts – blending Old World artistry with state-of-the-art techniques. December 28 at 11am & 1pm Tickets: $12
SANTA CLAUS AND THE WICKED WIZARD “You better watch out – You better not cry – You better not pout – You…” wanna know why? The Wicked Wizard’s coming to town, and he’s headed straight towards the North Pole. So grab your mittens, buckle those boots, and hop aboard Edie the Elf’s sleigh and save Santa from that nasty villain before it’s too late. If the Wizard succeeds with his evil plans there will be no more presents to be given out – and no more Santa. This fun filled action-packed musical comedy from Taubenslag Productions will become your family’s favorite holiday treat! December 29 at 11am & 1pm Tickets: $12
For tickets, Call: 888-977-2250

11 City Place , White Plains, New York 10601
Box Office: 888-977-2250
Administrative Office: 914-328-1600

The Giffords Host WPPAC Gala; Broadway’s Night Off Extravaganza The Attraction

Posted on October 18, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From White Plains Performing Arts Center. (Edited) October 19, 2004: National television personalities Kathie Lee and Frank Gifford will host the First Anniversary Gala Celebration of the White Plains Performing Arts Center on Monday, November 8, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Performing Arts Center, located on Level 5 of City Center. As Honorary Chairpersons of the event, Kathie Lee and Frank Gifford will join in the “Broadway Salutes White Plains” celebration, honoring White Plains Mayor Joseph Delfino for his vision and accomplishments over the years.

Ruppert Holmes and 10 Broadway Stars will perform hits from their shows in the original, one-time-only performance, “Broadway Salutes White Plains,” the second year in a row this unique “review” has been put together by WPPAC producers Tony Stimac and Jeffrey Rosenstock.

The event will feature singer/songwriter Ruppert Holmes, a production number from the musical, “Swango,” an original piano concerto composed in honor of the special occasion, and 10 performers from various Broadway shows including “Les Miserables,” “The Producers,” “Hairspray,” and “Spamelot,” a new musical adaptation of the most popular Monty Python movie, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, opening on Broadway in the Spring of 2005.

The Gala will begin at 6:00 p.m. with wine and hors d’ouevres, followed by performances at 7:30 p.m., and a post-performance coffee and dessert reception at 8:45 p.m. Ticket prices range from $150 to $250, and all proceeds will benefit the White Plains Performing Arts Center.

For more information, please call the White Plains Performing Arts Center at (914) 328-1600, ext 10.

The White Plains Performing Arts Center is a professional not-for-profit producing and presenting company whose mission is to bring innovative, eclectic and always-entertaining new plays and musicals to this state-of-the-art facility. The Center also hosts local, national and international performing artists whose work reflects Westchester’s diverse population.

Assemblyman Bradley Calls for MTA Reviews; Flu Shot Price Investigation.

Posted on October 18, 2004 by John Bailey

WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2004. From the Office of Assemblyman Adam Bradley, 89th District. October 18, 2004: On the heels of the announcement of an increase in Metropolitan Transportation Authority commuter fares, Assemblyman Adam Bradley has released a statement calling for closer scrutiny of the transit megolith by the establishment of an independent budget office for the MTA and a Review Board. The Assemblyman is also calling for an investigation of the flu shot shortage. Here is the text of the Assemblyman’s statements:

Once again, Westchester commuters are under assault by the MTA and are being asked to pay more for less. Even the Journal News stated that bulk-ticket buyers and suburban commuters would be forced to bear an even greater burden to the tune of over $420 dollars more a year under this newest fare hike. This hike, coupled with $91 million in service cuts, is unwise and unacceptable, especially when a state Comptroller’s report showed the MTA kept two sets of books to hide their financial practices.

Legislation I sponsored would shine a much needed light on the MTA by creating an oversight board and establishing an independent budget office for the MTA. It would also require more public hearings prior to major service changes and mandate a biennial report on the potential for a future rate increase. What is obvious to every commuter, but ignored by the MTA, is the fact that accountability and openness is currently absent from the way the MTA does business. This must change. I will continue working to make sure the voices of Westchester commuters are heard.

On the matter of Westchester’s lack of flu vaccine, and reported price gouging, Bradley is calling on the Attorney General’s Office to look into the shortage:

“It’s outrageous for some companies to try to turn a quick buck off of young children and seniors who really need their flu shots,” Bradley said. “We must act quickly to get to the bottom of this through an investigation by the Attorney General. And we must develop a plan to protect our most vulnerable and make sure that companies don’t cash in on the flu-shot shortage.”

“I’ve heard stories about vaccine suppliers hiking prices for hospitals and pharmacies — by as much as 10 times its original value,” Bradley said. “It’s as if they’ve forgotten that for some, this vaccine can be the difference between life and death.”

With news of limited flu vaccine supplies spreading, hospitals and clinics are seeing more people showing up for shots. However, hospitals and physicians continue to remind us that the young, elderly and ill should be given first priority when it comes to being vaccinated.

“First, we must do all we can to get the vaccine to those who need it most and an investigation is a good place to start,” said Bradley. “I’ll continue to fight for legal and legislative means to prevent providers of the flu vaccine from making an already bad situation worse.”

Sports Daddy With Ike Nduka and Gary Morello on Tiger Saturday to Remember

Posted on October 18, 2004 by John Bailey

WPNCR Sports Daddy. October 17, 2004: Ike Nduka was Da Bomb on Saturday afternoon, and Gary Morello “Jerry Rice” catching the winning touchdown in Spring Valley in the White Plains Tigers 28-14 victory over the Ramapo High School Gryphons. WPCNR’s Sports Daddy talked with Ike about his 40 Carry, 220 yard overland performance , and the fearless tight end Gary Morello about this great victory.

IKE “Nuke” NDUKA Great Day: 40 Carries, 220 Yards, 5.5 Yard a Carry on Saturday. Photo by WPCNR Sports

WPCNR Sports Daddy with Ike Nduka: Are you tired?

Ike Nduka: Am I tired? Yes. Actually you know what, in the second half, I wasn’t tired at all. Every play was a 100%. I don’t know what it was, maybe it was just, like, such an intense game?

Sports Daddy: What happened in that second half?

Ike: After the (first) half. All the players came together. All the coaches came together. We had a talk. We said we’re coming back out here and they’re not scoring and we’re scoring. That’s what happened.

Sports Daddy: What were you doing on Defense that was cutting them down?

Ike: We were just watching the fullback. Our number one goal was stop the fullback (Morgan Hall) Once we did that we started going on (other defensive) levels. We have a good pass defense. Our whole thing was to stop the run in the second half. (Ramapo only had the ball 7 minutes in the second half.)

Sports Daddy: What plays were working best for you on the ground?

Ike: Everything was working. Everybody was blocking. Everybody was working. We go to the inside, we go to the outside, we get the same amount of yards. Every player was stepping up in the second half.

Sports Daddy: You got that big sack on the QB in the 4^th Quarter (to stop the tying drive with 5 minutes to go)? What happened there?

Ike: That was something we call “The Guts.” I shoot the B Gap. So I shot the B Gap, I saw the Quarterback, hit the fullback first. Then what’s the next defensive level, I see the Quarterback trying to throw I grab him, started going for the ball, because we were trying to get him to fumble the ball, or whatever, so we could have good field position. Once we did that it became our game.

Sports Daddy: The touchdown takeaway in the first half, What happened on that one?

Ike: Oh, that one, I believe that was a ref’s mistake, you know? My knees were on the ground and I set the ball out ahead of me. But that’s my fault. Because that same thing happened last week and the week before. As a player it’s never going to happen again. That’s my goal. Once we hit the playoffs, no more fumbles, no more mistakes.

Next the Sports Daddy grabbed the G-Man, Gary Morello who caught the winning touchdown pass on 3^rd and 9 from the 10.

Sports Daddy: Gary tell me what happened on that touchdown play?

Gary Morello: We were down there, and the corners (defensive backs) actually kept coming up for the run. So the coach called for the 45 Power Pass, I slipped out. I saw the kid jam, I sped up to the end zone, Kevin hit me right in my chest, and a touchdown. A great feeling. Right on the pilon. I hung on to it.

Then in the emotion of the moment, Gary talked about how the team played in the second half:

Gary: Today’s the day when our team definitely peaked. Today was our peak day. In the second half against Roosevelt last week and today we played as a family. You look at these kids and you can see we’re really starting to play together. It was a great feeling.