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Spano said, “To guide the future of
Planning Commissioner
NewRo Rocks Tigers, 35-0, in Display of Finesse, Power, Speed, Crunch and CLASS.
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WPCNR PRESS BOX. By John F. Bailey. September 18, 2004: New Rochelle, the New York State Class AA Champions, put on a clinic Saturday afternoon at Parker Stadium and showed their championship calibre. Scoring on the first play from scrimmage, on a routine countertrap to Ray Rice, who slipped a tackle in the linebacker zone, and lit out cross field and DOWN the sideline for a 65 yard touchdown run, NewRo was off! That was after Rice had returned the opening kickoff 32 yards.
After a New Rochelle fumble on a Pablo Siaba punt away, White Plains had a chance to answer the Rice shocker, but fumbled it back on their first play to give NewRo another great field position on the Tiger 48. Then the big and fast Huguenot line got busy, clearing away the interference on play-after-play. They went 48-in-6 with Rice scoring his second touchdown running right up the middle romping 20 yards to make it 14-0 five minutes into the game.
On the ensuing kickoff, the Tiger return man muffed the catch and a white shirt fell on it to give the Tall Fast Huge ones a first down on the Tiger 20. QB Geoff McDermott passed to David Richards for 19 yards to the 1, and McDermott took it on around the right end for the third and Tiger taming touchdown within six minutes it was 21-0. The score was 35-0 at halftime. New Rochelle moved to 3-0, and looking good, while the Tigers suffered their first loss of the season and stand 2-1.
NewRo Turns Turnover Around. McDermott rounds the corner, inside the fonton for a 20-0 lead in first 4 minutes: Geoff McDermott strings them out and gets into the endzone for the Tiger tamer, NewRo’s third touchdown. Photo by WPCNR Sports
Getting Ugly Early
This one got ugly early, folks. On the first play from scrimmage. After Mr. Rice took the Tiger kickoff and bounced, bulled, slithered and weaved through 9 of 11 Tigers, getting caught at the NewRo 45, he got the first handoff. QB Geoff McDermott faked handing off to the halfback coming across to the near sideline, while Ray Rice came back the other way.
The Tigers bought it, but still when Rice breached the line there was a Tiger to wrap his paws around Rice, wrapping him around the thighs. That did not stop the Riceman. Rice looked like he was stopped for a modest 3 yard gain. But, No! He bulled his way out of the tackle! Rice continued on the slant to the wide open far side, 15 yards, 20 yards, and no one was going to get him, the Tiger defense having swung right and in hot pursuit. Rice made it to the end zone the whole 65 yards.
“Oh, well, we just have to come back.”
That’s what the grandstand quarterbacks were saying. The Tigers three running plays, two with
PABLO PUNTS OUT OF TROUBLE (top photo) Justin McGhee fumbles the catch at the Tiger 45, and Mike Lee (23) recovers it, getting Tigers out of trouble momentarily. But it was fool’s gold. A fumble on the first play gave it back. Photos by WPCNR Sports
But, no. On the first play
Moving it.
After a 10 yard gain by Justin McGhee to the 35, McDermott threw to Rice in the right flat behind the line of scrimmage and Rice got a first down at the Tiger 20. Justin Johnson carried for 4 to the 16, and then to the 14. After McDermoot was thrown for a loss back to the 20, Rice dashed 20 yards around left end, slipping a tackle at the 10, and into the endzone he went for the second touchdown, 13-0 it was now.
The Muff.
On the ensuing kickoff, the Tiger KO man Garry Morello muffed the kick off and
Kevin Avery trying to pass the Tigers back into the game almost connected with Joe Henry on a long pass play, but the ball just went off Joe’s fingertips.
Then a blitz on Kevin Avery caused a fumble and a fourth NR touchdown.
STORM SURGE: TIGERS HANGING TOUGH DOWN 4 TDS: New Rochelle took all four plays with goal to go from the 4 before Dave Richards scored to make it 34-0 with six minutes to go in the First half. Photo by WPCNR Sports.
In the middle of the second quarter the Tigers showed great heart in almost stopping a Huguenot drive on their goal line on four plays, but Dave Richards got it in on the fourth try, to make the final score 35-0, with the point.
Tigers Stopped 7 times inside the New Ro 2.
As time was running out in the first have the Tigers, thanks to a personal foul penalty drive to a first and goal on the Huguenot 4. However two running attempts to breach the Huguenot line failed. A pass play caught NewRo holding and the Tigers got a fresh set of 4 downs to make 2. Three running attempts failed, and then Avery was thrown for a loss at the 10.
It showed just how big and strong and tough the
Comments from the Granstand Quarterbacks noted that
Sportsmanlike Conduct.
The game out of hand,
This classy conduct by Coach DiRienzo stands in sharp contrast to another powerhouse team,
What was most impressive about this game was that
Parker Turf Job Holds Up. The scene out of “Four Horsemen of the Apocolypse” as the crowd of over 500 leaves the stands of the beautiful old Parker bowl in the Highlands. Photo by WPCNR Sports.
The star of this game was the Parker Stadium new turf which was in great playing shape and was not torn up at all by the cleatsters in this game. It took a pounding from the rains and stood up to the cleats. A terrific refurbishment of the turf. Interim Athletic Director Nick Pinaro said he was amazed at what good shape the field was in at
Smoke Bomb Relieves Boredom on New Rochelle Bench.
The New Rochelle bench was enlivened by a small boom and a flash of light at the end of the New Rochelle bench on the East Side of the field. With one minute and 50 seconds remaining in the Third Quarter, what White Plains Police said was a smoke bomb was set off, by one of the New Rochelle players. Police said New Rochelle said they would “handle the problem internally.” Police on the scene said the device was not dangerous.
The Tigers will regroup and play
Sky Captain Flies at the City Center Cinema De Lux. Wimbledon Plays
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WPCNR SCREEN GEMS. From National Amusements. September 17, 2004: The intriguing takeoff on 1930s serials, Sky Captain flies breathlessly into a booking at City Center Cinema de Lux in White Plains this weekend. He is joined by the well-reviewed Wimbledon tennis romance. Mr. 3000 is another baseball movie. The capsule reviews and the complete de Lux schedule follows:
OPENING NATIONWIDE ON FRIDAY, September 17th
MR. 3000 — Bernie Mac stars in this comedy about a talented but unpopular retired baseball star who must return to the game to get three more hits and thus qualify for a spot in the Hall of Fame. PG-13
SKY CAPTAIN AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW — Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow star in this visually stunning adventure thriller as a pilot and reporter out to save the world from an evil scientist. PG-13
WIMBLEDON — A romantic comedy from the producers of FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL about two tennis pros, Kirsten Dunst and Paul Bettany, who fall in love amidst the pressures of the world’s biggest tennis tournament. PG-13
Saturday, September 18, 2004
Mr. 3000 **(PG-13) –1:55;4:30;7:05;9:40 pm;12:10 am. ;
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow **(PG) –1:10;3:45;6:35;9:20 pm;12:00 am. ;
Hero (PG-13) –1:50;4:25;7:10;9:45 pm;12:05 am. ;
Napoleon Dynamite (PG) –1:00;3:20;5:35;7:55;10:25 pm;12:30 am. ;
Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2 (PG) –12:10;2:05 pm. ;
Collateral (R) –12:05;2:20;10:05 pm;12:25 am. ;
Paparazzi (PG-13) –12:30 pm;12:20 am. ;
The Manchurian Candidate (R) –4:40;7:20;10:00 pm;12:30 am. ;
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (PG) –1:40;4:15;7:00;9:50 pm;12:20 am. ;
Vanity Fair (PG-13) –4:35;7:15 pm. ;
Cellular (PG-13) –1:45;4:05;6:30;9:05;11:25 pm. ;
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (G) –12:00;2:20 pm. ;
Mr. 3000 (PG-13) –12:00;2:25;5:00;7:35;10:10 pm;12:35 am. ;
Wicker Park (PG-13) –2:30;9:55 pm. ;
Resident Evil: Apocalypse (R) –12:10;2:35;4:10;4:50;6:40;7:25;9:10;10:00;11:30 pm;12:15 am. ;
The Bourne Supremacy (PG-13) –4:55;7:30 pm. ;
Wimbledon (PG-13) –12:15;2:40;5:05;7:40;10:15 pm;12:30 am. ;
Without a Paddle (PG-13) –12:00;2:30;5:00;7:30;9:55 pm;12:15 am. ;
Criminal (R) –12:50;3:10;5:30;7:45;10:05 pm;12:25 am. ;
Sunday, September 19, 2004
Criminal (R) –12:50;3:10;5:30;7:45;10:05 pm. ;
Wimbledon (PG-13) –12:15;2:40;5:05;7:40;10:15 pm. ;
The Bourne Supremacy (PG-13) –4:55;7:30 pm. ;
Wicker Park (PG-13) –2:30;9:55 pm. ;
Without a Paddle (PG-13) –3:30;5:55;8:10;10:35 pm. ;
Resident Evil: Apocalypse (R) –12:10;2:35;4:10;4:50;6:40;7:25;9:10;10:00 pm. ;
Cellular (PG-13) –1:45;4:05;6:30;9:05 pm. ;
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (G) –12:45;3:25 pm. ;
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (PG) –1:40;4:15;7:00;9:50 pm. ;
Mr. 3000 (PG-13) –12:00;2:25;5:00;7:35;10:10 pm. ;
The Manchurian Candidate (R) –9:30 pm. ;
Vanity Fair (PG-13) –4:35;7:15 pm. ;
Paparazzi (PG-13) –12:30 pm. ;
Napoleon Dynamite (PG) –1:00;3:20;5:35;7:55;10:25 pm. ;
Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2 (PG) –12:10;2:05 pm. ;
Collateral (R) –12:05;2:20;10:05 pm. ;
The Village (PG-13) –1:00;7:00 pm. ;
Hero (PG-13) –1:50;4:25;7:10;9:45 pm. ;
Mr. 3000 **(PG-13) –1:55;4:30;7:05;9:40 pm. ;
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow **(PG) –1:10;3:45;6:35;9:20 pm. ;
Monday, September 20, 2004
Mr. 3000 **(PG-13) –1:55;4:30;7:05;9:40 pm. ;
The Village (PG-13) –1:00;7:00 pm. ;
Hero (PG-13) –1:50;4:25;7:10;9:45 pm. ;
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow **(PG) –1:10;3:45;6:35;9:20 pm. ;
Napoleon Dynamite (PG) –1:00;3:20;5:35;7:55;10:25 pm. ;
Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2 (PG) –12:10;2:05 pm. ;
Collateral (R) –12:05;2:20;10:05 pm. ;
Paparazzi (PG-13) –12:30 pm. ;
The Manchurian Candidate (R) –9:30 pm. ;
Vanity Fair (PG-13) –4:35;7:15 pm. ;
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (PG) –1:40;4:15;7:00;9:50 pm. ;
Cellular (PG-13) –1:45;4:05;6:30;9:05 pm. ;
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (G) –12:45;3:25 pm. ;
Mr. 3000 (PG-13) –12:00;2:25;5:00;7:35;10:10 pm. ;
Wicker Park (PG-13) –2:30;9:55 pm. ;
Resident Evil: Apocalypse (R) –12:10;2:35;4:10;4:50;6:40;7:25;9:10;10:00 pm. ;
The Bourne Supremacy (PG-13) –
Wal-Mart in Final 5 “Big Boxers” Negotiating for Space in Old Sears Complex.
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WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. By John F. Bailey. September 17, 2004: The property management firm handling the leaseup of the former Sears property on Main Street in White Plains has confirmed that Wal-Mart, the nation’s largest retailer is in a flight of 5 “mid-price” retailers negotiating with Stauback Retail Services, handling the lease-up of the Sears building for Ivy Equities the owners of the property WPCNR has learned.
THE WAL-MART WATCH: Target’s archrival is in the final stage of negotiations for space in the former Sears location across the street from City Center, home of Target. The rumors of Wal-Mart eyeballing the space first surfaced in August. Mayor Joseph Delfino went on record at the time as saying he preferred Wal-Mart, (an arch competitor of Target) not rent the space. Photo by WPCNR News.
Rumors of Wal-Mart flared up strongly again this week in a letter to WPCNR from a union executive, lamenting Wal-Mart personnel policies. That executive said he had been advised by members of the White Plains Common Council at a recent cocktail party that Wal-Mart appeared to be coming in, that they did not like it, but there was nothing they could do about it. Today, Staubach Realty comfirmed the Wal-Mart presence in the hunt.
WPCNR’s source close to the negotiations would not name the other four retailers involved. He described them as “big box” retailers. Negotiations are expected to be completed within two weeks, he said, by which time, the source said the three floor complex will be leased to either two major tenants or all five.
Each floor is only 82,000 square feet, he explained, saying that no one tenant would take all three floors, that he could foresee a mix of one retailer taking two floors and two more splitting the third floor. He said anything could happen, and no mix was decided on yet, but he expected to be announcing the final lineup in two weeks.
He said heating and air conditioning systems were being upgraded, as well as escalators and the electrical system.
WAL-MART BLUE? Not necessarily, our source said. The entrance from North Broadway Plaza to the old Sears, with a fresh coat of blue, very similar to the Wal-Mart trade color. Photo by WPCNR News.
Asked if the fresh blue paint in the entry halls was “Wal-Mart” blue, the source said absolutely not, that this was the colors of the construction company, Pavarini Construction Managers of Stamford, Connecticut.
“The Shoppes at Main,” the name of the new stackmall was envisioned at that time by John A. Saraceno, Jr., Ivy Equities Chief Investment Officer to be “one of the county’s finest multi-tenant retail developments.”
WPCNR’s source said today that finding tenants had taken longer than expected. When ground was broken symbolically last October, Stauback Retail Services expected tenant signings by the end of 2003, with tenants in by Spring, 2004.
Neighborhood Market Makes Sense for location.
Checking the Wal-Mart website, www.walmartstores.com , WPCNR notes that Wal-Mart plans to open 50 to 55 new discount stores and 220 to 230 new Supercenters in fiscal 04-05. They have introduced a new concept called Neighborhood Market, and their plan is to open 25 to 30 of those.
Wal-Mart Discount Stores are huge with some 36 departments, selling clothing, electronics, toys, fabrics & crafts, lawn & garden, jewelry and shoes. A store like that might fill two floors of The Shoppes on Main Street.
A ” Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market,” though appear to be just the right fit for one of the 82,000 square foot floors in “The Shoppes on Main Street.” And, at this point there is no immediate food market within walking distance of the North Tower apartments and planned Trump condominiums in the South Tower of City Center. A custom Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market might just fill that need.
The Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market is described as 42,000 to 55,000 square feet, and features fresh produce, deli foods, fresh meat and dairy items, health and beauty aids, one-hour photo and traditional photo developing services, drive-through pharmacies, stationaery and paper goods, pet supplies and household chemicals.
However, the kind of Wal-Mart the organization envisions for “The Shoppes On Main Street” at this time is pure speculation.
Family Writes Lamenting Athletic Director’s Departure. Lauds His Contributions.
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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS VOICE. September 16, 2004: A parent with first hand experience with the White Plains High School Athletic Program, comments on the Board of Education decision not to rescind Mario Scarano’s retirement. Here is his letter:
Dear Mr. Bailey,
In reading your coverage on the ousting of the athletic director Mr. Mario Scarano at our White Plains High School. I’m compelled to comment on the leadership of our very own Board of Education decision-making policies, or lack of, and the one and only published comment-opinion of one of your readers.
“CAUSE & EFFECT”
Leadership has a very qualitative and quantitative predisposition intrinsically native to the gifted personality of those who are fortunate to possess or are born with such wisdom and vision. Such a gift is bestowed on such a person unconditionally for the soul purpose to unconditionally have a cause and effect on humanity. Hopefully, to be used for the better of all mankind unselfishly for all to share, embrace and embellish.
Mario Scarano possessed that soul purpose unconditionally, unselfishly to share, embrace and embellish our children and youth with in each and every athletic program at the White Plains High School.
Mr. Scarano’s leadership, the staff of coaches, assistants, parents and youth he so effectively touched left a profound positive impact on all. Profoundness achieved through the cause and effect I personally admired through the direct impact the “White Plains Wrestling Team” has had on my own son in just two short years under the leadership of Mr. Mario Scarano and the athletic staff at “our” White Plains High School!
In just four or five (six)short years Mr. Scarano with the assistance of concerned motivated parents like the O’Keefe family and others, resurrected the White Plains Wrestling team after a long absence from the athletic program at the high school.
In just four or five short years the wrestling program has developed, cultivated, influenced and shaped the character and values of our children to become the leaders of the future. I have had the honorable experience to stand side by side with Mr. Scarano, to stand side by side with the coaches, parents and each and every child who benefited phenomenally through the leadership of the White Plains Wrestling Team.
When I read comments dismissing the values of any athletic program insinuating athletic programs are insignificant to the intellectual educational development of an individual, I have to dismiss such comments as ignorance and arrogance.
Intellectual achievement is based on leadership, the influence such leadership has on formulating role models, character and values instilled through those who are gifted as teachers, parents, scholars, and yes “Athletic Directors”!
My child has excelled in just two short years; his greatest leaps are intellectually through maturity as a direct result of the exposure and leadership of every individual leader on the White Plains Wrestling Team! Those leaders are every single teammate, coach, parent, competitor and event that has given him the exposure to diversity, cultures, social involvement and the understanding and respect for humanity.
Unique into itself, athletic programs foster and cultivate the diversity of all mankind coming together collectively! Understanding the values and differences of all working together not just to participate in the sport but to participate in the social activity of achievement, partnership, admiration, respect, and leadership.
Hundreds and thousands of our children have passed through the athletic programs at our White Plains High School to become outstanding community citizens, contributing parents, teachers, professionals, leaders through the White Plains Public High School and its athletic programs.
We have lost one of our most effective leaders, Mr. Mario Scarano. I thank Mario for having the opportunity to stand side by side with him, for having the opportunity to stand side by side with my son, teammates; parents, families and youth who have had the wonderful opportunity to see the success the White Plains Athletic Programs have had on our children.
What ever is the cause and effect of Mr. Scarano’s departure, I could only hope that the BOE moving forward for the future puts the interest of our children and students first and politics last! I’m personally disappointed that the BOE could not recognize the necessity and value of a wonderful devoted leader in our school system and retain such leadership!
I thank you Mario and the entire athletic staff at the White Plains High School for enriching the lives of so many!
“Tiger Pride”
The Albanese Family
Ellen, Kristoff, GianCarlo, Carl
P.S. Apparently once again, the BOE disgracefully puts its own personal political agenda before the needs and necessity of our children and leadership!
Two strikes and your out, BOE, not three! Stop playing politics with the values of correctness and integrity.
National Pro Fastpitch Announces National Tryouts for its Elite 8
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WPCNR PRESS BOX. From National Pro Fastpitch, Denver, Colorado. September 19, 2004: National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) has announced that the 2005 National Tryout for its elite professional teams, and the only U.S. major league of fastpitch softball would be held on Saturday, December 4, 2004 from 9 a.m-2 p.m. PDT at Desert Bloom Field (8405 S. Maryland Parkway) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jump to Tryout Forms
The National Pro Fastpitch Championship, Akron Ohio, August 29, 2004: The New York-New Jersey Juggernaut and the New England Riptide at gametime. Photo, Courtesy, Nick Leto & the NY-NJ Juggernaut.
Team representatives from all eight NPF teams, the World Champion NY-NJ Juggernaut, New England Riptide, Texas Thunder, California Sunbirds, Akron Racers, Arizona Heat, and its two new teams in Chicago and Omaha, will be on hand searching for the best fastpitch talent to invite to spring training in May.
The tryout will again be held in conjunction with the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) national convention, which will also host the 2005 NPF Senior Draft, Sunday, December 5 at 6:00 p.m.
All interested women’s fastpitch players who are at least 21 years of age (no later than 5/1/05), and have completed their collegiate fastpitch softball eligibility at a four-year college or university are encouraged to register for the invitation only tryouts. Tryout registrants will be reviewed based on their application materials and an invitation to participate will be sent to only those athletes who qualify.
NAUTS Courtney Scott behind the plate as Carri “Lightning” Leto at second anticipates the play. Photo, Courtesy Nick Leto & NY-NJ Juggernaut.
Players must be prepared to demonstrate a wide variety of skills including, but not limited to, hitting, fielding and base running. All equipment, with the exception of a personal glove, bat, cleats and catcher’s gear, will be provided.
All tryout materials, including the $60 pre-registration fee, must be received in the NPF office no later than November 19, 2004. On-site registration will not be allowed at this year’s tryout.
NPF athletes are gifted athletes who possess great softball skills and present a resume of outstanding softball accomplishments including, but not limited to the following: collegiate All-American, conference MVP, leader in one or more NCAA statistical categories, U.S. National Team or Olympian.
Most NPF players have the educational background to pursue other careers in the off-season or after their playing days are over. That education also allows for a certain level of sophistication and judgment that serves them well in negotiating endorsement deals, interacting with fans and dealing with the media.
Current NCAA athletes should keep in mind that if they participate in a professional tryout, even if unsuccessful, they risk the loss of amateur status and the loss of current or future collegiate softball scholarship opportunities.
To find additional information about NPF players, the game, the season, spectators & media, team staff, etc. visit the FAQ section of the NPF website.
Please read all of the forms completely! If you are having difficulty downloading the registration materials in PDF, the materials can be mailed or faxed to you by emailing a request to Danielle Cox at daniellec@profastpitch.com.
NPF, the world’s premier professional fastpitch softball league for women, consists of eight teams located throughout the United States and features former USA Softball Women’s National Team members, collegiate All-Americans and all-conference selections. The 2004 season featured the inaugural NPF All-Star Game, the first-ever NPF Championship Semifinal and the first NPF Championship Game, won by the New York-New Jersey Juggernaut.
National Pro Fastpitch is headquartered in Denver, and has been in operation since 1997 under the names Women’s Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and Women’s Pro Softball League (WPSL).
2005 Tryout Forms
2005 Tryout Registration Form
2005 Tryout Waiver
CHAMPIONSHIP OUTFIELD of the New York-New Jersey Juggernaut celebrate first ever NPF Championship, after Kellie Wilkerson, (center) grabs the final out in Amanda Scott’s 10-1 victory over the Riptide. Left is Lauren Bauer, at right is Venus Taylor. Photo, Courtesy, Nick Leto & NY-NJ Juggernaut.
Veterans Registration Day for VA Medical Benefits for those Not Signed Up
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WPCNR STARS AND STRIPES. September 16, 2004: Westchester County Executive Andy Spano is urging veterans to visit the County’s Veterans Service Agency to register for medical benefits that could make them eligible for a variety of benefits including services at VA hospitals.
The Veterans Service Agency in conjunction with the Bronx VA Medical Center is sponsoring the “Veterans Registration Day” on
“It’s very important that veterans take advantage of this opportunity to register for medical benefits,” said Spano. “We are holding these special registration days because we want to make sure that the veterans who served our country get all the benefits they are entitled to under the law. Registering takes only a few minutes, and it is well worth the time.” Important Note: If you are presently registered, there is no need to register again.
To register, veterans should bring a copy of their (DD214) separation papers to the Veterans’ Service Agency office from
County Executive Moves to Prohibit Alcohol Misting Machines in Westchester.
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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Westchester County Department of Communications. (EDITED) September 16, 2004: Acting to protect the health and safety of
The so-called AWOL machine (“alcohol without liquid”) is dangerous and will encourage alcohol abuse and underage drinking, said Spano, who has initiated numerous programs to stop underage drinking and drunk driving.
“This machine is dangerous,” said Spano. “Permitting the use of devices designed solely to achieve a quicker high – devices aimed primarily at young people – will likely lead to an increase in inexperienced drivers getting behind the wheel in an intoxicated state, endangering themselves and others who use the roads.”
Spano was joined at a news conference Tuesday by several police chiefs, who gave their support to his proposal to ban the use and sale of the AWOL machine. The bill has been sent to the
If approved, the bill would ban the purchase, sale, possession with intent to use or the use of alcoholic beverage vaporizers. Violators would be guilty of a class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, a prison term of up to a year, or both. Enforcement would be the responsibility of local police departments and the county Department of Public Safety.
As detailed by Spano, liquor poured into the AWOL machine is mixed with oxygen and vaporized; the vapor can then be inhaled, effectively administering a “quick hit” of alcohol to the user. Because the alcohol is inhaled directly into the bloodstream via the lungs, its effects are felt immediately.
AWOL’s distributor, Spirit Partners, is marketing the product as a hangover-free, calorie-free and carb-free way to enjoy alcohol. They are marketing AWOL to bars and restaurants, as well as to individuals for parties and weddings.
Spano said the machine is fraught with risks, for several reasons:
- While the distributor recommends limiting use time to 20 minutes, appropriate use and monitoring would be the primary responsibility of the purchaser. Use of the machine for more than 20 minutes at one time, or repeated use of 20 minutes each, could very quickly lead to blood alcohol levels at the impaired or intoxicated levels. Further, what is to prevent customers from using the AWOL machine in addition to having ‘traditional’ drinks? How accurately will a bar, restaurant, or party host be able to monitor the amount of alcohol consumed by each patron or guest?
- Bars and restaurants that cater to the younger (21-30 year old) drinkers, in particular, may see this as a marketing tool, a new “party machine,” that could increase their business. One could even offer incentives, such as a discounted price on your first vapor shot, to further encourage its use.
- It is well known that many underage drinkers still access bars with fake IDs and that binge drinking rates are high in this age group. This machine could become just another binge drinking game for underage drinkers to compete in.
- According to AWOL’s own marketing literature, the distribution of this machine is not restricted to “on-premise licensed establishments,” and can be purchased or rented for weddings and other private parties. If left unchecked, this machine could be sold or rented to anyone, without regard to age or intent.
- Many who are going to get behind the wheel of a car might not understand the immediate and direct effect of “vaporizing” versus drinking.
TAX BUSTERS! Consumers Get Clout In Dealing With Shady Tax Prep Scam Artists
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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION LEDGER. From Westchester County Department of Communications. (EDITED) September 16, 2004: County Executive Andy Spano today signed comprehensive legislation to regulate the preparer business.
Initiated by Spano in 2003, the legislation was passed by the Board of Legislators Tuesday. It goes into effect in 60 days (Nov. 15).
It does the following:
o requires individuals engaged in the practice of income tax preparation to disclose their identity;
o establishes and requires the distribution of a consumer bill of rights regarding tax preparers;
o establishes notification requirements for the offering of refund anticipation loans;
o creates a consumer alert registry to inform consumers about tax preparers who have engaged in unlawful practices.
“This new law gives taxpayers important protections so they know who they are dealing with if they seek outside help in preparing their income taxes,” said Spano. “It protects people from fly-by-night preparers who prey on all segments of the population, particularly the elderly and uneducated. But even the more educated taxpayer can be misled by advertisements saying ‘instant tax refunds,’ not realizing that they are ending up with a interest-bearing loan.”
He credited the Board of Legislators for acting on the legislation, particularly Martin Rogowsky, who chairs the Legislation Committee; Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the former chair of the Legislation Committee; and Jose Alvarado.
Who Ya Gonna Call — Tax Busters
The law will be enforced by the Department of Consumer Protection’s Weights and Measures Division, which will also establish and maintain a consumer-alert registry of tax preparers that have violated the law. The registry will be available to consumers upon request and posted on the department’s web page.
First-time offenders will be given a warning. Second-time offenders can be fined $500. After that, violators may be fined $1,000 for each offense.
What Preparers Are Covered
The law would apply to anyone who charges a fee to assist with the preparation of tax returns EXCEPT employees of a business enterprise who are preparing returns for that business; lawyers who assist in the preparation of income tax returns in the practice of law; fiduciary employees who advise or assist in the preparation of income tax returns on behalf of the fiduciary estate; certified public accountants and public accountant licensed by the state; an employee of a government unit who is assisting in the preparation of income tax returns in the performance of his or her official duties; and IRS agents.
Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers
Every individual seeking help from a tax preparer in
· You are entitled to ask the individual tax preparer assisting or advising you on your tax returns or related matters what his or her qualifications are and he or she is required, upon request, to produce documentation to verify such qualifications.
· You are entitled to know how fees and charges are computed, including minimum charges and any additional charges. You must be given a receipt which states the charges for each tax return. The receipt must list the address and phone number at which the tax preparer may be contacted during the year.
· You are entitled to know whether the tax preparer will represent you at a government audit. Failure to make this disclosure means that the tax preparer agrees to represent the tax payer or to provide representation.
· You are entitled to receive all personal papers you provided to the tax preparer upon request when the original tax return is given to you for filing, unless the tax preparer is specifically permitted to retain such papers under state or federal law.
· You are entitled to know that any tax preparer who advertises the availability of a program by
which a taxpayer may receive a loan against the taxpayer’s anticipated refund may not directly or indirectly represent such loan as a refund. Any advertisement for tax preparation services which mentions such a loan program must state conspicuously that a fee or interest will be charged by the lending institution for any loan, and must disclose the name of the lending institution.
· You are entitled to receive a copy of every tax return that the tax preparer prepares on your behalf at the time the original tax return is given to the taxpayer for filing.
· You are entitled to have the tax preparer sign every tax return that he prepares on your behalf.
· You are entitled to know whether or not the tax preparer is a licensed accountant or attorney in New York State.
· As the taxpayer you should:
o Never sign an incomplete tax return or one that is filled out in pencil.
o Never send cash to the government for payment of your taxes. Always use a check or money order to pay your taxes.
o Never allow your refund to be mailed to the tax preparer. Keep a record of your tax preparer’s year-round address and phone number.
o Review your complete tax return for accuracy before it is mailed and keep a copy in your files. Make a list of the originals you have given your tax preparer and have the tax preparer sign it.
o Check with the Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection to determine if the individual or business preparing your taxes has ever been found to have violated the provisions of
o Retain copies of your income tax return and supporting documentation for a period of three years.
NO MORE FLIGHTS ZONE: County Airport Flight Load and Restrictions Frozen by Law
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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Westchester County Department of Communications. (EDITED) September 15, 2004:
“This is a very important piece of legislation,” said Spano. “It means these traditional protections for the communities around the airport will now be part of the laws of
Spano commended the Board of Legislators, particularly Martin Rogowsky, for its hard work to develop and approve the new law.
Commented Rogowsky, “This is a historic moment in the life of the
The new legislation provides the following:
- A maximum of 4 scheduled commercial aircraft may enplane or deplane per half hour,
- On average, there may not be more than 240 scheduled passengers per half hour (either arriving or departing),
- Continuation of the lottery allocation system for flights, to determine what airline can use the airport at what time,
- County control of ramp operations.
These restrictions are similar to what has been in effect by contract at the airport since 1984. Over the years, the airlines agreed to periodic extensions of the restrictions. With the latest extension set to expire Dec. 31 of this year, Spano initiated an effort to codify the restrictions, to make it less likely the restrictions can ever be successfully challenged.