Heroes Are Forever: James Bond is Cool.

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS VARIETY. Movie Review by Rob Barrabee of The Yonkers Tribune. November 27, 2003:Above all else, James Bond is cool. He’s cool in the way he orders his martinis. He’s cool in the way he seduces his women. He walks cool, he talks cool, he even gets beaten up cool. In Die Another Day, the latest addition to the 40 year-old James Bond franchise, his coolness shifts into an even higher gear; his coolness, in fact, carries the film.
While making its way towards the climax, for example, Die Another Day devotes a good deal of its time to, surprise surprise, a car chase. Almost unbelievably, though, I would actually venture to say that, in this case, it’s time well spent. Car chases are perhaps the most overused element in all of action film, but James Bond’s car chases are different. They are better. How come? Coolness, pure and simple.

James drives an incredibly cool car (an Aston Martin, with all the best fixins); he drives it in an incredibly cool locale (the icy plains of Iceland); and, most importantly, even while driving, he behaves in a manner that can only be described as, you guessed it, cool (at a crucial moment in the chase, Bond’s car flips, and, as it does so, viewers are treated to a close-up of his face.

His expression shows no signs of even the least bit of distress; he is calm, collected, and cool, even in the midst of this life threatening car accident. He sits in a flipping car exactly as he would sit in the padded chair of a ritzy hotel dining room, pondering the wide selection of entrées).

All of this coolness is why I watch James Bond movies. It is why companies like Ford and Sony happily fork over millions for the privilege of placing their products somewhere inside James Bond’s world (Die Another Day reportedly has over $120 million in product placement deals). It is why, after forty years and twenty films, James Bond is still going strong.

The Usual Plot

Shifting from coolness to “as usuals,” the film’s plot, as usual, is stuffed full of ludicrous political intrigue (North Korea, South Korea, US interference, demilitarized zones, blah blah blah). As usual, the film’s characters never show more than kitchen-sink depth (which is not much). As usual, the action sequences vastly overshadow both the ludicrous plot and the shallow characters (more on that later).

As is becoming usual, Pierce Brosnan plays Bond with style and flare (all that aforementioned coolness would not be possible without him). As is altogether unusual, the film’s trademark Bond girl (played by Halle Berry) is quite a fighter in her own right (although she still manages, on a couple of occasions, to get herself into classic Damsel-In-Distress situations).

Returning to as usual, the villains of the film (played by Toby Stephens, Rick Yune, Rosamund Pike, and Will Yun Lee) are delightfully quirky and delightfully wicked (a killer satellite dish, diamonds-in-the-face, et cetera).

Q and M (John Cleese and Judi Dench) are, as usual, scene stealers, and Moneypenny (Samantha Bond) is completely infatuated with her boss, as usual.

In the previous paragraph, I commented, among other things, on the frequency of action sequences in the film. To better grasp this frequency, I have set up a comparison, and the comparison is this: relatively speaking, there are more action scenes (chases, explosions, shoot-outs, sword fights, cliff dives, et cetera) in Die Another Day than there are “as usuals” in the previous paragraphs. Get the idea?

Lack of Mystery

Because of all the chases, explosions, shoot-outs, sword fights, cliff dives, et cetera, the element of mystery in James Bond movies has become increasingly sparse. It is still there, of course, just not as much as it should be. To make up for this shortage, I have included in this review (along with the last paragraph’s “comparison”) a mystery of my own. For the very first time, I have written into a review a legitimate spoiler, but it is shrewdly hidden. If (and only if) you have already seen the movie, feel free to go back and see if you can find it.

If you haven’t seen the movie yet, forget about my spoiler and get to the theater fast, because, despite its numerous flaws, Die Another Day is pretty cool.
Die Another Day, directed by Lee Tamahori. Written by Neal Purvis and Robert Wade. Starring Pierce Brosnan, Halle Berry, Toby Stephens, Rosamund Pike, Rick Yune, John Cleese, and Judi Dench. Running time: 123 minutes. Rated PG-13 (for action violence and sexuality).

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All you “Items” Out There Can Now Register as Unmarried Couples

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WPCNR COUNTY CHRONICLE-LEDGER. From Westchester County Department of Communications. (EDITED) November 27, 2002:As of Wednesday, unmarried Westchester couples who would like to have their relationship recognized and documented may take advantage of the new domestic partner registry with the County Clerk’s Office. Here’s how an unmarried couple may register:
County Executive Andy Spano called the registry “an important step in formally recognizing the many individuals who share a family life in a committed, mutually interdependent relationship apart from marriage.”

Advantages

While couples registered with the Domestic Partner Registry are not guaranteed access to benefits available to married couples – such as health insurance — the registry will make it easier for those willing governments and employers to dispense such benefits fairly, he said.

The Westchester County government and the State of New York already extend health insurance benefits to the domestic partners of their employees. So too do many large corporations, numerous non-profit organizations, colleges and universities and some Westchester municipalities.

Each person registering will get a certificate that can be used when applying for these benefits. Under the law, a registered partner is also entitled to the same rights of visitation accorded to spouses, next of kin or family members at any correctional facility, hospital, nursing home or health care facility in Westchester.

County Clark Says They Are Ready

Said County Clerk Leonard Spano (who is not related to the county executive), “My office has worked to ensure that the domestic partnership registry will seamlessly be integrated into the services currently provided. Our systems and our staff are fully prepared to begin the new registrations.”

Steps Required

Under the law, couples who wish to register as domestic partners must fill out an affidavit – which must be notarized — and go to the County Clerk’s office. The cost is $35.

The domestic partnership registrations will be done in the Legal Division of the County Clerk’s Office (110 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Room 330). Office hours are 8 a.m.-5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. No appointments are necessary. For further information, contact 914-995-3070 or visit the County Clerk’s website at www.westchesterclerk.com . The affidavit will also be available at this site.

Among other requirements:

• The partners must be at least 18, unrelated by blood and share a common household.

• They must attest to the duration and financial interdependence of their partnership.

• Persons are eligible to register if they live in Westchester or at least one partner is employed by the Westchester County government.

• If the couple breaks up, they must file a Termination Statement with the County Clerk.

Here are the specifics on how to register a domestic partnership:

1. Establish eligibility

• The partners must reside in the County of Westchester, or one partner must be employed by the County of Westchester.

• Each partner must be 18 years of age or older, unmarried and competent to enter into a contract.

• The partners must not be related by blood in a manner that would bar marriage under the laws of the State of New York.

• The partners must share a common household.

• The partners must be in a close and committed, financially interdependent personal relationship and intend to remain in the relationship.

• The partners must be each other’s sole domestic partner, have no other domestic partner and intend to remain each other’s sole domestic partner.

• Neither partner can have terminated a domestic partnership within the last 60 calendar days.

• The partners must agree to file a termination statement in the event that the domestic partnership is terminated.

2. Complete an affidavit of Domestic Partnership Registration

• The affidavit is available in the Legal Division of the County Clerk’s office at 110 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Room 330, White Plains, NY 10601 and on the County Clerk’s website at www.westchesterclerk.com.

• Both partners’ names and their home address must be clearly printed.

• Both partners must sign the affidavit and the signatures must be notarized.

• If eligibility is based on employment, the name of the county department in which one partner is employed must be clearly printed.

3. File the Affidavit in the Office of the Westchester County Clerk

• There is a $35 filing fee payable by certified check, money order (payable to the Westchester County Clerk) or cash.

• The partners will receive 2 certified copies of the Affidavit and the Certificate of Domestic Partnership.

• The County Clerk’s office is open from 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

• To file by mail, you must also include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

For further information, contact Chief Deputy County Clerk Mary Delaney at 914-995-4499.

History of the Statute

The legislation to establish the registry was proposed by County Executive Andy Spano and approved two months ago in a bi-partisan vote of the Board of Legislators. It applies to both heterosexual and homosexual couples, who may register with the office of County Clerk Leonard Spano.

To date, over 40 jurisdictions in the United States have established such registries, including New York City, Albany, Rochester and Ithaca.

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Bioterrorism Plans Announced by County

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WPCNR County Clarion Journal. From Westchester County Department of Communications. (EDITED) November 26, 2002.County Executive Andy Spano, Rep. Nita Lowey and County Health Commissioner Josh Lipsman today unveiled the county’s comprehensive bio-terrorism plan and announced nearly $100,000 in grants to fund seven projects as part of that plan.
The following seven bio-terrorism grants were awarded today to help the county respond in the event of a biological, chemical and/or radiological event:

• $12,500 to Westchester Medical Center, Trauma and Emergency Services to develop a web-based emergency preparedness portal for health care providers to coordinate and inventory available resources – hospital beds, medications, supplies etc.

• $15,000 to Westchester Medical Center, Trauma and Emergency Services to establish a portable emergency triage station demo project to be used to evaluate mass casualties.

• $15,000 to Westchester Medical Center, Trauma and Emergency Services to purchase equipment and to establish and train rapid response teams to deal with mass decontamination.

• $14,450 to Phelps Memorial Hospital, Emergency Life Support Programs to develop and offer county EMS providers a 32-hour course on decontamination.

• $15,000 to New York Metro 2 Disaster Medical Assistance Team to train para-professional and professional volunteer teams to respond to biological, chemical and radiological emergencies.

• 15,000 to the Westchester Chapter of the American Red Cross to train volunteers to help feed, shelter and clothe the public in the event of a public health emergency.

• $10,000 to the Westchester County Medical Society to find ways to coordinate and create an emergency communications network for private health care providers using state and county web-based resources.

$1 Million More to Come

The mini-grants represent the first of several initiatives in the entire bio-terrorism plan. The balance of the $1 million will be spent on the following projects:

• A secure Internet Health Alert Network to allow medical professionals to share information to help identify early outbreaks or unusual occurrences of illness.

• An All-Hazards Emergency Response Plan, expanding on the County’s existing plan, will be developed to respond to emergencies such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks with biological, chemical, or radiological agents.

• Two Tabletop Exercise Training Drills. The first will test Health Department staff’s ability to detect, identify and respond to a public health emergency; in this case a pandemic flu. The second will test the All-Hazards Emergency Response Plan using representatives of public health agencies, emergency management, medical response, and public safety.

• Hospital Emergency Room Evaluations. Architectural engineering firm of Bernstein and Associates will look at hospital emergency rooms’ ability to triage and decontaminate large numbers of patients in the event of biological, radiological, or chemical contamination, as well as to handle even a single case of a particularly contagious illness such as smallpox.

This analysis will give hospitals an idea of what changes are needed to help them improve response to a massive terrorism event.

• Upgrade Westchester County’s Lab Facility to a Bio-Safety Level-3. The Valhalla lab will be renovated and new environmental monitoring equipment purchased to make it one of the most sophisticated in the state.

This will allow the laboratory to conduct on-the-spot testing in the event of chemical or biological terrorism locally.

• Satellite Hook-up for Area Hospitals will provide real-time audio and video communication to allow hospitals to communicate via satellite with health department facilities and other health care professionals for rapid response to unusual outbreaks of illnesses.

• Training for Mass Care Volunteers. This would create a team of trained volunteers to assist in triage and coordinate public reception centers, register the public, administer medications or vaccines, and assist with logistical tasks related to mass care.

• A Volunteer Database to track and monitor credentials and readiness of volunteers trained in mass care.

• A Patient Database/Intake Form will be developed for use at reception centers or triage centers to assess the individual’s need for medical care. This will allow staff to track patient treatment and or release status, as well as referrals for hospital care or follow-up.

Rapid Response Decontamination Team.

A rapid-response decontamination team and an emergency preparedness web portal, both to be created by the Westchester Medical Center, were among the projects to be funded as part of a larger county plan to prepare for bio-terrorism.

The county plans initially to spend more than $1.8 million on nine projects. One million of that money comes from federal funds secured by Lowey and announced last January.

The Leaders Speak

“Even before Sept. 11, we knew that Westchester’s unique characteristics — its reservoirs, its nuclear power plants and its major corporations – made it a potential target,’’ said County Executive Andy Spano. “We had already begun working on a bio-terrorism plan and were working to improve our emergency response plan for Indian Point. After Sept. 11, the urgency of what we were doing became clear. Thanks to Nita Lowey, we have the funds we need to expedite our emergency preparedness plans.”

“Today we are announcing the first of several actions we will be taking to make sure we are ready to respond if there should be a radiological, biological or chemical attack. I want to thank Nita Lowey for providing these funds to help us train first responders, to inventory our resources and coordinate emergency efforts. It is our hope that we will never have to test these plans.’’

Lowey on the Grants

Said Nita Lowey of the funding, “The events of September 11 and the anthrax attacks that followed have forever altered our sense of security.”She added, “I have worked to make homeland security a top priority in Washington, but the best way to ensure our community’s safety and help Westchester residents regain confidence is to continually upgrade our local public health services.”

” With the funds I secured,” Lowey continued, ” County Executive Spano has been able to put in place a comprehensive emergency response plan that will better prepare our first responders, establish a 21st century health communication system, and recruit and train needed volunteers.’’

Health Department Responds

Spano said the grants announced today are part of an ambitious blueprint mapped out by the health department with the cooperation of the Department of Emergency Services to try to coordinate public health emergency preparedness in the county.

One of the largest projects will be to upgrade Westchester County’s Department of Labs and Research so sophisticated testing that now has to be sent to state labs can be done quickly in the event of biological or chemical terrorism.

Dr. Lipsman said that the funding provided by the federal government has allowed the health department to strengthen its bio-terrorism efforts without hurting other health department projects. He said the health department will use the initial $1.8 million in federal and state money to fund the bio-terrorism project in 2002 and 2003 and expects to receive additional funds in future years.

Lipsman’s Analysis

“I am pleased to see all of these initiatives being supported by federal funding as they are crucial to strengthening the infrastructure of public health and our capacity to respond to a bio-terrorism scenario,” said Dr. Lipsman. “This funding allows the Health Department to develop its preparedness for a bio-terrorism event without lessening the resources available to deal with our every day public health activities.”

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D.A., Officials to Tour Schools to Advise on Perils of Teen Drinking

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WPCNR AFTERNOON TRIB & POST. From Community Crime Prevention Bureau. (EDITED) November 26, 2002:A permanent advisory council comprised of 15 community leaders from across Westchester will work together in a coordinated effort to explore the causes and recommended solutions for the escalating problem of underage drinking. A panel of educational experts, including Westchester County District Attorney Jeanine Pirro, will tour high schools throughout the county in January to heighten awareness of the dangers of teen drinking.

Six Month Plan

The advisory council will meet on a regular basis over the next six months to share ideas, practices and resources. Their findings will form the basis of a second major conference planned for April 2003. A successful conference was held with a panel of Westchester community leaders who discussed the drinking issue on November 7 at Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY.

The concept for the permanent advisory council made up of the
original conference panel members emerged from that symposium.

Concerned D.A., Doctors, Educators to Tour High Schools Across Area in January

In addition to creation of the advisory council, a subcommittee of council members, including: District Attorney Jeanine Pirro, medical professionals from the council and educators will begin visiting high schools across Westchester to present a special program focused on the real physical dangers posed by binge drinking.

This outreach program, which will begin in January, will include a powerful educational video on alcohol and substance abuse — Dying High: Teens in the ER.

Filmed at White Plains HospitalCenter

This chilling documentary, which demonstrates the tragic consequences that often come with drinking, was filmed last spring at the White Plains Hospital Center’s Emergency Room- the busiest in Westchester County.

Pirro Outreach

The District Attorney explained that the advisory board and school program are a direct result of the countywide conference, which was held on November 7. Ms. Pirro, in a statement said,

“It was imperative that we capitalize on the momentum created by the
conference and by the heightened level of awareness brought on by recent serious underage drinking incidents across Westchester. I believe the advisory board and high school visitation program are proactive steps that can help our community in coping with this very complex problem.”

Advisory Council a Gathering of Leaders

The members of the advisory council on underage drinking represent leaders from the business, education, law enforcement and healthcare communities, as well as parents, students and clergy. Joining District Attorney Pirro on the council are:

Sam Abate, Ardsley Village Supervisor & President of the Westchester Municipal Officials Association;

Don Antonecchia, Superintendent, Pleasantville Public Schools;

Richard Berman, President, Manhattanville College;

Dorothy Fallon, School Board President, Bedford Schools (representing Westchester School Boards Association);

Marsha Gordon, President, Westchester Chamber of Commerce;

Dr. Debra Jackson, Superintendent North Salem Schools;

Bruce Kelly, Chief, Community Crime Prevention Bureau, Westchester District Attorney’s Office;

Helana Jaffe, Westchester East Putnam District PTA;

Ann Janiak, Women’s Enterprise Development Center & the Westchester Municipal Officials Association;

George Longworth, Police Chief, Village of Dobbs Ferry;

Donald Marra, Village Administrator, Irvington;

Frank Marte, Westchester Youth Council;

Dr. Franklin Richardson, Pastor, Grace Baptist Church, Mt. Vernon;

Edward Stolzenberg, President & CEO, Westchester Medical Center;

Jon Schandler, President & CEO, White Plains Hospital Center;

Ron Smalls; Superintendent, Southern Westchester BOCES.

First Meeting in December

The advisory council will hold its first meeting on Monday, December 9.
Thereafter, the council will continue to meet on an ongoing basis, leading up to the April symposium at which time the members will discuss their findings. Information about the council’s ongoing work and related information will be posted on the BOCES website.

For more information, please contact Bruce Kelly, Chief of the Community Crime Prevention Bureau, Westchester D.A.’s Office at (914) 995-3317.

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Calling all “Items” Wanting to Register as Partners. Today’s the Day.

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WPCNR County Clarion Ledger. From Westchester County Department of Communications. November 26, 2002:Westchester’s new law allowing non married couples to sign a domestic partnership registry goes into effect Wednesday, Nov. 27. Registrations begin today at the County Office Building.

First-day registrations will take place beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the lobby of the low-rise section of the County Office Building, across from the County Courthouse, 110 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., White Plains.
County Executive Andy Spano, who sponsored the new law, and County Clerk Leonard Spano, whose office will oversee its implementation, will speak at the event.

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TRASH BOOMS MAKE A BIG SPLASH ON BRONX RIVER

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WPCNR County Clarion-Leger. From Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation. November 26, 2002:Trash collection booms will be installed on the Bronx River Parkway Reservation to trap debris floating along the Bronx River, County Executive Andy Spano announced Monday.
Spano explained that the project is being funded through a $100,000 matching grant from the New York State DEC, and $70,000 worth of in-kind services and $30,000 in capital funds for the project.

“The Bronx River Parkway Reservation runs through the heart of Westchester and is one of the most diverse natural areas in the county,” Spano said. “While these booms will help contain some of the debris, we all share the responsibility of preserving it and ensuring that it remain the pristine resource that it deserves to be for the thousands of residents who enjoy it throughout the year.”

Spano explained that the booms will be installed in the White Plains and Yonkers area of the reservation next winter.

Each boom consists of foam-filled floats that are anchored at the far shoreline on the upstream side of the river, and stretched across to the downstream side on a 45-degree angle, where an 8 x 10-foot collection basket is set.

The booms are anchored on a sliding mechanism that allows them to rise and fall along with the water level of the river. When full, the basket and debris can weigh as much as 1,500 pounds.

He said the problem of bottles, cans, and plastic containers accumulating in the river is not new. Each year, more than 250 tons of trash is collected from the Bronx River, most of which travels downstream and winds up in Bronxville and Crestwood lakes.

In a single day, County Parks staff have removed as many as 10 tires, six shopping carts, and 20, 55-gallon bags of floatable debris from the river.

Spano noted that the Parks Department’s Bronx River maintenance staff will maintain the booms and remove the collected debris at regular intervals.

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CNA Sets New Officers for 2003; New Agendas

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WPCNR Newsreel. November 26, 2003: The White Plains Council of Neighborhood Associations Executive Board has nominated a new slate of officers for the new year. The new slate will be presented to the membership at the next regular Council of Neighborhood Associations meeting on December 10.



BRAIN TRUST: Executive Board in deliberations last night: Clockwide from top: Ralph Nagan, Carl Barrera, Guy D’Antona, and Marc Pollitzer.
Photo by WPCNR News

Officers nominated for the 2003 year will be Mr. Barrera of the Hillar Circle Assocaiation and Mr. D’Antona, of the Gedney Farms Association, to continue as CO-Presidents, John Vorperian of the Old Oak Ridge Association for Vice President, Mr. Nagan, Treasurer, and Mr. Pollitzer, Secretary, the former both of the North Street Civic Association.

The Executive Board discussed upcoming agendas for the new year to include discussion of Indian Point policy, citizen and media access to City Hall information, and present and future city development and its effects on the environment.

Officers to be nominated for the 2003 year will be Mr. Barrera and Mr. D’Antona, to continue as CO-Presidents, John Volperian for Vice President, Mr. Nagan for Treasurer, and Mr. Pollitzer, Secretary. The Executive Board set upcoming agendas for the new year to include discussion of Indian Point policy, citizen and media access to City Hall information, and present and future city development and its effects on the environment.

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White Plains Woman Indicted for Murder of Police Officer

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WPCNR AFTERNOON TRIB & POST. From Westchester County District Attorney Press Office. November 25, 2002:Pia Stefanelli, 40, of 23 Old Mamaroneck Road has been indicted on two counts of Murder in the Second Degree by the Westchester County District Attorney’s office, for the October 14, 2002, shooting which resulted in the death of 41-year old Jeffrey Troebs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The indictment was announced by District Attorney Jeanine Pirro and White Plains Public Safety Commissioner Frank G. Straub today. The murder counts are based on two separate theories of law, one count is intentional murder and the second count is depraved indifference murder.

The indictment alleges that Stefanelli fired a single shot from close range with a .380 Beretta handgun striking Mr. Troebs in the head. Mr. Troebs was in a walk-in closet in the bedroom of Stefanelli’s apartment at the time of the incident. Mr. Troebs, a Sergeant in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Police Department, died the next day from the gunshot wound.

If convicted of the top count, the defendent faces a maxium of twenty-five years to life in state prison.

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White Plains Kids Present “Youth Acts 2002” at Eastview Dec. 5

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WPCNR CITY HALL HERALD TRIB. From Paul Wood, White Plains News Bureau. November 25, 2002: Mayor Joseph Delfino and the City of White Plains invites you to Youth Acts 2002! Join them for an evening of youth performances including dance, poetry, singing, & drama with special guest adult performers.

Youth Acts 2002 will be performed on Thursday December 5th, from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Eastview Middle School Auditorium in White Plains. For more information, contact the Youth Bureau 422-1378.

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Give Me A “W,” Give Me a “P,” Give Me an “H,” Give Me an “S”

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. From Westchester County Recreation & Parks:More than 700 cheerleaders, including the “Tigerettes,” the White Plains High School Cheerleaders, under Coach Alex Munoz, will be performing for their high school and middle school squads from Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Nassau and Bronx counties during the 54th Annual Westchester County Regional Cheerleading Invitational on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, December 2, 3 and 4, at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.
Anne Chillemi reports the White Plains High School Varsity Cheerleading Team will be in competition at the County Center on December 3rd. This is new to the team and they have a new coach, Alex Munoz, to teach the team.

Middle school and junior varsity competition will begin at 4 p.m. and varsity will begin at 6:45 p.m. each day; there will be no middle school/junior varsity competition on Wednesday.

Squads will be judged on the execution of their cheers, precision of their jumps, enthusiasm, group techniques and overall effect. Trophies will be awarded for first through fifth place finishes for varsity squads and first through third place for junior varsity.

The “Grand Champions” trophy competition, in which the first-place varsity squads from each day face off against one another, will take place on Wednesday after the varsity competition.
The United States Marine Corps Color Guard, the Young Marines of Westchester, and Marine Corps Jr. R.O.T.C. of Yonkers will present the colors for the opening ceremony each evening.

To add to the excitement, more than $7,000 in scholarships will be awarded, based on candidates’ academic average, a written essay, school and community involvement, as well as cheerleading ability.

At the conclusion of the competition, both varsity and junior varsity squads will be eligible for the Team Spirit Award sponsored by the Westchester County Police Benevolent Association.

Admission for spectators is $7.50. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, November 6, for parents and guardians of the competing cheerleaders; tickets for the general public go on sale Thursday, November 7. The County Center box office is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cash and all major credit cards are accepted.

The Westchester County Center is located at 198 Central Avenue, adjacent to the Bronx River Parkway, Central Avenue and Tarrytown Road in White Plains. The building and parking lots are accessible to the disabled. Parking is $4 per car. The County Center is also accessible via the Westchester County BEE-LINE Bus System.

The Westchester County Cheerleading Competition is sponsored by the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, the National Cheerleading Association, and the Westchester County Police Benevolent Association.

For more information, call the County Parks Department at (914) 864-7064. General information on Westchester County Parks is available on the World Wide Web at www.westchestergov.com.

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