MORE MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR NY WOMEN CANCER PREVENTION TAKES EFFECT TODAY

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WPCNR NEWS JOURNAL. From American Cancer Society. October 2, 2002:More Westchester women will be eligible for life-saving cancer treatments under a new state law that went into effect today. Under the “Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act,” women who are diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer through a New York State Healthy Women’s Partnership are now eligible for Medicaid coverage for their treatments.
Prior to the state opting into this program, women diagnosed through a Partnership had no means of getting necessary treatments. They would rely on charity, special hospital funds, or leave their cancer untreated.

Mammogram Coverage Mandated Annually

This year, approximately 14,700 New York women will hear the words, “you have breast cancer.” A mammogram is a vital tool in the fight against breast cancer. While not perfect, mammograms can detect breast cancers much earlier than touch alone. Women who detect their cancer early may have the option of treatments that preserve their breast tissue. In addition to saving lives, mammograms are cost effective because they find cancers at the earliest stages allowing for less aggressive and costly therapies.

However, a loophole in existing law put thousands of New York’s women at risk. The law required insurers to cover mammograms only every other year between the ages of 40 and 49, leaving those in-between years uncovered, thus mammograms unattainable (too costly) for most women. The American Cancer Society suggests that women get a mammogram every year beginning at age 40*.

Act Guarantees Insurance Coverage for Annual Mammograms

The Women’s Health and Wellness Act, enacted this year, guarantees insurance coverage for annual mammograms for all women beginning at age 40, and provides $500,000 in funding to New York State Healthy Women Partnerships to enhance the Partnerships’ outreach efforts.

The Healthy Women Partnerships, active in every county in the state, provide breast and cervical cancer screening to low income, uninsured or underinsured women. As a result of this new law, even women who have insurance but find the deductible or co-insurance fee burdensome, may be able to get their mammogram through the Partnership. This law becomes effective January 1, 2003.

These victories were achieved in part due to the efforts of American Cancer Society volunteers, and because of awareness and money raised at the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, held on October 20, 2002 at Manhattanville College. If you are interested in participating in the American Cancer Society’s advocacy efforts, or in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, please contact us at 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org/makingstrides.

*American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines:
· Women over 40 have annual mammograms and annual clinical breast exams;
· Women between the ages of 20 and 39 have clinical breast exams every three years; and
· Women over 20 should conduct monthly self-breast exams.
###

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Spano Urges Candidates, Incumbents: Pledge No New State-Mandated Initiatives

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Westchester County Department of Communications. (Edited) October 1, 2002: On the day before unvieling his 2003 budget, County Executive Andy Spano has asked candidates for the legislature and incumbents to pledge to not introduce any new state-mandated programs where local governments have to pay the cost. He also calls for capping those mandated programs already on the books, reducing the county share of Medicaid costs and a ban on unfunded state mandates.

County Executive Andy Spano today called upon all major candidates for state office to sign a pledge to protect local taxpayers from the burden of having to pay for increasingly expensive state programs and services.

“State lawmakers cannot continue to expand or create programs at will and then send the bill for them to county taxpayers,” Spano said as he released “A Compact to Protect County Property Taxpayers.”

The compact asks the candidates to promise that if elected:

• They will not support any new state-mandated programs that are not completely funded by the state government and that they will cap those that already exist;

• That they will vote to reduce the county share of Medicaid costs to the 2001 level;

• That they will support an amendment to the State Constitution to ban unfunded state mandates.

Said Spano: “County property taxpayers throughout New York State are being crushed by the ever-increasing costs of state programs and services that the state requires the counties to pay for. In Westchester for example, Medicaid will cost taxpayers $207 million next year – an increase of more than $36 million from this year and a 50 percent increase since 1998. This is a state program and it should be the state, not county taxpayers, who foot the bills for these and other programs that the state requires counties to run.”

One of only Two States Where County Taxpayers Fund 50%
of Medicaid

For example, New York is one of just two states in the nation that requires county taxpayers to pay such a large local share – 50 percent of state costs — for Medicaid. Other examples of costly, state-required programs — for which the county has no control over costs — include programs for children with disabilities, corrections, probation, commuter railroad stations and other social services.

Spano said the merits of these programs were not in question – only their funding.

Not a New Thing.

Spano noted that for years Albany lawmakers have been asked repeatedly—via letters, phone calls and extensive lobbying efforts–to hold the line and fully fund, state mandated programs, but that these requests from county executives, boards of legislators, mayors and supervisors have been ignored. The result, throughout the state, has been higher property taxes, higher sales taxes and cuts in essential county services.

“Enough is enough,” Spano said. “Albany must move now to correct the problem that it alone created. Counties across this state will no longer shoulder the blame for a property tax increase imposed by state lawmakers.”

He added, “With this Compact, we want to get candidates on the record that they understand the burden that the state has placed on county taxpayers and that they, if elected, will work to contain these programs. And we want residents to know before they cast a ballot which candidates will reduce local property taxes.”

The candidates have until Oct. 15 to sign the Compact. On Oct. 16 the county will list on its website the names of those candidates who have signed the compact and those who have not.

The Compact was sent to all major-party candidates for state Assembly and Senate in districts within Westchester, as well as to the leaders of the State Legislature and the major candidates for Governor, Attorney General and Comptroller.

You All Join In.

And because this not a local issue – but an issue affecting every county in the state — Spano is asking other county executives in the state to ask their own state candidates to sign the compact as well.
“Westchester is not alone. Every resident in this state will feel the result of the Albany tax in one way or another: a huge property tax increase, higher sales tax, a drastic loss of local services,” he said.

THE FULL TEXT OF THE COMPACT IS AS FOLLOWS:

I, _________, A Candidate for State Office in the State of New York, hereby pledge:

That I will not support any new State Mandated Programs that are not completely funded by New York State Government and will cap those that do exist.

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Latimer: Reclaiming the Democratic Vision. Bradley Brings Down House.

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WPCNR County Clarion-Ledger. Coverage of the Westchester County Democratic Convention. Special to WPCNR from the Yonkers Tribune. By E. Hezi. October 1, 2002:The drive to the Westchester County Democratic Committee meeting held Monday night at Woodland High School in Hartsdale allowed me to mellow after a long day, as the drive meandered from Yonkers on the familiar, yet somewhat challenging Saw Mill River Parkway.

As I arrived, the crowd was starting to coalesce in front of the entranceway to the auditorium. The air was thick with moisture. Expectations were non-existent despite the fact that last night’s convention was poised to elect the next County Party Chair.
Political luminaries abounded. Alan Hevesi, running for Comptroller was in attendance, as were Westchester County Executive Andy Spano and Congresswoman Nita Lowey.

Some took their seats in the rows designated for their specific city or village. Others awaited the soft drinks being displayed in the hallway entrance to the auditorium. The mood was nonchalant. Unassuming. Somewhat staid.

The Minister Arrives

Being a student of observation and enthralled at human behaviorial
paradigms, I was intrigued at the electricity that seemed to gravitate
toward one man as he leisurely took his time to move about the hallway, slowing maneuvering his way toward the auditorium doorway entrance.

Calm, collected, engrossed, he seemed in no rush, was cajoled by no
inner clock to move on. He was however engrossed. Not in self, but
rather in the people that milled about him. I surmised he was a cleric,
ministering to his flock.

How odd, I thought. In the midst of a political convention a lone shepherd was focused on each individual with whom he had eye contact. Never did he veer away. His eyes transfixed upon the person whose admiration was so evident. Neither woman nor man
seemed to monopolize his time more. Each wanted his or her moment with the “minister.”

Man with a Different Style.

How inspiring I thought. Just 15 minutes earlier I bumped into a political contender. Initiating a conversation, he became easily distracted from one person to another so that within 1 minutes time, he was “involved” with 3 different people.

He never did return to me despite my waiting his moment to do so. He was working the room.

Literally kissing everyone’s behind, yet I dare say, getting a shallow response. If you guessed he lost his challenge for political office, you are correct.

The “minister,” however was in his element.

I decided I would enter the auditorium despite the heat and stuffiness.
Some of the Yonkers delegation already found their seats. Not wanting to take anyone’s place, I stood about until there seemed to be a free seat in the Yonkers section. I sat myself down.

Call to arms

Alan Hevesi opened with a comedic storyline. He could easily be a
“Stand-Up” comedian, yet he seems destined to win the New York State Comptroller seat in the November election. Afterwards, the attendees rose to “Pledge Allegiance ” to the flag.

Grave words from the County Executive

County Executive Andy Spano warned of difficult times ahead. His message was sober, almost foreboding. No reflection on him or his positive demeanor, but I admit I was simply in a stupor of, “Is that All There Is?” Peggy Lee sang the song.

Even though I came to the convention without pre-conceptions, I wanted something different. Even refreshing. Trite perhaps, but I can dream can’t I?

Nita Lowey takes a star turn

When Congresswoman Nita Lowey took the lectern, the audience cheered.

They literally rose to their feet and cheered. They were more familiar
with the Congresswoman than I. And she did not disappoint. She redeemed their expectations and stirred them to be “proud” to be Democrats. She admonished the audience to be proud of being labelled “Democrats” in the tradition of Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, John Kennedy, Lyndon Baines Johnson and Bill Clinton.

The first lightning bolt was thrown this night. The crowd was charged. The crowd begged to be moved.

Latimer Given the Reins

When George Latimer was nominated to be the Westchester County
Democratic Chair, and then seconded, he opened up a panoply of ideas and concepts long lost to the history of the 1960’s and 1970’s.

You guessed it. The “minister” is George Latimer, Westchester County Democratic Chair!

This unassuming man cast a large shadow over the auditorium. He
transcended the “the negative imagery of the politician” we have long
been weaned upon. Today he declared for all who could hear, for all who would read, for all who could see, that this man was a pragmatist.

The Minister’s Sermon

He knew human shortcomings, yet strove for working at passionate speeds. He demanded of self, allowing others to emulate at their own speed and without condescension. Yes, George Latimer was a leader.

He gathered his folk, imbued in them a resurgent desire to get out the vote, to listen to the constituency, to follow up on their request, to give what they could to being a Democrat.

Born Again Democrat

Latimer brought an exaltation to the term “Democrat.” Gave it meaning
long lost. He rekindled the political flame. Shone light upon a darkness
strewn by political ingrates and politicians of hubris and corruption
and encapsulated a vision derived from compassion for the human
condition. He may have postulated it best when he said,

” Reagan was wrong, and we are right!”

“To help and protect”

“Government is a tool,” he said. “Some have used it to corrupt. Democrats will forge government to help and protect. The Party that
brought the first Catholic to office; the first Jew to office; the first woman to office; the first African-American to office; and the first Hispanic to office is the true party of Westchester County. We believe that there is a role for government. Not for deal making, but for something better,” he continued.

Calls for Westchester County to have its own vision.

Chairman Latimer noted that while he would incorporate the National and State vision, Westchester County must have its own vision.

Latimer said this must be a vision relevant to the single mother desperate to feed her child; the senior citizen who must choose between prescription drugs and the meal for that day; for the firefighter who has yet to recover from the atrocity of 9-11; for the student who needs a secure environment in which to study yet cannot find comfort in the crowded classroom.

Latimer’s mantra: The agenda is to make politics and government relevant to the constituency.

The homily

George Latimer delivered his sermon. What he verbalized the attendees could attest to – they were personal witnesses to his political service.

No promises were made. The Westchester County Chairman had a record of delivery, bar none.

The position carries no salary.

Everybody Loves a Winner. Bradley Brings Down House.

Adam Bradley was called upon on the floor to make a nomination for a vice – chairmanship, I gathered. The purpose for which he was called upon was lost upon me by the crescendo of hand clapping for the winner of the Assembly seat Adam Bradley won over a 10 year incumbent, Naomi Matusow.

“Poster Boy of Success”

Adam Bradley captured a Democratic seat and for the minion in attendance, he became the poster boy of success. They were most proud, almost
adulatory in their cheers and kudos. The crowd caused Bradley to be brought to the lectern.

His words where lost upon me as I was mesmerized by the cheers. Here was a native son who did well. He accomplished his mission with the help of Maureen Keating and Gary Brennan, among other volunteers.

They had learned the lesson Latimer espoused. They had carried the prize past the finish line. The task of election won, the task of service to begin.

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CITY, LIBRARY INITIATE ONLINE AFTER SCHOOL HOMEWORK HELP SERVICE

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WPCNR CITY HALL TRIBUNE HERALD, By Rick Ammirato, Mayor’s Press Office, September 30, 2002: Mayor Joseph M. Delfino announced the launch of a new program today, expanding his Digital Divide initiative. Thanks to private funding from the White Plains Library Foundation, a new online after-school homework help service, Online Tutor @ the Library will be hosted by the White Plains Public Library at technology centers at the Library, the Youth Bureau and the Thomas H. Slater Center. The free service will also be available to White Plains Library cardholders through the Library’s home page.
To implement this service, the Library has chosen Tutor.com, a leading provider of online tutoring services for education institutions and individual students. Online Tutor @ the Library will provide students in grades 4 through 12 with instant access to expert tutors for 20-minute sessions in an Online Classroom in core academic subjects including math, science, English and social studies.

The Online Classroom

The Online Classroom provides a rich environment for individualized learning. Students and tutors can review specific homework questions using features such as controlled chat, an interactive white board, shared Web browsing. Tutors and students remain anonymous, and sessions are routinely reviewed for quality control.

Tutor.com

Tutor.com was founded in partnership with The Princeton Review and Scholastic. Its tutors are specially trained and background checked by a national firm. They are certified teachers, college professors, instructors for The Princeton Review, and professionals with college degrees in the subjects they teach.

White Plains Library Continues to Pioneer

For more than 15 years, the White Plains Public Library has offered some type of formalized homework help for children. Since 1999, its Teacher in the Library program has provided tutoring after school at the Library in all K-6 homework subjects with a professional, certified teachers from the School District.

Online Tutor @ the Library will expand this program online and reach out to every school child in White Plains through grade 12.

Library Foundation Patrons of Learning

The White Plains Library Foundation was incorporated in 1995 to raise funds in support of the long-range goals of the White Plains Public Library. In 2001, the Foundation completed its first Campaign and is now focusing its efforts on projects with immediate need and impact, such as Teacher in the Library.

Rotary Club Announces gift

The White Plains Rotary Club just announced a gift in support of this project for the upcoming school year. Information about the White Plains Library Foundation can be found at www.whiteplainslibrary.org.

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Rome in the Movies: Italian Film Festival Opens Thursday

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS VARIETY. From Westchester County Department of Communications. September 30, 2002:Four powerful films – each of which set a milestone in the Italian film industry – will bring their once controversial themes of alienation, decadence and individualism to Westchester starting Thursday around the County, and admission is free.

The Westchester County Italian Film Festival offers a different film each Thursday in October – opening Oct. 3 with Roberto Rossellini’s Open City and closing with Caro Diario by Nanni Moretti. Aptly named “Rome in the Movies,” the line-up shows a post-war trend where the harsh realities of life in the historic capital city gradually made their way onto the silver screen.

Two of the films are by five-time Oscar winner Federico Fellini, perhaps the best known post-war Italian director who set the tone for a whole new generation of cinema. La Dolce Vita – a film Catholics were forbidden to see in Italy – depicts the life of a dissatisfied journalist’s search for meaning in life and is today still considered the most representative film of neorealism. Satyricon, a look at the decadence and debauchery of ancient Rome, marked one of the industry’s most sensuous and disturbing films.

Admission for all shows is free. Films are in their original Italian, with English sub-titles. No reservations are required. For more information, call Sandy Auriti, Italy Desk, at (914) 995-4516 or Iris Stevens, Film Office, (914) 995-2917.

The schedule is as follows:

Oct. 3 – Open City (1945)

Roberto Rossellini

This moving drama follows a leader of the WWII Italian underground and his fight against the Nazi occupation of Rome. Much of the film shows actual scenes of people and their struggle in
war-torn Italy. 7 p.m., Reisinger Hall, Sarah Lawrence College, Yonkers. Opening remarks by professor Gilberto Perez, a film historian and film critic. Reception to follow (Sponsored by the Italian Arts and Culture Council).

Oct. 10 – Satyricon (1969)

Federico Fellini

Fellini freely adapts the work of Petronius Arbiter in this sexual odyssey through ancient Rome. With an emphasis on spectacle and the grotesque, we follow two young Romans in their pursuit of pleasure and personal survival. 7 p.m., Jacob Burns Film Center, Pleasantville.

Oct. 17 – La Dolce Vita (1961)

Federico Fellini

Marcello Mastroianni is a journalist who has put aside serious career aspirations to report on the shallow, jet-setting denizens of Rome. While writing his stories and trying to make sense of the decadent lifestyle that has seduced him, he encounters prostitutes, actresses and personal tragedy. 7 p.m., Hudson River Museum, Yonkers.

Oct. 24 – Caro Diario (1993)
Nanni Moretti

This film is structured in three chapters, each dealing with a protagonist crossing Rome in a Vespa on a hot summer day. It is a contemporary look at the Italian lifestyle addressing issues such as family, alienation and phobias created by a fast-moving society that leaves little room for human values. 7 p.m., Romita Hall, College of New Rochelle.

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A Bistro in Alsace 1996

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WPCNR White Plains Culinary Comics:The Epicurean Adventures of Les Chocons Qui Vole: For the last weekend of September, WPCNR brings back our feature for those who enjoy food with their wine featuring another hedonistic adventure of nine area residents who are members of a secret wine society, Les Cochons Qui Vole.
This weekend we take you back to a simpler time to their dinner of September 28, 1996, themed “A Bistro in Alsace” featuring the wines of Alsace-Lorraine province. To bring back that meeting, we turn to the painstaking notes prepared by the obsessive Wine Steward and Founder of the club, Michael. Join us now for a hearty warming feast of the senses bringing back the tastes and vintages tasted on that evening on the cool of an autumn afternoon

A Bistro in Alsace

The Wines in Order of Appearance

1990 Trimbach Riesling Clos St. Hune $59.99

1994 Weinback Riesling Clos Theo $22.49

1990 Trimbach Gewurztraminer Clos Ribeaupierre Seigneurs $20.99

1993 Albert Boxler Riesling $17.99

1993 Albert Boxler Riesling Brand $23.99

1993 Albert Boxler Riesling Sommerberg $29.99

1991 Meo-Camuzet Clos Vougeot $39.99

The evening began slightly on the late side as Les Amis of Les Cochons Qui Vole gathered at Freeport by the Sea on Long Island at the home of Ron and Pinnie. The cell phones were humming, with John and Janet calling to report traffic (although we heard John’s light foot played some part in the delay), and Sonny and Shelley calling to report a late start.

Michael’s stomach had been on the fritz since the last meeting (possibly a victim of his own scallops), and was feeling none too good on the way out to dinner and wondering about the wisdom of more wine.

Miracle Dionysius!

What followed was an absolutely marvelous, relaxed and delicious affair.

Given Ron’s decision to make a bistro-type pork dish and Michael’s late morning inspiration to make an onion tart, Alsatian wines seemed like a good choice for the dinner. Although there was not universal approval, and the gewürztraminer produced some heartfelt, if wholly unjustified caviling, overall it was an interesting opportunity to compare a number of wine producers and styles.

Wine One: Clos St. Hune: Worth Every Yankee Dollar

While we waited for John and Janet and Sonny and Shelley to arrive from points North, we slowly sipped the Clos St. Hune, a wine from the minuscule Trimback vineyard which Parker (the wine critic, Robert Parker) notes has been called by many “the greatest wine in Alsace” – and priced to match!

It was certainly the driest and most elegant Riesling we drank all evening, very buttery, viscous, and rich, with a hint of pineapples and a long warm finish. Drinking it without food allowed us to savor it without distractions.

The First Course from Andre Soltner: The Onion Tart

The first course – the Cantwell’s execution of Andre Soltner’s aunt’s recipe of Alsatian onion tart was, if memory serves me well, the equal of that served at Lutece and a smashing opening to an evening that went from strength to strength.

Cassandra’s pie crust (Michael’s spouse) was one of her finest – light, flaky, and sweet – and the filling – two pounds of slowly cooked onions, a cup of cream, and two eggs – was as delicious as it was simple.

Bravo! Andre! (Incidentally, the rest of the Lutece Cookbook looks absolutely marvelous and is highly recommended).

Wine Two: 1994 Weinback Riesling Clos Theo

Although not as dry as the St. Hune, the Weinbach Riesling Cuvee Theo was a nice accompaniment to the onion tart, with a nose of apricots and flowers, a hint of carbonation on the tongue (a la Zind Humbrect), and an undercurrent of minerals.

Wine Three: 1990 Trimbach Gewurztraminer Clos Ribeaupierre Seigneurs Forget About It! But the Soup’s a Keeper!

Sadly, dissension erupted with the second course, although it had nothing to do with Sonny and Shelley’s knockout Curried Vegetable Soup, a rich, creamy affair with a decent kick, a candidate for one of the best soups in Chochons history (or is it Heaven?). Ingredients included butternut squash and Granny Smith apples. There was even some talk of ring kissing, although it did not get very far.

The Trimbach Gewurztraminer was another matter altogether.

Even though John and Bina are normally on the opposite side of the burning issues of the day, they united on the question of the gewürztraminer, declaring it undrinkable (and worse).

True, it was perfumed and flowery, with a nose of lichee nuts, and very viscous and cloying on the tongue, but it was not only an interesting wine, but an ideal match for the spicy soup (a dissenting opinion).

Although Bina evolved on more than one wine occasion during the evening, she would have no truck with this wine, and John, having already achieved that rarified state from which further improvement is simply not possible, clearly had no interest in shall we say, growing into the wine. Yet to at least one taster’s tongue, this was one of the best gewurzes (if you like that sort of thing), and probably worth a few bottles in one’s cellar as an accompaniment to spicy food.

Enter the Rieslings and the Entrée

The main course was another tour de force from Ron, a perfectly grilled pork with apples, accompanied by a risotto with chicken stock and a mushroom pie. Perfect bistro food, as good as that served Michael and Cassandra at Maison Kammerzell a month previously.

The wines were two grand cru Rieslings from the cellar of Albert Boxler, whom Parker characterizes as one of the finest of all the Alsatian winemakers. They were both lighter and more elegant than the Weinback, although falling short of the Clos St. Hune. Both were lemony, slightly sweet, and a nice marriage with the pork and its fruits. Unfortunately, the palate was overbooked by that point, making further comparisons impossible.

The Cheese Course

The cheese course as some say in Alsace ausgeseichnicht ( “outstanding,” literally “out of sight”), a young chevre, an aged chevre with peppercorns, a gouda made from goat milk, a St.Andre and a Roquefort.

The Salad

The salad was crisp and light and refreshing, with a piquant dressing.

Wine 7

Finally, the Clos Vougeot was indeed, as a latetwentysomething consumer suggested to us, a “rocking good” bottle of wine, with hints of chocolate and licorice and a marvelous value for a grand cru burgundy.

Dessert

The dessert was another masterpiece from Janet, a cake of the queen mother – light, rich chocolate with a wonderful crème anglais.

There being no further business, Les Chocons adjourned until the first of the year.

Les Chochons Qui Vole were founded by a former publishing editor, Michael, and his wife, Cassandra in 1986, inviting Cassandra’s daughter, Bina, and her husband, a doctor, another friend of theirs, Sonny and his wife at the time, and an old school friend Ron and his wife, Pinnie, and yours truly, the CitizeNetReporter and our Janet.

Financial resources were pooled to stock a wine cellar and for the last sixteen years the group has met approximately five times a year to drink and sample the great wines of the planet, create the great culinary experiences from all nations, and to ruminate on the issues of the day.

Eighty gatherings of this iconoclastic conclave have been held. The objective to sample wines expensive and economical, compare vintages and drink good wine at affordable prices while preparing feasts better than any restaurant. During this nearly quarter of a century, four of the original twelve “Dining Disciples” have departed the group, others have changed professions and retired, but Les Chochons continue to meet and remain forever young and “forever wine.”

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Tigers Maul Saunders, 27-0, Nkuka’s Run, Devere to McQuire Bomb, Big Plays

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WPCNR PRESSBOX By John F. Bailey. September 28,2002: What is it about football coaches trying to be smart on a kickoff? That’s what Saunders did to start the game when they kicked off to White Plains in Yonkers Saturday afternoon. They tried an onside kick. Not good!
The Tigers recovered at about their 33 yard line. On the very next play on a sweep left, Ike Nkuka swerved around left end and raced 67 yards for a touchDOWN! It was yet another big play game for White Plains as the Tigers bottled up Saunders, 27-0, to even the White Plains record at 2-2.



START OF SOMETHING BIG: It’s the second quarter in Yonkers, QB Mike Devere slides back with stealth into the pocket at his 30 yard line behind Ike Nkuka(28) and Spencer Ridenhour, blockers looking left and deep. In seconds he had thrown a 63-yard scoring scoring strike to Evan McGuire in full stride at the Saunders 40 who cruised into paydirt to put White Plains up 20 to 0.
SportScene by WPCNR
After stopping Saunders on their next series, the Tigers got the ball back and marched down the field with Spencer Ridenhour scoring on a straightahead 7 yard run, and it was 13-0, midway in the first quarter.

Second Quarter: A Mike Devere Moment.

Saunders was moving the ball slowly towards the end of the first quarter, and as the second quarter started they had a third and 13 on the Tiger 30, when Joey Vitanza nailed the Saunders QB in the backfield attempting to pass at the Tiger 40. Fourth down failed and the Tigers took over.

Again, the Tigers made a big play, Mike Devere dropped straight back with great protection. Evan McGuire slipped behind the defense down the left alley and Mike hit him in full stride.TouchDOWN! The point was good, and the game was essentially over at 20-0, White Plains.

Beginning of second half a scare

Mindful of the Gorton comeback on them last week, fans who made the trip down to Yonkers were apprehensive when the Saunders kickoff return man nearly broke away at the 50, but Toney Ciaramella nailed him on a drop-’em-dead, head-on tackle low at the Tiger 48, saving a runback for a touchdown.

Saunders drove to the Tiger 30. However the Tigers made three consecutive sacks to push Saunders back to their own 40 and they kicked it away.

Then the Tigers drove for their fourth and final touchdown. The key play being a 12 yard run by Spencer Ridenhour, that was increased by a 15 yard personal foul penalty, setting up WP on the Saunders 25. Spencer ran it in for his second touchdown of the afternoon from 7 yards out. The point made it, 27-0, Tigers.

Some good open field stops

The Tiger defense bent but did not break containing the scampering Saunders backs when they slipped tackles and tightening up when they had to.

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Latimer of Rye Poised to Assume Leadership of County Dems

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. Special to WPCNR:Westchester County Democrats are poised to elect George Latimer the next County Party Chair, without opposition, at Monday’s County Convention.

Latimer, 48, a Rye resident, announced he was seeking the unpaid post
over a month ago; two other candidates, Clinton Smith of New Castle and Reginald LaFayette of Mount Vernon both dropped out in recent weeks.

Latimer – a 15-year veteran of elected office as Councilman, County
Legislator and Chair of the County Legislature – is credited as a
popular face among grassroots Democrats countywide. He received early support among local committees as diverse as Pelham, Peekskill, and Port Chester, and built on that base with strong presentations in large communities such as Yonkers and Greenburgh.

“I look forward to the challenge”, Latimer stated, “of bringing together
the diverse elements of this Party and providing a vision for where we
can be in the years to come.It is our job to offer Westchester voters
excellent candidates to choose from – and wise policies that they can
support”.

Latimer is expected to name key appointments in the three weeks to
follow Monday’s event. The County Convention begins at Woodlands H.S. in Hartsdale at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 30th.

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Mayor to Name Youth of the Month. Nominations Now Open

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WPCNR CITY HALL BEAT REPORTER. From City Hall News Bureau. September 27, 2002: Mayor Joseph Delfino and the City of White Plains Youth Bureau are pleased to announce that they will be choosing a A Youth of the Month for the month of November.

Westchester County has designated November as youth month and the Mayor and Youth Bureau thought this would be a wonderful way to commend our youngsters for all their efforts.

The young person must be a White Plains resident and in high school. The deadline for nominations is October 21, 2002. Forms can be obtained at the Youth Bureau, 11 Amherst Place, White Plains.

If you have any questions, please call Catherine Backes at 422-1378.

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Younth Bureau Boxing Sounds Opening Bell

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. From Cith Hall News Bureau. September 27, 2002:Mayor Joseph M. Delfino is pleased to announce that the White Plains Youth Bureau is accepting applications for its Boxing Program. The program has been in swing, but new applications are welcomed.
The program is open to White Plains youth 7th through 12th grade. In addition to learning the sport of boxing, students will learn self-discipline and self-control. The program began September 16 and is held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3 – 5 p.m.

The program is funded in part by the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health through the New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Service.

For further information, contact Marjorie Clarke or Frank Williams at 422-1378.

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