Spano to Brodsky: Make Dorm Authority Pay the $42MM

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           WPCNR WESTCHESTER COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Department of Communications. October 7, 2003:  Saying Westchester taxpayers should not have to bear the burden of massive mistakes by a state agency on the courthouse project, County Executive Andy Spano today called for state legislation to force the responsible state agency to pay for the $42 million in cost overruns.


In a letter sent today, Spano asked state Assemblyman Richard Brodsky to introduce a bill to force the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) to foot the bill. Spano said he hoped that all other members of the Westchester delegation to the state Legislature would join in the effort as well.




“The overruns must be borne by the party primarily responsible – the project manager, the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York,” Spano said.


In a separate matter – to emphasize the point that this courthouse is not a Westchester County government facility – Spano today proposed legislation to rename the courthouse the Richard J. Daronco New York State Courthouse, Westchester County, NY. Currently, it is called the Richard J. Daronco County Courthouse, or informally, the county courthouse.


“This is a symbolic gesture to make it clear that this project is not a Westchester County government project and that this courthouse is beyond the control of Westchester County,” Spano said.     


Last month, state Comptroller Alan Hevesi and State Administrative Judge Jonathan Lippman issued separate reports dealing with the courthouse project.


·        According to Hevesi’s report, “The Dormitory Authority bears a significant responsibility” for the overruns on what was supposed to have been a $140 million project.  Hevesi said it was appropriate that county taxpayers foot the bill for the original project but that “asking them to pay the full $51.5 million for the overruns and mistakes is not.” Hevesi said the Authority should pay for the costs of the overruns.


·        Judge Lippman said the overruns “are primarily attributable to deficiencies” in the plan developed before Spano took office and “ineffective management of key project developments” by DASNY.


 


Lippman, however, ordered the county to pay for the overruns, threatening to divert a comparable amount of state aid (for other programs) from the county to pay for the courthouse if the county does not come up with the money by Nov. 14.


According to Lippman, the Dormitory Authority lacks the power on its own to give Westchester the funds to pay for the overruns. For that reason, Spano is asking Brodsky to sponsor the legislation to empower the authority to foot the bill for the problems it created.

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Ebersole Ice Rink Opening Delayed Due to Leak

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. By John F. Bailey. October 7, 2003: The White Plains Ebersole Rink scheduled to open for the season this Friday October 10 will be delayed for a week and a half due to an undetermined leak in the rink’s icemaking system. Rink maintenance crews discovered the leak when the ice was frozen for the first time last week, said Debra Clay, Deputy Commissioner of Recreation and Parks Monday.


Clay said the Department of Public Works is calling in Arctic Air to troubleshoot the system to discover the source of the leak, and said she expected the rink to open by October 20.


She said that ice skating classes and group lessons scheduled to begin next week were expected to be made up during the skating season.

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CSEA ANNOUNCES WESTCHESTER COUNTY LEGISLATURE ELECTION ENDORSEMENTS

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-JOURNAL. From the CSEA. October 7, 2003: Diane Hewitt, Southern Region President of CSEA/AFSCME Local 1000, Gary Conley, President of CSEA Westchester Local 860 and Jack McPhillips, President of CSEA Westchester County Unit 9200, today announced the union’s endorsements for the Westchester County Legislature elections.

The endorsed candidates, listed by legislative district, are as follows:








District 1: George Oros (R)
District 2: No endorsement
District 3: John Nonna (D)
District 4: Mark Fang (R)
District 5: William Ryan (D)
District 6: No endorsement
District 7: No endorsement
District 8: No endorsement
District 9: No endorsement
District 10: No endorsement
District 11: James Maisano (R)
District 12: Tom Abinanti (D)
District 13: No endorsement
District 14: Bernice Spreckman (R)
District 15: Louis Mosiello (R)
District 16: No endorsement
District 17: Jose Alvarado (D)

All 17 legislative district seats face election on November 4 to two-year terms. The endorsed candidates have received CSEA’s endorsement for election after a thorough review process that included interviews with the CSEA Westchester Local 860 Political Action Committee, a body that includes Conley, McPhillips and other officers from both Westchester Local 860 and the Westchester County Unit. The union bases its endorsements on candidates’ support for and willingness to fight for issues that impact working families.

“I’m proud to support these candidates, and they should be proud to have earned our union approval,” Hewitt said. “ They now have the support of the workers who plow our roads on Christmas Day, who keep our schools clean and safe for our kids, who care for our poor and elderly, and who provide the countless other services necessary to keep this county running. These candidates truly support working families.”

“CSEA’s support has made the difference between winning or losing elections in several cases,” Conley said. “ We are 14,000 members strong in Westchester. As public employees, we struggle to provide needed and quality services to all residents. In return, we expect our elected leaders to fight for us as public servants, active community members and taxpayers. James Maisano, Bill Ryan, Jose Alvarado and our other endorsed candidates have proven themselves by fighting on our behalf. It’s unfortunate that too many others have taken our work – and our support – for granted. They failed to earn our endorsement.”

“Candidates all pretend to be our best friend, but when times get tough, they hide behind delays and lip service,” McPhillips said. “My members are tired of excuses on why politicians broke their promises and couldn’t help workers and working families. We know and trust those candidates we’ve endorsed. For those we didn’t and have endorsed in the past, they must regain and earn that trust through action, not excuses.”



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The Bradleys Welcome a Daughter.

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS GOOD NEWS. From Maureen Keating Tsuchiya. October 4, 2003: Assemblyman Adam Bradley of White Plains and his wife, Fumi, are the new parents of a baby girl, born Friday evening at Greenwhich Hospital. The new First Lady is named Fiona Matusnaga Bradley, weighing six pounds, 15 ounces. Ms. Keating-Tsuchiya reports ” Everyone is doing well and they should be going home tomorrow afternoon (Sunday).”

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Vitanza’s Fumble Recovery, Ridenhour’s 1st Downs, Smalls Snares Key 35-13 Win

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. By John F. Bailey. October 4, 2003: White Plains held off Mount Vernon, 35-13 after Joe Vitanza recovered a key fumble in the last minutes of the game Saturday afternoon with the Tigers leading 21-13 which lead to a  53 yard pass to Ryan Smalls to set up the clinching touchdown.


White Plains achieved their fifth consecutive victory, remaining undefeated.


Spencer Ridenhour’s guts and power chewed out two key third down first downs deep in Tiger territory just prior to stem Mount Vernon’s momentum. In the first half, Ryan Smalls set up the second Tiger TD with a spectacular catch at the 3 yard line. Earlier Mike Devere connected on a sensational 50 yard touchdown pass to Evan McGuire for the Tigers’ first score. White Plains lead 21-0 at one point, but touchdown passes at the close of the first half and midway through the third quarter got Mount Vernon back in the game.



SNAG, LAND, SPIN, BULL AND DRAG: Greg Harris of Mount Vernon is trying to bring down the relentless Ryan Smalls in First Quarter Action at Memorial Stadium in Mount Vernon Saturday. Smalls has just leapt high at the 10 yard line to snare a Mike Devere pass, spun as he landed, eluded two tacklers, on his way to the 3 yard line. Ryan’s magnificent extension set up the Tigers second touchdown. The big cats held on to win 35-13.  Evan McGuire is just behind Smalls, Joe Vitanza (Number 75) watches Smalls punish the Knights secondary.Photo by WPCNR Sports.


This was a strange game on a brooding, overcast afternoon before about 500 fans who watched a game many thought would never end.


 


White Plains had a 21-0 lead midway through the Second Quarter thanks to three “ Tiger bust-a-move” plays. The Memorial Stadium scoreboard was not operating and time was loosely kept on the field by the officiating crew once the Tigers moved ahead by three touchdowns. All three quarters after the first quarter seemed to last a very long time, and appeared to be at least 5 minutes longer than the regulation 12 minutes.


 


A Tiger Test


 


Coming into the game, the Tigers were wary of Mount Vernon, but stopped the Purple Knights cold on their first series. A 15 knot breeze blew out of the South under the overcast  to begin the game and would complicate the afternoon, knocking down  Jason Indelicato’s punts into the wind, and making Mike Devere’s passes with the wind, sail.


 


 The Tigers’ field position game was severely challenged. As it turned out the Tigers had to win this game by making first downs late and making two huge plays with less than 4 minutes to go to ice the game that the officials seemed to be enjoying so much they never ran the clock.


 


Like Patterson and Basilio


 


The first quarter began with the teams wary and feeling each other out like the Floyd Patterson and Carmen Basilio fight. (Where Patterson started slowly and knocked down Basilio in the early rounds, piling up points early.)


 


The Tigers moved to their 48 on their first possession, only to have Mike Devere sacked on his first pass attempt on first down, moving the ball back to the Tiger 43.  A pitch to Ryan Smalls only got them back to the 49 and Indelicato punted to the Mount Vernon 16.


 


On the Knights’ second series, Joe Vitanza sacked Marquis Long back at the 10. Indelicato and “Rumbles” Robles then stopped Vernon for no gain, and a third down run got them back to the 19. Mount Vernon got off a terrific punt. Mike “Night Train” Lane took it on his own 38, deked and juked 12 yards to the 50 yard line.


 


Devere Calls in an Overhand Left.


 


The Devere Squadron strikes without warning.  On first down, QB Lefty Devere, the long tall tactician smoothly fakes a handoff to his right, holds the ball on his left hip with Ridenhour acting perfectly, while Devere pivots 360 degrees, looks straight over the middle, fires an overhand left strike to tight end Evan McGuire running a post pattern right through the middle of the secondary.


 


As Evan splits the safeties cheating up close to stop what they think is Spencer Ridenhour running on first down, he turns and takes the pass shoulder high and is GONE right down the middle for 6 points. It is a 50 yard touchdown pass, and Evan’s second touchdown reception of the season.


 


Pablo “The New Toe” Siaba splits the uprights and the Tigers have a 7-0 midway through the first quarter. The Grandstand Offensive Coordinators who convoyed from White Plains are stunned. So is Mount Vernon. It looks like Gorton and Lincoln all over again. Little did they know.


 


“The Prosecutor” Stops a Drive and Completes a Haymaker.


 


Mount Vernon returns the kickoff to their 35, and a 15 yard flat pass sets them up with a first down on the 50, with Spencer Ridenhour pushing the offending receiver out at midfield. Two plays later, after a penalty made it 3rd and 17 on the 40, “The Prosecutor” Ryan Smalls issues his first indictment of the proceeding.


 


 He blitzes in on Marquis Long the Knights quarterback  from the right side and subpoenaes  the QB chasing him back to the 30 yard line. The Knights punt from the 30, only getting off a 20 yard punt into the wind and Ryan Smalls returns the ball to the Mount Vernon 43, as the first quarter ended and the Tigers turned it around and were going into the South wind, moving left right.


 


Devere then pitched back to Ridenhour who dashed to the Knights 33. A Devere Pass to Smalls at the goaline sailed on him due to the wind. A run by Smalls failed to gain and it was third down and 10, White Plains from the Mount Vernon 30.


 


Another “Bust-a-Move” play on Third Down.


 


Devere moves back with style into the pocket like a minister in a pulpit and lofts a floating Y.A. Tittle alley-oop pass intended for Ryan Smalls at the 10 on the sideline, far side.


 


Ryan goes high, two arms up. Two defenders go up with him. The Smalls kid comes down wrestling the ball from the defenders and miraculously keeps his feet. He churns, spins, lunges away from them and drags them with him to the Mount Vernon 5. It is a first down. It is another “Smalls Snare to Share” and the Tigers are in business on the 5.



 


TouchDOWN! TouchDOWN! QB Devere handed off to Spencer Ridenhour for a routine blast up the middle for the touchDOWN after Ryan Smalls Third Down Grab and Drag. The Tiger front line of  Joe Vitanza, Smalls, Robles was just blowing the Vernons off the ball in this first 20 minutes. Siaba rung up the point and it was 14-0 with about 9 minutes to go in the first half. Photo by WPCNR Sports


 


Footeball


 


Raeshoon Foote will have to forgive me that subhead, because the  senior fullback made the next “Bust-A-Move.”


 


Mount Vernon’s Greg Harris caught the Tiger coverage on the far side of the field on the ensuing kick off and seemed long gone for a kickoff return but Keith Shaw and Mike Lane out ran him and shoved him out of bounds at the Tiger 23. Mount Vernon needed a score now and Lane and Shaw made a great save. White Plains causes a fumbled snap by Marquis Long on the first down and it is second down 15 on the Tiger 29. It looks as if Vernon is going to get back in the game.


 


Again Marquis Long drops back, but the Tigers are coming bowling aside the blockers. Long retreats, holding the ball one-handed and Raeshoone Foote and Evan McGuire have him on the run…McGuire tears the ball out of his hand from behind. Long drops the ball, frantically trying to dive on it.


 


He can’t get it.  He falls by the wayside into turf, but Raeshone Foote picks it up on the 40  and starts rumblin’ stumblin’and steamin’ with it towards the South End of the Stadium. They’re not going to get him, and Raeshone rambles in for a 60 yard touchdown fumble recovery. It is a big play as it turned out. Pablo Siaba converted and the score was 21-0 with what we thought was 5 minutes to go in the half. Easy right?



TIGER SPECIAL TEAM PREPARES FOR KICKOFF


Photo by WPCNR Sports


 


Mount Vernon Gets Up off the Canvas


 


The clock being kept by the referees seemed to crawl. Mount Vernon was able to get off 14 plays in those last 5 minutes. Finally with 2nd and 15 on the White Plains 45, Marquis Long hit Greg Harris all alone behind the Tiger secondary the far side at the Tiger 5. He waltzed in for the touchdown, which with the point made it 21-7,White Plains at the half.


 


Third Quarter Moves Slower. Seconds last minutes.


 


White Plains started with the ball in the second half, and could not move it. Neither could Mount Vernon. Again White Plains could only move the ball to their 16 and punted into the wind short and Mount Vernon took over with a first down at the Tiger 45. On third down on the Tiger 37, a run around left end by Greg Harris gave MV a first and goal on the Tiger 9. On third and goal, Long threw a screen pass to Harris in the left flat near sideline and he walked into the endzone, for the touchdown that made it 21-13. The kick failed, but with short time left in the third quarter, the Tigers had to move the ball.


 


4th Quarter Drama


 


Ater two plays from the White Plains 34, the third quarter ended. White Plains, punting with the wind this time was forced to punt, and the Purple Knights had a chance to get the tying touchdown as they set up on their own 30. It was a 35-yard punt from scrimmage by Indelicato and White Plains needed it.


 


Mount Vernon made a first down on the 43, and White Plains defense  held at 3rd and 6 on the MV 48 as Spencer Ridenhour and Ryan Smalls combined for a chase and sack.


 


On the ensuing punt Mike Lane returned the ball nicely to the 18  out of trouble but a very questionable “immaculate clip” penalty put the Tigers back on their own 8 yard line. Any mistake here with about 6 minutes to go, and Mount Vernon could tie it with a 2-point conversion, or at least get the ball in great position.


 


Ridenhour to the Rescue: 2 Third Down Classics.


 


Ridenhour lugged the ball off tackle to the 16 on the first play. A pass to Ryan Smalls over the middle was incomplete almost picked. It was 3rd and 2 from the Tiger 16. Devere handed to Ridenhour and he moved the mess of tacklers very close to a first down.


 


Officials called for a measurement. Silence descended. The chains could not be shortened.  Mike Devere signaled first down! Then the Ref signaled. Spencer had gotten the first down by the nose of the football. First and 10 on the White Plains 18. Four more downs. Word was there was two minutes to go.


 


Ike Nduka carried for 4 yards. Devere dropped back looked far left had Evan McGuire out there on the far sideline 20 yards downfield but Evan turned the wrong way. It was again third down, and a long 6.


 


Moving the Chains


 


Devere handed off to Mr. Touchdown. With Vitanza and Smalls clearing the right side Spencer deftly cleared secondary before they cut him down again very very close to the first down.


 


The lead stick came down, and Ridenhour again had gotten a first down by a nose. By this point we thought it was time for White Plains to take a knee. Playing with house money, Ike Nduka carried for 4,  then carried again for what seemed like a backbreaker gain to the Tiger 45



WHITE PLAINS PARENT AUXILIARY WATCHES NERVOUSLY IN CLOSING MOMENTS WHICH WERE THE LONGEST CLOSING MINUTES THEY’VE EXPERIENCED. Photo by WPCNR Sports


 


Fumble!


 


But suddenly the official was signaling first down Mount Vernon after Nduka was down. The Knights got it back with another chance to tie.


 


On the first down from the White Plains 45, Marquis Long made his third muffed snap of the day handed off and a scramble ensued at the line. The signal was first down the other way. Joe Indelicato was on his back, and we could not see who for White Plains recovered the giveback. In the postgame, Indelicato said it was Joe Vitanza. A kicksave and a beauty. First down White Plains on their own 45.


 


Smalls Shocker!


 


After what had  seemed like an eternity since the “immaculate clip” call and Ridenhour’s guts third down conversions, Devere took a snap and casually dropped back, looking right, on first down, looking DEEP, real deep.


 


Down there deep at the Mount Vernon 15 is Ryan Smalls ahead of his defender. He turns to his left gathers in the beauty floater from Pilot Devere and incredibly holds on to the ball as the defender drapes himself with all his weight on Ryan’s back.


 


But Smalls instead of buckling keeps moving! Another 3 yards, staggering, carrying his tackler. He refuses to go down, churning for 6 yards, 9 yards and a first and goal on the 3. The play covers 52 yards. Another Smalls classic catch of the season in the clutch.


 


Devere handed to Ridenhour who burst in on first and goal with no resistance for the touchdown that made it 27-13. Pablo converted and it was 28-13 with what we thought was seconds to go.


 


But the referees were enjoying the game so much that Mount Vernon got off about 6 more plays before White Plains took over on downs at their 30 yard line.


 


Another   7 Nails in the Coffin.


 


On first down, Devere gave it to Spencer Ridenhour who burst off tackle, into the secondary and simply out ran Mount Vernon for a 70 yard touchdown run. It was his second touchdown of the long afternoon.


 


When time finally ran out, the fans could not believe what they had seen: 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarters that lasted endlessly. White Plains penalized more than they have been penalized in any game all season. Flagrant pass interferences not called.


 


Amateur in Truest Sense of Word


 


Let me repeat, the officiating was terrible in this game.


 


Sean McLaughlin went up for a pass in the second quarter in mid air and before the catch he was taken out, landing on his back. That is pass interference anywhere but today.


 


Evan McGuire was going for a pass, hit the ground and the pass defender hit him just before he caught it, and picked up the ball returning it 30 yards. The grandstand defensive coordinators felt that one was pass interference too.


 


Allowing hits like this makes it a dangerous game for both sides.


 


There were questionable calls allowing Mount Vernon key opportunities that the White Plains defense fortunately denied. There was a sack that would have killed a Mount Vernon drive giving the Tigers a much better field position at the time of the “Immaculate Clip.” The sack was declared a forward pass, nullifying a 20 yard loss. This was an egregious call.


 


This was a badly officiated game, with time kept very ineptly by the referees on the field.


 


When this one ended, the Tigers felt they must have played 5 quarters with at least 3 to 4 minutes added to each of the last three quarters.


 


Character Building


 


This fifth win was a win like all others this season: the line, the defense, the offense making big plays, and refusing to give in to fatigue, adversity, or in this case, amateur, in every sense of that word, officiating. White Plains is a superbly conditioned football team. The boys go both ways and have a lot left in their fuel tanks when the other clubs cannot respond.


 


This was a game where Spencer Ridenhour rose to the occasion for two third down plays that had to be made on third and long. His extra effort after having his ankle hurt in the second quarter was a valiant effort.


 


But the victory was won by every one stepping up and making plays, doing their jobs, following their assignments. The fumble at the 45 in the last minutes was the first Tiger turnover this reporter can remember in 5 games. That may be exaggerating, but this team makes no mistakes.


 


Mike Devere passed in the pinch when he had to on a hard day to pass. An oldtimer who played on New Rochelle in the early 60s, remarked to me that Mike did not have the touch when he was missing receivers in the first half.


 


When he hit Smalls for the 56 yard pass play with the game on the line, getting it to him in catchable position….my oldtimer compadre said, “He’s got the touch all right.”


 


They all have “the touch.”


 


 

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District 5 Legislator Candidate Calls for Legislative Reform

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WPCNR COUNTY CAMPAIGN JOURNAL. From the Cantatore Camp. September 4, 2003: Frank Cantatore continued his assault on the County Legislature Friday in his effort to represent White Plains and Scarsdale in the Fifth District of the Westchester County, calling for a new law to require the Board of Legislators to post on the internet agendas for the Board and committee meetings at least 48 hours before the meeting. The law would also require the Board to post monthly expenditure reports from the Legislature’s budget, as well as monthly reports on postage utilization and printing expenses for each Legislator. It will also require the Board of Legislators to post on the internet a “staffing disclosure report”, which will list every member of the Board of Legislator’s staff, a job description for each individual, including minimum qualifications required and the total salary paid to each individual.


 


 


“The Board of Legislators should be held accountable for their actions. This law creates a system using new and readily available technology that will give the public information they are entitled to. After all it’s their money that is being used. What’s more I was recently informed that over 200 purchase orders were submitted for the Courthouse renovation that not even certain members of the Board were aware of. That’s why we need to have this system up and running,” said Cantatore.  Currently such information does not exist in this manner. Citizens interested in obtaining such information have to submit a “freedom of information request” in order to receive it.


 


According to recent media surveys, over 60% of households have internet access. “People will be able to access information on where their monies are being spent from the comfort of their home, office or local library. This will bring much needed transparency to County government. This is an initiative whose time has come. What with all the corporate scandals of this past year, the American public has lost its faith and trust in the private sector. This initiative will restore Americans’ faith and trust in government,” said Cantatore.

                                                                                               

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Westchester Way.. 2004 .Guide to Meeting Sites…FREE!

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Westchester Office of Tourism, September 3, 2003: Sensational spaces, sites and scenery characterize Westchester County, New York as an ideal destination for meetings and special events.  The Office of Tourism has released “Meetings, The Westchester Way” the county’s  Meeting Planners’ Guide, 2004 edition, as an information resource to help meeting and event planners find venues throughout Westchester for conventions, conferences, meetings, and special events of all dimensions.

Published by Westfair Communications, Inc., the 40-page, four-color Meeting Planners’ Guide contains detailed information on the county’s hotels, conference centers, the Westchester County Center, and meeting space located in Westchester County parks facilities, such as Playland Amusement Park in Rye and Croton Point Park in Croton on Hudson. 


A section on additional “Unique Spaces and Places” describes non-traditional locations that create a special atmosphere for events, such as historic sites, mansions, theaters, parks, colleges, restaurants and catering facilities.  Event planners will appreciate the information on outstanding spaces such as castles, gardens, river cruises, and parks located throughout the county for weddings, anniversaries, holiday parties, etc.


“As a meeting destination, Westchester County offers the highest standard of service, combined with top notch facilities,” said Margo Jones, Director of the Westchester County Office of Tourism.  “Westchester is also conveniently located in the heart of the Hudson River Valley, just north of New York City.”


The Meeting Planners Guide also provides information about service vendors, such as audio-visual providers, booth and exhibit contractors, caterers, decorators, destination management consultants, transportation companies, entertainment and temporary staffing.


An “At Your Leisure” section on entertainment and recreation describes several possibilities for after-hours activities and group events, and a travel information page helps expedite travel to and from the area.


To request a free copy of the Westchester County Meeting Planners’ Guide, call the Office of Tourism at (914) 995-8500 or 1(800) 833-9282; e-mail Tourism@westchestergov.com, or visit  www.westchestertourism.com.  Special-interest brochures, such as the Westchester County Travel Guide, Gardens, and Antiques are also available.

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The White Plains Performing Arts Center Tour

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WPCNR’S CITY CENTER JOHNNY ON TOUR. By John F. Bailey. October 3, 2003: The highlight of the Mayor’s White Plains Performing Arts Center News Conference Thursday was “the tour.”  A group of about 30 persons were given hardhats and proceeded to cross the street from City Hall to the City Center, proceeding into “Conroy Place,” which now has its cobblestone drive mostly in place and gleaming black light posts emulating the new street ambience in White Plains.



 


 


DIGNATARIES from public relations persons to reporters, to councilpersons gawked at the imposing rich emerald green façade of the bridge from the new parking garage, the elegant cobblestones and the black granite fountain. Entering on the first floor street level, they were greeted by a brightly lit Circuit City store, looking ready to open. Photo by WPCNR News.


 


 



ENTERING STREET LEVEL ON CONROY PLACE: We proceeded to climb the escalators in the vaulted two level atrium/lobby,  to the fourth level of the City Center. As we entered from Conroy Place soon to be named City Center Place, we passed the Circuit City looking ready to open, and very inviting. Photo by WPCNR News.


 



PASSING CIRCUIT CITY, the party ascended the escalators which were not in motion to the fourth floor, the theatre level. Photo by WPCNR News.



 


THE THEATRE ENTRANCE: Main entrance, steel scaffolds of seating can be seen. Photo by WPCNR News


 



 


BOX OFFICE AREA IS TO THE RIGHT: We entered the theatre noticing that there is a shell of a theatre and that THE arc of steel seating structures were in the process of being installed. The stage is to our left. The walls of the theatre are sheetrock, awaiting interior decoration. Photo by WPCNR News.


 



 


 


 


PROJECT MANAGER, Steve Feinstein, of HRH Construction (in light blue shirt, slightly to right in photo), explained the next order of business was installing the light banks and control booth at top left of picture.  Photo by WPCNR News


 



 


CREATING THE VARIOUS SEGMENTS of the theatre will proceed on a simultaneous basis. To come: pouring concrete for the stage, and installing the polished wooden stage floor . Feinstein said work was proceeding at a 6-days-a-week-10 hours-a-day pace with a completion date of October 31 for the Performing Arts Center. He noted an elevator would whisk theatre goers directly from street level entry to the White Plains Performing Arts Center floor. Photo by WPCNR News.


 



 


ON THIS VERY STAGE, IN 35 DAYS, the Flying Karamazov Brothers will be doing the juggling. For now the intricate, precision juggling is being handled deftly by the HRH Construction crews who have been performing building miracles for two years, being counted on to finish a theatre in 28 days. Speaking to WPCNR after the tour, Co-Producer Jeffrey Rosenstock told WPCNR that he expected to be “running through” the theater control, lighting and production systems the first week of November. Photo by WPCNR News


 


Calling More Angels. Calling More Angels.


 


The Gala performance on November 9 is being relied on to produce a performance budget. In the meantime, George Gretsas, the Mayor’s Executive Officer, said a single sponsor (in Broadway speak, an “angel”)  has underwritten Bob Newhart’s performance. He would not reveal that sponsor, saying that was up to the Board of Directors of the theatre to announce at their discretion.


 


Asked the source of future operating funds for the theatre and whether any advance contributions had already been made, Gretsas said he did not know and would get that information. Rosenstock and Stimac as operators of the theatre are paid a flat $100,000 for the first year of their contract to operate the theatre, and that is the maximum city contribution to the theatre.


 


Staffing Up


 


Tony Stimac said a third person had been hired for the White Plains Performing Arts Center staff in addition to Kathy Davidson, the Theatre Manager. The new hand on board is Melinda O’Brien, who Mr.Stimac said will be Development & Programming Associate. He said she would responsible for fundraising overtures and program development.


 


Community Groups Invited


 


Mr. Rosenstock, echoing a theme in the news conference said the theatre would be produce 1/3 professional performances, 1/3 community-produced performances and 1/3 new creative works. Mr. Rosenstock said that Ms. Davidson had worked out what he called “a Basic Rental Sheet” and said “we’re working on drawing up a standard contract.”  He said groups desiring to rent the theatre could contact Ms. Davidson now for preliminary discussions on how to do that. She can be reached at 422-1376.


 



 


WPCNR SIDEWALK INSIDER CHAT with Jeffrey Rosenstock, Co-Producer. Mayor Delfino chats with Tony Stimac at left. Photo by WPCNR News.


 


Rosentock was bubbling with enthusiasm for the theatre during our sidewalk chat in front of City Hall.  He said he presents 425 performances a year at his Queens Theatre in the Park.  He said the synergy generated by persons coming to his Queens facility has brought many community groups throughout Queens to his theatre. “People come to the theatre, see groups performing there and inquire about how they can use the theatre,” he explained, saying he has attracted rentals from many groups in Queens this way. He says the enthusiasm is contagious, and that he and Mr.Stimac have had the experience of growing theatres and looked forward to watching it happen here.


 


Financing to Come.


 


Asked about what financial contributions had already been received by the White Plains Performing Arts Center, George Gretsas, the Mayor’s Executive Officer, said a sponsor, whom he could not reveal,  had underwritten the Bob Newhart Gala performance. He said he would get the information as to whether any other donations had been received.


 


Early Thursday evening, Gretsas said that of the $100,000 the city is paying the non-profit organization of Stimac and Rosenstock to run the theatre, about $50,000 has been spent, and he said they would continue “to draw down” on it. He said that he could not tell what financing had possibly been already contributed to the Center’s “endowment” because the White Plains Performing Arts Center was a private nonprofit organization and only their Board of Directors could supply that information. He said Mr. Stimac was the person we should ask for that information.


 


 

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Gala Key to Endowing Performing Arts Center. Mayor, Impresarios Impress.

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WPCNR STAGE DOOR. By John F. Bailey. October 3, 2003: Mayor Joseph Delfino and Co-Producers, Tony Stimac and Jeffrey Rosentock, operators of the White Plains Performing Arts Center, introduced their opening Weekend Thursday and took dignitaries and media on a tour of the theatre under construction Thursday.


 



MASTER OF CEREMONIES: Mayor Joseph Delfino introducing Thursday morning’s news conference to approximately 30 dignataries, media, and Common Council members that announced the details of the White Plains Performing Arts Center Opening Weekend, November 8,9 and 10. Left to right, Eli Schonberger, of the Founding Board of Trustees, the Mayor, and WPPAC Impresarios, Jeffrey Rosenstock and Tony Stimac. The Mayor said, prior to the tour of the theatre, that what you’ll see is “the shell of a theatre well under way to becoming the cultural heart of this city.” Photo by WPCNR News.


 




The Mayor introduced the news conference saying, he felt he should write a play about how the theatre came about. The first part, he said, would be a tragedy about all the attempts to build a community theater, and the second part would be about how a community could get it done and find a way to pay for a $3.5 Million theatre without the city having to pay for it. No city property taxes are being used to fund the theatre.


Cooperation. Cooperation. Cooperation.


The Mayor said today’s success was the product of cooperation between federal, state, county and local government, and the private sector. He singled out the Department of Housing and Urban Development and New York State Senator Nicholas Spano to thank for his acquiring Empire State Development Corporation funds for the theatre.


 


Newhart Show the Key.


 


Tony Stimac announced that Bob Newhart, the comedian, and star of The Bob Newhart Show, and Newhart, television hits of the 70s and 80s, would be the Gala Fundraising showcase performer appearing November 9 at 7 PM.


 


 There will be a cocktail reception and post-performance get-together to kickoff a fundraising drive to endow the theatre. Stimac saluted Newhart for agreeing to accept “a greatly reduced fee” for his one-man performance. Newhart is enjoying new popularity with his role in the movie, Legally Blonde II and an upcoming Christmas release, Elf.  For more about Bob and reviews of his comedy act, WPCNR refers readers to Bob’s website at www.bob-newhart.com.


 


Tickets to the Newhart performance at the Gala, the Mayor said could be reserved  immediately, ( tickets start at $250) by calling 1-888-977-2250, right away. If 200 persons (the theatre seats 417) attend at $250 a head, the theatre will raise at least $50,000 to get it underway. A full house at the $250 minimum would raise $100,000.


 


Envelopes for the invitations were reported by Stimac at the news conference to have arrived today and the balance of invitations to the Gala would be mailed out shortly.


 


Two more Shows Articulate the Theatre’s Mission.


 


Mr. Stimac turned the festivities over to Jeffrey Rosentock, his Co-Producer, who said the Opening Weekend would showcase three events to show the three audiences the White Plains Performing Arts Center wanted to reach: family performances, the mature audience tastes (represented by Mr. Newhart at the Gala), and new works.


 


The enthusiastic Mr. Rosenstock, a natural born salesperson, (who makes you want to pick up the phone and order tickets right away), said that on Saturday, November 8, the day the National Amusements Theatres open, the WPPAC would also open its doors to present the Flying Karamazov Brothers.


 


The Flying Karamazov Brothers in Two Shows.


 


The Flying Karamazov Brothers will be performing their new show Catch! They are a national phenomenon who specialize in juggling, acrobatics, mime, sight-gags reminiscent of the vaudeville of the past with a contemporary pace and excitement that is entertainment for the entire family. They will perform a matinee at 3 PM  and an evening performance at 7 PM, with tickets priced at $30 to $35, with $20 tickets for children under 12. Those tickets will be on sale beginning October 8, according to Kathy Davidson, the Theatre Manager.


 


Catch! is described in the news release “includes traditional juggling of everyday items, such as sickles, hatchests, meat cleavers and torches. It also features a favorite bit of the brothers, “The Gamble,” where the audience brings whatever objects they think the group will be unable to juggle, betting applause against a pie in the face that the Brothers cannot juggle the objects. Catch! features taiko festival drumming, Polish Appalachian Clog Dancing and their “trademark” Nine Objects of Danger. For more about the Flying Karamazovs, visit their website at www.fkb.com.


 


Stimac to Bring Broadway to White Plains


 


Rosentock turned it back to Mr. Stimac for the latest on a surprise Monday night performance to take place on Monday, November 10.


 


Stimac is lining up a host of current Broadway stars to perform in a  one-time-only production he’s calling “Broadway Salutes White Plains.” According to the news release, this is an original review in which “cast members from Henry IV, Avenue Q, Aida, Beauty & The Beast,” and other shows will appear, doing numbers or bits from their shows, according to Mr. Stimac. Stimac told WPCNR walking back to City Hall after the tour that he had already gotten five Broadway performers lined up for the Monday evening performance. Stimac said that it made sense because Broadway is dark on Mondays and performers often do benefits and special guest appearances on those evenings.


 


That Monday evening performance, Rosenstock said, was to showcase WPPAC’s mission to bring in new creative works. Mr. Stimac said the complete lineup will be announced as soon as possible. Rosenstock added that a brochure will be out within two weeks with more details about WPPAC’s upcoming programming.


 


Tickets for Broadway Salutes White Plains are priced at $35 to $45, and will be available beginning October 8, again by calling the 1-888-977-2250 number.


 

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Cantatore Assails Ryan for “Allowing” Convict Work Program at Hudson Hills

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-JOURNAL. From Frank Cantatore. October 2, 2003: Businessman, community leader and candidate for the County Board of Legislator’s Fifth district, Frank Cantatore Thursday called for the immediate suspension of the inmate work program at the County’s golf course Hudson Hills. On Wednesday, an inmate who was working there escaped and was later captured. The program places inmates from the County jail at the golf course to do various work functions.


 


 


 “It’s time to put a stop to a program that should have never been instituted in the first place. All this program is and was is a way to cover costs overruns for an exclusive golf club that should have never been built by the County in the first place. But what’s more egregious is that Bill Ryan, Chairman of the Public Safety committee allowed it to happen. We’re fortunate that the criminal who escaped was a “low level” risk, maybe next time we won’t be so lucky,” I am calling on the County to put a stop to this inmate program immediately,” said Cantatore.


 


“We were lucky that no one was injured by this incident. The golf course should have professionals working on them, not dangerous criminals, said Cantatore.

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