Anonymous WPHS Grad Gift to Educate 200 HS Students in CPR

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS REPORT CARD. By Michelle Schoenfeld, City School District Media Relations. (EDITED)January 7, 2003: A White Plains High School graduate has made a donation of CPR courses for 200 students at the school for each of the next three years. The donor wishes to remain anonymous.

June Holloman, of the American Heart Association, and School Nurse
Coordinator Brenda Madera will direct the project. Students will be selected by the School Safety Team and will be trained during the district’s next Conference Day, on January 21st.

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TDR Here We Come! Plumbers Leaks Plugged. Theatre Consultant Takes Bow

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WPCNR EVENING CITY STAR REPORTER. By John F. Bailey. January 6, 2003: The Common Council voted 6-1 Monday evening, with Councilman Tom Roach demurring, to approve a zoning change crafted and promoted by Planning Commissioner Susan Habel to permit owners to transfer development rights from one non-adjacent property to another they own within the Central Business District.

The council also voted unanimously to permit use of plumbing pipe connection approved statewide, to be brought back into favor in White Plains. They did so despite concerns of local plumbers who questioned its safety. Commissioner of Building Michael Gismondi said the pipe connection method, known as “flexible mechanical joints” is widely used throughout New York State. Sources told WPCNR that the plumbing union and plumbers primarily objected to the lifting of the ban, because they stand to make more money if White Plains continued its ban on the flexible mechanical joints approved Monday evening. Plumbers speaking worried about the safety of the now approved method, despite fact that the pipe fittings are presently the plumbing within Trump
Tower in New York City.

The council was also introduced to the proposed community theatre consultant firm presented by the Mayor’s office to prepare a feasibility study on the theatre’s operation, and to select an operator for the new City Center Community Performing Arts Theatre. The consultant is Webb Management Services Incorporated of New York City, a nationally active firm, which devised the business plan for the Purchasing Performing Arts Center.

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Feiner to Release His Goals Wednesday Evening.

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WPCNR GREENBURGH GAZETTE. From Town of Greenburgh Media Relations. January 6, 2002:Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner will release his 2003 goals this Wednesday at the Greenburgh Town Board meeting. The meeting will be held at
the newly purchased building at l77 Hillside Ave–which will become
Greenburgh’s Town Hall this fall. A reception will take place at 6 to 7:l5 PM and will be followed by the Board meeting.

Feiner bases $5000 of his salary on implementation of goals. At the end of the year the Town Board evaluates Feiner’s performance and decides how much of his salary should be given back.

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Adam Goes to Albany: Favorite Son Sworn in as Assemblyman for the 89th District

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WPCNR MORNING SUN. By John F. Bailey. January 6, 2003: White Plains’ favorite son, Adam Bradley was sworn in as White Plains and Northeast Westchester’s 89th District Assemblyman by Judge JoAnna Friia Sunday afternoon before a celebratory crowd of approximately 250 persons which overflowed the City Council chambers at City Hall.

The Assemblyman told the all-star team of elected officials from county, state, and Washington levels and well-wishers he would work to put in place a more effective evacuation plan for Indian Point and to reform the Rockefeller drug laws.



ADAM BRADLEY BEGINS A NEW CAREER: Judge JoAnna Friia administers the oath of office to White Plains’ Adam Bradley Sunday afternoon in City Hall.
Photo Courtesy of Peter Katz


WPCNR’s correspondent said that the crowd was so large to wish Adam wel,l they formed a “horseshoe ring” of standees surrounding the 80 seats within the council hall. A full compliment of elected officials stood within the council chamber balustrade, with the crowd still spilling out into the rotunda upstairs hall about five-deep.



THE FIRST HURRAH: It was standing room only to see and congratulate the man who ousted 10-year incumbent Assemblyperson Naomi Matusow by 23 votes in the September 10 Democratic primary and handily defeated his Right-to-Life opponent by a 6-1 margin in the November general election to win the seat. Here just after his brief address to the gathering, Assemblyman Bradley accepts handskakes all around.

Photo by WPCNR News


Mayor Joseph Delfino spoke about Adam’s family and praised his parents William and Cheryl Bradley, calling them “pillars of the community for many years.” Mr. Bradley’s parents could not be present due to the illness of Mr. Bradley’s father WPCNR was told.

Congresswoman Nita Lowey spoke briefly, saying she was looking forward to working with Mr. Bradley.

Rita Malmud, speaking to WPCNR, noted that the entire White Plains City Council was present. She also noted that Congresswoman Lowey was there, State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, and County Legislators William Ryan, George Latimer, Tom Abinanti, Vito Pinto, and former Assemblyman Peter Sullivan. Also in attendance were Ron Tocci, Mayor Timothy Idoni of New Rochelle, and Greenburgh Town Supervisor, Paul Feiner.

Ms. Malmud said that Andy Spano, Westchester County Executive was not in attendance, though WPCNR later learned he had been invited to attend, and had not informed the organizers he was not coming or sending a representative.



THE “A” TEAM: Mr. Bradley and Assemblywoman Amy Paulin confer in the rotunda after Mr. Bradley’s swearing in. Ms. Paulin was one of the many elected officials who were with Mr. Bradley on his day.
Photo by WPCNR News


PLANS TO WORK CLOSELY WITH PAULIN: Mr. Bradley told WPCNR he and Ms. Paulin were on the same page on a number of issues and he expected they would be working very closely in Albany.

Photo by WPCNR News


Mr. Bradley, in his remarks, thanked all who had worked for him in his district for their support of him, and said that whenever there is a decision to be made, he will view it in terms of the effect it will have on his constituents and what it means to them.

Bradley named Maureen Allen as his chief of staff for his Assembly office, and Jane Silverman as her assistant, and invited residents to contact his offices with their concerns. Telephone numbers and e-mails have not been established yet.



PASSING THE TORCH: Former Assemblyman from the 89th District, Peter Sullivan who held the seat for 18 years prior to Ms. Matusow’s defeating him in 1992, congratulates Mr. Bradley. Sullivan said he had long respected Adam and his family, that the district had been “poorly represented” since he had left it, and that Mr. Bradley will change that. Sullivan said his son and daughter-in-law had reregistered to vote for Mr. Bradley.
Photo by WPCNR News




A PARTY FOR ABOUT 200 OF ADAM’S CLOSEST FRIENDS: Not all the many guests stayed for the reception in the rotunda after the swearing-in. Mr. Bradley said he had expected about 50 persons to attend the swearing-in and was amazed at the crowd. Greenburgh Town Supervisior Paul Feiner can be seen at lower right.
Photo by WPCNR News



“HELLO, I’M ADAM BRADLEY,” the new Assemblyman will be saying that often when he arrives in Albany Wednesday morning for the first session of the new State Assembly. Here he is shaking hands with one of the many in attendance. Bradley plans to go up to Albany Tuesday evening to start the next chapter of his life. He said he invited Mayor Delfino and officials of Bedford, Chappaqua, Harrison, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, New Castle, North Castle, and Pound Ridge to contact him at any time on issues they want to discuss with him.
Photo by WPCNR News

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Tired of the Football Frenzy? Tune in Beyond the Game on The Spirit of 76

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. From John Verperian. January 5, 2003: White Plains only baseball television show, hosted by John Vorperian of Gedney Farms, “The Joe Garagiola of White Plains,” has set its January schedule for Hot Stove League Fans. Vorperian conducts original baseball interviews with well-known personalities on White Plains Cable Television Channel Public Access Channel 76, Tuesdays at 10 P.M.

Coming up this Tuesday at 10 on “The Spirit of 76” will be Lee Lowenfish on “Baseball Labor Peace?”

On January 14, John will interview the wife of the Yankees’ first black ballplayer, the great Elston Howard (one of WPCNR’s favorites). He’ll be asking Arlene Howard up close and personal questions.

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Hey, Didja Hear: Fort Hill Players Are Doin’ A Show! More Than Music

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS NIGHTLIFE. From Joan Charischak. January 4, 2003: Fort Hill Players will present their third consecutive original revue, More Than Music, premiering at Rochambeau School for two performances only Friday, January 24 at 8 and Saturday, January 25 at 8 PM. The review is a collection of comic sketches and take-offs on old-time radio, bringing back the days when you’d gather around the old Philco and be entertained by live, original talent.
The songs are well-known pieces performed by the Fort Hill troupers, Jim Brownold, Linda Hendrick, Patti Rome, and White Plains own piano man, Mark Snyder. The gang will also be recreating commercial jingles to recreate the past when radio was king.

The review will bring back Broadway standards, crooners’ and songbirds’ gems, all the way to early rock ‘n roll. It’s musical history with an original twist!

Featured in the production will be Dina Giordano and the City Center Dancers.

The CitizeNetReporter highly recommends this original Fort Hill Players concept in entertainment. The Fort Hill Players original reviews are great for young and old to hear the great music of the past live in completely new story settings. With only two performances, you won’t want to miss it!
Ticket rates: Regular admission $ 14 .00, Seniors and students $ 12.00 ,Children (under 12) $ 6.00,. a complete Dinner Theater package is $ 44.00 .

You may Order tickets online by going to forthillplayers.com, or
by telephone: (914) 421.0008.

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Fort Hill Players Present Acting Classes

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS VARIETY. From Fort Hill Players. January 4, 2003: The terrific success of the last round of acting classes presented by the Fort Hill Players has encouraged the Players to offer David Jacob’s course agai in January, beginning Saturday, January 11. For details go to the Fort Hill Players website at forthillplayers.com.

Classes will be held Saturdays from 12:30 to 3:30, January 11, 28, 25 and February 1 at Rochambeau School, 228 Fisher Avenue, White Plains. Payment is due January 9. Make your check for $65 payable to Fort Hill Players, c/o 921 Colony Drive, Hartsdale, NY 10530. For information, contact 946-5143

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Terrorist Expert to speak in White Plains January 13

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS VARIETY. January 4, 2003: The five synogogues of White Plains and the Memorial United Methodist Church will present Dr. Irwin Mansdorf, a consultant to Project Liberty of New York State and an expert on terrorism speaking on “The View from the Holy Land: A Search for Peace” on Monday, January13, at 7 PM at Memorial United Methodist Church at 250 Bryant Avenue, White Plains. For more information, call 761-5131.

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Over 1,500 Ring In 2003 in the New White Plains Downtown.

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS NIGHTLIFE. By John F. Bailey. January 1, 2003: A festive throng of residents from all walks of life and nationalities milled on Mamaroneck Avenue between Martine Avenue and Main Street New Year’s Eve to enjoy White Plains 2nd Annual Ball Drop, sponsored by the White Plains BID. Public Safety Commissioner Frank Straub, on the scene, estimated the well-behaved revelers of young persons and families at over 1,500 persons.



“5-4-3-2-1 HAPPY NEW YEAR: Ball Drops at Fountain Plaza. Residents
heard Mayor Joseph Delfino proclaim White Plains was undergoing a Renaissance and thanked them all for coming that they “were a great part of it.” The ball is shown at the instant it dropped as 2002 became 2003. It was lowered from the top of a White Plains Fire Department Hook and Ladder truck.

Photo by WPCNR News


Over 100 persons filled the Mayor’s New Year’s Eve Gala held at the Westchester Arts Council on the corner of Mamaroneck and Martine Avenue. The highlight of that affair was the surprise that the Spendid Coffee Shop impresario, Gus Manessis sprang on Kathleen Gunn, Executive Director of the BID.



PERSONAL FIREWORKS! WHITE PLAINS NEW POWER COUPLE GET ENGAGED: During the ceremonies at the dinner dance, when the Mayor was introducing city personalities, Manessis, a member of the White Plains Business Improvement District, asked to say a few words. He told the partiers that he had been going out with Kathleen Gunn for two years, and he reached into his pocket. The crowd “oooed and ahhed,” and Mr. Manessis asked Ms. Gunn to marry him on stage. Eyewitnesses said Ms. Gunn burst into tears, and the answer was “Yes.” Here Ms. Gunn and Mr. Manessis pose for their first picture as an item.
Photo by WPCNR


The Second Annual White Plains Ball drop attracted about triple last year’s crowd, filling ¾ of Mamaroneck Avenue between Martine and Main Street, and extending slightly past Martine Avenue.

George Gretsas, the Executive Officer of the city, said he expected The Ball Drop to grow even bigger next year.



BOOMING IN THE DOWNTOWN: Those who came out on the balmy 50 degree evening saw an explosive show at the Fountain Plaza at Main Street and Mamaroneck after the red, white and blue ball descended . They were treated to 10 rousing minutes of green and red “pyrotechnics” creating the feel of fireworks using electricity, light and sound effects. The show which looked like fireworks, sounded like fireworks and that everyone thought were fireworks was actually a combination of electric, light and sound effects and what appeared to be low firepower rockets and roman candles. Sparks where reflected dramatically off the glass façade of the Payless Shoes building and the looming façade of the developing City Center on the right.
Photo by WPCNR News


Mushrooming clouds of smoke filled the square creating intriguing reflections. Paul Wood, City Economic Development Officer, said the city hired a company named Lowlevel Pyrotechnic Special Effects to produce the display. He said the city tested the devices Monday evening and were pleased with the results. The display was donated by Cappelli Enterprises, Fortunoff and LCOR.

Low Key Police Presence Handles Festive Crowd.

Police Commissioner Dr. Frank Straub said the police and fire departments staged the extravaganza with about twenty officers, two firetrucks and the hook and Ladder that suspended the White Plains 2003 Red, White and Blue Ball.



A FAMILY AFFAIR: The crowd consisted of families with babies in strollers, young persons, couples young and old. They enjoyed hot chocolate provided by Fortunoff. They spontaneously whistled Auld Lang Syne during lulls in the fireworks, and cheered Mayor Delfino lustily when he introduced the display. Here, an emotional Mayor Delfino thanks folks spontaneously for coming out.
Photo by WPCNR News


Commenting to WPCNR afterward, the Mayor said he never would have believed White Plains would have had such a celebration as this several years ago. He added that he was gratified at seeing so many persons from different races, ages, and backgrounds milling about together. The Mayor was emotionally overcome thanking all for coming, saying “God bless you all. God Bless White Plains and God Bless America,” to close the program.



THE HOT TICKET: The BID’s New Year’s Eve Gala continued for an hour after the Ball Drop with the Robert Church Orchestra filling the splendid acoustics of the Westchester Arts Council rotunda. It will be next year’s hot ticket.
Photo by WPCNR News

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WPW Rings Out the Old, Rings in the New Monday at 7 on 76

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS VARIETY. December 30, 2002: White Plains Week, the city News Roundup Show on Cablevision Public Access Channel 76 presents its second annual New Years News Roundup show Monday night at 7 PM on “The New Spirit of 76,” just before the telecast of the January Common Council meeting on Government Access Channel 75..



TOP STORIES OF THE YEAR: 12 MONTHS IN 28 MINUTES will be showcased tonight on Public Access 76, as White Plains’ Alex Philippidis, Editor of Westchester County Business Journal (left) and John Bailey of WPCNR (right) take a look back at the big news stories in White Plains that happened in 2002. Using the new innovation, the White Plains March of Time RoloNewsReel, the anchors relate, assess and analyze what the news meant for the city. The show is at 7:00 PM on “The New Spirit of 76.”
Photo by WPCNR Community Relations

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