The Anchor Drops: Fortunoff Opens. Over 500 M’s and S’s Attend A Shopper’s Dream

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS STREET. By John F. Bailey. September 17, 2003: Louis Fortunoff and family, “America’s First Family of Retail” threw a shopping party for hundreds of “Westchester’s Well-to-do, Restless, and Powerful” Wednesday, and officially opened their Fortunoff shopping palace at the corner of Martine Avenue and Bloomingdale Road. At 10 A.M., guests were invited to view all three glittering, marble-floored levels of the “Temple of Temptation” and its delights from china and jewelry, to furniture and bedding. The $93 Million project, approved and constructed in 15 months, is now open for discriminating consumers today.



MOVERS AND SHAKERS MILL, MINGLE IN AWE AT THE NEW FORTUNOFF OPULENCE WEDNESDAY MORNING. Guests enjoyed canapes and coffee, circulated by discreet servers, and had the opportunity to chat with the numerous Fortunoff associates in each department, prior to the Opening Ceremony. Photo by WPCNR News



“HEAR HEAR” Louis Fortunoff offering a champagne toast to the future of his store at the conclusion of the news conference Wednesday.  Fortunoff said Fortunoff in White Plains would not have happened if it were not for the persistent efforts of Mayor Joseph Delfino, in finding him a place for the store, clearing away the red tape, keeping the inspections and approvals from city departments moving in a timely manner. In the background, raising champagne flutes are County Executive Andy Spano and Mayor Joseph Delfino.  Photo by WPCNR News



AMERICA’S FAVORITE MAYOR, Joseph Delfino congenially and emotionally recounted his historic phone call to Louis Fortunoff, when the Mayor learned Saks was closing his store. “Lou, I’ve got the spot!” Mayor Delfino said that he promised Mr. Fortunoff, “If you say Yes, we’ll build it in 18 months, and we fell 2 days short of 15 months. When people work together, there isn’t anything you can’t do with government.” Mayor Delfino characterized Fortunoff as “The Anchor” in the city’s beginning “Renaissance,” which he said would make White Plains “The Best Little City in the United States.”  The Mayor predicted Fortunoff would generate $9 Million in new sales taxes, of which White Plains was anticipated to receive $2.5 Million a year. Photo by WPCNR News.



DIAMONDS F “FLAWLESS”: Helene Fortunoff, Mr. Fortunoff’s mother, designer of Fortunoff’s first jewelry department in the early 50s, complimented her son and daughters as being “Diamonds F: Flawless” for the manner in which they worked together to create Fortunoff The Source at White Plains. She remarked it was 39 years ago (1963) that her late husband Allan, Louis Fortunoff’s father, opened their landmark store in Westbury, Long Island. Three other members of the Fortunoff family ( Isidore Mayrock, Elliot Mayrock, and their sister) spoke highly of the cooperation and named a who’s who in development of firms and personalities whose expertise created the project. Louis Fortunoff, noticeably moved, stands at far left, County Executive Spano to his right, and Mayor Delfino. She noted that 2003 is the 81st Anniversay of the founding of Fortunoff in Brooklyn. Photo by WPCNR News



MARBLE FLOORS, BECKONING TABLEAUS AWAIT THE SEARCHER FOR THE UNIQUE, THE DIFFERENT, THE ELEGANT 7 Days a Week: Fortunoff The Source at White Plains is “Retailtainment,” presenting whimsies and necessities uniquely and distinctly. Marble floors create a mansion like atmosphere. The octagonal circular floor design invites you to roam and dream with no natural stops. No overhead signage assaults your senses. The environment expects the consumer to need all the merchandise they carry, and of course, purchase it all, and believe this reporter you will want to see it all. “The Source” showcases 70 decorated beds in coordinated “bedding environments,” 100 patterns of crystal, 400 patterns of dinnerware, and 450 patterns of casual and formal flatware. Photo by WPCNR News.




Displays Are Intriguingly Lit, Inspiring Decorating Imagination: Consumers will find in addition to viewing 75 “vignettes” showcasing furniture of substance, kitchen wares, and a holiday section (which will change with the seasons). A seasoned observer of  retail development noted that this Fortunoff will strongly draw from specialty store retail clientele, because it has “everything”. “The Source at White Plains” is open until 9:30 P.M. tonight to check it out. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 A.M. to 9:30 P.M., Sundays, 11 A.M. to 6 P.M.   Photo by WPCNR News.

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White Plains Hospital Auxiliary Invites Children to Scarecrow Festival

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WPCNR STREETS OF WHITE PLAINS. September 16, 2003:  The Auxiliary of the White Plains Hospital Center will hold its 27th annual Scarecrow Fun Festival at Crossway Field, Mamaroneck Road (across from the Scarsdale Municipal Pool), Scarsdale, on Sunday, October 19, 2003 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (rain or shine.) Proceeds from the event will be used to purchase Critical Care Beds for White Plains Hospital Center.  Parents are urged to register their children no later by October 10.

Adults and children of all ages are welcome to create their own, unique, life-size scarecrow, complete with birth certificate. All supplies needed for scarecrow construction are provided (recycled shirts, pants, neckties, decorative materials, glue, twine and straw.) However, feel free to bring your own clothing and decorations to personalize your creation.


This event makes a great family outing. You are guaranteed to have lots of fun. There will be food, music, magicians and face-painting. Use this opportunity to have quality family time and to teach the value of helping others in the community.


There will be three scarecrow-making sessions:10-11:45; 12:00-1:45; and 2:00-3:45. Due to space restrictions, only 75 scarecrows can be made at each session. Reserve by October 10th to receive confirmation and reservation time of your choice. The cost is $30.00 per scarecrow. A maximum of five members are allowed on each team, which must include at lease one adult, over 21 years of age. There is a charge of $5.00 for one additional child per team. However, children under 2 are admitted free. No refunds will be given. Contributions are welcome and tax deductibe to the fullest extent allowable by law. For additional information, phone 681-2440. Send checks made payable to The Auxiliary of White Plains Hospital Center c/o Leslie Schwartz, 28 Haverford Avenue, Scarsdale,New York 10583. Free parking is available.

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WP’s Smayda and Donohue-Gilmartin take firsts in Gressler X-Country. Win Tues 2!

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. By John F. Bailey. September 16, 2003 UPDATED September 17, 2003: Mike Smayda outdistanced his closest rival in the last 200 yards to take first place in the Varsity Boys Cross Country race Saturday on the White Plains High 3-mile course, and Freshman “K.K.” Gilmartin-Donohue took first in the Varsity Girls’ race, running the second fastest time run on the “alpine” White Plains Course. It was K.K.’s second straight first.

On Tuesday afternoon, Mike Smayda and Jeff Bergman finished 1-2 to give White Plains Varsity Boys the X-Country Win, and Ms. Gilmartin-Donohue won her third straight race.


STRIDE FOR STRIDE:  Mike Smayda and Jeff Bergman of White Plains running 1-2 in Tuesday afternoon’s Cross Country Meet on the White Plains “Alpine Course.” The pair were in a race of their own. Mike notched his second straight first place by  4 lengths over Jeff. Three of the Varsity Girls look on.  Photo by WPCNR Sports.



 


LONG GONE AGAIN!:  K.K. ( short for “Kross Kountry”) Kaylin Gilmartin-Donohue streching it out Tuesday afternoon for her third First Place finish in a row. She cruised to a finish Saturday at the Fred Gressler Memorial Cross Country meet, too. The freshman cruiser ran the 3 miles in 20 minutes 15 seconds. After the Saturday race, the second place finisher was heard to be muttering to herself, “I can’t believe I lost to a junior.” White Plains teamates cheerfully informed her that she had actually lost to an eighth grader. Gilmartin-Donohue took command midway in the race and just kept pulling away. Photo by WPCNR Sports


 



SMAYDA TAKES THE LEAD Saturday Morning. Photo by WPCNR Sports



DOWN THE CHUTE: “K.K.” winning her third First Place in 3 Meets Tuesday afternoon with about 150 yards to go. Photo by WPCNR Sports




COOLING DOWN: Left to right, Kate, Tamiko, Juliana and “K.K.” reflect on the race. Photo by WPCNR Sports.


 

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Meanwhile at the Appellate Court in Brooklyn…Delgado-Hockley Resumes Thurs

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL. By John F. Bailey September 16, 2003: Jeffrey Binder, attorney for “White Plains’ Forgotten Councilman,” Larry Delgado, reports that the Appellate Court will hear oral arguments on the Larry Delgado-Glen Hockley quo warranto action Thursday morning in Brooklyn.  The case has been awaiting its turn to be heard on the Appellate calendar since April.


The court will hear the attorney general’s office arguments that there is no statute of limitations (other than the six year statute of limitations that exists on the books), to when the state can initiate a quo warranto action.  Glen Hockley’s attorney, Thomas Abinanti, filed a motion to dismiss the quo warranto in the beginning of 2003. Final papers were filed at the close of April, 2003.


The quo warranto action which seeks to remove Glen Hockley from the Common Council as remedy for the jammed voting machine which the attorney general contends cost Mr. Delgado 103 votes during his contest with Mr. Hockley for the last seat on the Common Council in November, 2001. Mr. Hockley has been in office since March, 2002, when the Court of Appeals dismissed the Special Election remedy and he has served half of the three-year term.


Binder theorized that the motion to dismiss was not expedited on the Appellate calendar, because there was no vacancy existing on the Common Council that was filled with Mr. Hockley’s appointment after the Court of Appeals voided the Judge Francis Nicolai ruling, amended by the Appellate Court  that Delgado and Hockley face each other in a special election in March, 2002.


The Attorney General’s office then took seven months to investigate, gather evidence and prepare the quo warranto action, filing it in November, 2002, a year after the original Hockley-Delgado election.


Binder said the attorney general’s counsel and Mr. Hockley’s attorney would each have 15 minutes to argue their positions, and the Appellate Court would have a decision on the motion to dismiss within a few days. After which, Binder expected an appeal to the Court of Appeals, by whichever side lost the motion.

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Recanvassing finds Sheehan, Binder Pull Away. Hickey by 16 over Munoz

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WPCNR PRIMARY NIGHT EXTENDED. September 15, 2003: The Board of Elections official recanvass of White Plains Election Districts has been completed and unofficial rereads of the gauges in the rear of the city’s voting machines show Tim Sheehan and Jeffrey Binder increasing their vote totals, and Dan Hickey the ticket challenger gaining 4 votes over Rosa Munoz.


The results unofficially after recanvas are: Tim Sheehan, 953; Jeffrey Binder, 877; Dan Hickey, 814, and Rosa Munoz, 798. Mr. Hickey’s lead over Munoz is 16 votes, going into the opening of Absentee Ballots Wednesday and the adjudication of the validity of the 61 Affidavit Ballots. Our source advised that one of those Absentee Ballots belongs to Mayor Joseph Delfino of White Plains who was reported traveling in Italy with County Executive Andy Spano on Election Day, last week.


Explanations for the vote swings are attributed to fatigue and inattention on the part of Board of Elections volunteers on election night, who put in 15 hours before they have to read the results.

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County Prepares to Welcome Rowdy Guest Isabel. Prep Tips for Residents

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WPCNR WESTCHESTER COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Department of Communications. September 15, 2003: Westchester County is mobilizing for the possible impact of Hurricane Isabel later this week, and County Executive Andy Spano urged residents to take preparatory steps as well.


“We are watching this hurricane closely, and reports are that it could affect our area Thursday evening,” said Spano. “While people should not panic – after all it could miss our area — we are taking all steps possible now to prepare, and I advise residents of Westchester to do the same. A major hurricane hitting our area could result in power outages, loss of phone service and disruptions to our water and gas systems. Each home should be prepared to ‘go it alone’ for at least three days.”


Spano added that later today the county’s website (www.westchestergov.com) will have a special link to an emergency site where the county will post up-to-date information as well as the latest weather reports so residents can track the storm.



In the meantime, the county executive has directed every department to draw up a specific emergency plan for how it will deal with potential flooding, high winds and other possible effects of the hurricane. 


The county is working with local officials and police departments, providing maps that pinpoint areas that are vulnerable to flooding and preparing sandbags to shore up those areas. Hospitals, schools and businesses are being contacted to offer assistance and open lines of communication. The county has also begun taking steps to prepare backup systems should its sewage treatment plants be swamped by the storm.


The county’s Bee-Line system, as well as its para-transit system, which transports handicapped and elderly residents, are preparing to adjust schedules and notify riders should the storm become too severe.


Preparing for the Hurricane:  You & your home



  • Develop a household disaster plan. Avoid separating your family. Contact family members outside the area to designate them as a clearing house for local family that may be able to call points outside the area, but not be able to communicate locally.


  • Do not use candles or kerosene lamps as light sources, as they can pose a fire hazard. Instead, keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries on hand.
  • Clean rain gutters and outside drains around your home.
  • Think of storms we have had in the past with heavy rainfall. Recall what clogged leaked or flooded areas or other problems resulted that you may be able to address before the next storm.
  • Look around outside, bring in any light objects, loose patio furniture, garbage cans, toys or articles that could become a hazard should they become airborne in the storm.
  • Tie down heavy objects, such as barbeques, lawn ornaments etc. Turn off propane tanks.
  •  If you have a boat make sure it is securely moored. If you have a trailer, i.e. camping etc, make sure it is securely tied down.
  • Fill you cars’ gas tank.
  • Secure any shutters, cover or tape large windows if possible.
  • Have extra cash on hand, ATM machines may be out of service.
  • Remember to check on relatives and neighbors, especially those with disabilities or special needs. They may need your assistance in their storm preparations.
  • Seal valuables and important papers in water tight baggies.

Prepare for Water and Sewer Disruptions



  • To keep perishable food cold, freeze water in plastic jugs and use in freezer or coolers. Fill up other emergency water containers.
  • Clean jugs, bottles and other containers. Scrub bathtubs thoroughly, sponge and swab with regular, unscented liquid chlorine bleach, then rinse. Let the tub and other containers dry. Fill with water.
  • If you have a pool, do not drain it completely. Instead, drop the level by one or two feet. Submerge outdoor furniture and pool equipment in the pool. Turn off electricity to pool pump. Add extra chlorine to compensate for heavy rains.
  • Keep five-gallon buckets with tight-fitting lids for use as emergency toilets. Line each bucket with a heavy-duty plastic trash bag
  • See food supply preparation for an emergency for more information.

Prepare for Power Disruptions



  • Turn your refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings. Open only when absolutely necessary, and then close quickly.
  • Unplug appliances to prevent damage in case of an electrical power surge.
  • Authorities will instruct you if you should turn off utilities.
  • See power outage preparedness for more information.

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Firefighters Beef Up. City Swears In Four.

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WHITE PLAINS FIREFIGHTERS ROLL. From Department of Public Safety. September 15, 2003: The White Plains Fire Department increased its strength to 170 men Friday at a swearing-in ceremony at the Public Safety Building.


FIRE CHIEF SWEARS IN FOUR: Richard Lyman swearing in new White Plains Firefighters: (left to right) Michael J. Alfero, Frank J. Piccininni III, Richard A. Strobel, and Francis X. Hosei. Photo by Department of Public Safety.



PROUD TO BE A WHITE PLAINS FIRE FIGHTER: Left to right, freshly minted Fire Fighter Richard A. Strobel, Fire Fighter Francis X. Hosei, Fire Fighter Michael J. Alfero, and Fire Fighter Frank J. Piccininni III.  The four will take the Fire Fighters training course and then be assigned to respective stations.


Photo by White Plains Department of Public Safety.

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Adam in White Plains: Assemblyman to Visit Schools

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WPCNR’S ADAM IN ALBANY. By District 89 Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley. September 14, 2003: This week, I will be participating in America’s Legislators Back to School Week. This exciting program, which is nationwide and bipartisan, is a unique opportunity to visit classrooms and talk to students about the importance of state government and the impact it has on their lives.


 


I will meet personally with students of all ages in Westchester schools where I will answer questions, share ideas, and listen to concerns. I plan to discuss with students the importance of debate and the legislative process at the state level. It’s important that students realize how action in the state government affects them and the areas where they live. 


 


I will also try to instill the importance of voting to eligible students. Since 1972, the voter turnout rate among young Americans has fallen by some 15 percent – and the problem seems to be getting worse. Only 60 percent of people born after 1976 are registered to vote, and only 24 percent cast a ballot. I’m going to encourage our kids to vote and voice their opinions on issues. We must work together – legislators, parents, and educators – to get them excited about being citizens and how democracy works.


 


Sponsored by the National Conference of State Legislators and the Center for Civic Education, America’s Legislators Back to School Week, brings civics education to life for more than 250,000 students from New York to Hawaii who will meet with their state lawmakers during this week-long classroom initiative.


 


If you are interested in more information on Legislators Back to School Week, or if you have any other questions or comments, please contact my office at 686-7335, bradlea@assembly.state.ny.us or 4 New King Street, Town of North Castle, White Plains, New York 10604.


 

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Tigers Play Cat and Mouse with Wolves, 28-14.

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. By John F. Bailey. September 13, 2003 UPDATED 10:30 PM. E.D.T.: John Corretti  swooped in and got a paw on a Gorton punt in the first quarter on the GHS 30 and Mike Johnson alertly fell on it, to start the Tigers on their way to their second win of the 2003 season at mist-swept Gorton High in Yonkers Saturday.


Moments later after the Tigers had scored on 5 consecutive runs by Spencer Ridenhour TD plunge capped by Number 33’s first touchdown of the season, Evan McGuire recovered a fumble on a sloppy Gorton reverse to set up the Orange and Black on the Gorton 35.


Mike Devere followed that play up with a sweet cross-the field 35 yard touchdown strike to Ryan Smalls. After seven minutes of play, the Tigers had a 14-0 lead, and held off the Wolves the rest of the way to win 28-14. Spencer Ridenhour intercepted a Gorton pass and returned it 15 yards for a touchdown to give White Plains a 21-8 lead at half-time. Ike Nduka emerged as a chew-em-up companion back to Ridenhour, rushing unofficially  for close to 100 yards in the second half, scoring the Tigers clinching TD in the third quarter.



TIGERS SET THE TONE IN FIRST HALF: Mike Lane, a major force in the Tiger secondary all afternoon, stops a Gorton touchdown at the close of the first half. The “Night Train” added an amazing interception in the third quarter to set the Tiger clincher. The Orange and Black defense contained Gorton sweeps and passes all day on a slippery field, stretching most every series Gorton ran to the full 3 downs or 3-and-out. Photo by WPCNR Sports


 


White Plains kicked off and stopped Gorton on downs, thanks to that “old reliable,” the Illegal Procedure penalty, that set Groton back to third and 9. After a pass failed to convert, Gorton naturally punted into the 15 knot East wind. Corretti shed a blocker coming in from the left side, got a piece of the ball. It popped in the air and hit on the 35, and Michael Johnson covered it on the 35. First down, White Plains.


 


6 for 6


 


After a Mike Devere pass over the middle couldn’t be handled, Devere handed off to Number 33 (Spencer Ridenhour) who started rumbling going left, going right, picking up momentum down the middle to the 13 yard line for a first down.


 


That worked so well, Devere gave it to him for the same play for 5 yard to the 8, another carry for 4 and on third and 1 from the four yard line, Spence was pushed by Devere for the first and goal. Ridenhour jammed in for his first rushing touchdown of the year at 7:04. The booming extra point by Pablo Siaba cleared not only the uprights but landed in a church yard across the street to make it 7-0. The Tigers, with Devere handling the ball crisply and the offensive line clearing the smaller Wolves with strong surges set the tone for the day.


 


FUMMMMBOOOOOL!  And a  TD Flyer.


 


Two minutes later, the Tigers scored again on another “good hands” play. The Wolves attempted a reverse in the back field and the handoff was missed. There it was the football free on the grass at the Gorton 25. Evan McGuire smothered it for the turnover.


 


On First from the Gorton 25, “Lefty” Devere rolled slight to his left. Ryan Smalls lit out diagonally for the sideline to the 10. Devere lead him perfectly over Ryan’s right shoulder and he was long gone, ahead of the back with the angle and inside the goal line


Pontoon for his first touchdown of the season. Siaba kicked the point and it was 14-0 with 4:52 to go in the first quarter.


 


Ridenhour Picks Them Off.


 


White Plains came right back after holding Gorton on downs, and drove to the Gorton 10 as the first quarter ended, only to be stopped on fourth down at the 10 when they fumbled. Gorton tried to pass their way out after being pushed back to their own two yard line. Not a good thing to pass deep in your own territory. Their quarterback’s pass in the right flat was read perfectly be Spencer Ridenhour who picked it off at the 15 and gleefully lightfooted it into paydirt for a 20-0 lead. Siaba’s point made it 21-0.


 



 


KILLING CLOCK in the Third Quarter. The Tigers moved the ball at will, taking “comeback time” off the clock. Photo by WPCNR


 


 


Gorton scored at the end of the first have on a quarterback draw play on fourth down and added a trick 2-point conversion to make the score 21-8 at the half.


 


Third Quarter Defense Comes Through.


 


White Plains took the kickoff in the second half and drove to the Gorton 33 and the strong running of Ike Nduka who picked up 11 and 8 yards, complementing Spencer. A fumble turned the ball over at the Gorton 30, but White Plains got it right back.


 


Gorton on their first play from their own 30, fired a pass to the right flat near the sideline, behind the receiver. Mike Lane dove to his knees caught the moist football in front of him when he was going down, bellied it,  and came up with a critical “pick,” taking away Gorton’s shot at getting back in the game. With the score 21-8 at the time, it was a great play, the third defensive gem of the game for White Plains. White Plains took over, first and 10 at the 40.


 


All Nduka All the Time.


 


Then Ike Nduka out of tailback, took up where he had left off.  After Ryan Smalls was interfered with on the Gorton 15, White Plains moved up to first and 10 on the 25.


 


It was Nduka for 5 to the 20. Then it was Nduka again, up the middle, hitting one tackler, spinning off, gaining momentum, scattering Wolves like puppies, breaking about 5 tackles, “rumblin’” in the best Jim Brown tradition all the way to the 2. An 18-yard pickup.


 


The next play was easy. Nduka again up the middle for the touchdown. Siaba booted the point and it was 28-8 with 7:18 to play in the third quarter.


 


White Plains kept Gorton in check, wasting a few mini drives by fumbles, but it did not matter the rest of the way. Gorton scored their final touchdown in the last two minutes with the game well in hand.



 


White Plains “Tigerettes” and Gorton “Vixens” Combined to Entertain the Fans. Photo by WPCNR Sports


 


Offense Poised. Defense Pouncy.


 


The play of the White Plains line opened holes well, and the ability to “show throw” caught Gorton unprepared to stop Ridenhour at the very opening drive, and made Nduka particularly effective in the third and fourth quarters. Unofficially, I would guess White Plains gained around 250 yards rushing in this one, had to have a great edge in time of possession.


 


White Plains generated touchdowns from four turnovers, three of them created.


 


 On offense, the cohesive line play and precise routes and timing by the running backs in taking the handoffs from Devere and hitting the holes was outstanding.


 


The New Toe in Town.


 


The talk of the stands was Pablo Siaba’s extra points. He is now 5 for 5. When was the last time, we have seen that?  I mean he booms them through the uprights and brings foot to the ball quickly, with the style and consistency of a professional football kicker. As one Papa Tiger said in the stands, “I’ve never seen extra points like this at this level.” Way to go, Pablo.


 


The Grandstand Offensive Coordinators were having dreams of Field Goals dancing in their visions down the gridiron road.


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

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Executive Spano Calls for Proposals for 9-11 Memorial

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. Coverage From Westchester County Department of Communications. September 11, 2003: County Executive Andy Spano today announced that Westchester County is seeking proposals from artists to design a memorial to the 111 Westchester County residents who died on Sept. 11, 2001.


Spano made the announcement at a memorial event at Webb Field in Greenburgh to commemorate the second anniversary of 9/11 and break ground on another memorial – a wall of more than 2,000 tiles designed by Westchester residents.


During his speech to those gathered at Webb Field, the County Executive said that a committee made up of emergency personnel, family members of 9-11 victims, planners and parks officials have been working to find a location for the memorial and to come up with criteria for a design. The memorial will be located at the Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla.



“On Sept. 15 we will release a Request for Proposals asking artists nationwide to design a memorial to the 111 Westchester residents who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001,’’ said Spano. “It is important that the memorial reflect the sorrow at the loss of so many people from different walks of life, but at the same time the design must convey a sense of hope and renewal. It is a difficult task, but I am sure that we will find an artist or design team that is up to the challenge.’’


More than 1,000 post cards announcing the county’s search for a design are being sent to artists and local arts councils nationwide. Information about the project as well as copies of the RFP can be downloaded from the county’s website at www.Westchestergov.com


 Artists must submit proposals to the committee by Jan. 15, 2004. The 27-member memorial committee will then select finalists who will be asked to make a formal presentation before the committee. The county hopes to announce a winner by April with construction to begin by July.


The memorial would be dedicated on Sept. 11, 2005.  The total cost of the monument would be $200,000 with $150,000 coming from county funds and $50,000 from state funds.


While the RFP states that the committee expects that the memorial will be some type of sculpture, it is open to other ideas, as long as the proposal meets other criteria. The memorial should fit in with the landscape at Kensico and take into account that residents will be using the area for recreation as well.


Juliette Brisman, whose husband Mark died while working at the World Trade Center, said the committee had agreed that the Kensico Dam Plaza was the most fitting location for the memorial because of its central location in Westchester and the fact that it was visited by thousands of people each year. In 2002, more than 40,000 people visited the park.


Brisman said that the committee’s key concern was that the memorial reflect the individuals who died. One idea discussed was to have a friend or family member write a short line about each victim that could be inscribed on the monument.


“A name on the monument was not enough,’’ she said. “We wanted people to know who our loved ones really were,’’ she said.


She added, “We also wanted the memorial to be low enough to the ground for children and so people could touch or walk through it.”


Spano said it would be up to the artist to propose a monument that both reflected the loss to the nation as well as the individual.


“This was a large loss for us all,’’ said Spano. “But I think the family members would like the memorial to serve as a reminder of the individual and what their deaths meant to their families and communities as well as to the nation.’’

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