THE WORLD READS WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER — 8,324,077 VISITS IN ONE YEAR | 2,905,611 VISITORS VISIT 8,324,077 TIMES 3 TIMES EVERY DAY IN ONE YEAR. HIGHEST ACTIVITY IN WPCNR HISTORY.White PlainsCitizeNetReporter lifted its worldwide visits from unique visitors to wpcnr.com to 8,324,077,a 1,306,419 increase in visits in one year from 7,017,658 visits to the site last year which covers White Plains and Westchester County. The 8,324,077 visits were made by 2,005,611 unique visitors who visited wpcnr an average of 3 visits a day. ON JULY 20- -2026 visitors have accessed wpcnr and made 3,072 visits an average of 1.6 visits. In the last week 33,495 individual vistors made 54,458 visits, averaging 1.6 visits. In the last month, 152,940 visitors recorded 229,338 visits (1.5 visits)

Perfect Together! Carly Evans Is Maria. Zach Trimmer Is Tony– West Side Story with Dance-Mad Cast Energizes Stage with Street Cool, Daddio. City Heartbreak Hard and Majestic as NYC Gets

Posted on April 22, 2015 by John Bailey

Carly Evans Is Maria in Westchester Brosdway Theatre’s WEST SIDE STORY–as relative now as it was 58 years ago.She sings “I Feel Pretty– the young lady’s feeling that this song immortalized, a Maria for Our Time.

WPCNR STAGE DOOR. Theatrical Review by John F. Bailey. April 22, 2015:

I just met a girl named Maria…and I’m in love.

Meeting a Girl Named Maria — Zach Trimmer–and Carly Evans glitter together

She’s Carly Evans and she and her “Tony,” of the West Side quintessential street gang “The Jets,” powerfully belted out by Zach Trimmer (above) are the couple you-want-to-be if you’re young and in love. All Photos by John Vecchiola, Courtesty, Westchester Broadway Theatre

The fates of Tony and Maria captured and broke the hearts of thousands of performances in 1957 and West Side Story is back at Westchester Broadway Theatre big time.

Carly Evans and Zach Trimmer are Westchester Broadway Theatre perfect choice to bring back one of the game-changers of Broadway , the iconic West Side Story. Westchester BroadwayTheatre is the curator of great Broadway musicals for generations. Director/Choreographer Barry McNab has brought WSS back to contemporary relevance nightly for the next three months —it speaks to us as much today as it did in 1957–

Westchester Broadway Theatre opened its revival of the show that changed musicals forever last week and picked this show because it holds up to the sands of time.

West Side Story introduced contemporary modern jazz dance numbers composed by Leonard Bernstein and unforgettable ballads written by Stephen Sondheim (Maria, Tonight Tonight, I Feel Pretty) . It introduced dance choreographed by Jerome Robbins to catchy edgy syncopated beats that make you snap your fingers.

The courageous book tackled the theme of prejudice and hate between ethnic groups and examined the destructive contagion of mob behavior through the metaphors of the Latino Street Gang Sharks and the white Jets. When Tony a Jet falls for the Latino Maria, it is a love star-crossed by their ethnic incompatibility.

The teaming of Ms. Evans and Mr. Trimmer is a thrilling new duo you’ll hear a lot from in the future because they deliver the anxieties and joy of their conflicted relationship in their robust portrayal of one of Broadway’s most famous couples

Carly Evans rich soprano elegantly thrillingly, hauntingly magically evokes memories of Carol Lawrence who originally sang Maria in creating the role in this tale of teen gangs reflecting their parents’ prejudices in the 1950s.

Zach Trimmer as Tony–at the candy store– with Da Jets. “When you a Jet, You a Jet All the Way”

Mr. Trimmer’s take-charge baritone thunders through the house sending chills up your spine as he delivers everything Tony feels that will the most jaded man will recognize that feeling when a woman just knocks you out on his great solos— the unforgettable, “Maria,” “Something’s Coming.”

Ms. Evans and Mr.Trimmer duet together poignantly on Tonight, Tonight .

Ms. Evans’ delightful “I Feel Pretty” flighty, with dance steps that make her look as if she’s walking on air, winning you over with the joy of young love.

The energetic dancers of the two teenage gangs, Sharks and Jets deliver outstanding modern dance routines evoking the original show. Kudos to the young men who really get into 1950s leather jacket swagger and cool: The Jets–Zach, Adam Soniak, Anthony Johnson, Kevin Santos, Scott Shedenhelm, Erik Magnus,and Tyler John Logan.

Brandon Contreras as Bernardo, Leader of the Sharks (in the red jacket) at the high school dance, is protective as Maria’s brother and Sharks’ leader—a Latino “Fonzi. “ His role is strong and he articulates concern for Maria, and a conflicted reluctance to fight in the rumble as circumstances and what is expected of him by the gang lead him to his unexpected accidental death:

Sharks Xavier Reyes, Michael Graceffa, Alexander Gil Cruz and Emilio Ramos do a joyous “ America” showing off their moves with the Sharks’ girlfriends who bring back teased, high hair to its original art form –“Way to go’s” to Ms Evans, Allison Thomas Lee, Arianna Rosario, Sarah Gawron and Kelsey Orem on this one. Also—a great job on “New Yawk” accents by all.

The Jet Gang opens with “When you’re a Jet, you’re a Jet All the Way” and suddenly that old teen gang feeling is immediately placed…in that once and distant time that seems as fresh as today’s sad headlines.

The Jet Boys relieve the tension in Act Two when the hunt is on for Tony by The Sharks to avenge Bernardo’s accidential stabbing by Tony who tries to stop the rumble. The Jets “Officer Krupke” is a slapstick mocking blend of the neighborhood beat officer with pratfalls and hilarious timing.

The use of lighting by the Wizard of Light Andrew Gmoser in a red anger of hate hits the rough, realistic knife fight in the rumble captures the mindless prejudice of the time that is as real a problem today as it was 58 years ago when this show electrified Broadway.

Allison Thomas Lee(left above as Anita deserves special mention as Bernardo’s girl friend for bringing high believability to the role of Maria’s friend. She solos solidly and winningly in “America” and recreates the role originally sung by Chita Rivera, and compliments Ms. Evans on the commiserating duets, “A Boy Like That” and “I Have a Love.” above.

The Second Act sorts out the converging discords that hate without reason breeds leaving heartbreak delivered in a way that magically uplifts.

The Cast singing Tonight, Tonight

West Side Story recreates the Upper West Side of the 50s…through July 5. Box Office is 914-592-2222, for more go to www.BroadwayTheatre.com

City Sales Tax Collections on Target to Meet Last Year’s Collections IF April-May-July $$ EQUAL 2014. County DOWN 3.5%

Posted on April 22, 2015 by John Bailey

WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE From the State Department of Taxation and Finance. April 22, 2015:

The City of White Plains economy held its own in February and March, sales subject to sales taxes declined 3-1/2 % in snowy February, but were up 1% in March from a year ago. The Department of Taxation and Finance reports that going into the last fiscal quarter of the city fiscal year the city has collected $38.6 Million in sales receipts.

Should the city equal the $13.1 Million collected in April May and June last year, the city will come within $100,000 of equaling the $51,872,987 it collected last year.

June 2014, it should be noted, though was a $5.4 Million month last year, an all time record in White Plains exceeding even previous Christmas figures. Should April May and June receipts hold up, the city will collect $51,708472, a .003 % decline. This means essentially that White Plains sales tax receipts are not keeping pace with the 2% inflation rate.

The county sales tax figures for the first quarter are reported down 3.5% for the first quarter to $119,554,691 down from $123,827,422 last year.

Patrick Masseroni of White Plains named Archbishop Stepinac Basketball Coach

Posted on April 22, 2015 by John Bailey

WPCNR SPORTS. From Archbishop Stepinac High School. April 22, 2015:

ArchbishopStepinacHigh School announced today that Patrick Massaroni ,who grew up in White Plains, and is a graduate of ArchbishopStepinac has been named its new varsity head basketball coach. Massaroni, who most recently had been the Head Varsity B Basketball Coach at Stepinac (2012-2015), will take the position effective immediately. He succeeds Steve Herman, who recently stepped down.

Massaroni is a 2006 graduate of Stepinac and was a member of the basketball program while he was a student. He also was a member of the football and baseball programs. Massaroni was the first Varsity B coach when the school started the new program three years ago. He has worked hard developing the young men of Stepinac both on and off the court. This most recent season the team advanced to the league’s semifinal game.

Massaroni will be Stepinac’s 12th Varsity basketball coach. Others include Nat Volpe, Tom Carney, Larry Dick, Gene Slattery, Gene Doris, Frank Henderson, Ed Sands, Dennis Gallagher, Tim McGrath, Tim Philp and Steve Herman.

Massaroni completed his undergraduate work at MaristCollege (2006-2010), earning a B.A. in Sports Communication. Massaroni served four years on the MaristCollege basketball staff. He served on the men’s program for three seasons, including two years under current JMU head coach Matt Brady (2006-08.) He spent his final undergraduate year on the staff of the Marist women’s basketball program. In that season, the Red Foxes and head coach Brian Giorgis captured the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.

“I think Stepinac has made an outstanding selection in the hiring of Pat Massaroni. During his time at MaristCollege, Pat made significant contributions in many areas with our basketball programs. He is an extremely hard-working, dedicated young professional. I am very confident that will bring great success to his alma mater’s basketball program. He had the opportunity to work under some outstanding head coaches, and I know that he will apply that experience at Stepinac.” said Marist AD Tim Murray.

After graduating from Marist, Massaroni joined the Men’s Basketball Staff at JamesMadisonUniversity (2010-2012). He served as a graduate assistant, earning his Master of Science degree in Sports Management in 2012. During his first year at James Madison, Massaroni was part of a program that had reached the College Basketball Invitational (CBI) postseason tournament. This was the second postseason appearance for James Madison since reaching the NCAA tournament in 1993. While at JMU, Massaroni assisted with in-and-off season workouts, practice planning and game preparation.

“As someone who has worked very closely with Pat for the past decade, I know firsthand what a tremendous mentor, coach and most importantly, representative for your school Stepinac has hired. Pat will do an unbelievable job, he will add great passion to this position and he will work to continue to raise the bar for the basketball program on the court and in the classroom and he will do it with an unparalleled work ethic and with class.” said Matt Brady-James Madison University Head Basketball Coach.

Massaroni has also worked for the Brooklyn Nets, NY Mets and Westchester Knicks in the past few years in many different capacities.

“Patrick will do what-ever it takes to make our basketball program successful. He brings knowledge and a great work ethic to the sidelines of our great basketball program. His love for Stepinac HS and his passion for the game will be contagious in our basketball program. We would like to thank Steve Hermann for his work here at Stepinac with our basketball program.” said Michael O’Donnell- Director of Athletics Stepinac HS.

Spring Valley Mayor Found Guilty on Corruption

Posted on April 20, 2015 by John Bailey

WPCNR FBI WIRE. From the Federal Bureau of Investigation. April 20, 2015:

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that former Spring Valley Mayor NORAMIE JASMIN was found guilty in federal court today of engaging in a bribery scheme in which she negotiated a 50 percent stake for herself in a development company and $5,000 cash in exchange for her use of her office to obtain land and various government approvals to construct a community center in Spring Valley.

She was convicted after a one week bench trial before U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “This office is committed to ensuring the integrity of New York public officials at all levels and wherever they may be. Today, I announce the conviction of yet another corrupt elected official who failed to live up to her oath of office.

Former Spring Valley Mayor Noramie Jasmin used her official position to influence a construction project on a parcel of public land, and she accepted bribes, including a secret fifty percent share of the project, to do so.

Like all citizens, the residents of Spring Valley deserved an honest mayor, not one who worked behind closed doors and behind their backs to sell public land and public office for private gain. I want to thank the FBI, the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, and the Spring Valley Police Department for their outstanding work on this important investigation.”

According to the Complaint and the Indictment filed in federal court and the evidence presented at trial:

NORAMIE JASMIN was sworn in as Mayor of the Village of Spring Valley, New York, in December 2009. From September 2011 through April 2013, JASMIN accepted bribes from an undercover FBI agent (the “UC”) and a cooperating witness working with the Government (the “CW”), on multiple occasions in exchange for official acts.

The bribe scheme centered on the development of a community center in the Village of Spring Valley whose construction costs were expected to be at least $12 million. In exchange for her vote in favor of a sale of land owned by Spring Valley to a company she believed was controlled by the UC, JASMIN demanded a secret ownership stake in the company. JASMIN also asked for an advance on her profits from the scheme and accepted a $5,000 cash payment from the CW. In support of the scheme, JASMIN directed the UC to find people to pose as bidders for the project so that the transaction would appear legitimate to the other members of the Spring Valley Board of Trustees who voted on the sale.

Over the course of two days, JASMIN met the UC and two other undercover FBI agents posing as straw bidders (the “Straw Bidders”) in hotel rooms and instructed the Straw Bidders on how to make a presentation before the Spring Valley Board of Trustees such that the Straw Bidders would lose their purported bids on the land sale. JASMIN then presided over the presentations made by the company in which she had a secret financial stake and the fake presentations that she had helped prepare.

The following day, JASMIN presided over a Village Board of Trustees meeting, during which she asked the Board for permission to negotiate the sale of Village land to the UC’s company and then voted with a “strong yes” to grant herself that permission. When questioned as to why the Board needed to vote to grant her that permission, JASMIN remarked that she “cannot sit behind closed doors with a developer to negotiate on behalf of the Board,” precisely what she did in the days preceding that vote.

* * *

JASMIN, 51, of Spring Valley, was found guilty of one count of mail fraud and one count of extortion. Each count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

JASMIN is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge McMahon on August 7, 2015 at 10 a.m.

Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, and Chief Paul Modica and the Spring Valley Police Department.

This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division and Public Corruption Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Douglas B. Bloom and Jessica K. Feinstein are in charge of the prosecution.