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)

WP Middle School National Junior Honor Society Inductees

Posted on April 18, 2012 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From Michele Schoenfeld. April 18, 2013:

On April 18, 2012, the White Plains Middle School inducted one hundred twenty-one students from both the Highlands and Eastview campuses into the National Junior Honor Society during a ceremony held at the Highlands campus auditorium. To receive this recognition, students demonstrated scholarship by achieving at least a 92% average in all their courses during 6, 7, and 8th grades, as well as meeting Citizenship, Character, Service, and Leadership requirements. Advisors are Barbara Fastenberg and Jane Turk.

The students include:

Abato, Meredith

Africano, Melina

Ainsworth, Michael

Amodio, Nicholas

Arens, Hadar

Baker, Lauren

Baker, Sarah

Ballin, Elizabeth

Barberio, Andrew

Bauer, Isabel

Blanca, Farrah

Berube, Samantha

Boccadoro, Isabella

Brady, Jacob

Bratkovics, Olivia

Burnett, Brianna

Capicotto, Giulia

Carden, Alexander

Cartularo, Isabella

Clarke, Jade

Collabolletta, Amanda

Colmenares, Gabriela

Costable, Jon Christian

Cunney, Cailin

Cutsumpas, Rachel

Dadario, Nicholas

DArcy, Kaleigh

DiMaggio, Torie

Eisele, Tyler

Fee, Makayla

Fernandez, Jaimie

Fernandez, Janine

Ferrandi, Marisa

Freed, Jemma

Furry, Cardon

Garcia, Pablo

Garnsey, Jake

Garrison, Matthew

George, Justin

Gomez-Aguilar, Joan

Grant, Amanda

Griffiths, Caroline

Guerra-Mejia, Nicholas

Guiracocha, Anthony

Harelick, Jacob

Harnaga, Jacqueline

Hoffman, Max

Hrazanek, Jordan

Jasne, Jennifer

Jensen, Dana

Johnson, Brianna

Kabir, Arman

Kim, YouWha

King, Isabel

Kohl, Alexandra

Koike, Rumi

Kratzok, Max

LaPlaca, Lauren

Levine, Isabelle

Lotito, Daniel

Lovitch, Nicole

Mariani, Elana

Mathew, Jeney

Matute, Miryam

McCants, Alyssa

McCloskey, Danielle

Mead, Charlotte

Mejia, Alondra

Mendoza, Miguel

Mercado, Josephine

Mercuri, Tatiana

Merino, Allison

Morris, Rachel

Moss, Jenny

Moss, Robyn

Nakada,Taikan

Nissenblatt, Margot

ODonnell, Bridgit

Oria, Daniella

Ortiz, Alisia

Padilla, Maria

Paillant, Metushaelle

Perry, Amanda

Pollard, Jahnece

Pope, Erica

Potthoff, Katrina

Predmore, Gillian

Prestipino, Laura

Ramirez, Maria

Rand, Steven

Reiken, Rose

Rogovin, Jared

Sacramone, Madison

Salame, Samira

Samaranayake, Sarah

Sandoval, Diana

Sanguino, Mariana

Sanguino, Nathaly

Schuler, Susanna

Schwartz, Carly

Sheridan, Jacqueline

Siebes, Sarah

Sieger, Seth

Solazzo, Alyssa

Songalia, Abigail

Sterling, Samantha

Suri, Omar

Suthar, Aneri

Tabb, Annick

Tandazo, Andres

Teller, Andrew

Trejos, Austin

Trujillo, Kate

Velazquez, Tania

Victoria, Mariana

Weiner, Shoshanna

Williams, Ayshia

Wincele, Ruby

Wisell, Caroline

Wong, Mei

Zumba, May

CITY CANCELS POLICE NEGOTIATIONS; CALLS IMPASSE. POLICE: CITY: Bad Faith

Posted on April 14, 2012 by John Bailey

WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. APRIL 14, 2012:

The city police union announced today that the City of White Plains has broken off negotiations with the union (without a contract since June 2010), and accused the city of negotiating in bad faith.

White Plains Police Benevolent Association President Robert Riley issued this statement to WPCNR today:

“The City of White Plains has repeatedly acted contrary to the interests of the citizens, police and the bargaining process in labor negotiations with the Police Benevolent Association, ultimately leading to a long and arduous impasse that will cost taxpayers money and damage the department, PBA President Rob Riley said today.

“The City has clearly failed in its responsibility to it citizens and employees to come to a fair agreement that would protect the city both fiscally and physically,” said Riley. “We need a strong, well-managed police department to attract and retain the officers that keep our streets safe. If the City is unwilling to work with the people who risk their lives for its citizens every day, how can they expect to run the city?”

The collective bargaining agreement between the City and the PBA ended in June of 2010. Since then, the PBA has worked diligently to come to a reasonable agreement, making several offers going back to August 2011 that would be fair both to patrolmen and taxpayers.

Based on these offers, for months the City repeatedly scheduled bargaining sessions and then abruptly cancelled them. Finally, on March 13 the City and the PBA exchanged new proposals and set a bargaining session April 25^th to discuss an agreement. Only two days later, the City sent back a letter amending their proposal to a much less reasonable offer. The very next day, the City sent another letter requesting impasse and canceling the April 25^th bargaining session.

The matter will now go to mediation in front of the New York State Public Employees Relations Board, which will cost the city more than a voluntary agreement. In addition, the impasse proceedings will likely be poor for department morale and recruitment, PBA officials said.

“We just want to do our jobs and keep our streets safe. We hope that we can get this issue resolved and get back to focusing on work,” Riley said.

WPCNR awaits a statement from the city.

WPCNR notes the city has also included in its 2012-13 proposed budget acknowledgement of possible arbitration awards related to possible future settlements, to wit, on page 1-39 of the proposed budget: “Beyond FY 2012-13, the City is committed contractually (with the CSEA) to another 2% cost of living increase. Should a higher cost-of-living adjustment be imposed by a state arbitrator in either year, the City would need to resume layoffs and service reductions.”

The Best Day of the Year

Posted on April 13, 2012 by John Bailey

WPCNR Press Box. April 13, 2012: Today the Bronx Bombers return to Yankee Stadium. In the honor of Opening Day, WPCNR brings back this original celebration of the best day of the year.

WRIGLEY FIELD CHICAGO 1975

That’s the Great Pete Rose at the Plate PHOTO WPCNR SPORTS

OPENING DAY is better than Christmas Day,
When you look out the window and you know they’ll play,
Whether dreary gray or billiant spring sun’s ray
Opening Day means the Big Show is back today.

In decades past, Opening Day was for fanatics starved,
Eager for the sharp crack of ash on horsehide carved;
The flutter of pennants snapping in northwest winds
Atop ramparts of inviting arches of walls, and sculpted friezes wistfully escarped.

Fans lucky to get away with ducats
Marvel at grown men in boys’ flannels and sharp whites pristeen,
Back to play in April’s warm zephers in NY blazened caps,
Dashing specks of white warming up on the sprawl of the greenest green.

Motor cars panting in good-natured traffic jams on Major Deegan,
Or down Yawkey Way, on 35th and Shields or Waveland’s jam.
Through your windows you see the first glimpse of the storied Park,
The place where ball is played, where ghosts of Ted, Babe, Duke
Mel, Spahnie, Whitey, Mickey, Willie, Yaz, Minnie and Sandy lark.

Paying a White Plains fine to park, passing stogie smoking old men
at the same gates for a hundred years,

Now out into the street
You go, aroma of roasting chestnuts, pungent cigars sweet,
Cries of “scorecard heah” “programs,heah” shout out, neath light towers to heaven.

Fans in cap and uniform, little boys and girls gawk in awe hoping to make the Anthem
Never seeing such sheer walls, topped with the legend “GameToday 1:30 PM.”
Clutching slim cardboard tix to Section 14 Upper Deck up to the turnstiles
Festooned with souvenirs more dear as diamonds, beyond, the lure of endless aisles.

Into the press of crowd, the grizzled usher, RIPS YOUR TICKET.
Turnstile turns, clicks, and into the castle of ball you go
Into the rotunda greeted with magic signs dazzling the senses —
UPPER LEVELS SECTIONS 1 to 39, 2 to 40

Hawkers shout –Voices of Flatbush — colorful books in hand

“Yearbook heah,” “Dodger Yearbook here,” “Hot dog, heah,”
Assail your ears up ramps you walk to the sign “NEXT HOMESTAND”

Walking the catwalk,sliver of blue is first look of the magic sphere
Into the sunlight splaying the vast rake of the mighty grand stand.

Spread out below are knights of the diamond in white hues
Cavorting, snapping throws across immaculate red clay
As majestic fungo bats CRACK! sending spheres soaring towards filling bleachers a mile away,
Bunting flutters from the deck’s rails red, white and true blues.

Old glory unfurls on the highest pole in center field
Colorful signs deliver the manly flavor of the only real game,
GILLETTE To Look Sharp, The Red Sox use Lifeboy, Schaefer It’s A Hit
Hey, Neighbor Have a Gansett, White Owl Cigars, Hit Sign Win Suit

From old familiar walls, to Gladys Gooding on the organ
Friendly old green scoreboard displaying
Today’s games around the big leagues BETTER THAN CNN
CHI CLE BOS DET, CHI STL, NY WAS make you king for a day.
Two Bits for a scorecard, usher wipes your seat, ballpark fills your heart.

Penciling lineup 422B, 1 SS, 14 1B, 4 CF, 39 C, 6 RF, 23 LF 19 3B 36 P
Smell of beer, peanuts and pretzels.

Nippy air, warm rays sink into your face feels nice,
Starters wheel,deal, kicking high on sidelines fueling expectancy

Men in blue, arms folded solemnly conduct the home plate regimen
Casey, Ralph , Walter, Joe and Sparky exchange lineup cards and knowing
Ground rules by heart, go over them for ritual’s sake.
Announcer entones “Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to Yankee Stadium.”

“Please rise for the playing of our national anthem,”
Nancy Faust at organ note by note peels baseball’s theme song
Rising on the breeze, uniting do-rag and ball cap,
Fedora, ponytail and bouffant in the spirit of the great game.

Grass is never greener on opening days
Strikes are louder, the long drives electrify in alleys
Beers with THICK hig creamy heads, taste crisp cold mellow best brew all year
Smashes laser through short and in the gap in raucous rallies

Magicians without wands start 6-4-3s,

Backhand sure hits losing their caps

“Oh what a play’s” crackle on WGN with “CUBS WIN’S”

Jack and Mel, Vince, Red, Curt and Murph are back at the mikes to turn mundane days Into joy with a ninth inning elixir and “happy recaps”

Thunderous ROARS accolades the 2-out winner again creating big kids’ grins.

DOT ANNOUNCES TAPPAN ZEE DETOURS FOR DECK REPLACEMENT FOR NEXT WEEK

Posted on April 13, 2012 by John Bailey

Deck replacement work on the Tappan Zee Bridge will continue during the week of April 16, 2012, the New York State Thruway Authority announced today.

The work will be done in sequential order, is weather-dependent, and is subject to change. Updates will be issued to announce any change in schedule.

Monday, April 16 and Tuesday, April 17

Work will begin at 8 p.m. resulting in the closure of two left southbound lanes and an additional left southbound lane at 10:30 p.m. until 6 a.m., from milepost 13.2 to milepost 17.9 on the Tappan Zee Bridge. In addition, this will result in the closure of one left northbound lane at 9 p.m., and an additional left northbound lane at 10:30 p.m. until 6 a.m. from milepost 13.2 to milepost 16.2 also on the Tappan Zee Bridge. At least one lane southbound and one lane northbound will be opened to traffic from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

During Monday and Tuesday night operations, due to the southbound lane closures, the southbound entrance at Interchange 10 will be closed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. and southbound detour route signs will be posted through Nyack for the entrance at Route 59 near Interchange 11.

During Monday and Tuesday night operations, due to the northbound lane closures, the entrance ramp from Broadway (southbound) in Tarrytown will also be closed from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. All traffic will be detoured to the entrance ramp from Route 119.

Wednesday, April 18

Work will begin at 8 p.m. resulting in the closure of two left southbound lanes and an additional left southbound lane at 10:30 p.m. until 6 a.m. from milepost 13.2 to milepost 17.9 on the Tappan Zee Bridge. In addition, this will result in the closure of one left northbound lane at 9 p.m. and an additional left northbound lane at 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. from milepost 13.2 to milepost 16.2 also on the Tappan Zee Bridge. At least one lane southbound and one lane northbound will be opened to traffic from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

During Wednesday night operations, due to the southbound lane closures, the southbound entrance at Interchange 10 will be closed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. and southbound detour route signs will be posted through Nyack for the entrance at Route 59 near Interchange 11.

During Wednesday night operations, due to the northbound lane closures, the entrance ramp from Broadway (southbound) in Tarrytown will also be closed from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. All traffic will be detoured to the entrance ramp from Route 119.

Thursday, April 19

Work will begin at 8 p.m. resulting in the closure of two left southbound lanes and an additional left southbound lane at 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. from milepost 13.2 to milepost 17.9 on the Tappan Zee Bridge. In addition, this will result in the closure of one left northbound lane at 9 p.m. and an additional left northbound lane at 11:30 p.m. until 6 a.m. from milepost 13.2 to milepost 16.2 also on the Tappan Zee Bridge. At least one lane southbound and one lane northbound will be opened to traffic from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

During Thursday night operations, due to the southbound lane closures, the southbound entrance at Interchange 10 will be closed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. and southbound detour route signs will be posted through Nyack for the entrance at Route 59 near Interchange 11.

During Thursday night operations, due to the northbound lane closures, the entrance ramp from Broadway (southbound) in Tarrytown will also be closed from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. All traffic will be detoured to the entrance ramp from Route 119.

Friday, April 20

Work will begin at 9 p.m. resulting in the closure of two left southbound lanes and an additional left southbound lane at 12 midnight until 7 a.m. from milepost 13.2 to milepost 17.9 on the Tappan Zee Bridge. In addition, this will result in the closure of one left northbound lane at 10 p.m. and an additional left northbound lane at 12 midnight until 8 a.m. from milepost 13.2 to milepost 16.2 on the Tappan Zee Bridge. At least one lane southbound and one lane northbound will be opened to traffic from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.

During Friday night operations, due to the southbound lane closures, the southbound entrance at Interchange 10 will be closed from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. and southbound detour route signs will be posted through Nyack for the entrance at Route 59 near Interchange 11.

During Friday night operations, due to the northbound lane closures, the entrance ramp from Broadway (southbound) in Tarrytown will also be closed from 10 p.m. until 7 a.m. All traffic will be detoured to the entrance ramp from Route 119.

Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22

No work scheduled.

The lane closures on Monday through Friday nights are required in order for the contractor to continue with the replacement of the deck in the middle three lanes on the Tappan Zee Bridge from milepost 13.2 to milepost 17.9.

During the nighttime operations, several 20 minutes traffic stoppages will take place in both the northbound and southbound directions.

For the safety of the public and construction workers, motorists are urged to proceed with caution and obey posted work-zone speed limits.

Traffic updates will be broadcast to motorists via Variable Message Signs along the highway and by Highway Advisory Radio 530 AM in the Tappan Zee Bridge corridor, as well as 1610 AM in the Newburgh area.

The second phase of the deck replacement project is slated for completion in the Winter of 2012.