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March 1-31: MARCH Into Self Care

The White Plains BID is finishing off their Winter Outlook series with MARCH into Self Care, a mélange of hair, skin and massage treatments created to fight the winter blues! From March 1 to March 31, salons, barber shops, and spas are offering 25% discounts on select services to help you focus on you!
 

Authentic Hair Studio 198 Martine Avenue, (914) 761-6712  25% off any service  Visit Website	Avenue Salon and Suites 140 Mamaroneck Avenue, (914) 682-4727  25% off Keratin Treatments  Visit Website
Elements Massage One North Broadway, (914) 479-5072  25% off of any massage or enhancement based on our walk-in rate​  Visit Website	Farida Skin Care Studio 445 Hamilton Ave Suite 100 Studio 9, (845) 553-4455 25% off massages  Visit Website
Gentleman’s Barber Spa 270A Main Street, (914) 390-9222  25% off all spa services​  Visit Website	Maria Hair Therapy 173 East Post Road, (914) 761-2100  25% off a bundle:  1) Color + Gloss + blow-dry by a Junior stylist  2) M/5 hair care kit  3) Hair Transformation with Maria Shkreli includes: Color, hair cut, hair eduction with kit and chakra reading  Visit Website
Salon Maffei 182 East Post Road, (914) 428-3555  25% off single service haircut/style and/or single process hair color (cannot be combined with multiple services)​  Visit Website	Signature Acupuncture Studio 277 Martine Avenue, (914) 222-5644  1) Initial Consultation + Medical Acupuncture ($150, regular price $200) Intake Assessment • Examination • Acupuncture • Recommended Treatment Plan • 80 minutes  2) Microcurrent Mini Facial + Zen Acupuncture Treatment ($150, regular price $200) Herbal Toner & Hydrating Sheet Mask • Microcurrent to reduce wrinkles • Red Light LED to boost collagen • Relaxing zen mini acupuncture treatment • 50 minutes  3) Microcurrent Mini Facial with Red Light Therapy ($90, regular price $160) Herbal Toner & Hydrating Sheet Mask • Microcurrent to reduce wrinkles • Red Light LED to boost collagen • 30 minutes  Visit Website
Skin Care by Krystal 445 Hamilton Avenue, Studio 100, Suite 23, (201) 815-0637  25% off of all services, weekdays only 25% off the purchase of 3 or more products Not valid for purchases made online, at location only, shipping unavailable  Visit Website	Ojas Nail Studio​ 445 Hamilton Ave Suite 100 Studio 25, (787) 529-2419 25% off any service​ Visit Website
Image Oasis Medical Spa​ 110 Mamaroneck Avenue Suite 2, (914) 559-2722 25% off microneedling treatments​ Visit Website

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Posted on February 18, 2022 by John Bailey

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WPCNR MILESTONES. Reprinted from the WPCNR ARCHIVES. February 21, 2022:

Tomorrow is George Washington’s Birthday.

The time when we remember the first leader and the best. It is instructive to look at our first leader, George Washington, the father of our nation — America — that used to be.

One cannot help be reminded of the snowy winter at Valley Forge, when the bedraggled, poorly equipped rebel army suffered but held together, and attacked the Hessians in Trenton on Christmas Eve, 1776, crossing the Delaware River at night. What kind of man was he that George Washington could inspire his troops against all odds?

Washington was a man of tremendous character. Of principle.

Where did he get this character?

He specialized in self-control at an early age. That congressmen, lobbyists, and pundits and yes, Presidents,  means mind-control, reason and responsibility, and humanity.

According to  the book, The American President, Washington, at sixteen, had formed a code of conduct. He had written a book of etiquette with 110 “maxims” to guide his conduct in matters. In this etiquette book he had written:

Every action done in company ought to be done with a sign of respect to those who are not present. Sleep not when others speak; sit not when others stand; speak not when you should hold your peace; walk not when others stop;…Let your countenance be pleasant but in serious matters somewhat grave…Undertake not what you cannot perform but be careful to keep your promise.

The character sketch provided by the authors of The American President, indicates this personal “rulebook” was a book that Washington wrote over the years and referred to it often, for, they write, for the following reasons:

“for self-control, to avoid temptation, to elude greed, to control his temper. Reputation was everything to him. It had to do with his strength, his size, his courage, his horsemanship, his precise dress, his thorough mind, his manners, his compassion. He protected that reputation at any cost.”

Earning respect by example. Quelling rebellion with a few words.

He sets an example today for those who would take advantage of America’s weakness and seize power by opportunism.

Washington inspired by example.

He lived with his troops. He shared hardships with them, and there was so much respect for him that he was able to talk them out of armed rebellion at the end of the American Revolution.

Washington had been asked by the army to join them to overthrow the Continental Congress, and make himself King.

Washington had been asked by one of the officers of the rebels to join them, and he wrote them,

You could not have found a person to whom your schemes are more disagreeable. Banish these thoughts from your mind.

Hearing that the rebels who were planning insurrection against the new country due to not having been paid by the Continental Congress, Washington rode to Newburgh, New York, (not far from White Plains, NY,USA) on March 15, 1783, to meet with the dissident insurgents. Washington spoke to the rebellious group, saying,

“Gentlemen, as I was among the first who embarked in the cause of our common Country; as I never left your side one moment, but when called from you on public duty; as I have been the constant companion and witness of your Distresses…it can scarcely be supposed …that I am indifferent to your interests. But…this dreadful alternative, of either deserting our Country in the extremest hour of her distress, or turning our Arms against it…has something so shocking in it that humanity revolts from the idea…I spurn it, as every Man who regards liberty…undoubtedly must.”

The would-be rebels fell silent, digesting what he had said. Then Washington withdrew a letter from Congress, but could not read the text, withdrawing some eyeglasses from his tunic, remarking,

“Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country.”

The men present were reported to have tears in their eyes at this gesture of Washington’s and abandoned their plot out of respect for their leader.

Washington retired from the military, surprising the entire new country.

His action surprised King George III of England, who was astonished that Washington had refused to hold on to his military authority and use it for political or financial gain.

The defeated King of England, remarked, “If true, then he is the greatest man in the world.”

Seeker of Diverse Views. How to pick a cabinet.

As President, George Washington invented the Presidential Cabinet, whom he referred to as “the first Characters,” persons who possessed the best reputations in fields and areas of the jobs he was filling.

Washington said on political appointments:

“My political conduct and nominations must be exceedingly circumspect. No slip into partiality will pass unnoticed…”

Washington tolerated the relentless clashes between Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State, and Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, but lectured them on the necessity for tolerance and moving beyond partisanship:

“I believe the view of both of you are pure, and well meant. Why then, when some of the best Citizens in the United States, Men…who have no sinister view to promote, are to be found, some on one side, some on the other…should either of you be so tenacious of your opinions as to make no allowances for those of the other? I have great esteem for you both, and ardently wish that some line could be marked out by which both of you could walk.”

The Constitution Should be Protected

When George Washington left office after two terms, he made a farewell address which warned future generations of Americans about foreign entanglements and partisanship in the republic:

I shall carry to my grave the hope that your Union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the Constitution may be sacredly maintained; and that free government…the ever favorite object of my heart…will be the happy reward of our mutual cares, labors and dangers.”

Washington died in 1800, three years after leaving office in 1797. He was saluted on the floor of congress as being

“First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen.”

He was the first and best. The ultimate role model for any leader.

Tomorrow,, February 22, 2021 is a day that tries Americans’ souls.

It is hoped that some of our “leaders” in Westchester, in Albany, in Washington might read the words I have quoted above and take them to heart in future deliberations.

George Washington’s vision of his country is being challenged by those who know not what they do.

But we who remember, and read these words must refocus.

I hear you, Mr. Washington, and we heed.

Note: The American President By Philip B. Kunhardt, Jr., Philip B. Kunhardt III, and Peter W. Kunhardt (Riverhead Books. Penguin-Putnam, Inc.,1999) is the source for this information and quotes on George Washington.

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WPCNR THE SUNDAY BAILEY. By John F. Bailey. February 20, 2,022:

My most memorable date with Brenda Starr was at the old Half Note in Greenwich Village. In 1970.

I worked at Hudson Street for Standard & Poor’s at the time and passed the Half Note when I walked from the subway to work,

  I asked the always-editing redhead of The Flash whom I had just met if she liked jazz. I had noted the celebrated sax man, Zoot Sims was playing. She accepted and since I knew nothing about Greenwich Village let alone where to park, in pre-Garman days, it promised to be an adventure.

Well we got there, parked in a garage because I was reluctant to park my car on the street (no parking place), no park signs all around). And made our way to the Half Note at  289 Hudson Street & Spring Street down the block from the S & P building. (WCBS Radio is there today).

The casuality of the Half Note fulfilled all expectations, Ms. Starr was impressed. We had scotch and sodas. Mr. Sims’ side men came in, set up casually, tuned and warmed us up. Ms. Starr, who smoked Marlboros at the time,  took one out and and flawlessly, I lit her cigarette with a one match strike as she held her cigarette in her mouth like Lauren Bacall. I’d never done that beforel. She had me at first light.

As Mr. Sims’ accompanists continued with their low key “jazz overture.” The man himself strolled in with his tenor saxophone, listening and carrying his own scotch in his right hand. He set the drink with plenty ice, on top of the piano. What a move.

What an entrance. He was slowly nodding his head to the build up of jazz mood.

He raised his mouthpiece to his lips. He began to play. Ms. Starr held her cigarette,  lifted in the air by two fingers of her right hand resting on her elbow on the little table, and the blue smoke drifted aloft on his first notes.

We were seated maybe 10 feet away. The music created with each instrument creating a uniqueness of experience that lasts in indelible memory. 

Saturday night Ms. Starr and I attended the Jazz Forum, Onne Dixon Street in Tarrytown  Westchester County’s own intimate jazz mecca and the only one.

Jazz musician and owner  Mark Marinelli, founder with his wife of the Forum in June 2017 presented the famous clarinetist and tenor saxophone jazz impresario, Ken Peplowski and his Quartet.

Mr. Peplowski launched into his tenor sax opening upbeat number and the heads in the audience were slowly nodding then bobbing up and down.

Guitarist Pasqualie Grasso picked up Mr. Peplowski’s  rollicking bopping riff with Mr. Grasso’s nuanced  flow of twang.

Bassist Mike Kam’s   “ strong Bass with intricate authority ”  fulfilled the “get your attention” opener. The elegance with elan percussionist Phil Stewart dressed the out-of-the-gate gambit with intricacies of precise intensities that said forget your troubles, jazz is here!

Then down to the mellow and deep feeling melancholy followup with a deeeeeeeeep standard ballad  that Mr. Peplowsli’s deep tenorizing gently took possession of the full house drinking their cocktails but forgetting all about their drinks, as the uplifting bluesiness of love’s uniqueness held them spellbound. Guitar, Bass and drums each sketching new interpretaions to the memories always in your heart. The diversity of the beats, moods and flights of mesmerizing solos by the 4 went though the hour and a half set.

Weathering the pandemic, the Jazz Forum has come back with a full schedule of always unique and enthralling jazz practitioners on Friday and Saturday nights with Brazilian emphasis on Sundays.

This is a great night out. The cocktails are terrific, the light menu fare sets your appetite for the attention the performers command, and command they will.

Mr. Morganelli’s Jazz Forum is always glad to see you. Mr. PPeplowski and his artists were genuinely seemed to be impressed with the audience.

What I get out of this performance was how recorded music can capture the intimacy and feelings a live performance delivers to you. This is no revelation I know. I loved the Rosemary and Thyme jazz venue in Port Chester a few years ago and the private intimate club atmosphere that created.

Jazz Forum is the jazz destination now.

You’ll also hear Mr. Morganelli play his trumpet sliding inwith the performers for guest solos. It is improvisational. Inspirational.

The Half Note lives again. See the Jazz Forum website at www.jazzforumarts.org

The only thing missing is the blue haze of two cigarettes in the dark.

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WPCNR COVID-19 MONITOR. From The New York State Covid Tracker. Observations by John F. Bailey February 19, 2022 UPDATED WITH WEDNESDAY NUMBERS 4:20 PM EST::

The number of new covid positives reported Tuesday by New York State in Westchester County doubled.

Wednesday February 16 positives just released descended to 140 half of the Tuesday total. The county numbers Wednesday showed Westchester with 140 new infections of 8.014 tested, Westchester through the first 4 days of the week has reported 677 new persons coming down with covid, an average of 170 a day.

I should note that 140 positives is the lowest Westchester County positives since November 26 ,2021, the Saturday after Thanksgiving when the county reported 93 positives. Ironically the day before that 93 total, Westchester on “Black Friday”, 179 tested positive. November 27 started the Fourth Wave of Covid with a week of 1,969 positives beginning 7 weeks of record infections.

On Tuesday, February 15, 280 Westchester residents showed positive for covid. The state Covid Tracker is 48 hours behind in reporting results. Testing results for Wednesda descended to 140.

After a weekend of Super Bowl parties and romantic reunions, Tuesday showed a doubling of positives bouncing back up to approaching 300 a day which was the average number infections the week the Fourth Wave of Covid started November 28.

Since Omicron Covid infects faster than the 10 to 14 days previously believed to be the incubation period for corona virus to develop full blown symptoms, the doubling of cases from 140 after Super Bowl Party-Valentines Day to 280 on Tuesday may be a cause for exercising more caution in gatherings over the President’s Day Vacation Week that started today

The 280 figure of positives per day approaches the spread potential that fueled the rise to 36.000 cases from the week before Christmas to mid-January.

In the November 28-December 4, when there were 280 average new positives a day resulting in 1,960 new covid infections, the number of infections grew to 2,791 the week of December 5 to 11 (406 new positives a day in Westchester)

From December 12 to 18 that 400 positives a day rate grew to 5,397 new cases in the county December 12 to 18.

The week before Christmas new persons covid positive averaged 1,635 a day a total of 11,450 doubling in a week.

The week of December 26 to January 2 showed 26,002 persons testing positive in one week, doubling the infections the week before Christmas. Persons showing positive a day averaged 3,714 a day.

There is one week left in February.

That is public school Presidents Week vacation, an opportunity for families vacation out of the area, socializing in the area followed by the beginning of the March Madness NCAA tournament, always calling for parties to watch the games, increased sports bars attendance; followed by the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in White Plains and of course the conviviality of St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations.

To this social longing, add five full 5-day weeks of school in March and you have socialization of children perhaps without masks, if Governor Kathy Hochul and the Department of Health relax the school mask mandate.

The February 15 doubling of infections so soon after a big social weekend may be a just a number now, it might be a just an aberration of one day numbers, but we’ll watch it for you. If it continues to double day by day it is strong reason to be cautious, socially distanced and masked up .

Doubling of infections every day or every week has produced the greatest national epidemic in New York State history the last two years, and coast to coast. Crippled the economy. Divided the country. Enabled the selfish. Killed robust adults Hurt the young. Compromised health care. Eliminated “Normal” from our existence.

Covid should not be given a Fifth Tsunami Wave to delver yet another setback.