Tigers Scrunch Scarsdale, 21-7 on Mitchell 66 Yard TD and 27 Yard TD Run

WPCNR PRESS BOX. By John F. Bailey. September 20, 2007: Ray Mitchell ground through the line on second and 1 on the Tiger 34 on the first play of the 4th quarter, carrying Maroon-clad Raiders on his back, shrugging them off, twisting, turning powering out of their grasp busting through twin safeties at the 45 into daylight! And the race was on, but they weren’t going to get him. Mitchell, lengthening his stride stepping into high outran his pursuers producing a deafening roar from the crowd of some 100 White Plains fans that it sounded like the Big House. Mitchell’s TD was the second run Ray made to set up a Tiger score, to make it 14-0 with eleven and a half minutes to go in the contest.


The Tigers held on to win 21-7 at Dunn Field in Scarsdale, in gathering darkness to move their record to 2-1 and upend Scarsdale in a game the Tigers thoroughly dominated. After Scarsdale, after a lengthy injury delay, scored to make it 14-7, with 4 minutes to play, their onside kick was recovered by White Plains, and the Tigers added another 27 yard long touchdown run by Mitchell to make  the final score 21-7.



Ray Mitchell, hanging slightly back, about to set up a TD (Center of action) following James Bryant about ready to throw a key block that would spring The Rayman  at 3rd and 10 from the 39 for a 24 yard run to the 15 yard line to set up the first Tiger Touchdown in the second quarter


 


Savaughn Green stopped at the 1 yard line on a 4th and 7 from the Scarsdale 13. after he took a Mike Howard snap pass to the sideline and tight-roped down the sidelinefor the key first down to set up the Tiger first score at the 10 minute mark of the Second Quarter. The Tigers had had a touch down called back due to a holding penalty, and Savaugn’s reception and run rescued the drive. William DoSantos scored on the next play on a “fullback blast” up the gut on first and goal from the 6 bulldozing into the endzone. 


Only personal foul penalties which stalled two drives and a false start that nullified an opportunity in the red zone kept the Tigers from scoring more. The Red Raiders just did not take care of the football today, or perhaps it was the Tiger hunger for the ball, as the Raider quarterback fumbled four times in the first half and the Raiders were unable to mount any sustained drives until the 4th quarter. By the second half the Tigers were moving the ball at will through the Raider line.


The Tigers chewed up six minutes of the third quarter with James Bryant  and Mitchell carrying steadily up the middle, defending a 7-0 lead at halftime. The quarter was highlighted by a beautiful back-to-ball interception of a Raider pass on third down at the Tiger 25 by defensive back John Briggs. The Tigers then stopped Scarsdale on downs when they got the ball back on the Tigers first play with Savaugn Green and Mike Howard making great stops on attempted sweeps. The Tigers then mounted a drive culminating in the Mitchell 66 yard cruise. 


The Tigers were penalized for over 100 yards in this contest, otherwise the offense would have scored more.



New Director of the White Plains High School Band, conducts the Best Pep Band in All the Land at halftime…


in Kung Foo Fighting!


 

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Teachers Negotiations to Start After 08-09 Budget Decided

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. Plus School Board Report From Michele Schoenfeld, Board of Education. (Edited) September 20, 2007: Discussing goals for the school year, Superintendent of Schools Connors said they include moving the capital project forward, proceeding with Strategic Planning, conducting an effective budget process for 2008-2009 (budget is now $174.1 Million), completing negotiations with the Administrators & Supervisors Association, and beginning negotiations with the Teachers Association in the spring.



Timothy Connors, Superintendent of Schools, June 2006


WPCNR, in view of the budget pressures on the district, which at its average 7% a year increase will go over the $200 Million level by 2010-2011  talked to Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors about why, if negotiations with the teachers will be a big part of the budget this year they will not negotiate earlier:


    


 

WPCNR: Why wouldn’t you begin 2008-2009 teacher negotiations earlier this year?


Superintendent Connors: I said that as one of the things we were going to be doing during the course of this year in the spring. We extended the contract for this year and we’ll try and come to a new three year agreement.


WPCNR: Would you know what you would expect to settle for before you prepare the 2008-2009 budget (which has to be passed in May).


Superintendent:  No, obviously we have to go in good faith in terms of negotiations. As we look at the budget we’ll plan for, but it’s too early to be thinking about them right now.


WPCNR: Why wouldn’t you be thinking about it (what the teachers want and are willing to do) (and talking about it) right now?


Superintendent: One of the things that all school districts do is we look at what’s out there in terms of the market, what are the settlements going to be in at, what is our situation and work with the schools and the teachers to come to an agreement that’s going to move us forward. Not that we don’t think about it, we certainly know what the market is, but things change over time, so it would be premature for me to quote any figures. Certainly we’ll be ready to budget the program out and enter into negotiations in the spring.


WPCNR: Would you  be looking for more benefit givebacks?


Superintendent: You answer your own questions. The issues that always are part of our discussions will be salaries and benefits. If you watch what’s going across the state and the country those are the big items in negotiations.


WPCNR: Will you convene the Annual Budget Committee earlier this year?


Superintendent:  No, we always get started sometime in late January sometime after January will be our first meeting with them.


WPCNR: Wouldn’t it be to your advantage to have them (the ABC Committee)  start with their concerns now instead of being presented with a budget that you think you want?


Superintendent: Unfortunately if we start the budget process  very early and there’s a lot of unknowns from the state and all of those things. I think the timetable we have is fine.


WPCNR: Of course there’s always some variables from the state, but there’s nothing variable about the budget right now, as far as expenses. Why wouldn’t you be looking harder at expenses now with the  community?You had a good budget this year (in terms of inflation)…


Superintendent: We’ve had a good budget for the five years I’ve been here. We’re going to have another good one in the coming year. We work hard to plan appropriately. We review where we are and we watch our expenditures, and by letting some time pass during this fiscal year we’re better able to analyze where we are, and what are needs are and I think between the Board, Mr. Seiler and myself  we’ll be ready to move forward with the budget process internally first then going to the ABC Committee on pretty much the same timetable as in the past.


(Editor’s Note, Mr. Connors’ first school budget he supervised was the 2003-2004 budget which stood at $134.6 Million. The 2007-2008 Budget is $174.1 Million. The budget increases in each of the five years on Mr. Connors’ watch have been  6.08%; 6.82%, 7.6%, 7.2% and 4.4% this year. The tax increases have been 6.89%, 7.53%,9.36%,8.12% and 6.95% )


WPCNR: Would you anticipate since the city is seeking $10 Million in new sales tax, asking the city for a piece of that?


Superintendent (amused): Do you have coffee in the morning and ask these old questions you know the answers too? We look at our budget process in terms of revenues. That comes up every year with the Budget Committee. Those things are pretty clearly defined. The city gets those revenues one way or another. The  taxpayers are going to paying an amount out. We’re looking at our revenues that we have and the city does it with the revenue they have?


WPCNR: Was that a No?


Superintendent: You’re running down an old street that isn’t worth my addressing at this time. We’re looking at next year’s budget. We’re going to get a handle on this year’s budget. Take advantage of the good takeoff we’ve had with the schools at this time.  As always we’ll be ready to work with the board and the ABC Committee to put together the best budget we can.


Michele Schoenfeld, reporting in the monthly BOARD REPORTS also brings us this school news:


Connors announced that, as part of planned audits of school districts by the State Comptroller’s Office stemming from irregularities in other districts, officials will come in later this month to begin work.  Mr. Connors said the district continually receives awards for its financial reporting and welcomes the opportunity to have our procedures reviewed.


           


Although funding from the State’s “Contract for Excellence” has been postponed several times, the district expects to use this money to begin a full-day Prekindergarten class  for at-risk students in November.


 


High School & Post Road School Capital Project


 


In an update on the capital project, Assistant Superintendent for Business Fred Seiler said roofing at the High School is complete, field work continues — on schedule and under budget, and site work for Post Road School has been approved by the State Education Department.  Mr. Seiler and Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Services Anne Lillis have also been working to insure that building Safety Teams are functioning well.


 


School Conference Day– 58 New Teachers


 


Mr. Connors reported on a very informative opening conference day for staff and an excellent start for students.  Dr. Margaret Dwyer discussed her Curriculum & Instruction presentation and said the focus at the elementary level this year will be on early literacy and use of the data warehouse and mentoring to inform instruction.  Work in differentiated instruction will  continue at the secondary level.    


           


Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Dr. Lenora Boehlert noted the addition of 58 new teachers who received four days of very focused training prior to school opening.  Included was a tour of White Plains with complimentary lunch provided at Outback Steakhouse.


 


Hall of Fame Nominees


 


HALL OF FAME:  High School Principal Ivan Toper announced the selection of four alumni to be inducted into the Hall of Fame on November 13th.  They are:  Harry J. Russell, ’49, social services and mental health administrator; Josephine Falcone, ’55, White Plains community and civic leader;  Jane Pincus, ’55, women’s movement activist and author; and Dr. Joseph Antin, ’70, internationally known hematologist and pioneer in bone marrow transplant research.  Mr. Toper also introduced Teacher Michael Roma, who is coordinating the program this year.


 


       China Exchange Students


Mr. Connors mentioned that the excitement is building over the arrival on September 28th of the exchange students from China.  They will stay with host families and attend White  Plains High School through October 4th.


           


 


 

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Super Developer Saves Nook. Council Grants 4 Month Extension on Affordables

WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. September 19, 2007: Louis Cappelli, President of Cappelli Enterprises has struck a deal with the Dimitrakakis family, owners of The Corner Nook Cafe, the 25-year diner institution across the street from City Hal . Peter Dimitrakakis will be compensated for his costs of leaving the Nook for 14 months, with Cappelli agreeing to build a brand-new Corner Nook restaurant into the 8-story 42-unit now luxury apartments he will build to satisfy his 24-unit obligation required under his 221 Main Ritz-Carlton development.



Super Developer Louis Cappelli with his new partners, Peter Dimitrakakis, his wife Antoinnette and daughter at City Hall last night. Mr. Cappelli will put Mr. Dimitrakakis in business at The Nook’s same old stand in  Cappelli’s glamorous affordable housing building shown below. Mr. Cappelli will start the building November 1



The new glass and granite 240 Main Street planned by Mr. Cappelli, new home of The Nook in 14 months –and 24 units of affordable housing to complete Cappelli’s obligation on the 221 Main Ritz Carlton project. View is from City Hall, Trump Tower is in the background.


 


Cappelli and Dimitrakakis arrived at an understanding where the Nook owners could return to their present location after Cappelli’s glass and granite building is completed by December 31 of next year. In return the council indicated to Mr. Cappelli they would grant him a 4-month extension tacked on to the August 8, 2008 deadline when his 24 units have to be turned over to the city, in order for him to get a Certificate of Occupancy for the second office/residential tower in the Ritz-Carlton complex. Details of the financial arrangement were not disclosed.


Cappelli and the owners were present as the Super Developer explained to the Common Council that he and Dimitrakakis were thrown into a circumstance where Cappelli’s obligation to build the affordables lapsed back to him after Martin Ginsburg’s Pinnacle project expired. Ginsburg was to have built the units for Cappelli.


Council PresidentRita Malmud having listened to Mr. Cappelli’s announcement of the deal and the shortened 4-month extension request, gave her blessing to the deal that will enable Cappelli 14 months to execute the 8-story building.


The Super Developer has redesigned the exterior into a granite and glass upscale building perhaps the ritzy-est affordable housing building ever.  He said the building would be luxury on the interior,too with granite countertops and upscale kitchens and appointments. Malmud said the exterior was an improvement and she saw no objection to granting the extension. Cappelli had originally wanted a one year extension. No reason was given why he cut the time he had originally said he needed. 


Councilmen Power and Boykin, who were cool to any extension last night, did not comment on the extension. The matter will come before the council in October, and the plans were referred out to the various departments. Cappelli said he’d be demolitioning the present building November 1, and that he already had building permits and demolition permits, and the paper work.


The Super Developer told WPCNR last week  he was moved by a crusading column by Journal News columnist Phil Reisman, pointing out the Dimitrakakis’ plight, and decided he would attempt to find a way he could build his affordable housing commitment to the city, and save the Nook and keep it in business. He said he had suffered much bad press lately over the subject and he did not want to be perceived as the bad guy.

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Boykin Pushes for Financials to Bradley on Sales Tax. Will Hawk Finances.

WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL-CHRONICLE EXAMINER. By John F. Bailey. September 19, 2007: At this evening’s Common Council Special Meeting, the Sales Tax 1/2 Per Cent increase resolution will be discussed. On Election Night, Benjamin Boykin,  one of three Nominee-Elects declared to WPCNR the Budget and Management Committee would be looking at all financial issues going forward, and that he expected the Mayor (Joseph Delfino) to comply with Assemblyman Adam Bradley’s request for a substantiation of why White Plains needs the $10 Million plus injection of revenue the half percent increase would bring to the city.


Assemblyman Bradley said he needs that substantiation to sell the home rule legislation to his colleagues in Albany. Boykin held forth to WPCNR on how the Council will treat financials of the city and the coming budget in the next few months. Bradley told WPCNR he needed a justification rationale before he can submit legislation in January.


WPCNR: “Are you going to look at the (next) city budget a lot more carefully in coming months?”


Boykin: “We constantly look at the city’s budget. We constantly are aware of issues that effect the city’s financing moving forward. And we’ll do what is necessary to keep our property taxes low and to come forward with a reasonable budget.”


WPCNR: “When will you convene the Budget and Management Committee again?”


Boykin: “I don’t know when the next meeting will be.”


WPCNR: “After November 6 (Election Day)?”


Boykin: “The meeting will take place at some point.”


I pointed out that Assemblyman Adam Bradley hoped for financial justification from the city administration  for the need for the half-per cent sales tax.


Boykin: “He wants a projection of the long term finances, of what there may be any budget gaps and it’s an important issue that he be given (those projections).”


WPCNR: What do you think you can do to facilitate that?


Boykin:   “He has asked the Mayor for that information and I expect the Mayor to comply with that request.”

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