THE WORLD READS WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER — 8,324,077 VISITS IN ONE YEAR

WPCNR STAGE DOOR. By John F. Bailey. December 14, 2005: White Plains Performing Arts Center Producing Director, Tony Stimac’s “other theatre,” The Helen Hayes Theatre Company is going dark after its last performance Sunday.

Mr. Stimac confirmed to Rockland County reporters yesterday, that Helen Hayes  is “reorganizing” and WPCNR has learned, it is not producing or selling tickets for any spring shows at this time.  The Helen Hayes Box Office reports to WPCNR no spring shows are planned at the Helen Hayes at this time.

Theatre union sources two months ago told WPCNR about the Helen Hayes theatre financial troubles, but would not go on the record. Those sources said that both Helen Hayes and the White Plains Performing Arts Center would be declaring some form of reorganization, because the Hayes and the WPPAC had not renewed ther Actors Equity contracts. The Helen Hayes bankruptcy report and the WPPAC bankruptcy portion of that rumor were denied by Mr. Stimac.

In October Ray Cullom, brought in to be the Executive Director for the business/fund raising side of both Helen Hayes and the WPPAC, left the position after less than two months in the position.

Most recently Mr. Stimac, who acts as Producing Director of the White Plains Performing Arts Center sought and convinced the White Plains Common Council  to approve a $100,000 contribution to the WPPAC, which is to be matched by $200,000 in matching grants from the Super Developer, Louis Cappelli and other contributions Mr. Cappelli has promised. Mr. Stimac or Chauncey Walker, the Chairman of the White Plains Performing Arts Center Foundation, have been contacted for comment on how the WPPAC will be affected by the loss of their “partner,” Helen Hayes Theatre Company.

A front-page article appearing in the Rockland County edition of the Journal News, (but devoted only 8 micetype lines without a headline in the Westchester Edition),  quotes Stimac as saying as part of the reoranization, that the Helen Hayes Theatre Company was going to raise money first then program the theater based on the money raised.

WPCNR has put in a call to Mr. Stimac to ask whether a similar strategy is being contemplated for the White Plains Performing Arts Center which lost $197,000 in 2003-2004, $100,000 in 2004-2005, and is on track to lose an additonal $300,000 in 2005-2006 (which the City of White Plains-Cappelli cash injection will erase).

Stimac is reported as saying that the Helen Hayes Theatre Company  went into a partnership with the White Plains Performing Arts Center to pay the cost of overhead, use mutual staff and create productions.

 

WPCNR DOCTOR WHITE PLAINS. From New York Presbyterian Hospital. December 12, 2005: “The onset of the Holidays represents a series of challenges and expectations, “ explained Jo Anne Sirey, M.D., Clinical Psychologist at New York Presbyterian Hospital (NYPH), Westchester Division.  “Many families struggle over how and where to celebrate, while others succumb to the time and monetary demands of gift giving.  I think almost everyone feels the pressure of the old tradition of finding that ‘perfect’ gift that is supposed to sum up an entire year’s worth of love and caring in just one day.”

 While the Holidays are supposed to be the most festive time of year, for many, it can be the most stressful.  The Holidays affect everyone in different ways, with the burden of sending cards, preparing for out-of-town guests, shopping, cleaning, cooking and feeling compelled to attend various Holiday functions.

As a result, Dr. Sirey said, the Holidays can sometimes be a disappointing or depressing time.  “Some families don’t create festive experiences, and yet some people continue to subject themselves to the same situations year after year, resulting in continued stress, anxiety and depression,” she said.  “In those instances, maybe it’s better to give yourself more space and not spend so much time with family.”

 

Having dealt with many patients experiencing the “pre-Holiday blues,” over the years, Dr. Sirey has developed her own “Top Ten Tips” for reducing stress during the Holiday season.

 

1. Redefine the Holiday season.

 

Take a step back, and take control of things.  Ask yourself what the Holiday means to you, and decide how you want to celebrate. 

 

2. Start new traditions.

 

The Holidays are supposed to be about caring and generosity.  Perhaps you can add a new tradition of getting involved with a local charity, homeless shelter, hospital or other organization and make it part of your own Holiday celebration.

 

3. Don’t become a “Holiday perfectionist.”

Because the Holidays are a special time, we can often become angry and disillusioned, when our expectations don’t become reality.  Be realistic and try to develop a sense of humor when things don’t turn exactly as you expect.

4. Develop a Holiday budget.

 

Whether you’re throwing a Holiday party or buying gifts, make a budget and stick to it as closely as possible.  Set spending limits with friends, family members and co-workers.  If money is an issue, discuss making gifts or some other way of showing appreciation. Remember, it’s always the thought that counts.

 

5. Make lists, and check them twice.

 

Make lists for what needs to be accomplished, what gifts you need to purchase, and which events you will attend.  Don’t be afraid of asking family members for help.

6.      Keep your normal routine as much as possible.

Attending Holiday parties disrupts our normal eating patterns, while traveling disrupts our sleep.  Hosting Holiday parties can be the most stressful of all.  Make an effort to keep your regular exercise, sleeping, or eating patterns as much as possible, to avoid disrupting your body’s natural rhythms.

7.      Plan your time well.

Plan your time so that you take care of several errands on one trip. You will have more time to spend doing the things that you really want to do.

 

 

8.      Take are of yourself          

The Holiday season is often very draining due to all of those extra activities. It is important for you to take good care of yourself during the holiday season. Eat well, exercise, get plenty of sleep, and take “time out” to enjoy things that you love – a special hobby, reading a good book, going for a walk, etc.

9.      Communicate with your family and friends.  

Misunderstandings or disagreements can also add to Holiday stress.  Address your concerns directly with your family or friends in a gentle, but honest, manner. Encourage them to be open with you as well. Work together to find a solution that is satisfactory to everyone.

10. Learn to say “no” to extra obligations that might stress you out.

The holidays are full of obligations, and you may start feeling overbooked and overwhelmed.  By learning to mindfully reflect on how you plan to spend your time, you can better prioritize your obligations and make conscious choices about your time commitments. 

 

“These simple tips are designed to help individuals and families to keep stress levels to a minimum and have a more positive Holiday experience, added Dr. Sirey.  “It’s all about empowering people and giving them a new perspective.”