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)

Kulk’s Clout, Younkin to MastrangeloThrowOut at Plate Sink RCK 2-1. WP Moves ON!

Posted on May 24, 2005 by John Bailey

WPCNR PRESS BOX. By John F. Bailey. May 24, 2005: The “THWOCK” told the story. Kelsey Kulk had gotten all of a pitch in her wheelhouse and it was launched into the gray squally skies over O’Donnell’s Bluff. It soared with majesty, headed way way back and 10 feet over the centerfield fence for a 2-run homer. The Kulkster’s clout scored Dena Frederick ahead of her for a 2-0 Tiger lead in the first. Kulk’s pitching then made it stand up over the next six windswept innings for a 2-1 win. A solo homer by RCK’s Amanda Vetrano was hit even farther over the left field fence in the fourth accounting for the only R. C. Ketcham run.

Kelsey Kulk Finishing Roy C. Ketcham High off in the 7th under Apocalypse Skies on Windswept Frigid O’Donnell’s Bluff. Photo by WPCNR Sports.

The only threat Ketcham had occurred in the sixth when an error and a bunt single put two on with nobody out. After an intentional pass to RCK’s big bopper, Amanda Vetrano, there were three on and 1 out, Tigers leading 2-1. The game was in the frying pan.

On a 1-strike pitch, Ketcham’s clean up hitter lofted a high looming pop down the right field line behind first. Christine Younkin reaching above her head hauled it in for out number one, set and threw to the plate.

Ketcham’s coach sent the runner from third for RCK’s one shot at the equalizer.

Younkin uncorked a strong throw on one-bounce landing up the first base line from the right field corner to Tiger Catcher Sandra Mastrangelo.

Sandra backhanded the ball at the plate, whirled and ran slightly up the line, having the RCK runner out by five feet and tagged her (who did not slide) five feet in front of the dish.

OWWWWWT!

It was a bang-bang 9-2 double play and the Kulkster was out of the inning. Kelsey set Ketcham down 1-2-3 in the seventh to carry the Tigers to their second win in Sectional Play. Kulk fanned 9, walked 1 intentionally.

Carrie Abbott returned to third base for the Tigers and played a bangup game at third firing out 3 Ketchams on two bang-bang bunts at first, and a third sparkler. Danielle Szabo was back at short, and Dena Frederick moved to left field, but were not tested as only one RCK-er got around on Kulk the whole afternoon. Only three balls were hit to the outfield.

Kulk was not as overpowering as she was against Arlington last week, but was slicing and dicing the corners neatly, throwing the exploder for the big pitch. The game was intense against a worthy and poised opponent.

The Tigers play John Jay Cross River Thursday upcounty in their next Sectional Test. Jay Jay Cross River defeated North Rockland today. In other action, John Jay East Fishkill shut out Horace Greeley 2-0, and Carmel rallied to beat Brewster 5-4. Carmel takes on John Jay East Fishkill Thursday.

Coach Ted O’Donnell and the Tigers at their Debriefing After today’s game. Photo by WPCNR Sports.

Big Break Time:Les Miserables Is 1st Young Artist’s Production at the WBT

Posted on May 24, 2005 by John Bailey

WPCNR STAGE DOOR From WBT’s Allan Gruet May 25, 2005: The Westchester Broadway Theatre, in Elmsford, is presenting the first show in its new series of Young Artist’s Productions, with 3 performances of Les Miserables on Saturday, June 11, Wednesday, June 15 and Saturday, June 18.

Westchester’s Most Successful and Innovative legitimate Producers the men who invented dinner theatre and entertain Mr. and Mrs. and Ms. Westchester for forty years, Bob Funking (left) and Bill Stutler of WBT (Westchester Broadway Theatre) will be giving young actors and actresses in their 20s their big break in the premier of their Young Artist’s Productions extravaganza series presenting its first production of Les Miserables in June. Photo, WPCNR Broadway Archives.

The talented cast of actors, all under the age of twenty, have been selected from over 200 hopefuls who auditioned for this inaugural production of the Westchester Broadway Theatre’s newest program aimed at promoting live theatre for the Tri-state area’s younger performers. The Young Artist’s Productions Series gives these talented performers the opportunity to appear in full-scale productions of great Broadway musicals, with full production values made possible by performing at the Westchester Broadway Theatre, New York’s longest-running, year round professional theatre.

WBT Producer, Bill Stutler, explained that the program came about because of the consistent turnout of wonderfully talented young performers every time the theatre would hold local auditions for one of its up-coming shows.

“I never stop being surprised at the range of talent we see among the younger actors,” he explained. “Whenever we audition for a show that has younger kids or teens in the cast, we always have a huge turnout of very, very talented young people. The problem is that, in most cases, we can only use a fairly small number of them in the show.”

Bill Stutler’s partner and co-producer Robert Funking agrees, adding, “It’s really frustrating to see all this talent and not be able to use them. Sometimes, like with our current production of “Oliver” we can use more… eighteen, in fact, but most of the Broadway musicals just don’t have that many roles for kids and teens, so what can you do?”

What Bill & Bob have done is introduce their new Young Artist’s Productions Series to tackle that very problem. The shows are cast completely with actors nineteen or younger, and they will feature performers as young as six and eight years old, when appropriate. The productions are being done to exacting professional standards, from the auditions, through the rehearsals and right up to the performances. All cast members are expected to perform under these standards.

“For some of these actors it’s a bit of an adjustment,” said Les Miserables Director, John Fanelli. “Most of these kids, even the more experienced ones, haven’t had the chance to work in an Equity production or a fully professional facility like WBT. They need to learn that the attitude has to be different from their high school plays or local community theatre group. That doesn’t mean its all ‘noses to the grindstone’ during the four week rehearsal period. There’s still the unmistakable air of fun and excitement that comes from a group of talented kids doing what they love to do.”

“Don’t get me wrong,” Fanelli adds, “yes, it’s hard work, but they’re having a great time working like this, and there’s a wonderful camaraderie that has developed among them from knowing that they are all taking a ‘step up’ in their love of theatre by doing this show at Westchester Broadway … and it’s showing in their performances.”

Performances of this inaugural production of the Young Artist’s Series have been scheduled for a show-only matinee, Saturday, June 11, a dinner & show evening performance Wednesday, June 15 and a final show-only matinee Saturday, June 18.

“The 3-performance schedule may change,” says Producer Stutler. “These young actors are the next generation of great performers in our area, and we want as many of our audience members as possible to see them getting their start right here. The reservations are coming in, and we’ll add more performances if necessary.”

Co-owner Bob Funking agrees. “This is a very exciting new program for theatre in Westchester, and we don’t want anyone to miss out on the chance to enjoy tomorrow’s great actors today!”

YOUNG ARTIST’S PRODUCTIONS

“LES MISERABLES” (The School Edition)

Saturday Matinee, June 11& 18 performances are @ 1pm

Wednesday Evening June 15 – Served Dinner @ 6pm – Show @ 8pm

Call Box Office (914) 592-2222 for Information & Ticket Prices

NPF Starts Spring Training. Announces ESPN Deal. Intros Finch, Bustos, Wateley

Posted on May 24, 2005 by John Bailey

WPCNR PRESS BOX. From National Pro Fastpitch, Chicago, Illinois May 24, 2005: National Pro Fastpitch League (NPF) President/CEO Bill Conroy and six league players, including five Olympic gold medalists such as Jennie Finch, gathered Tuesday in Chicago for a press conference to announce plans for the 2005 season which kicks off next month. Among the announcements are six teams in the league, inclusion of star-powered athletes including 11 Olympic gold medalists, expanded television coverage and an aggressive game schedule that includes international competition.

Players present at today’s press conference included Crystl Bustos (Akron Racers), Leigh Ann Ellis (New England Riptide), Jennie Finch (Comcast Chicago Bandits), Amanda Freed (Texas Thunder), Lovieanne Jung (Arizona Heat) and Natasha Watley (NY/NJ Juggernaut).

The 2005 season marks the first year the NPF League is under new ownership, which consists of an operating group of individual team owners led by Conroy.

The NPF League kicks off the 2005 season with six teams: Akron Racers, Arizona Heat, New England Riptide, NY/NJ Juggernaut and Texas Thunder. The Comcast Chicago Bandits, owned by Conroy, are an expansion team that captured national attention earlier this year with the signing of Olympic gold medalists Jennie Finch, Leah O’Brien-Amico, alternate Jamie Clark and Canadian Olympic pitcher Lauren Bay.

“The talent of the female athletes in the league combined with the strength of the teams, expanded TV coverage and a competitive schedule with international play marks an exciting time for women’s professional softball,” NPF President/CEO Bill Conroy said. “The 2005 season will focus on building game attendance, sponsorships and attracting potential team owners to the NPF.”

Returning teams include the NY/NJ Juggernauts who captured the first NPF Championship Series last year with a 10-1 win over the New England Riptide. The California Sunbirds will play a limited schedule in 2005 with plans to fully participate in the league again in 2006.

In addition to a 48-game regular season schedule, the NPF will also compete against the Australian, Canadian, Chinese, Russian and Venezuelan National teams. NPF has also opened the pool of opponents to include potential teams and owners in 2006 and beyond. The nationally recognized Stratford Brakettes already announced their plans to join the NPF in 2006. Additional teams include the Phoenix Flames, SoCal Schutt Hurricanes, Peoria Outlaws, Illinois Cougars, St. Louis Saints and the Long Island Angels.

ESPN Arrives! It’s Big League Now!

The NPF has negotiated a deal with ESPN/ESPN2 to televise the Playoffs and Championships (August 27–28). Individual teams have the rights to negotiate their own television and radio deals. The NY/NJ Juggernauts announced a deal with Regional News Network and the Chicago Bandits with Comcast to each broadcast 8 games.

NPF teams will be playing home games at premium softball facilities, many of which have been upgraded for the 2005 season. Teams showcasing new facilities include the Comcast Chicago Bandits (Benedictine Sports Complex) the NY/NJ Juggernauts (Hofstra University) and Texas Thunder (Big League Dreams Sports Park). Tickets are available now for the season and start at under $10 for individual games.

“It’s exciting to be part of the NPF and have the opportunity to play at the professional level and showcase our skills as softball players,” Jennie Finch, pitcher for the Comcast Chicago Bandits, said. “I am excited to be part of the NPF and look forward to a successful season.”

NPF players reported to spring training this week and the season kicks off June 2, with the exception of the Arizona Heat who begin their season on Thursday. For more information on the NPF, visit www.profastpitch.com.

The National Pro Fastpitch League is headquartered in Denver, Colorado. The league, created to give elite female fastpitch players the opportunity to pursue a professional career in their chosen sport, has operated since 1997 under the names Women’s Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and Women’s Pro Softball League (WPSL). The NPF enters its third year as the Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball in the category of women’s fastpitch softball.

White Plains Week Lip Readers Edition to Cable Again Friday.

Posted on May 23, 2005 by John Bailey

WPCNR WHITE PLAINS WEEK NEWS. May 23, 2005: Viewers who tuned in White Plains Week Monday evening on White Plains Public Access saw John Bailey and his two guests, the controversial maverick planning advocates Robert Stackpole and Robert Levine of the Citizens Plan Committee talking animatedly in what appeared to be heated discussion, but no audio was heard.

The studio engineer on duty reported to WPCNR that the tape deck on which White Plains Week was “cabling” to Mr. and Mrs. White Plains had not been switched over from “hi-fi” to “normal” mode, and this was the reason the audio was not heard.

In recognition of the importance of the planning discussion, White Plains Week will be cablecast again Friday evening at 7:30 P.M. with hopefully audio on “The Spirit of 76” Public Access Channel 76.