WPCNR BACKROOM BULLETIN. From Hezi Aris, The Yonkers Tribune. September 3, 2004: Michael R. Gianatasio, the Republican candidate for the 37th State Senate District, which contains White Plains, announced he is withdrawing from the race today by sending a letter to The Yonkers Tribune. Here, reproduced with permission of the Yonkers Tribune, is that letter:
September 3, 2004
Mrs. RoseMarie Panio
Chairwoman
Westchester County Republican Party
214 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY 10601
RE: Withdrawal Notification from 37th Senatorial Race
Dear Mrs. Panio:
Please be informed, effective immediately, I am withdrawing from the 37th Senatorial Race.
Over the past couple of months, I truly expected, at the very least, support from the Republican Party, its district leaders and elected officials. This clearly is not the case. Further eroding my confidence, the Conservative Party had miserably failed to do their job, which consequently diminished my chances against a 20-year incumbent Democratic Senator.
The recent resignation of Joseph F. Spiezio, III from the Independence Party visibly indicates the minor parties are disorganized and questionable. In addition, I am convinced that the assurances given to me by a former state senator regarding financial support from the Republican State Committee were false.
False promises, lack of support and cooperation have forced me to take an objective look at sacrificing valuable family time and my business for a cause that I openly have no support. I am disappointed that it has ended like this especially after wanting to make difference. It seems that all of the parties are going through a process that I choose not to be part of at this point in time.
Sincerely,
Michael R. Gianatasio
Cc: Mr. Mario Castaldo, Chairman Independence Party
Mr. Anthony Auricchio, Chairman Conservative Party
Westco Schedules Autumn Auditions
WPCNR STAGE DOOR. September 2, 2004: Westco Productions, Westchester’s resident professional theater company for young and family audiences, is holding auditions for its 2004-05 season to include: “The Littlest Pilgrims,” Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” “Snow White & Seven Dwarfs,” at the Rochambeau Theater in White Plains; the full MGM production of “The Wizard of Oz” at Westchester Broadway Theatre in Elmsford; “Frosty The Snowman” at the Antrim Playhouse in Suffern, the Westchester Broadway Theatre in Elmsford and Rochambeau; “All About Abe” at the Irvington Town Hall Theater and Antrim; “The Town Mouse & The Country Mouse” at Rochambeau and Antrim. Please go to our website at www.westcoprods.com for exact schedule.
TYA and/or musical theater experience a must. Performances are weekdays and Saturdays. Rehearsals are for one week. There is rehearsal and performance pay. Auditions will be held on Saturday, September 11th beginning at 10:00 am at the Westchester Broadway Theatre, 1 Broadway Plaza in Elmsford. Sign-up sheet will be at the theater.
Also seeking experienced children ages 9-15 for “Wizard of Oz” munchkins and chorus.
Send pictures and resumes to Westco Productions, 9 Romar Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605. You will be called to attend.
County Will Keep Kensico Dam Road Permanently Closed
WPCNR FREEWAY FLYER. From Westchester County Department of Communications. September 2, 2004: Saying the public’s safety must come first, Westchester County Executive Andy Spano today announced that the Kensico Dam Road would remain permanently closed to traffic.
Spano said a bomb blast study by the Army Corps of Engineers warrants the closure of Westlake Drive. Public Safety Commissioner Thomas Belfiore analyzed the bomb blast data with the help of an independent engineering firm and recommended that the road remained closed because reopening it to traffic could pose a risk to the dam.
The county is working with the NYC Department of Environmental Protection to develop protocols to allow emergency vehicles on the roadway.
To read the full press release, see “press releases” at www.westchestergov.com.
Vampire Reported in White Plains. DRACULA lives at FHP
WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From Fort Hill Players. September 2, 2004: Fort Hill Players will present the perfect entertainment for the Halloween season as Dracula rises from his Rochambeau School crypt to walk the night to stalk White Plains on the weekends of October 15, 16, and 22 and 23.
Fort Hill Players brings Bram Stoker’s classic novel, and theatrical masterpiece, Dracula to the Rochambeau Stage with performances Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at 8, on October 15, 16, 22, 23 at “The Roch,” with a Saturday Matinee at 2 on October 16 at Rochambeau School, 228 Fisher Avenue, White Plains.
Admission is $15 Adults; $12 Seniors and students (12-18), $6 for Children under 12. Parental Guidance is suggested for children under 13. To order tickets by phone call 914-309-7278, or go to forthillplayers.com.
In the classic horror play, Lucy Seward is suffering from a mysterious ailment — physically and spiritually fatigued and getting worse day by day. At his wit’s end, her father summons Professor Van Helsing, an expert on mysterious diseases. Van Helsing, is convinced Lucy has fallen victim to the seductive spell of charmingly evil Count Dracula. What ensues is a pursuit unlike any other: a chilling journey into supernatural, primal darkness. A drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat.