WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER SETS RECORD VISITS FOR YEAR 7,017,658 VISITS! 2,098,003 VISITORS MADE 6 VISITS A DAY EVERY DAY. 63,330 UNIQUE VISITORS MADE 133,730 VISITS IN DECEMBER. WPCNR AVERAGED 17,284 VISITORS A WEEK, VISITING 31,270 TIMES.

Hits: 143

 130 FLOCKED TO THE THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WHITE PLAINS LIBRARY  FOUNDATION CELEBRATING THE FOUNDATION, THE LIBRARY  AND “SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE”

SALUTING 50 YEARS OF “SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE” ITS CREATOR LORNE MICHAELS

WITH HIS BIOGRAPHER AND GUEST AUTHOR SUSAN MORRISON 

WRITER OF THE BOOK “LORNE: THE MAN WHO CREATED SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE”

WPCNR ON THE TOWN DOWNTOWN By John F. Bailey. October 19,  2025:

It wasn’t a Gala. It was a 30^TH  Anniversary  with 130 of  White Plains Who’s Who, Who Supports, Who is, Who Love the White Plains Public Library  staged by the White Plains Library Foundation.

The occasion: the recognition of  the Foundation’s   30^th year since it was suggested by former Library Director, Sandy Miranda.

The Foundation 30^th  anniversary  coincided with the 50^th anniversary on October 11, 1975 when that American entertainment institution, Saturday Night Live, the  program that was not just comedy but a comedy reality check every week for 5 decades.  It has amused America  hilariously coast to coast and delivered truths and realities with what Mr.Michaels  called “The Big Laugh.”

Ms. Morrison said “Lorne,” was always in search of the big laugh which made the writing and the performance of the  a joke or skit “work.” The Big Laugh  is still a big star for 50 years after it premiered on NBC and is still on the air.

In my opinion the humor on SNL is most always funny, and laugh-out-loud funny even when silly or actors  spell-binding lampoons of the rich and powerful personalities, in spot-on impressions of household known personalities  showed the truths behind public figures.

The  White Plains Library Foundation frequently  honors authors at its events and this year the perfect Guest was Susan Morrison writer of Lorne, The Man Who Created Saturday Night Live.

 Her book tells in a clever progression of events uniquely presented with enough inside reveals to satisfy the never-miss-an-SNL fan while portraying a real eye-opening picture of what it takes to make a hit show every week from a man who did it.

Ms.Morrison had the audience glued to her every word as she explained the secrets of how Lorne Michaels started and ran SNL and produced it for 50 years was the natural choice.

Graham Trelstadt,  (above) President of the White Plains Library Foundation , after a cocktail hour with very tasty hors d’oeuvres and jazz by the finger-snapping, head bobbing Library Jazz Band in the art gallery, welcomed the festive convivial gathering of believers in reading writing and real intelligence (never artificial) in the auditorium to hear the confidente  Susan Morrison of Lorne Michaels whom she worked with for 10 years to write his story and that of the show.

Mr. Trelstadt  explained why it is important to support the White Plains Library Foundation:

“The Foundation exists to provide private support to the publicly funded library. We raise funds that leverage the phenomenal support the Library gets from the Common Concil  and State sources. The funds we provide to the library  allow for innovation and flexibility. They give the Library Director  and her staff opportunities to respond to changing needs or brilliant ideas between budget cycles.

Over 30 years the Foundation has been in existence we have served the catalytic seed for exciting new programs (which can be found on the Library website), for innovative equipment like the Igloo, or the 3D printer in The Edge.

We have helped to complete three significant capital projects in the Trove, the Edge, and the Hub.”

With Ms. Morrison at left, White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach thanked the guests for supporting the White Plains Library and reminisced how his mother took him to the library in his home town. Mayor Roach has spearheaded the improvements in the library The Trove, The Edge and the Hub. 

Then it was “Saturday Night Live on stage” with the editor turned author for the first time, Susan Morrison (right)  in conversation with Foundation Vice President Jessica Rao Lonski, (left) award-winning journalist and media professional  with  contributor roles at CNBC and Gannett, and communications for Fortune 500 companies.

Ms. Lonski asked short questions that enthused Ms. Morrison and smoothly drew out fascinating Morrison  insights  into the key structure of the writing of “Lorne”  that Ms. Lonski said read like a novel.

Morrison’s secret:

the book is structured around the unfolding of every sequence of the  events of a 7-day week of producing one Saturday Night Live program.

 Ms. Morrison revealed the show is rigorous, fraught with anxiety of new cast members about being retained after the summer for the fall season.

She revealed the secret of every successful supervisor as Lorne Michaels is– asking the performer or writer to get a real flavor or nuance to deliver the feeling the script or performance of the script intended.

The audience got a good dose of entertainment reality from Ms. Morrison:

 Though Saturday Night Lives are fabulous fun to view, Mr. Michaels’ ability to wrangle writers and actors with psychology, sensitivity and precise definition of what he wants to achieve takes patience, rehearsal (and lots of it), doing it until you get it right. It is a tough demanding business.

He also, Ms. Morrison  revealed, was terrible on meeting deadlines.

Lorne’s biographer confided this was her first book she had written herself. 

When asked by a member of the packed auditorium how she liked being the editee instead of the editor, she shared a penetrating insight into getting the performance you want.

The editor and she had a lot of discussions about portions of the book, and Ms. Morrison  found the discussions provided new perspectives she valued and helped the book. She observed that she took from having been edited, her editor gave her a new sensitivity to working with her own authors whom she edits.

Mr. Trelstad saluted highlights over the Library’s  and the Foundation the last 30 years.

Sandra Miranda Library Director from 1989 to 2011. Brian Kenney Director from 2011 to 2024 when Mr. Kenney oversaw creation of The Edge for teens and The Hub in 2018 which reorganized services for adults. He welcomed Laura Eckley as new Library Director who started in October.

He recognized Lauren Candela-Katz. Libby Hollahan the first Executive Director of the Foundation from 2010-16. 

Mr. Trelstad praised Nancy Rubini recently retired Foundation Executive Director in the 9 years 2016-2025. “We couldn’t be here today without the skills and passion you each brought to your work.”

Mr. Trelstad closed with a look into the Library’s future:

“Now more than ever, as challenges  to public funding of libraries and other cultural institutions become more significant and real , we need your continued support to keep the White Plains Library the great community institution that it has become.”

Congressman George Latimer mingling with the White Plains Councilman Richard Payne as Congressman Latimer shared recent highlights in Washington.

The Library Jazz Band was not quite they were in the groove with jazz that was cool and and got the evening off to a rousing start

Hits: 1573

Health Care Safety Net Transformation Program Mobilizes State Investments To Improve Resilience of Safety Net Hospitals

Over $2.6 Billion in Investments Awarded To Ensure Access to High Quality Health Care for More New Yorkers Across the State

Governor Kathy Hochul Thursday unveiled transformative investments in six new partnerships between safety net hospitals and health care organizations under the Health Care Safety Net Transformation Program, totaling over $2.6 billion in capital and operating dollars.

St. John’s Riverside and Montefiore Health System to merge

• St. John’s Riverside Hospital will become part of the Montefiore Health System, protecting access to high-quality health care services for the existing patient community in Yonkers, Dobbs Ferry, and the surrounding River Towns.
• Through this partnership, Montefiore Health System will work with St. John’s Riverside Hospital to expand services at the hospital, with a focus on essential community services such as cardiac and cancer care in both the inpatient and ambulatory settings.
• These service expansions will ensure more residents of Yonkers, Dobbs Ferry and the neighboring River Towns can receive crucial and high-quality care close to home.   

Westchester Medical Center, Bon Secours Charity Health System, and Health Alliance of the Hudson Valley   combine

• Westchester Medical Center (WMC) will fully integrate Bon Secours Charity Health System and Health Alliance of the Hudson Valley into WMC Health, seamlessly streamlining operations across the system.
• Under this partnership, WMC will unify its electronic medical record system, expand its residency program and improve access to behavioral health, maternal, pediatric, and ambulatory care services.

“The strength of our hospitals is a reflection of the strength of our communities, and safety net hospitals play a critical role in providing quality health care to vulnerable populations,” Governor Hochul said. “Every person should have access to affordable, reliable health care regardless of the zip code they live in, and these investments will bring vital resources to underserved New Yorkers.” 

Established in the FY25 Enacted Budget, the Health Care Safety Net Transformation Program incentivizes partnerships between safety net hospitals and health care organizations. Through this program, New York is encouraging partnerships with safety-net institutions by providing strategic capital and operating support, in addition to required regulatory flexibility, to improve the resilience and sustainability of safety-net hospitals and expand access to high quality care. Earlier this year, the Governor announced the first eight projects under this program.  

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James V. McDonald said, “I want to thank Governor Hochul for her steadfast commitment to strengthening health care in New York. Safety net hospitals are the backbone of care for vulnerable and underserved communities across our state. Through these strategic investments and partnerships, we are not only stabilizing these hospitals but also building a foundation of resilient and sustainable health services that will ensure access to high-quality care for all New Yorkers for years to come.”

The Department of Health will work closely with these applicants to effectuate their proposed transformation plans and improve access to high quality health care across the state.

Breakdown of Investments In  the other 4 Safety Net Hospitals

Arnot Ogden Medical Center and Cayuga Health  

• Arnot Ogden Medical Center and Cayuga Health will continue to develop a new comprehensive and coordinated health system, Centralus Health. Through this work, critical infrastructure upgrades will be made to Arnot Ogden Medical Center, including an expansion of behavioral health, ambulatory surgery, and primary care outpatient services.
• This new fully integrated health system will improve access and care coordination across the Southern Tier and the Finger Lakes.

Crouse Hospital and Northwell Health

• Northwell Health will offer its world-leading clinical and operational expertise in a new collaboration with Crouse Hospital in Syracuse, NY.
• Through this collaboration, Crouse Hospital will expand its ambulatory network, modernize its neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and construct a new cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Erie County Medical Center and University of Buffalo Physicians Group

• Erie County Medical Center and the University of Buffalo Physicians Group will expand access to primary and specialty care in Western New York through a series of projects, including the implementation of a community-wide electronic medical record system for all of ECMC and UB’s medical practices.
• The partnership will strengthen the health care workforce in Western New York by investing in recruitment and retention efforts for physicians and primary care residents.
• The partnership will also enhance access to care as well as strengthen the health care workforce through the construction of a Community Health Pavilion and Learning Center located on the East Side of Buffalo – a site that will combine primary, outpatient and diagnostic care while offering clinical learning, care simulation and care innovation opportunities.

Maimonides Medical Center and NYC Health + Hospitals

• Maimonides and NYC Health + Hospitals are partnering together to preserve and strengthen critical services for the Brooklyn community. NYC Health + Hospitals is a federation of diverse and unique hospitals. Like Maimonides, each has its own respected history and traditions.
• This partnership will enhance Maimonides and the role it plays for its patients, staff, and neighbors. The partnership includes a new and sophisticated electronic health record system at Maimonides to improve care coordination and patient experience.

Hits: 131

Hits: 111

COUNTY POLICE SEEK PUBLIC’S HELP IN IDENTIFYING SUSPECTS IN BURGLARY AND VANDALISM AT PLAYLAND

(Hawthorne, NY) – Westchester County Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying three people who entered the Playland amusement park in the overnight hours of Sept. 23-24 and committed acts of theft and vandalism.

The trio arrived on the Playland beach in a small boat a little before midnight on Sept. 23. Then they climbed a fence to enter the amusement area. The intruders:

·         Vandalized an electrical room, cutting or ripping out fiber optic cables for phone and internet service;

·         Stole 200 stuffed animals, which they hauled away in garbage bags; and,

·         Attempted to throw a photo booth off the boardwalk but were unable to do so.

Detectives have previously shared suspect photos and case information with law enforcement in the region but the suspects have yet to be identified. Anyone who recognizes them is asked to contact detectives in the General Investigations Unit at 914-864-7916.

The County Police also maintain telephone and electronic tips lines for the public to provide information. Calls, e-mails and text messages to these tips lines are confidential. Tipsters can remain anonymous if they chose.

·         Voice Tip Line: (800)898-TIPS (8477).

·         Electronic Tips: Send email, text messages and small video clips to tips@wccops.com.

·         Via Mobile App: The WCPD Mobile App contains a home screen Submit a Tip button to enable tips to be sent confidentially or anonymously. It is available for Apple and Android phones. Enter Westchester County PD in the app store search bar to locate and download it.

Note: Additional photos will be posted to the Westchester County Police social media channels.

Hits: 138

WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS RELEASES PROPOSED 2026 CAPITAL BUDGET

Watch the News Conference Here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw7Odt8lgck

(White Plains, NY) – Acknowledging the fiscal pressures and uncertainty facing counties across New York State, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins released his proposed 2026 Capital Budget, a plan that balances financial discipline with the urgent need to invest in affordable housing, maintain and strengthen the County’s core infrastructure, environmental systems and quality of life.

Jenkins said: “This is not a year for wish lists — it’s a year for wisdom.  We are facing significant financial challenges, and that means we have to make every dollar count. Doing nothing, delaying maintenance, or deferring critical projects would ultimately cost taxpayers more. This plan focuses our limited resources on the investments that matter most — the ones that keep Westchester running, safe and strong.”

The 2026 Capital Budget zeroes in on executing already-appropriated projects, reducing inefficiencies, and bundling projects to maximize cost savings. More than 120 projects have been formally closed with cost savings in recent months, unlocking $13 million in available revenue for future needs.

Jenkins said: “Uncertainty doesn’t mean inaction, it means we have to be smarter, more selective, and more determined. This plan reflects that mindset.”

Deputy County Executive Richard Wishnie said: “Sound governance means looking beyond today’s numbers and planning for tomorrow’s needs. This Capital Budget does exactly that — it ensures we meet our current obligations while preparing for the future with foresight and responsibility. I applaud County Executive Jenkins by investing wisely in infrastructure, housing, and environmental resilience.  He is committed to safeguarding both the County’s assets and the quality of life that makes Westchester such a special place to live.”

County Director of Operations Joan McDonald said: “The Westchester County 2026 Capital Budget is a recognition that even with an uncertain fiscal climate, we must continue to invest in health and safety initiatives and critical infrastructure. Special thanks to the County Executive for his leadership as we continue to reduce the backlog, make improvements in our capital planning and implementation processes and advance these critical projects.”

County Budget Director Lawrence Soule said: “The 2026 Capital Budget has been developed with a strong commitment to fiscal discipline and strategic investment. Whenever possible, we have sought state and federal partnerships to maximize matching funds and reduce the local share of costs. By managing debt prudently and maintaining sound financial practices, we remain dedicated to preserving the County’s excellent bond rating and ensuring its long-term fiscal stability.”

Housing and Affordability

Recognizing the critical need for more affordable housing in Westchester, Jenkins has made expanding housing opportunities one of his top priorities. The Housing Implementation Fund and New Homes Land Acquisition Program together represent nearly $500 million in ongoing and future investments aimed at increasing and preserving affordable housing throughout the County. Since 2019, County funds have supported the creation or preservation of 3,383 affordable homes, helping ensure that more residents have access to safe, quality places to live.

The 2026 Capital Budget adds $25 million to each program, with continued annual funding planned through 2030, underscoring the County’s commitment to housing affordability and stability for all residents.

Department of Planning Commissioner Blanca Lopez said: “The County Executive’s commitment to affordable housing, both rental and homeownership, is commendable let alone during such fiscally challenging times. As Commissioner of Planning, I am acutely aware of the enormous need for affordable housing opportunities for our residents.  These opportunities translate into letting our residents improve their lives and that of their children, to live where they grew up and to not be priced out of their communities and lastly provides stability for our disabled and senior neighbors. The construction of affordable housing also creates economic development opportunities including construction jobs, adding stability to our County’s economy.”

Transportation and Sustainability

Jenkins remains deeply committed to protecting the environment and embracing innovation through sustainable technology. The 2026 Capital Budget includes $122.5 million to replace 94 aging hybrid buses, ensuring a more reliable fleet while significantly reducing emissions and improving air quality across Westchester.

In addition, the County is investing $35 million, with an additional $15 million in local matching funds, to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, adding more than 650 new chargers across 77 sites.

Department of Public Works and Transportation Commissioner Hugh Greechan said: “The County Executive’s 2026 Capital Budget proposal builds on this administration’s record of strengthening critical infrastructure to serve the County’s residents well into the future.  This budget proposal provides results that will be seen and felt in every corner of the County, creating jobs and supporting the local economy along the way.  The County’s capital plan includes everything from road and bridge projects, Parks improvements, and flood mitigation projects.  I am thankful to the County Executive and this administration for prioritizing infrastructure improvement projects that provide real benefit to the County’s taxpayers and look forward to working on these exciting projects.”

Director of Energy Conservation and Sustainability Pete McCartt said: “The electrification of our transit fleet and assisting our municipalities and residents to transition to electric vehicles is integral to reducing our carbon footprint and making our air cleaner for everyone.”

Complete Streets Program

In 2026, the County Executive also proposes continuing the $15 million Complete Streets Municipal Assistance Program that launched in 2025.  This program will again help local municipalities design and build safer, more accessible roads.  Bonds are expected to be issued early 2026.

Department of Planning Commissioner Blanca Lopez said: “The Complete Streets Municipal Assistance Program has generated great excitement among the County’s cities, towns and villages, with 27 applications submitted in response to the program’s official kick-off announcement in June. The Planning Department is eager to continue building this program and supporting the projects that are awarded funding through to completion.”

Protecting Environmental Infrastructure

The 2026 Capital Budget makes significant investments to strengthen Westchester’s environmental infrastructure and resilience. At the Yonkers Joint Wastewater Treatment Facility, the County will invest $150 million for major electrical upgrades and $35 million for solids handling improvements, modernizing one of Westchester’s most vital environmental facilities.

To address the growing threat of flooding, the budget includes $9 million in new funding for flood mitigation projects, including $4 million for improvements to the Lake Isle Dam in Eastchester.

An additional $21 million from the New York State Environmental Bond Act will support projects such as bridge and culvert replacements in Rye Brook and Rye, protecting communities and strengthening local infrastructure against future storms.

Department of Planning Commissioner Blanca Lopez said: “Investing in resilient infrastructure today means protecting our communities tomorrow. These projects will help safeguard our neighborhoods, strengthen our local infrastructure, and ensure Westchester is prepared for the challenges of a changing climate.”

Modernizing County Facilities

The 2026 Capital Budget includes major investments in County facilities to improve efficiency and support essential operations. The new Fleet and Road Maintenance Facility is estimated to cost $133.5 million, with $4.3 million in concept funds already appropriated to advance planning.

To manage costs and improve delivery, Jenkins has directed the bundling of projects by type and location to reduce administrative costs. Departments are also implementing technology-driven capital management systems for better oversight and streamlining environmental and contracting approvals to keep projects moving.

Jenkins said: “These aren’t flashy projects, and that is the point. These projects are foundational. This coming year will be about holding the line, cutting where we can and making strategic investments in safety, stability, and the County’s future fiscal health. If we fail to maintain what we have now, the costs down the road will multiply.”

The County continues to grapple with significant increases in costs across essential services:

• Healthcare: County healthcare expenses are up roughly 8%, exceeding budgeted amounts by over $15 million. Catastrophic medical cases alone, such as premature births requiring lifesaving care, cost the County $14 million in 2024.
• Early Intervention & Mental Health: Utilization of these services is increasing, reflecting growing community needs.
• Daycare & Housing: Enrollment in County-run daycare programs has increased while some federal funding has been reduced. Housing costs are also rising, with the County investing $8 million through the Office of Housing Counsel to help families remain in their homes and prevent shelter overcrowding.

Westchester could face losses of up to $700 million in state and federal aid.  SNAP funding reductions, beginning in 2027, could reduce support by approximately $6 million and further strain homeless shelters.

To address the shortfall, the County has implemented significant cost-saving measures:

• Overtime in the Department of Corrections has been cut by $4 million.
• Only positions directly tied to health and safety are being filled; a hiring freeze applies to all other roles across the Executive branch, the Board of Legislators, the District Attorney’s Office, and the County Clerk.

Jenkins said: “Some may ask about using our reserve fund, but reserves are not a piggy bank. While the situation is challenging, it could become far worse. I will not leave this County without a financial cushion. After the Astorino administration, there was nothing in reserves—we will not repeat that mistake.”