WHITE PLAINS WESTCHESTER DAILY NEWS SERVICE VISITS SINCE 2000 A.D. 25TH YEARl REPORTING THE NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW News Service Since 2000 A.D. 2026 WILL BE OUR 26TH YEAR OF COVERING WHITE PLAINS NEW YORK USA . John F. Bailey, Editor (914) 997-1607 wpcnr@aol.com Cell: 914-673-4054. News Politics Personalities Neighborhoods Schools Finance Real Estate Commentary Reviews Policy Correspondence Poetry Philosophy Photojournalism Arts. The WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER. TELEVISION: "White Plains Week" News Roundup, 7:30 EDT FRI, 7 EDT MON & the incisive "People to Be Heard" Interview Program 8PM EDT THURS, 7 PM EDT SAT on FIOS CH 45 THROUGHOUT WESTCHESTER AND, ALTICE OPTIMUM WHITE PLAINS CH 1300 Fighting for Truth, Justice and the American Way. TOP 10 VISITORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD :1. USA. 2.BRAZIL3.VIET NAM 4. CHINA 5. JAPAN 6.UK. 7.CANADA. 8.INDIA. 9.AUSTRALIA 10.IRELAND 11.GERMANY 12..ARGENTINA 13.BANGLADESH 14.RUSSIA. 15.NEWZEALAND. 16. FRANCE. 17.MEXICO. 18.UKRAINE. 19.SOUTH AFVRICA. 20. IRAQ.
WPCNR CORONAVIRUS REPORT. By John F. Bailey November 28, 2020:
Corona Virus continued its steady rise infecting Westchester County through Friday. It is the 13th consecutive week that positive Covid-19 cases have risen in the county after a quiet summer.
The covid active cases reported this month have tripled in the three weeks since November 4. Since Wednesday cases have risen from 5,024 to 6,706 (counting Wednesday, Thursday and Friday test positives.
Saturday afternoon NY State Covid-19 Tracker reported of 70,765 people tested since last Saturday through Friday, 4.5 % (3,177) tested positive in the 7 days ended Friday.
The average infection rate for the 7 days was 4.44%.
Thursday and Friday 23,393 persons came back positive for the virus, a combined infection rate of 5.2% for the two days. The 3,177 are currently required to quarantine.
The trend for the week shows coronavirus is spreading
aggressively in 4.5 to 5% infection range
The infections mostly likely will steadily rise in the county due to spread of the virus through social contact over the 4-day Thanksgiving weekend. Infections from those gatherings are likely to show within a week. As December gets deeper into socializing, more infections are like to add to the Westchester total.
In his Wednesday day before Thanksgiving Covid Briefing Westchester County Executive George Latimer said active cases through Wednesday the 25th, 5,024 had tripled in the three weeks going back to November 4, when the county had 1,666 active cases.
He said the number of hospitalizations of Covid-infected persons as of Wednesday was 198, a 4% hospitalization rate. Mr. Latimer said was “a good rate” because a rate of 15% to 20%, he would be more concerned. He said the county had 3,100 beds available to handle covid patients needing hospitalization. Hospitalization rates lag behind positive case results by a week to 14 days.
If the approximate 6,706 cases experience the current hospitalization rate of 4% in two weeks you could see 268 hospitalizations from those currently who have tested positive for the virus.
White Plains TV’s WPCNR weekly news roundup– WHITE PLAINS WEEK, the latest program is viewable worldwide on YouTube. John Bailey covers the Supreme Court decision on Cuomo capacity restrictions on churches, George Latimer on COVID spread in the county, the White Plains and Westchester economy, unemployment and more. Just click the video arrow above to see the Friday evening report.
WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER from Ben Boykin, Chairman of the Board of Legislators. November 25, 2020:
As winter approaches, there have been questions on what actually qualifies as outdoor dining. The Westchester County Department of Health has prepared the following to answer questions and clarify ambiguity:
As per the New York State “INTERIM GUIDANCE FOR FOOD SERVICES DURING THE COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY”, “outdoor space” is defined as an open-air space designated for the consumption of food and/or beverage, which may have a temporary or fixed cover (e.g. awning or roof) so long as such cover has at least two open sides for airflow.
Within such outdoor space, all tables with seats must be at least six feet from any other table, seat, patron, or pedestrian thoroughfare or corridor.
If the third and or fourth side of the tent or structure is closed it will be deemed as indoor space and all indoor regulations apply.
Additionally, individual style party tents, igloos and or any other small enclosures are prohibited at this time since they do not meet the ventilation/airflow, distancing, and sanitation guidelines to protect against the spread of COVID-19.
The Governor’s Office details all of the requirements for restaurants and food establishments HERE.Please forward this e-news to family and friends who may be interested in this information.
WPCNR ROVING PHOTOGRAPHER. Thanksgiving Portfolio, all photos by WPCNR: On this Thanksgiving, let us remember the band of hardy intrepid souls who crossed an ocean in a boat no bigger than a large Chris Craft and settled in an unforgiving landscape and started a country in the cold landscape of New England.
They were helped by Indians who welcomed them, without whom they would not have survived. A salute to this brave band.
They sailed into a bay, dropped anchor and just carved out a living after living in incredible conditions in a ship’s hold for weeks, crossing the storm-tossed North Atlantic. Here are some views of America’s first hometown captured by the WPCNR Roving Photographer.
Plymouth Rock Landing. Plymouth, Massachusetts.
The Mayflower II. Plymouth Harbor.
Statue of Squanto welcoming the Pilgrim Settlers. Plymouth.
Governor William Bradford Statue on the Shores of Plymouth Harbor
“Plymouth Rock,” The landing place of the pilgrims.
Settlers Home, left, circa 1690.
Church, Plymouth late 1700s. .
The Jury: Old Burial Ground, Plymouth. Last resting place of the pilgrims overlooking Plymouth Harbor. The sacrifices, bravery and true grit of these persons stand as examples to Americans today. How are we doin’?
This timely insight into the veteran’s life program is available for viewing anytime on YouTube at this link by copying it to your broswer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZxFZo0DEwU&feature=youtu.be
Broadcast to Air on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at 7 p.m. on Cablevision Channel 76 and Fios/Verizon Channel 45 in Westchester County, Thursday December 3 and Saturday, December 5 on the same stations.
WPCNR WPTV MEDIA-ROUNDUP. From Berkeley College, White Plains NY. November 25, 2020:
In a local cable television segment of the program “People to Be Heard,” host John Bailey speaks with U.S. Army veterans about how they prepared for two distinct career paths – first by joining the armed forces to embark on military careers – and then by entering Berkeley College to prepare for new professions in civilian life.
“Mr. DeNucci and Ms. Campbell showed how more awareness has to be placed by society on how much veterans bring to an organization,” Bailey said.
Berkeley College alumnus Vincent DeNucci, transitioned to civilian service after 15 years in the U.S. Army as a leader who trained service members on how to communicate with subordinates and other junior leadership.
Because the training focused on small unit tactics and interacting with locals overseas, DeNucci taught his colleagues not only about the logistical aspect of their mission, but about the humanitarian side. “The training put a human aspect to everything,” he said.
DeNucci was recently named Acting Executive Director of the New York Veterans Chamber of Commerce (NYVCC).
The NYVCC provides a range of social support and employment services that makes reintegrating into the community simpler. DeNucci says in his new role at NYVCC he is committed to empowering the futures of men and women from the U.S. armed forces.
Berkeley College alumna Crystal Campbell, a former Communication Specialist in the U.S. Army, works as a flight attendant as she completes an MBA in Marketing. Campbell plans to open a multi-faceted e-commerce business that will incorporate counseling other small businesses in the United States and abroad, as well as sell merchandise from her art collection.
Ed Dennis, Assistant Vice President, Berkeley College Office of Military and Veterans Affairs, entered the military after graduating high school and enrolled in evening and distance classes to earn his undergraduate degree and an MBA before retiring from the military.
Dennis chose to work in higher education because of the opportunity to help service members, veterans, and their family members achieve their college goals. He, like nearly 90% of veterans, was a first-generation college graduate.
Host John Bailey expressed the value of hiring veterans to employers:
“The (alumni) veterans demonstrated poise, confidence and maturity beyond their age. Any employer wanting a person who will learn a job, fit in fast, and go beyond ordinary effort and increase productivity should hire veterans first,” said Bailey.
The guests shared their transition observations and experiences after military service.
Dennis noted that as a result of Berkeley College hosting a recent virtual forum, “From A Military To A Civilian Career: An Alumni Panel Discussion,” plans are underway for new student-veterans at Berkeley College to have additional mentorship relationships for support.
DeNucci also stated that studying at home online has the added benefit of inspiring his children with their schoolwork. “They witness how hard I work and it makes them work harder,” he said.
This “People to Be Heard” program will broadcast on Thursday, November 26, 2020 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, November 28, 2020 at 7 p.m. on Cablevision Channel 76 and Fios/Verizon Channel 45 in Westchester County, NY, and at the same times and days the following week.
Berkeley College provides onsite and virtual Veterans Resource Centers and programs to support student- veterans through their academic studies and preparing for their future careers.
About Berkeley College Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers continuing education programs to enhance career credentials.Berkeley College has campuses in Midtown Manhattan and White Plains, NY, as well as in Newark, Paramus, Woodbridge and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 4,900 students enrolled.
In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans, for seven consecutive years.
The website address is www.BerkeleyCollege.eduThe mission of Berkeley College is to empower students to achieve lifelong success in dynamic careers.
WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Benjamin Boykin, Chairman of the Board of Legislators , November 25, 2020:
The Board of Legislators will conduct a remote public hearing on the proposed Westchester County 2021 Budget on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 7 p.m.
Pursuant to Executive Orders from Governor Cuomo, to protect public health and safety, the hearing will be held without in-person access, but members of the public may participate several ways:
The information below is for people who intend to speak or submit comments at the hearing. If you would like to watch but not speak, we encourage you use our web video streaming system as noted above.
By phone: Speakers may call 1-844-621-3956 when the meeting begins and use the event number: 178 866 6052.
In writing: Written statements may be submitted in advance and will be included in the record. Written comments may emailed to BOLPublicHearingComments@westchesterlegislators.com, by 5 p.m., December, 9, 2020; or physically mailed to the Clerk of the Board of Legislators, 148 Martine Ave., 8th Floor, White Plains, NY 10601. These must be postmarked by December 9, 2020.
WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. By John F. Bailey. Statistics Based on New York State Department of Taxation and Finance sales tax reports. November 24, 2020:
White Plains sales tax receipts are down $3 Million the first first four months of the city fiscal year. They have declined every month since the the year started in July.
County sales taxes after being out in front of last year’s pace the first 9 months dipped through October. The county is looking at a 1.9% decline in ten months from 2019 the year the county increased sales tax 1%. This is a an indication that County and White Plains economic activity is not recovering.
In the county it is particularly devastating: the decline first appearing in the October figures indicates that they are down 3% in customer spending, despite their 1% increase in sales tax .
In White Plains, sales tax dollars declined $2,856,000 through October. November and December coming up traditionally are the make or break month in the city budget calculations.
Covid is rising in Westchester.
The sales tax increase in the county is not helping in White Plains because White Plains always charged the same percentage of sales tax as the county.
At the present level of consumer activity the administration has to look hard at cutting expenses to balance the budget in 2021-22. The city could be looking at a 25% revenue loss by June, the close of the fiscal year, that the city will have to make up in the new 2021-22 budget.
How’s the county doing. Last month the county was up 2% in sales tax revenues FOR THE FIRST 9 MOTHS. . in the 10th month OCTOBER FIGURES JUST IN NOW SHOWS THE COUNTY IS DOWN 2%. So the 2% Gain, even with the 1% Sales Tax Increase is wiped out. T
The County predicted a 27% In crease in sales taxes in 2020, now faces a 76 Million deficit even if they meet last year’s Nov. DEC Receipts of $127 MILLION . Meeting that handle is in doubt if the 2% decline in the county sales taxed categories continues, the county sales tax revenue will decline to $124.5 Million building to a 78.5 Million Deficit which will be covered by The county reserves, bolstered by $80 Million in Covid Relief.
If county sales tax dollars meet last November and December numbers the county will get more sales tax receipts than last year a projected total of $671,964,357 (using NYS Sales tax receipts trends), way below what they budgeted $127 Million, This is why according to the new 2020 budget, the county decided to transfer unspent covid money to the reserve fund, then swap out current reserves to cover the county self-imposed deficit.
White Plains is prohibited by charter from budgeting more revenues in sales taxes than they receive in the past budget year. This is why the city is not in a deficit position because they cannot increase the budget on optimistic speculation of revenues.
Browsing is Suspended at White Plains Library Use Our Grab & Go Pickup Service
In response to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Westchester County, the Library is suspending browsing in the building. This means there will be no access to our first floor collections or the Trove beginning Friday, November 27.
We will continue to offer our Grab & Go pickup service in our vestibule as well as reference services via phone, text, and email.
Our online programs and services remain unaffected.
WPCNR WEEKLYMayor of White Plains Covid Reportto the Community . November 23, 2020:
The COVID-19 infection rate continues to increase, with over 4,808 active cases in Westchester County right now. This is more than triple the number of cases than was reported just 3 weeks ago.
The cumulative number of people who have tested positive in White Plains since testing began is 2,391. The County estimates there are currently 210 active cases in White Plains, 19 more than Friday, the last time we were provided with numbers.
The State has now designated yellow zones in several communities in the County, as well as one orange zone. The State’s yellow-orange-red zone designations are part of the targeted, micro-cluster approach to combating this virus.
Although White Plains has not NOT received any of these designations, it is another, sobering reminder that the predominant means by which the virus is now spreading is through gatherings of family, friends, and social contacts.
This is not a typical year and this will not be a typical Thanksgiving. The decisions we all make about how we will gather and with whom will impact the health of ourselves, our family and loved ones and our community as a whole.
The best way to protect everyone is to wear your masks when in public and limit your unprotected contact to those within your household. This is not a lifetime commitment folks and the end is in sight, but taking care now will make all the difference in how we spend the time between now and when the vaccines arrive.
I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you a happy Thanksgiving. 2020 has been challenging and stressful, and many of us have experienced loss. We will be celebrating the holidays differently this year – in smaller groups, with less fanfare.
Even in the midst of all this, I believe there are still reasons to be thankful. The way our White Plains community has banded together to fight this pandemic is certainly at the top of my list, so Thank You.
Our next Covid update will be on Monday, November 30th. Until then remember, we are standing together by staying apart
Los índices de contagios de COVID-19 continúan aumentando, en este momento hay más de 4.808 casos activos en el condado de Westchester. Esto es más del triple del número de casos que se informó hace solo 3 semanas. El número total de personas con resultados positivo en White Plains desde que comenzaron las pruebas es de 2,391. El condado estima que actualmente hay 210 casos activos en White Plains, 19 personas más que el viernes, la última vez que recibimos los números.
El estado ahora ha designado zonas amarillas en varias comunidades del condado, y hasta ahora una zona naranja. Las designaciones de zona de color amarillo-naranja-rojo del estado son parte del enfoque de micro-grupo específico para combatir este virus. Aunque White Plains NO ha recibido ninguna de estas designaciones, esto nos sirve de recordatorio de que el medio principal por el cual el virus se está propagando es a través de reuniones de familiares, con amigos y mediante contactos sociales.
Este es un año inusual y no será un Día de Acción de Gracias normal. Las decisiones que todos tomamos sobre con quien como pasaremos este día impactarán la salud de nosotros mismos, nuestra familia, seres queridos y nuestra comunidad en general. La mejor manera de proteger a todos es usar sus mascarillas cuando esté en público y limitar su contacto sin protección a aquellos dentro de su hogar. Este no es un compromiso de por vida y el final de esto pronto llegara. El protegernos ahora marcará la diferencia en cómo pasamos el tiempo desde ahora a cuando lleguen las vacunas.
Me gustaría aprovechar esta oportunidad para desearles un feliz Día de Acción de Gracias. El 2020 ha sido un año difícil y estresante, y muchos de nosotros hemos experimentado pérdidas. Celebraremos las fiestas de manera diferente este año, en grupos más pequeños, con menos fanfarria. Aun en medio de esta situación creo que todavía hay razones para estar agradecido. La forma en que nuestra comunidad de White Plains se ha unido para luchar contra esta pandemia es una de las cosas por las que más estoy agradecido, así que gracias.
Nuestra próxima actualización de Covid será el lunes 30 de noviembre. Hasta entonces y recuerde: estamos más juntos manteniéndonos más separados.
