Sesame Street’s Maria to Address YWCA

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WPCNR AROUND TOWN. From the White Plains YWCA. April 24, 2012:


Sonia Manzano, known worldwide for her legendary role as “Maria” in the groundbreaking children’s TV series Sesame Street and an award-winning writer and activist, will be the keynote speaker at Westchester’s premier networking event – In the Company of Women luncheon benefit on May 11, 2012. The benefit, which draws nearly 600 people and is open to the public, is hosted by the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester and will be held from 11 am to 2 pm at the Hilton Rye Town.



“Sonia Manzano truly embodies the spirit of the YWCA’s In the Company of Women benefit through her inspiring example of taking full advantage of her career and interests to make a lasting difference in the lives of others,” said Maria Imperial, CEO of YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester. “This event will bring hundreds of people together where they will gain insights from Sonia, network with each other, and, as importantly, be inspired to make a difference here in Westchester County.”



Sonia Manzano has affected the lives of millions of parents and children since the early 1970s, when she was offered an opportunity to play “Maria” on Sesame Street. She has received the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Award, the Hispanic Heritage Award for Education and was voted one of the most influential Hispanics by People Magazine en Español in February 2007.


Manzano, who has 15 Emmy Awards to date as part of the Sesame Street writing staff, was twice nominated for an Emmy Award as Outstanding Performer in a Children’s Series, and was voted Volunteer of the Year by Project Sunshine in 2009.



According to Imperial, In the Company of Women will also recognize three local champions – women and men who through their professional, personal and community commitments, have demonstrated leadership on behalf of the YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women:


Suzanne Clary, President of the Jay Heritage Center as Leader of Distinction; Lee Lasberg, President of Lasberg Construction Associates, Inc. as Community Champion; and Dr. Pauline Mosley, Associate Professor, Information Technology at Pace University as Woman in Technology.



Suzanne Clary, who has been President of the Jay Heritage Center (JHC) in Rye, NY since 2007, has expanded upon its mission to restore and preserve the National Historic Landmark home of John Jay, New York State’s native Founding Father and first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. While a member of the Policy Board of the Legal Aid Society of NY, Civil Division for more than a decade, she raised funds for its Early Intervention Program for Children that provided services to underprivileged, homeless and foster children with delayed development in speech, hearing or vision.


Clary’s work was recognized by the Garden Club of America with a 2010 Historic Preservation Award. She was recognized by the Association of Development Officers as Outstanding Non-Profit Board Member of the Year and was a recipient of the Visionary Award from the African American Men’s Association of Westchester in 2011.



Lee Lasberg is the President of the third generation general contracting/construction management firm, Lasberg Construction Associates, Inc, located in Armonk, New York that has provided clients with the highest standards of quality, honesty and integrity for more than 80 years.


Lasberg Construction Associates was the contracting firm that renovated and transformed the YWCA Residence in downtown White Plains for 193 low-income, single women. The $25 million green renovation has positioned the Residence as a healthy, energy-efficient facility able to provide residents with enhanced on-site case management, health and wellness programming, and other supportive services.



Dr. Pauline Mosley believes that service learning is one of the best ways to give students the experience in collaboration and technical communication skills that are much needed for professional development. Her teaching philosophy stems from over 20 years of teaching experience, nine of which have been in the corporate sector.


Dr. Mosley teaches students to pose thoughtful questions, to access relevant information, and to integrate conflicting data into a coherent body of knowledge. Dr. Mosley has written over 50 books and has won national and local grants for her research in “Development of Robotics Technician Curriculum at Baltimore City Community College,” “Promoting Service-Learning Using LEGO Robotics,” and “Promoting Science and Technology Education Using LEGO Robotics.”



The 2012 In the Company of Women event Co-Chairs are Karen V. Hill, President of The Harriet Tubman Home, and Patricia Mulqueen, Manager, Westchester Public Affairs at Con Edison, and the 2012 Honorary Chair is Ruth Mahoney, President, Hudson Valley/Metro NY, Key Bank. Individual Tickets are $150. Sponsorship starts at $2,500 and journal ads at $125. For more information, contact L. Danielle Cylich, Director of Development at (914) 949-6227 x147 or email: events@ywcawpcw.org.


 

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WPCNR REMEMBERS; 10 YEARS AGO, GEDNEY FIELD OPENED

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Opening Day In Pictures: Little League Parade Opens 2002 Season Posted on Monday, April 15 @ 11:49:15 EDT by jfbailey


Sports WPCNR Pressbox April 15, 2002 11:00 AM EDT REPRINTED FROM THE WPCNR NEWS ARCHIVES


The National Pastime returned to White Plains Saturday. The White Plains Little League staged its annual Opening Day Parade Saturday with about 3,000 residents and players participating in the traditional march from Highlands Middle School to beautiful Gedney Field.



DOWN GEDNEY WAY THEY CAME: For 45 minutes approximately 1,000 Little League players, coaches and volunteers marched, team-by-team, down Gedney Way and into Gedney Field Saturday at the third annual Little League Parade for Opening Day of the 2002 seasons.




TALKING OLD TIME BALL: Mayor Joseph Delfino talks old time little league with players just prior to the start of Saturday’s Little League Parade mustering grounds at Highlands Middle School. The hundreds of players marched from Highlands to Gedney Way to the ballpark.



THE PEERLESS LEADER:Mayor Joseph Delfino leads the paraders down Gedney Way towards Gedney Field.



FIELD OF DREAMS: Players march into the Gedney Field outfield to the thundering cadence of the Thomas G. Slater Center Marching Band.


THE LITTLE GUYS MARCH IN: A great turnout, teams took 45 minutes march in to the little big league park on Gedney Way in a very professional, dignified manner, too.



A DAY FOR FATHERS AND SONS, MOMS AND DAUGHTERS: Father and son, The Joseph Nicolettis march into Gedney Field. Joseph “Bud” Nicoletti, Jr., Comissioner of Public Works, architect and supervising engineer who built Gedney Field, its spacious parking lot and immaculate new infield, is seen marching in with his father as part of the parade.


COMMON COUNCIL MARCHES IN: The Common Council, Right to Left, Rita Malmud, Benjamin Boykin, Jr., Robert Greer and Glen Hockley. (Mr. Roach was working the crowd), marching into Gedney Field Saturday.


MAYOR JOSEPH DELFINO DECLARES OPENING DAY HIS FAVORITE DAY: After leading the Parade into the field, “America’s Favorite Mayor,” Joseph Delfino addresses the crowd Saturday, reminiscing about the days when there was no little league and girls did not play, and how the league has grown to be a league which includes everyone where everyone plays.

The Mayor said that the Opening Day Parade was his favorite city event for the way it brings the entire community together. He thanked the volunteers who make the Little League possible, the Common Council and Commissioners Joe Davidson and new Commissioner of Recreation and Parks, Arne Abramowitz for their efforts in maintaining and building the fields. Mr. Abramowitz, welcomed the fans and players, (at the far right in the cap). In his remarks said that he always regretted he was not able to play on Opening Days when, as Administrator of Flushing Meadow Park, he supervised Opening Days at Shea Stadium. He said to the players you get to play on this Opening Day.


LEADER OF THE LITTLE LEAGUE: Rich Massaroni, President of White Plains Little League asked for a moment of silence to remember the victims of the World Trade Center Attack, and introduced the Board of Directors of the WPLL: Dave Corcoran, Joe Palatucci, Tom Gramolini, Pete Bassano, Billy Wooters, Tom Pasqua, Bob Eifler, Greg Prout, Mike Torrez, Jim Tobin, Lou Petralia, Bob Gelston, Todd Oronzio, Mike Leone, Ed Bruno, Al Orfe, Ken Frawley, Frank Rose, John Habermann, Gary Stenson, Bill Yanuck, Lisa Fee, Chet Gottshall, Steve Ryan, Kathy Zaccaria and Bill Ward.

Massaroni thanked them all for their volunteer efforts that have grown the Little League to what it is today. He thanked Candyce Corcoran for organizing and producing the Little League Parade for the third straight year.


CHANGING OF THE GUARD: Rich Massaroni, WPLL President with retiring Commissioner of Recreation and Parks, Joe Davidson prior to throwing out the first pitch. Davidson, in his short talk to the crowd, remembered when there was no little league when he became commissioner in 1979, and how the program had grown to include both boys and girls in his tenure.


THE CEREMONIAL FIRST PITCH: Who is that crafty, veteran righthander? Is it Walter Johnson? Is it Phil Niekro? It’s Joe Davidson throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at beautiful Gedney Field, prior to the Minor Girls Opening Day Game. The pitch was a strike!

During the game, the Official Caterers of the Little League, Outback Steakhouse, RC Cola and Sam’s of Gedney Way donated hamburgers and grilled chicken sandwiches and soda as a fundraiser for the Little League. Outback, serving thousands, ran out of hamburgers at about 1 PM.

With the Annual Little League Parade striding off today, WPCNR remembers when Gedney Field first opened back in 2002 when the first pitch was thrown. This is an original WPCNR article reprinted from the WPCNR News Vault. Note there are no leaves on the trees. No green of any kind.

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Historical Society Honors Power

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          WPCNR FOR THE RECORD. From the White Plains Historical Society. April 21, 2012:


The White Plains Historical Society will hold its annual dinner meeting on Thursday, May 3, 2012, at 6:00 p.m. at The Woman’s Club of White Plains, at the C.V. Rich Mansion, 305 Ridgeway , White Plains, NY 10605.


            The Honorable Dennis J. Power will be honored as Citizen Extraordinaire. Mr.  Power is Director of Program Development in the Westchester County Department of Environmental Facilities and is involved with green, sustainable


initiatives,  including countywide recycling.  He served on the White Plains Common Council from 1988 to 1991 and from 2006 to 2009.  As a Councilman, he sponsored legislation increasing developer set-asides for affordable workforce housing, protecting open space, dedicating parkland, and promoting a White Plains green trailway system.  A tireless advocate for the people of White Plains, he


was the founding president of SHORE, Inc. and the Friendly Gathering, Inc.


          Joseph Cummins will speak about his book,  Anything  for a Vote: Dirty Tricks, Cheap Shots and October Surprises in U.S. Presidential Elections.  Cummins,  of  Maplewood , New Jersey,  is the author of several other books, including History’s Great Untold Stories; The War Chronicles, from Flintlocks to Machine Guns; A Bloody History of the World; and the forthcoming Ten Tea Parties:  Patriotic Protests That History Forgot.  Copies of Anything for a Vote will be available for purchase and autographing by the author.

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D.A. Charges Yonkers Mayoral Employee with Stealing Proceeds from Charity

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WPCNR THE D.A. REPORT. From Lucien Chalfen, Office of the Westchester County District Attorney. April 19, 2012:


 


Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore announced that a three count indictment was unsealed today against Lorraine Lopez (DOB 10/19/66) 202 Hayward Street, Yonkers, New York charging her with:


 



  • one count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class “D” Felony,

  • one count of Tampering with Public Records in the First Degree, a class “D” Felony,

  • one count of Official Misconduct, a class “A” Misdemeanor,


in connection with the November 22nd 2011 charity Turkey Drive run by the City of Yonkers.


 


Between November 7th, 2011 and January 17th, 2012, the defendant, who at the time of the larceny had just retired as a Special Assistant to then Mayor Philip Amicone, was tasked with running the City’s annual charity Turkey Drive.  


 


The Turkey Drive is an annual charity event conducted under the auspices of the City of Yonkers, and donations are solicited to pay for the purchase of Turkeys and various other dinner trimmings.


 


The major contributors to the 2011 drive were the management and employees of Yonkers Contracting Corporation Inc., a construction and engineering firm located in the City of Yonkers.


 


The defendant received approximately $6,900 in donations for the express purpose of purchasing ingredients for Thanksgiving dinners that in turn would be given to various charities.


 


The defendant cashed the donation checks that were received through the Yonkers Parking Authority.


 


The larceny came to light when Yonkers Contracting contacted City Hall after January 1st, 2012 asking about the success of the Drive. When no record of any purchases or disbursements could be located, the Office of Inspector General was contacted and an investigation was initiated.


 


The defendant surrendered to the Yonkers Police this morning.


 


“The allegations in this indictment are stark; this defendant pocketed thousands of dollars in donations made expressly for a charity holiday food drive, putting herself and her wants and desires before those of hundreds of needy families in the City of Yonkers. It is this kind of conduct that erodes the public’s trust and confidence in our government.” said District Attorney Janet DiFiore after the indictment was unsealed.


 


Bail was set at $2,500.


 


Her next court appearance will be on May 8th, 2012.


 


The defendant faces a maximum of seven years in state prison on the top counts of the indictment.


 


Assistant District Attorney Brian Conway, Deputy Chief of the Public Integrity Bureau, will prosecute the case.

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Westchester County Association Squires Potential Businesses Around White Plains

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WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. April 19, 2012: 


 The White Plains BID, the Westchester County Association and the city will give about 100  representatives of businesses and organizations that have expressed interest in moving to White Plains a guided half-day tour of the city next Wednesday, April 25.


The tour will consist of three buses and have a police escort, as they make their way around the city.


The tour begins with an 8 A.M. Breakfast and Reception at the Reckson Metro Center, followed by the business prospects boarding the buses at 9 for the tour. The tour will be followed by a luncheon and Keynote Address at the Westchester Arts Council, 31 Mamaroneck Avenue where Mayor Tom Roach will welcome the businesses.


The guests will be shown special development opportunities, see informational presentations.


Featured property sponsors are Mack-Cali  Realty Corporation, Normandy Real Estate Partners, Reckson, RPW Group and The Gateway.

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DiDonato-Roth Bids to Wrest GOP Nomination for State Senate from Robert Cohen

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Challenges Cohen




WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2012. Special to WPCNR From the DiDonato Roth Campaign. DiDonato Roth’s Campaign Announcement April 18, 2012:

 

In a surprise today Diane DiDonato Roth of North Castle announced a primary challenge to Republican  Robert Cohen for one of two White Plains State Senate seats, the 37th District. Until today Cohen was the Republican choice to run against George Latimer, the Democrat nominee. Here is her announcement speech: 

 


A hundred years ago in the foothills of Frosinone, Italy, a dream began with the humble hopes of Julian and Eugenia DiDonato. Their dream was to one day raise a family in a country with inherited God given freedoms… A community instilled with faith, family values, and a sense of purpose… and to follow a promise that with hard work, determination and personal responsibility, there was no dream their children and grandchildren could not realize.



That country is America, that community is Westchester and that dream is being realized today as I announce my candidacy for the New York State Senate.



Three generations later, the story of my family, like yours, is truly an American story… But even more, it is truly a Westchester story… A story of faith, family and friends… As a life-long resident of Westchester, I grew up in Pelham, as the youngest daughter of Anthony and JoAnne DiDonato, attended St. Catherine’s Grammar School, Maria Regina High School and received a degree from Iona College.



Today I sit as an elected member of the Town Board in North Castle, which covers North White Plains, Armonk and Banksville… North Castle is my home, where I live with my Husband Tom, my daughter Holly and son Tommy… My Mom JoAnne, (who’s here today) currently lives in Rye Brook and my brother Julian DiDonato lives in Eastchester where he runs the youth soccer program that touches over 15,000 families every year… Yes, my family’s story is truly a Westchester story.



Which is why it saddens me to no end to travel around this district and see how the failed policies of recent years have had a crushing effect on our neighborhood’s and town squares, from Yonkers to Eastchester, Harrison, to Bedford and New Rochelle to Mamaroneck… There are far too many signs that read: “For Sale” or “For Rent” – and not enough signs that say “Help Wanted.” Even worse, there are storefronts that don’t have any signs at all, because they are completely bordered-up… More than I can remember in my life.



Here in Westchester, we live in one of the most heavily-taxed and expensive places in the country…Jobs are lost… Innovation is stifled… and hard working families and businesses gave up on the area and simply move out.



I am running for State Senate because we can do better!… And we must!



I am running to End Albany’s Tax and Spend Insanity… Our children’s future depends on our ability to behave in Albany like we do around our kitchen table: spending less than we make and resist the urge to live off our credit cards.



I am running to Fight for Women and Working Moms… Right now, almost every major decision that affects our State is made by the Governor, the Senate Leader, and the Speaker of the Assembly, all career politicians, all men. We must shatter that glass ceiling and make sure that working moms are heard on tax reduction, job creation, our children’s future and strengthening our fiscal footing.



And I run to Grow our Small Businesses… They are the backbone of our community… As a small businesswoman and local elected official I know personally how taxes and over regulation kills small businesses. The next wave of job creation can only come when government gets out of the way.

These are issues that affect my family, friends and constituents on a daily basis.



These are issues that (unlike my primary opponent) I didn’t have to move into a new district to understand.



Before I get a chance to square off against Democrat George Latimer in the general election and discuss how out of touch his liberal views are with mainstream values of this community… I must first face “Scarsdale Bob Cohen” in a primary… Yep, he’s back… And this time, in a shameful act of political opportunism, he actually moved from his long-time hometown of Scarsdale, into the newly formed 37th district, not because of any great love of the people or the concern of the communities, that I have lived in all my life, but rather for his own political ego and the gain of the special interests in Albany!



I was warned to stay out of this race… The “Old Boys Club” warned me… They said: “How can you compete with him? He already has the endorsements of too many county leaders”… I say: “I don’t want their endorsements!”… The only endorsements I want are from the people of this district… The people I grew up with!



They said to me: “But he lost the last election by only a narrow margin, don’t get in this race and shake things up for him”… Well, this is true. He did lose the last election by a narrow margin, but he lost… He’ll remind you that he received 49.5 percent of the vote in the last election and that this is the voting base he’s working from in this election cycle… Well, let me tell you something… There is no such thing as the Cohen “voting base”!… It doesn’t exist!… Two years ago the anti-Suzi Oppenheimer vote existed, the anti- Liberal vote existed, but the “Cohen vote” is a complete mirage with a foundation built on sand… Two years ago any Republican would have gotten his percentage of the vote and a stronger candidate would have won.



They told me: “that he is the inevitable candidate for the Republicans and the most electable.”… I say with my entry into this race and Cohen’s hometown of Scarsdale no longer a factor in this new district with new demographics, that he is not only not inevitable… Bob Cohen is not electable!



So as he travels around this district making empty promises and giving false hope about reforming Albany, I as the only elected official and true conservative in this primary, actually have a voting record to back up the talk!



I voted against every proposed property tax increase and will continue to do so when I go to Albany!



I forced all town employees to contribute to their healthcare premiums.



I capped post-retirement benefits for town employees and demonstrated real fiscal restraint by eliminating costly fringe benefits to elected officials and part-time employees.



I declined to participate in the state pension plan and declined Town-provided health care, because we simply could not afford the costs.



I wish I could tell you about “Scarsdale Bob’s” voting record… But he doesn’t have one… He’s never been elected to anything and of all the candidates in this race I am the only one who knows firsthand how Albany’s policies impact local government.



While being a very nice man. Bob Cohen is the wrong man. The wrong candidate. In the wrong district.



He had his chance two years ago and the voters decided… It is now time for others with an authentic passion for community service and an iron will of conviction rooted in the Westchester values of faith, family and friends, to pick up the mantle of leadership and carry this party to victory in November, which I will do!… Send me to Albany so that together we can continue to fight for all our Westchester stories!



Thank You and God Bless You.

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WP Middle School National Junior Honor Society Inductees

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From Michele Schoenfeld. April 18, 2013:


 


On April 18, 2012, the White Plains Middle School inducted one hundred twenty-one students from both the Highlands and Eastview campuses into the National Junior Honor Society during a ceremony held at the Highlands campus auditorium. To receive this recognition, students demonstrated scholarship by achieving at least a 92% average in all their courses during 6, 7, and 8th grades, as well as meeting Citizenship, Character, Service, and Leadership requirements.   Advisors are Barbara Fastenberg and Jane Turk.


          The students include:





Abato, Meredith                    


Africano, Melina              


Ainsworth, Michael         


Amodio, Nicholas            


Arens, Hadar                     


Baker, Lauren                   


Baker, Sarah                     


Ballin, Elizabeth                        


Barberio, Andrew             


Bauer, Isabel                     


Blanca, Farrah


Berube, Samantha            


Boccadoro, Isabella         


Brady, Jacob


Bratkovics, Olivia


Burnett, Brianna                        


Capicotto, Giulia


Carden, Alexander


Cartularo, Isabella


Clarke, Jade            


Collabolletta, Amanda     


Colmenares, Gabriela                


Costable, Jon Christian


Cunney, Cailin                           


Cutsumpas, Rachel          


Dadario, Nicholas            


DArcy, Kaleigh                          


DiMaggio, Torie              


Eisele, Tyler                     


Fee, Makayla


Fernandez, Jaimie


Fernandez, Janine                      


Ferrandi, Marisa                        


Freed, Jemma


Furry, Cardon         


Garcia, Pablo                    


Garnsey, Jake                    


Garrison, Matthew           


George, Justin


Gomez-Aguilar, Joan


Grant, Amanda                           


Griffiths, Caroline           


Guerra-Mejia, Nicholas   


Guiracocha, Anthony                 


Harelick, Jacob                                                       


Harnaga, Jacqueline         


Hoffman, Max                           


Hrazanek, Jordan


Jasne, Jennifer                  


Jensen, Dana


Johnson, Brianna                       


Kabir, Arman                    


Kim, YouWha                           


King, Isabel                      


Kohl, Alexandra                         


Koike, Rumi                     


Kratzok, Max                   


LaPlaca, Lauren                         


Levine, Isabelle                          


Lotito, Daniel                   


Lovitch, Nicole                          


Mariani, Elana                           


Mathew, Jeney                           


Matute, Miryam      


McCants, Alyssa


McCloskey, Danielle


Mead, Charlotte


Mejia, Alondra


Mendoza, Miguel


Mercado, Josephine         


Mercuri, Tatiana                        


Merino, Allison                


Morris, Rachel        


Moss, Jenny                      


Moss, Robyn                    


Nakada,Taikan                           


Nissenblatt, Margot         


ODonnell, Bridgit            


Oria, Daniella


Ortiz, Alisia                      


Padilla, Maria                   


Paillant, Metushaelle                 


Perry, Amanda                           


Pollard, Jahnece


Pope, Erica


Potthoff, Katrina


Predmore, Gillian


Prestipino, Laura                       


Ramirez, Maria                          


Rand, Steven                     


Reiken, Rose 


Rogovin, Jared                 


Sacramone, Madison


Salame, Samira                 


Samaranayake, Sarah                                                        


Sandoval, Diana                         


Sanguino, Mariana           


Sanguino, Nathaly            


Schuler, Susanna


Schwartz, Carly


Sheridan, Jacqueline


Siebes, Sarah           


Sieger, Seth                       


Solazzo, Alyssa                          


Songalia, Abigail              


Sterling, Samantha           


Suri, Omar     


Suthar, Aneri


Tabb, Annick           


Tandazo, Andres               


Teller, Andrew                           


Trejos, Austin                   


Trujillo, Kate


Velazquez, Tania


Victoria, Mariana                      


Weiner, Shoshanna


Williams, Ayshia


Wincele, Ruby                  


Wisell, Caroline                         


Wong, Mei                        

Zumba, May

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CITY CANCELS POLICE NEGOTIATIONS; CALLS IMPASSE. POLICE: CITY: Bad Faith

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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. APRIL 14, 2012:


The city police union announced today that the City of White Plains has broken off negotiations with the union (without a contract since June 2010), and accused the city of negotiating in bad faith.


White Plains Police Benevolent Association President Robert Riley issued this statement to WPCNR today:


“The City of White Plains has repeatedly acted contrary to the interests of the citizens, police and the bargaining process in labor negotiations with the Police Benevolent Association, ultimately leading to a long and arduous impasse that will cost taxpayers money and damage the department, PBA President Rob Riley said today.


 


“The City has clearly failed in its responsibility to it citizens and employees to come to a fair agreement that would protect the city both fiscally and physically,” said Riley. “We need a strong, well-managed police department to attract and retain the officers that keep our streets safe. If the City is unwilling to work with the people who risk their lives for its citizens every day, how can they expect to run the city?” 


 


The collective bargaining agreement between the City and the PBA ended in June of 2010. Since then, the PBA has worked diligently to come to a reasonable agreement, making several offers going back to August 2011 that would be fair both to patrolmen and taxpayers.


 


Based on these offers, for months the City repeatedly scheduled bargaining sessions and then abruptly cancelled them. Finally, on March 13 the City and the PBA exchanged new proposals and set a bargaining session April 25th to discuss an agreement. Only two days later, the City sent back a letter amending their proposal to a much less reasonable offer. The very next day, the City sent another letter requesting impasse and canceling the April 25th bargaining session.


 


The matter will now go to mediation in front of the New York State Public Employees Relations Board, which will cost the city more than a voluntary agreement.  In addition, the impasse proceedings will likely be poor for department morale and recruitment, PBA officials said.


 


“We just want to do our jobs and keep our streets safe. We hope that we can get this issue resolved and get back to focusing on work,” Riley said.


 


WPCNR awaits a statement from the city. 


 


WPCNR notes the city has also included in its 2012-13  proposed budget acknowledgement of  possible arbitration awards related to possible future settlements, to wit, on page 1-39 of the proposed budget: “Beyond FY 2012-13, the City is committed contractually (with the CSEA) to another 2% cost of living increase. Should a higher cost-of-living adjustment be imposed by a state arbitrator in either year, the City would need to resume layoffs and service reductions.”

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The Best Day of the Year

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WPCNR Press Box. April 13, 2012: Today the  Bronx Bombers return to Yankee Stadium. In the honor of Opening Day, WPCNR brings back this original celebration of the best day of the year.



WRIGLEY FIELD CHICAGO 1975 


That’s the Great Pete Rose at the Plate PHOTO WPCNR SPORTS




OPENING DAY is better than Christmas Day,
When you look out the window and you know they’ll play,
Whether dreary gray or billiant spring sun’s ray
Opening Day means the Big Show is back today.


 


In decades past, Opening Day was for fanatics starved,
Eager for the sharp crack of ash on horsehide carved;
The flutter of pennants snapping in northwest winds
Atop ramparts of inviting arches of walls, and sculpted friezes wistfully escarped.

Fans lucky to get away with ducats
Marvel at grown men in boys’ flannels and sharp whites pristeen,
Back to play in April’s warm zephers in NY blazened caps,
Dashing specks of white warming up on the sprawl of the greenest green.

Motor cars panting in good-natured traffic jams on Major Deegan,
Or down Yawkey Way, on 35th and Shields or Waveland’s jam.
Through your windows you see the first glimpse of the storied Park,
The place where ball is played, where ghosts of Ted, Babe, Duke
Mel, Spahnie, Whitey, Mickey, Willie, Yaz, Minnie and Sandy lark.

Paying a White Plains fine to park, passing stogie smoking old men
at the same gates for a hundred years,


Now out into the street
You go, aroma of roasting chestnuts, pungent cigars sweet,
Cries of “scorecard heah” “programs,heah”  shout out, neath light towers to heaven.

Fans in cap and uniform, little boys and girls gawk in awe hoping to make the Anthem
Never seeing such sheer walls, topped with the legend “GameToday 1:30 PM.”
Clutching slim cardboard tix to Section 14 Upper Deck up to the turnstiles
Festooned with souvenirs more dear as diamonds, beyond, the lure  of endless aisles.

Into the press of crowd, the grizzled usher, RIPS YOUR TICKET.
Turnstile turns, clicks,  and into the castle of ball you go
Into the rotunda greeted with magic signs dazzling the senses —
UPPER LEVELS SECTIONS 1 to 39, 2 to 40

Hawkers shout –Voices of Flatbush — colorful books in hand


“Yearbook heah,” “Dodger Yearbook here,” “Hot dog, heah,” 
Assail your ears up ramps you walk to the sign “NEXT HOMESTAND”


 


Walking the catwalk,sliver of blue is first look of the magic sphere
Into the sunlight splaying the vast rake of the mighty grand stand.

Spread out below are knights of the diamond in white hues
Cavorting, snapping throws across immaculate red clay
As majestic fungo bats CRACK!  sending spheres soaring towards filling bleachers a mile away,
Bunting flutters from the deck’s rails red, white and true blues.

Old glory unfurls on the highest pole in center field
Colorful signs deliver the manly flavor of the only real game,
GILLETTE To Look Sharp, The Red Sox use Lifeboy, Schaefer It’s A Hit
Hey, Neighbor Have a Gansett, White Owl Cigars, Hit Sign Win Suit

From old familiar walls, to Gladys Gooding on the organ
Friendly old green scoreboard displaying
Today’s games around the big leagues BETTER THAN CNN
CHI CLE BOS DET, CHI STL, NY WAS make you king for a day.
Two Bits for a scorecard, usher wipes your seat, ballpark fills your heart.

Penciling lineup 422B, 1 SS, 14 1B, 4 CF, 39 C, 6 RF, 23 LF 19 3B 36 P
Smell of beer, peanuts and pretzels.


Nippy air, warm rays sink into your face feels nice,
Starters wheel,deal, kicking high on sidelines fueling expectancy

Men in blue, arms folded solemnly conduct the home plate regimen
Casey, Ralph , Walter, Joe and Sparky exchange lineup cards and knowing
Ground rules by heart, go over them for ritual’s sake.
Announcer entones “Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen,


Welcome to Yankee Stadium.”

“Please rise for the playing of our national anthem,”
Nancy Faust at organ note by note  peels  baseball’s theme song
Rising on the breeze, uniting do-rag and ball cap,
Fedora, ponytail and bouffant  in the spirit of the great game.

Grass is never greener on opening days
 Strikes are louder, the long drives electrify in alleys
Beers with THICK hig creamy heads, taste crisp cold mellow best brew all year
 Smashes laser through short and in the gap in raucous rallies


 


Magicians without wands start 6-4-3s,


Backhand sure hits losing their caps


“Oh what a play’s” crackle on WGN with  “CUBS WIN’S”


Jack and Mel, Vince, Red, Curt and Murph are back at the mikes to turn mundane days Into joy with a ninth inning elixir and “happy recaps”


Thunderous ROARS accolades the 2-out winner again creating big kids’ grins.



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DOT ANNOUNCES TAPPAN ZEE DETOURS FOR DECK REPLACEMENT FOR NEXT WEEK

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Deck replacement work on the Tappan Zee Bridge will continue during the week of April 16, 2012, the New York State Thruway Authority announced today.

The work will be done in sequential order, is weather-dependent, and is subject to change. Updates will be issued to announce any change in schedule.


Monday, April 16 and Tuesday, April 17


Work will begin at 8 p.m. resulting in the closure of two left southbound lanes and an additional left southbound lane at 10:30 p.m. until 6 a.m., from milepost 13.2 to milepost 17.9 on the Tappan Zee Bridge. In addition, this will result in the closure of one left northbound lane at 9 p.m., and an additional left northbound lane at 10:30 p.m. until 6 a.m. from milepost 13.2 to milepost 16.2 also on the Tappan Zee Bridge. At least one lane southbound and one lane northbound will be opened to traffic from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.


During Monday and Tuesday night operations, due to the southbound lane closures, the southbound entrance at Interchange 10 will be closed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. and southbound detour route signs will be posted through Nyack for the entrance at Route 59 near Interchange 11.


During Monday and Tuesday night operations, due to the northbound lane closures, the entrance ramp from Broadway (southbound) in Tarrytown will also be closed from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. All traffic will be detoured to the entrance ramp from Route 119.


Wednesday, April 18


Work will begin at 8 p.m. resulting in the closure of two left southbound lanes and an additional left southbound lane at 10:30 p.m. until 6 a.m. from milepost 13.2 to milepost 17.9 on the Tappan Zee Bridge. In addition, this will result in the closure of one left northbound lane at 9 p.m. and an additional left northbound lane at 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. from milepost 13.2 to milepost 16.2 also on the Tappan Zee Bridge. At least one lane southbound and one lane northbound will be opened to traffic from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.


During Wednesday night operations, due to the southbound lane closures, the southbound entrance at Interchange 10 will be closed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. and southbound detour route signs will be posted through Nyack for the entrance at Route 59 near Interchange 11.


During Wednesday night operations, due to the northbound lane closures, the entrance ramp from Broadway (southbound) in Tarrytown will also be closed from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. All traffic will be detoured to the entrance ramp from Route 119.


Thursday, April 19


Work will begin at 8 p.m. resulting in the closure of two left southbound lanes and an additional left southbound lane at 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. from milepost 13.2 to milepost 17.9 on the Tappan Zee Bridge. In addition, this will result in the closure of one left northbound lane at 9 p.m. and an additional left northbound lane at 11:30 p.m. until 6 a.m. from milepost 13.2 to milepost 16.2 also on the Tappan Zee Bridge. At least one lane southbound and one lane northbound will be opened to traffic from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.


During Thursday night operations, due to the southbound lane closures, the southbound entrance at Interchange 10 will be closed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. and southbound detour route signs will be posted through Nyack for the entrance at Route 59 near Interchange 11.


During Thursday night operations, due to the northbound lane closures, the entrance ramp from Broadway (southbound) in Tarrytown will also be closed from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. All traffic will be detoured to the entrance ramp from Route 119.


Friday, April 20


Work will begin at 9 p.m. resulting in the closure of two left southbound lanes and an additional left southbound lane at 12 midnight until 7 a.m. from milepost 13.2 to milepost 17.9 on the Tappan Zee Bridge. In addition, this will result in the closure of one left northbound lane at 10 p.m. and an additional left northbound lane at 12 midnight until 8 a.m. from milepost 13.2 to milepost 16.2 on the Tappan Zee Bridge. At least one lane southbound and one lane northbound will be opened to traffic from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.


During Friday night operations, due to the southbound lane closures, the southbound entrance at Interchange 10 will be closed from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. and southbound detour route signs will be posted through Nyack for the entrance at Route 59 near Interchange 11.


During Friday night operations, due to the northbound lane closures, the entrance ramp from Broadway (southbound) in Tarrytown will also be closed from 10 p.m. until 7 a.m. All traffic will be detoured to the entrance ramp from Route 119.


Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22



No work scheduled.


The lane closures on Monday through Friday nights are required in order for the contractor to continue with the replacement of the deck in the middle three lanes on the Tappan Zee Bridge from milepost 13.2 to milepost 17.9.


During the nighttime operations, several 20 minutes traffic stoppages will take place in both the northbound and southbound directions.


For the safety of the public and construction workers, motorists are urged to proceed with caution and obey posted work-zone speed limits.


Traffic updates will be broadcast to motorists via Variable Message Signs along the highway and by Highway Advisory Radio 530 AM in the Tappan Zee Bridge corridor, as well as 1610 AM in the Newburgh area.


The second phase of the deck replacement project is slated for completion in the Winter of 2012.

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