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. | 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.

Bicycle North South Loop Debuts on King and Lex.

Posted on May 18, 2012 by John Bailey

WPCNR PHOTOGRAPH OF THE DAY. BY THE WPCNR ROVING PHOTOGRAPHER . MAY 18, 2012:

Bicycle Lanes creating a one way South-North loop from Post Road down Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard down Water Street to the TransCenter, and from the TransCenter South back to Post Road on Lexington Avenue were painted and created overnight by the Department of Public Works. The project was announced by the Mayor last month. Here is how they look as of dawn. The bicycle lane symbols were painted by the White Plains Department of Traffic Crew.

ENTERING MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BOULEVARD POST ROAD FROM THE SOUTH

PEDALING HARD PAST THE COUNTY COURT FOR THE GALLERIA ON KING BOULEVARD

UNDER THE GALLERIA GARAGE ON A BIKELANE HEADING FOR MAIN STREET

CRUISING THE ROAD PAST THE POWER AUTHORITY, THE JIM BENEROFE SUBURBAN STREET OFFICES GEARING UP FOR THE TURN DOWN WATER STREET AND YOUR TRAIN!

ENTERING SOUTH LEXINGTON AVENUE FROM TRANSCENTER HEADING BACK TO THE GOOD OLD SOUTH END

DOWN LEX WE ZIP PAST PUBLIC SAFETY HEADQUARTERS AND WHITE PLAINS TV STUDIOS,(THE WORLD TELECAST HOME OF WHITE PLAINS WEEK), AND PEDALING FOR POST ROAD

Finance Cuts Proposed 2012-13 City Tax Hike ¼%. NY Basic STAR increases by $300.

Posted on May 17, 2012 by John Bailey

WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. By John F. Bailey. May 16,2012:

The Common Council had their first budget discussion Monday evening and learned that, based on April sales tax revenues, Michael Genito, Commissioner of Finance, has lowered the proposed property tax increase for 2012-13 to 4.75%, from the 5% proposed last month.

WPCNR calculates that the average tax bill for school, city and property taxes on the mid-range $650,000 home will be about $13,500. Of course every home is taxed differently based on its assessed value.

In a related development that will reduces the impact of the 3.03% school tax hike approved by 901 voters Tuesday, WPCNR has learned and confirmed with Geoffrey Gloak, spokesperson for the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Mr. Gloak confirmed that the White Plains Basic STAR Exemption will increase to $3,460 (that can deducted off the assessed value of homes of individuals earning less than $500,000 a year)

The Enhanced STAR for those owners of homes over 65 making earning less than $79,000 a year has also gone up to $7,170.

The effect reduces the school tax increase voted last night by $169 for the homeowner eligible for Basic STAR exemption, while keeping property taxes under $14,000 for the average sales price home ($650,000).

For the owner of a $564,000 median-priced home this slashing of the city tax rate by ¼% would result in a tax increase of $112 to approximately $2,360 (up from $2,250 in property taxes paid in 2011-12.

For a $650,000 home, a $128 increase in the city tax means going from approximately $2,700 in 2011-12 to $2,820 in 2012-13. Of course if your home is assessed at more than $650,000 market value you will pay more.

The new Basic Exemption softens the blow of the school district 3.03% increase in the tax rate approved by voters Tuesday.

$13,550 in taxes on the $650,000 home. Keeps Mr. and Mrs. Upper Middle Class Out of the $14,000 Property Tax Zone Barely

The total estimated tax bill in July counting the school budget passed Tuesday would find the $650,000 (averaged sales price home) paying about $8,500 in school taxes (thanks to an increase in the Basic Star Exemption to $3.460 subtracted from your assessment); $2,204 in County Taxes and about $3,000 in city taxes for a total tax bill of $13,550 to $13,700, $900 less than previously projected.

Accounting for the decrease is a lower than expected sewer assessment from the county, the slightly lower city tax increase (4.75%),and the very nice Basic STAR EXEMPTION increase.

Without the Basic STAR Exemption, the school tax on this home be approximately $8,671. This Basic STAR exemption increase, Mr. Gloak said is a result of the calculation of the Tax Levy Cap and is the highest STAR Exemption in five years, reversing a trend..

The Council Decides on the City Tax Monday.

The council is scheduled to vote on the budget next Monday night. It remains to be seen whether White Plains City Commissioners, lauded by Mr. Genito for their frugality and for not being “spendthrifts” will be rewarded for their thriftiness with their first raises since 2010.

Mayor Thomas Roach announced Moody’s, the bond rating service has told the city it has decided to keep the White Plains bond rating at aa1, which the Mayor said was based on the city’s hard decisions the last three years, and the city refusal to borrow for certiorari tax refunds or amortize pension fund increases.

Stabilization Fund to the Rescue. Stabilization Fund to the Rescue.

As first observed by Tim Sheehan of the Budget and Management Committee in April, (exclusively reported by WPCNR), Council President Beth Smayda acknowledged again during the Monday evening 20 minute discussion of the $166.5 Million budget, the council is using the tax stabilization fund on a year-to-year basis to meet the current budget by refusing to touch the stabilization money available from the sales tax increase of two years ago until it is “audited.”

She said:

“The reason we can be under this (tax levy) cap now, without taking drastic measures and getting back to fiscal stability is because we did make a lot of hard decisions two years ago in an effort to get our expenses in line with the reduced revenue base which still has not completely come back, but also in setting up the contingency and tax stabilization fund .

“Since that extra sales tax was approved over two years ago we been able to build up reserves, but also are now in a position where we can appropriate some of those reserves to help us with the budget. It’s a reserve but it’s a recurring reserve. As we followed our fiscal performance goals to not use reserves until they’re audited now we can use a portion of what has been collected on that sales tax (collected as a result of the increase 2 years ago) and that’s helping us tremendously this year to keep our finances stable. If we would have raised the sales tax and spent it (on) that first year’s operating expenses we would be in a much worse position at this point.

So all those things we have done are helping us to stay stable, keep our employees.”

Raises Next?

Should the Common Council decide to break the wage freeze on Commissioners, it could cost the city approximately $500,000. With the transfer of $5,000,000 from the handy Tax Stabilization fund, it is possible to cover a 3% settlement with the police and fire and teamsters if arbitration works out that way and a nice chunk of change for the Commissioners.

The last time raises were voted for the Commissioner team in the former Bradley administration in 2010, it was done in secret after the budget was approved and announced in the dead of night after the meeting. Reporters should be sure to stick around. The holdovers may be due.

Mr. Genito accounted for the reduction in the city tax rate as follows:

Sales tax receipts have been revised upward by $100,000 to about $46,000.

Employee turnover and benefits have reduced $26,000.

Electricity credits for LED lighting changes around the city have received a $50,000 credit from Con Edison.

Miscellaneous revenues have gone up $295.

Overall General Fund revenues have gone up $159,000 from $152.4 Million to $152.5 Million.

Some expenses have been incurred since, Genito said.

$44,000 was added for the city Youth Bureau to continue to support the Excel program which lost its grant with the school district.

$7,500 was lost in revenues from PILOTS by reducing the proposed city tax rate from $184.92 per $1,000 of assessed value to $184.47 per $1,000 of assessed value, up from last years $176.11.

Monday will tell the tale of the money.

To view the entire 19 minute and 46 second discussion on the $166.5 Million budget go to the city website at http://whiteplainsny.swagit.com/play/05152012-796

WHITE PLAINS IN THE MONEY. SALES TAX REBOUNDS IN APRIL. ON TARGET FOR $51 MILLIO

Posted on May 15, 2012 by John Bailey

WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. From the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. May 15,2012:

City sales tax receipts rebounded in April to $4,091486.02, delivering a 6% increase twice the inflation rate.

If May and June receipts equal last year numbers the city will generate $51 Million in sales tax receipts, $5.3 Million over forecast, a 12% surplus over what the city finance department projected ($45.7 Million).

Most of this “surplus” is headed to the fund balance stabilization fund to replace the $5 million will be taken from the stabilization fund to balance the city budget.

Westchester County sales tax receipts were down 2% from April of last year. Nevertheless, the county sales tax receipts are up 4.2% over the first quarter of 2011 at $151.4 Million compared to $145.2 Million last year.

School Budget Passes 901 to 212; OKS 3.03% Tax Hike.Lowest Turnout

Posted on May 15, 2012 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. MAY 15, 2012:

The City of White Plains passed the proposed 2012-13 school budget of $188,822,000 today. A total turn out of 1,113 voters chose to vote in the school board election out of a total of 29,000 voters, a turnout of 5%. Last year, 1,866 voted and two years ago the turnout was 2,375.

The total vote today was 901 in favor and 212 “No.” The budget imposes a 3.03% property tax increase on the residents, and raises the overall budget by 1.77%. The budget just meets Governor Andrew Cuomo’s tax levy cap at 2.03%.

James Hricay and Peter Bassano were elected for their second term and third term on the board respectively, and Rose Lovitch was elected to her first term, replacing 15-year board member Donna McLaughlin who chose not to run for a sixth term.

Dr. Christopher Clouet,Superintendent of Schools, was ebullient. He said he was pleased voters passed the budget and “recognized it was respectful of the taxpayers, while meeting the needs of the students.I’m pleased.”

Mr. Hricay (right) said his goal in his second term was “to continue the work we’re doing, work on improving student achievement, and continue evaluating our programs.”

Ms. Lovitch (left) asked what her priorities were, said she was “definitely looking forward to working with the Board in implementing the new middle school design, and work to continue to offer the very best programs to all students, and students of need.”

FASNY: Concerned About City Dragging Out the FASNY Review Process

Posted on May 14, 2012 by John Bailey

WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE EXAMINER. MAY 14, 2012:

At the public hearing held this evening on the Council effort to extend the moratorium applied to large recreational privately owned properties in White Plains, (former Ridgeway Country Club property, Westchester Hills Country Club, a portion of Fenway Golf Club that is in White Plains, and a city-owned tract of land beside the Hutchinson River Parkway), a spokesperson for the French American School of New York seeking to build a 7-building educational complex on the Ridgeway property addressed the council pointing out continued council-originated delay of the process). The council extended the moratorium to September 17, 2012.

Meredith Black, of Zarin & Steinmetz, the only person to address the Council on the moratorium extension read this statement:

“FASNY supports the City’s desire to ensure that the its environmental regulations are in conformance with the 1997 Comprehensive Plan and 2006 Update. We continue to fundamentally object, however, to the need and rationale for the Moratorium and proposed rezoning. As explained previously, we firmly believe that it is unnecessary and duplicative of the 2010 Environmentally Sensitive Sites and Features Ordinance, and that it continues to be unfairly targeted against only a limited number of properties. The proposed terms are also, as previously presented to the Council, so onerous that not a single public or private school, or for that matter public park, in White Plains could comply with its terms.

FASNY is also concerned with the amount of time it is taking to complete the City’s deliberations concerning the proposed Amendments. The Moratorium as you know has already been in effect for a year. Processing of the proposed rezoning could unfairly interfere with FASNY’s Application, by causing confusing and redundant provisions, and timing problems.

We sincerely hope that the Council will not only ultimately reject the need for and substance of the proposed Amendment, but that wil also deny said request to extend the Moratorium. ”

The moratorium extension, which includes some new details of what can be approved and not be approved on sites affected by the extenstion may be viewed at http://cityofwhiteplains.com/templates/template_text_right_panel.aspx?ID=Common%20Council%20Agenda164

Readers will be taken to yesterday’s agenda on the city website and then should scroll down with their browsers.

School Budget, School Board Election Tuesday. Donna McLaughlin Leaving Board

Posted on May 14, 2012 by John Bailey

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. May 14,2012:

White Plains will vote on the 2012-13 School Budget of $188,822,000 Tuesday with polls opening at 12 noon and closing at P.M. at neighborhoold polling places. They will also vote on three candidates for three Board of Education seats: Peter Bassano, Jim Hricay, and new to the Board, Rose Lovitch (veteran PTA leader). The three are automatic winners because they have no opponents. The election also sees the end of the Donna McLaughlin era on the White Plains Board of Education.

Donna McLaughlin, right, with former Superintendent of Schools, Timothy Connors, 2009. Ms. McLaughlin is stepping down from the Board in July,

McLaughlin has been a member of the Board for fifteen years, elected the first time in 1997, and has decided to step down and not run again this year. She has been a staunch proponent of accountability in school academic programs, and was the President of the Board when the Board refused to renew 12-year superintendent Saul Yanofsky’s contract in 2001. McLaughlin oversaw the selection of two more White Plains Superintendents of Schools: She pushed for more accountability and longitudinal tracking of students’ progress but was consistently frustrated by data processing limitations which have only recently begun delivering more useful statistics on individual student achievement.

Over her 15-year term on the board the White Plains budget more than doubled,from $92,635,851 in 1997 to $185,536,466 today. In the last three years staff has been cut 10% and tax increases trimmed from an annual average of 7% to less than 3%, slowing the exponential compounding of the budget. This year’s budget increases 1.77%, while property taxes increase 3.3%.

Ms. McLaughlin will be honored in June by the White Plains Foundation for Education.

At stake in the budget vote is the new wrinkle in what happens if the budget is defeated. If ia resubmitted budget is not approved, the district will have to return to this year’s budget, requiring a $3.3 Million cut.

ALWAYS MOM

Posted on May 13, 2012 by John Bailey

Always Mom

When a woman decides to become a mother

Bond is formed between mother and creation

Lasting for eternity, never can be cut asunder

From first setting eyes on child with wild-eyed elation.

Always mom from then on

Even when child departs

First steps, first triumphs linger in mind’s repetition

Forever warmly in mother and child hearts.

Sacrifices daily, grudgingly offered,

Yielding proud moments seen in childrens’ glows

Pains of pleasures given up and roads Mom ignored

Ever soothed by sunny days of child laughter and happiness she knows.

Always Mom to depend on and look out for you,

A Child knows even after pulling away Mom is always on his side

Whether in call or text, or fond memory after adieu

Mom’s spirit is always there to draw and comfort alongside.

In a memory, gems of advice

Ignored when first spoke miraculously

Resurface to guide in times of crisis

To reassure, to comfort mysteriously

Always Mom too often we are heedless

Of the heartbreak caused, unaware

How our achievements bring you joy boundless

And remember the hurt you healed with love that does not waver.

Always mom I shall always see there

At the old home place, taste that special treat

Again: pies, the special cakes on magical days of no care

In these days of transition as I grow, the memories repeat

Always Mom, you are the one person who never fails

To deliver what I need at any moment in my life.

From a call to a pat to a ride when I get off the rails

From annoying reminders to trim my course’s sails.

I find my thoughts on your day just inadequate

Too easy to express what your being there always

Has meant to me, so in little trinkets that may brighten your days

By their whimsy and chemistry we share inviolate.

Silly though my talismans of tribute may be our bond together

Will always be a special link I will not have with any other

Even one I may eventually love another

It will never be as unique as the love for my always mother.

So take my silly things and when you smile,

Know you gladden my heart as you always did

When my efforts pleased you, though I did not want to show it did.

Know how hard I tried to please you all the while.

It is impossible for child to ever give back the gifts you give

Even when you are far away. I feel them inside me with warm glow.

I regret when I failed to please you and want you to know

I try to live up to your standard you set each day you live.

As time eventually will changes the ways we are together

I celebrate the time with my Always Mom which makes us both better..

As our bonds loosen, they grow stronger in spirit and deed.

I become more like you, I feel you inside mind and heart and need.

So thank you my Always Mom, on this day.

Celebrating what we have: friendship, advice, tolerance, respect, loyalty

That both of us can draw from each other in times needed,

I hope I will be worthy to provide the same when I become an

Always Mom, too.

Buchwald Announces Backup Material Available on City Website

Posted on May 10, 2012 by John Bailey

WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. From City Councilman David Buchwald. May 10, 2012:

In the latest edition of the Councilman David Buchwald Newsletter, the White Plains Councilman announced that the extensive details of legislation and matters the Common Council acts on during its monthly meeting, those “details,” not available to the public unless asked for previously and known by reporters as “the backup material,” will now be on the White Plains City website. Mr. Buchwald writes:

Did you know that you can now view the same set of Common Council meeting backup materials that Council Members receive? Just go to the City website and you’ll see the voluminous set of documents (the past week, 637 pages) that accompany the Common Council agenda. Electronic copies of the backup materials have been sent to members of the press for some time and the materials were available in paper form in our City Clerk’s Office and the White Plains Public Library, but thanks to Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, who sponsored legislation enhancing the Open Meetings Law, and Governor Cuomo, who signed the bill into law, members of the public now have online access to the detailed information behind our local legislature’s agenda. Initiatives like this both provide a healthier democracy and also save costs by making government spending decisions subject to more public scrutiny. And if you always wanted to know what a Common Council Member spends his/her time reading, or on what basis we make our decisions, now you can easily find out for yourself. Or, as always, you can contact me directly.

WPCNR Editor’s Note: To access the backup material on the home page of the city website, www.cityofwhiteplains.com and look for the tag, “Common Council Agenda Backup” in the upper left hand corner of the page, and there you go.

HAIR SPRAY HOLDS PERFECTLY IN BUBBLY WBT BEEHIVE BOUFFANT BODACIOUSLY

Posted on May 6, 2012 by John Bailey

WPCNR ON THE AISLE. Theatrical Review by John F. Bailey. May 6, 2012:

You can’t stop the beat in Westchester Broadway Theatre’s bring-back of the Tony Best Musical HAIRSPRAY based on the camp John Waters 1988 film. The early 1960s beat and changin’ times comes right back with all the teen hormones you remember. Remember when the big thing if you were not too pretty and idolized cute guys to die for, or wore glasses and used a pocket protector was to get on home after school and watch American Bandstand, or if black to watch Soul Train? This was your life!

The spectacular national dance-off finale to HAIRSPRAY…It’s Shindig, Hullabaloo and Bandstand all on one stage! Features the comedically gifted, left to right, front row, INGA BALLARD as Motormouth, PAT McROBERTS perfect pitch dance host, Corny Collins, ELGIN GILES as cleancut Seaweed, ERIN McCRACKEN as Tracy, TRIPP HAMPTON as Link, TERRY PALASZ as Penny’s Mom, and STACIE GOGO as loyal sidekick Penny. Under the Ultra Clutch hair spray bottle : BRUCE REBOLD as Tracy’s Dad, Wilber Turnblad and TAD WILSON as EDNA TURNBLAD. And, of course those wonderful beehive hairdos of yesterdates! Photos, Courtesy, Westchester Broadway Theatre by John Vecchiolla

In WBT’s Baltimore on opening night Friday, the show is WZZT-TV’s Corny Collins Show, a spot-on parody of Bandstand. Saxophonist Ron Kozak’s mellow sax seduces your 60s heart with those danceable, wailing saxy riffs of dances and sound-the-same ballads and the crude beginnings of soul music that drove the 60’s beat beginning a society revolution.

Want to live the innocent life of the 60S teen when there was no AIDS, no drugs, and detention was the worst thing that could happen to you? The irreverent—cohesive cast of strong scene-stealers in one of the best assembled ensembles WBT has put together in every key role, creates early 60s for children of all ages with no four-letter words to worry about. It shows how rock and roll and soul came here to stay.

Determined Erin McCracken as Tracy Turnblad, a chubs with three goals in life: get on Corny’s show, win the show dance contest and pursue her tv idol, Link Larkin played with Bobby Darin/Bobby Rydell flare by Tripp Hampton (below), show that teen dreams do come true as believable, lovable teen leads with great timing, chemistry and deliverability of the original tunes of this show.

Ms. McCracken carries this fantasy out with pluck, guile, and has the audience from the first Good Morning, Baltimore to her best number, I’m a Big Girl Now with Mr. Wilson as her Mom.

TRIPP HAMPTON as idol Link performing IT TAKES TWO on the Corny Collins Show.. Hampton as Link channels Fabian, Bobby Darin, Paul Anka and teen idols of the past with perfect cracked voice.. His rock and roll balladeering captures the hearts and dreams of teenage girls young and old, many of whom attended Friday night.

Hey Man, dig those crazy clothes! Pat McRoberts is glib, smooth-talking Dick Clark-alike host, Corny Collins, with a way of selling hair spray that makes you want to go out to the Rexall. He has the personality of the dance show host down. I was so reminded of American Bandstand.

The coolly evil beautiful Ann Van Cleave (above left) creates classy, nasty, cool, beautiful villainess Executive Producer of Corny’s show, Velma Van Tussle. Velma is dedicated to keeping the show regulars all white and only filled with svelte young ladies and clean cut young men.

Played with a Dragon Lady/Cruella DeVille cattiness, perversely mesmerizing, her Velma dominates, delights with glamorous edge that drives the book. Velma plots to make her daughter Amber Van Tussle (deliciously played by Kara Dombrowski, above right) winner of the show dance competition.

Amber is confidently endowed with a personality as lovable as cracked glass: spoiled, icy, to-die-for, snooty teen catty cruelty by Kara Dombrowski especially when she performs the hysterically icky Cooties in Act Two. The two dynamic blondes, mom and daughter are two more great characters in a show with a Top Ten List of stars.

Elgin Giles is the cool, non-threatening young black, Seaweed, who makes a believable sequence out of the cliche storyline of a young Black falling for Tracy’s friend, Penny created by Stacie Gogo (what an actress for a 60s musical!) who plays “instantly smitten” well and is a strong sidekick to Ms. McCracken. Gogo lands her punch line knockouts with style and effect. You’ll love Mr. Giles in detention, where Tracy encounters the black dance style that she eventually wants to bring to the hip white kids on Corny’s show.

MOTOMOUTH MAYBELLE (Inga Ballard) hold court in her record shop. That’s Mr.Giles (left) as Seawood, romancing Penny (Stacie Gogo) and Link(Tripp Hampton) declaring his love for Tracy (McCracken)

Inga Ballard a big, spectacular woman who has played Motormouth Maybelle many times in previous HAIRSPRAYS is another over-the-top treat. She plays Seaweed’s mom who runs a record shop. Her anthem Big, Blonde and Beautiful brought hurrahs and whoops from the sellout opening night crowd in just the first act! What a belter!

Tracy, through a unique appearance on Corny’s show convinces the sponsor, with her unique moxie and enthusiasm much to the annoyance of Velma and her daughter there is an audience out there who will watch not-so-perfect girls and guys, and lands a slot on the Corny’s dance program.

Tracy also lands in detention by crossing the principal who is a charicature of the mean and nasty principals who seemed to run every school in that time(Scott Calcagno) meets some black kids dancing up a storm in detention and decides that blacks, too, have a right to have a chance to bring their dance styles to the national t.v. audience. She, inspired by Motormouth Maybelle, convinces the black kids and her friend Penny to run a protest against Corny’s program that lands the kids in jail at the end of the first act.

The second act of HAIRSPRAY takes off into more crowd-pleasing numbers than any musical deserves. We join the young ladies in jail at the Baltimore Women’s House of Detention, where Tracy experiences the darkside of protest: being arrested. Here the audience appreciates a funny turn by Terry Palasz (left) as a pseudo-sadistic jail guard. When the sponsor pays their bail, all are freed except Tracy. Palasz doubles as the wonderfully funny typical 60s mom, Prudence Pingleton who breaks up the audience with hilarious punch lines

Tracy is supported by her parents Tad Wilson playing big Edna Turnblad (the part played by Divine in the film) who is proud of her heft while ably matched by Bruce Rebold as Wilbur Turnblad, who loves her despite her weight.

Mr. Rebold and Mr. Wilson’s duet, Timeless to Me punctuated by adlibs brought a sustained innovation in Act II. (Timeless is perhaps an ultimate anthem for the weight and the not-so-gifted-with-physical-beauty set, sort of a You’re the Top for the increasingly dysfunctional 60s. Mr. Wilson and Mr. Rebold touch all hearts and sensitivities with their masterful presentation of this anthem.

Ms. McCracken, Mr. Hampton, Mr. Giles and Ms. Gogo as Tracy,Link, Seaweed and Penny do touching duets on the song Without Love which brings the odd couples, slightly-overweight girl with teen idol (Tracy and Link), white girl (Penny) and black boyfriend (Seaweed)together

Inga Balard’s Motormouth Maybelle inspires the audience with a protest song I Know Where I’ve Been to inspire Tracy and the kids to take on the Amber Von Tussle in the spectacular finale of HAIRSPRAY, the nonstop dance contest on national television at the Baltimore Eventorium.

The finale is introduced by a reverent tribute to the beehive hairdo by Mr. McRoberts’ Corny Collins singing the title song HAIRSPRAY, where the architectural secret of the 60s beehive “do” is revealed with clouds and clouds of the spray that holds it altogether. Mr. McRoberts’ obsequious huckstering and self-love of the typical television personality is just one of dozens of scenes in HAIRSPRAY that had Opening Nighters standing in tribute as this cohesive, dancin’, wise-crackin’ smooth-talking cast of all-stars took their bows.

The 10-minute You Can’t Stop the Beat dance contest finale is one of the amazing scenes you’ll see. From Kara Dombrowski’s condescendingly hilarious Cooties dance entry to try and win the contest to Edna’s Tracy’s mom’s appearance in a most spectacular manner, YOU CAN’T STOP THE BEAT sends you into the night with a much higher opinion of the early 1960s than that era deserves.

Does Tracy win the contest? What do you think?

Bring back those bouffants and beehives ladies, I’d love to get my fingers stuck in your hair again.

BETWEEN THE ACTS…..

The sidemen with leadman Leo P. Carusone driving the boys delivers da-dum, da-dum teen ballads with slow-dancing pathos, sax man Ron Kozak has fun playing all the cliché saxophone solos of that transitional time and bassman Ron Raffio channels the origins of the classic soul riffs.

Choregrapher Richard Stafford, assisted by Jonathan Stahl captures the set the old dances, and gives glimpses of those old moves when teenagers could dance instead of mill and jump up and down on the floor. We still remember you, Pat Molitiere! Swim,Frug,and boogaloo moves, you will see them all.

A very “cool” “way to go, man,” to Bottari and Case for designing sets that capture the rigid studio looks of the old prime time rock shows and afternoon dance programs as well as those sportcoats and crinoline dresses. To die for, guys.

This was also the debut of Alex Sampaio, the new chef of the Westchester Broadway Theatre. The standbys regular favorite entrees, the Talapia, roast beef,stuffed flounder are still there, with a new zest and taste. Salad dressing needed work though. (Today the entrees, next month, the salads). This critic’s roast beef was tender, succulent and deliciously rare and lean and thicker, ladies and gentlemen!

Even the longest running dessert in a starring role, Peach Melba featured bigger cookie,fuller whipped cream and riper pears. The Gin Gimlets were tangier. Patrons should be aware there is a 30-minute intermission and the show breaks at 10:45 P.M.

Steve “Can’t Stop the Chatter” Calleran, the last of the genial tuxedoed emcees who introduces every show again warned audiences that HAIRSPRAY only runs for four weeks, ending June 3. (By the way Kelly Ripka should consider Calleran for her co-host.)He noted in his classic opening, longest-running monologue in a continuing production, that many are still calling for tickets the last show,LEGALLY BLONDE which as closed. Ticket information for the musical that holds and holds, HAIRSPRAY is available at www.BroadwayTheatre.com or by calling the box office at 914-592-2222.

Jury Clears WP Officer. Will Not Indict for Chamberlain Death. Fed Review Next

Posted on May 4, 2012 by John Bailey

WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. May 4, 2011 UPDATED MAY 5,2012:

The Kenneth Chamberlain, Sr., shooting of November 19 has been reviewed by a Grand Jury called by Westchester District Attorney Janet DiFiore. Thursday afternoon the Grand Jury voted not to indict the White Plains Police Officer who shot Mr. Chamberlain in Chamberlain’s Winbrook apartment early that morning.

Going forward the Chamberlain family attorneys promised to file an action with the U.S. Attorney to investigate the shooting death and promised a civil lawsuit against the City of White Plains.

Friday, Preet Bharara, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, responding to a request by the Chamberlain attorney released a statement to The Journal News, that his office would review the “available evidence,” to “determine whether there were any violations of the federal criminal civil rights laws.”

The Journal News also reported Saturday morning, citing a news story in the former Reporter Dispatch that “Mr. Chamberlain was acquitted of the November 14, 1970 murder of a motorist in a traffic accident and fatally shot him with the .38 caliber revolver that he (Chamberlain) carried as a correction officer. He was acquitted in 1973.”

Acccording to a document in the extensive evidence packet released by the White Plains Department of Public Safety to WPCNR Friday afternoon, the police dispatcher first dispatched a Transcare Ambulance to the Winbrook complex he received a Life Station Medical Alert. The document, for the first time reveals a glimpse of Mr. Chamberlain’s background with the police while living at Winbrook, and indicates why police officers were sent after the Transcare ambulance was dispatched. Police Officer V. Battaglia wrote in a written statement that–

“Initially, I dispatched Transcare Ambulance-1 to the scene with Car 11 (PO Love). I started to check computer history for Chamberlain and the location (135 South Lexington Avenue). This check showed that Chamberlain had numerous prior arrests including narcotics offenses, multiple disputes with other residents (of 135 South Lexington Avenue),and several emotionally disturbed person calls. Specifically, on 6-5-2011 officers were dispatched to the apartment for a welfare check on Chamberlain (Incident#11-21218). The call narrative indicated that there was an emotionally disturbed person at that location who was not making any sense.”

In separate statements issued Thursday afternoon, White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach said he would ask the Common Council to authorize a panel to review and recommend updating of police practices in dealing with the public to assure better outcomes in confrontatins between police and citizens in the future.

Commissioner of Public Safety David Chong promised to complete a separate internal review of police procedures. District Attorney DiFiore promised her own review of procedures of the White Plains Police Department.

Chong also released pages of evidence and audio tapes gathered in the investigation which indicated the deceased Chamberlain had made violent threats against the officers demanding him to come out of his apartment. Portions of audio were played on media reports last night.

Chamberlain was heard on News 12, saying on a tape recording, “The first one through that door I’m going to kill,” “OK somebody’s going to die tonight,” “I am protecting myself,” “Come on in. Shoot me if you want to,” and “They’re breaking my door down.”

The White Plains Police Benevolent Association issued a statement regretting Chamberlain’s death and respecting the Grand Jury decision, while criticising the district attorney’s release of evidence to the Chamberlain attorneys, writing:

“We would call upon the District Attorney to re-evaluate the decision to allow the Chamberlain Family Attorneys access to evidence, after those attorneys, in our opinion, repeatedly demonstrated an utter disregard for the truth and recklessly inflamed this tragic incident.”

Here are those statements of key officials on the matter:

Mayor Thomas Roach issued this statement Thursday at 3:02 PM to WPCNR on the Grand Jury decision not to indict the White Plains Policer who shot Mr. Chamberlain, Sr.:

“I would like to thank District Attorney Janet DiFiore and the Grand Jury for their hard work reviewing this tragic incident. I respect the process they followed and commend them on carrying out a thorough investigation, as I believe was owed to the late Mr. Chamberlain, his family, the police officers involved and our community.

Now that the process is concluded the Public Safety Department will be making copies of police investigative materials, including copies of video and audio recordings, available to members of the media.

While the work of the DA and Grand Jury has concluded, our work as a City and a community is far from over. A timely, professional, comprehensive and independent review of the policies and procedures of our Public Safety Department is essential.

Toward that end, Public Safety will be completing a full review of all aspects of the incident to determine whether protocols and procedures were followed, including the actions of all police personnel involved.

Additionally, I will be seeking authorization from the Common Council for funding to have a panel of experts conduct a thorough review of our policies and procedures and provide us with a report recommending improvements and “best practices.” This panel will be chaired by Dr. Maria R. Haberfeld, Professor and Chair of the Department of Law, Police Science and Criminal Justice Administration at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and an internationally recognized expert in police policy and procedure.

White Plains is a great city but more importantly, a great community. Working together, we will move forward and bring positive change from this tragedy.”

The Westchester District Attorney, Janet DiFore issued statement approximately 2:15, stating in part:

“The death of Kenneth Chamberlain,Sr., inside his apartment in connection with his encounter with White Plains police officers on November 19, 2011 was a tragedy on many levels. The grand jury heard all the evidence on the use of physical force and deadly physical force by the police in this encounter. The grand jury also heard the evidence of the threatened use of deadly physical force by Mr. Chamberlain during the encounter. As required by law, the grand jury was instructed on the defense of justification under Article 35 of the penal law as to the use of force and deadly physical force by the police. After due deliberation on the evidence presented in this matter the grand jury found that there was no reasonable cause to vote an indictment.”

The White Plains Police Benevolent Association earlier at 1:02 P.M. Thursday released this statement on the Grand Jury decision to not bring criminal charges against the White Plains Policeman:

“We (the WPBA)would like to say that we mourn the tragic death of Kenneth Chamberlain Sr.

Every Police Officer’s worst nightmare is to be forced to take a life.

We would like to thank the Grand Jury for having the courage to objectively evaluate the evidence and reach the obvious conclusion that Officer Carelli’s actions were necessary and justified to save the life of Sgt. Martin.

While we are grateful to the District Attorney’s Office for their impartial investigation and their fair and complete presentation of the FACTS and EVIDENCE to the Grand Jury.

We would call upon the District Attorney to re-evaluate the decision to allow the Chamberlain Family Attorneys access to evidence, after those attorneys, in our opinion, repeatedly demonstrated an utter disregard for the truth and recklessly inflamed this tragic incident.

The PBA strongly believes that the intentional, irresponsible and unethical actions of the Chamberlain Family Attorneys put the lives of our Officers and our Community at risk. “

According to police reports, Chamberlain was shot after he reportedly threatened officers responding to medical Lifeline alert, by brandishing a knife at the officers in what police described as close quarters.