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.

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WPCNR VIEW FROM THE UPPER DECK. By Bull Allen October 20,2008: I have just taken a look at the new Yankee Stadium with the infield and outfield grass installed, viewed on the WFAN website from the air. The stadium confirms my worst fears.

The Big Ball Park, 1955

In attempting to duplicate the stadium, the architects have completely missed the towering effect of the former stadium, (above, 1955) with the antiseptic cantilever construction and setbacks of the upper decks.  The sheer incline of the old stadium decks spread out all the action below you not way in front of you as the new upper decks will do. It also looks like the rakes of the many thousands of extra high priced lower level box seats may be flatter than they should be. The stadium seems lower in stature too.

Contrast this with Mr. Kaminsky’s photos on the WFAN website, You can see the new stadium view from the outfield at  http://www.wfan.com/pages/3156752.php?imageGalleryXRefId=779910#imgGalleryImg

For a view from behind the plate go to http://www.wfan.com/pages/3156752.php?imageGalleryXRefId=779911#imgGalleryImg

Take a good look.

Instead, they have recreated Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles which is the oldest park in the major leagues next to Fenway and Wrigley Field.

Photographer Tom Kaminski’s photographs show the mezzanine and upper decks set quite a bit farther back. Instead of the upper decks’ edges being about 20 rows back from the edge of the field boxes as they were at the original Yankeee Stadium, they appear a good 40 rows back. Instead of the 60  degree rake of the old stadium, they appear to be 20 to 30 degree rakes. I think spectators are going to be way away from the action.

Note how the upper deck of the old stadium (circa 2003) poised you with the action at your feet — not way in the distance as it will be in the new stadium.

The field itself gives you a lot of left center, like the old ball park. But right field looks too shallow all the way to right center.  The Yankees will need better arms than Matsui and Daimon in left next year. You have an approximation of new Comiskey Park in Chicago as a result.  The outfield instead of the classic everyman melting pot bleachers of the old Big Ball Park, you have the monstrosity of the bleachers being split with what is going to be a restaurant in dead center field, with a big wrap around scoreboard. The wrap around scoreboard at the old ball park I never liked. 

The replace of the copper frieze façade effect at the top of the top deck is lost because it is too far back. It will not dominate. You cannot even see it in the new photographs. 

 Overall this new stadium is a bad job, unimaginative, lacking grandeur. Of course, I am a crotchety old school baseball fan, so you may reject my views. However turning the new stadium into symmetricity, and allowing the tall scoreboard to block off views of the elevated loses a lot of the old stadium atmosphere, and creating a shooting gallery in right center in the outfield is not good in my opinion. Right field to right center has been given a Fenway look.

The new Yankee Stadium will be a fitting showcase for the team in decline that will inhabit it. A phoney, cheap imitation of baseball’s Westminster Abbey next door, which of course, they are going to tear down like the Barbarians did with ancient Rome.

Far be it from the city to keep the old stadium and tranform it into a New York Baseball Museum, which could actually still be used as a neighborhood ballpark, while preserving Yankee and Met, Dodger and Giant legacies with exhibits under the old stands, the old locker rooms — where the greats, Williams, Wynn, Dean,  Grover Cleveland Alexander, Whitey, Mickey, Joe D., the Babe still haunt.

No, who would ever think of that — turning the old Stadium into a year-round tourism attraction for the South Bronx.

Go over to www.wfan.com and see what you think.

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WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. From The Mayor’s Office. October 20, 2008: The City of White Plains joined with The Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson, Boy Scouts of America, the Dannon Co., White Plains Hospital, and POW’R Against Tobacco Coalition to promote healthy, drug-free lifestyles during Red Ribbon Week 2008 and recognize the many youth in the community who make positive choices everyday.  The Opening Ceremonies Take Place at City Hall today.

Red Ribbon is a national event honoring Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Administration special agent who was killed in 1985 by drug traffickers. Soon after, “Camarena Clubs” were launched in high schools in California, and hundreds of students pledged to lead drug-free lives. Two club members presented the “Camarena Club Proclamation” to then first lady Nancy Reagan, bringing it national attention. Parent groups embraced the campaign, and in 1988, Congress proclaimed the first U.S. Red Ribbon Campaign.  It can be a powerful educational tool during Red Ribbon Week in October and throughout the year.

The Big Three: Superintendent of Schools, Timothy Connors, left, Mayor Delfino and Youth Bureau Director Frank Williams. The Mayor said the schools and the city are “married together” and work to create a positive environment for youth to make the right decisions for themselves, with the school teaching about making the right decisions during the day, and the youth programs providing a wholesome atmosphere at night. The Mayor said the city does this because “we love the youth of the city,” and want them to grow in a positive way.

Nearly a hundred youngsters from Eastview School and Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts arranged themselves on City Hall Steps.

The City of White Plains has many things to celebrate as launching Red Ribbon Week. The city efforts over the years are paying off.  The number of youth who are at high risk for drug use has dropped dramatically in the last three years.  This means that White Plains has more youth today than ever before who are making positive choices everyday.

Percy Robinson, who uses the services of the Youth Bureau said that the main reasons youngsters turned to smoking and tobacco was having too much time on their hands, and stress. He said that he had joined the Youth Bureau Fitness program which has been very beneficial to him and relieved his stress. He said the Youth Bureau programs definitely work and recommended them.

            The Red Ribbon Campaign celebrates the city’s many successes in safeguarding our youth and ensuring their positive development, but it also serves as a sobering reminder of the work that still needs to be done. Complacency is the friend to illicit substance use, and White Plains through the Youth Bureau program,  will not take a back seat on this important issue.

The Ferris Avenue Learning Center Singers under the direction of Joe Mosely performed. The group is newly formed this year and is looking forward to holiday concerts ahead.

            Red Ribbon Week is a time to celebrate and recognize the efforts of the community to keep all youth healthy and drug free.  The community wide celebration is October 20–25.

Girl and Boy Scouts Troops from across White Plains are joining forces with youth from the City of White Plains Youth Bureau. The youth will spend Sunday afternoon putting up large red ribbons all along the White Plains downtown corridor. The youth in the troops have been working on prevention and education curriculum all month and will earn a certificate of completion as well as merit badges.  Children enrolled in the Youth Bureau’s after school programs have been learning songs to commemorate the event and will be performing at the opening event on Monday.  Girls Scouts are collecting pledges in support of the City’s celebration of a drug free community all week long which will be displayed at the closing ceremonies to be held Saturday, October 25.  Once again this year the Youth Bureau will be planting red tulip bulbs at various locations in White Plains which will be visible when they bloom in the Spring in time to celebrate Alcohol Awareness Month. The week long activities will culminate in Youth Day event at the White Plains Youth Bureau on Saturday Oct. 25 from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m.

The Red Ribbon Week is sponsored by POW’R Against Tobacco, The Dannon Company, White Plains Hospital and Commerce Bank.

For more information about Red Ribbon Week contact Melissa Lopez at (914) 422-1411.

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WPCNR POLICE REPORT. October 23, 2008 UPDATE 12:15 A.M.:   Deputy Commissioner of Public Safetay Daniel Jackson said Wednesday that White Plains Police have no indication of what Hit and run suspect Sheldene Campbell was doing in the Havilands Manor neighborhood Sunday. Jackson released this statement to WPCNR Wednesday:

“The reason why the suspect was in the neighborhood is unclear. She did not have anyone with her in the vehicle at the time.  As to the cause, that is also the subject of our investigation. Apparently, she has a recent criminal history in NJ. “

The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday that the suspect in the Sunday double pedestrian accident where Marie Bucci was killed and Roseanne Schiavone was injured, was wanted on a Bergen County Warrant from “two weeks ago.” The warrant was discovered by a fingerprint check. The car hitting the victims, was reported to police by Verizon personnel who were working on Havilands Lane at the time of the accident about 11:30 A.M.

Police identified the two victims struck in SUNDAY’s fatal double pedestrian accident on Havilands Lane.

The first pedestrian struck was Roseanne Schiavone 45 years old,  of19 Bird Place in White Plains. She was treated at White Plains Hospital and released Sunday.

The second victim was Marie Bucci 65 y.o. from 189 Woodbrook Rd. White Plains. She was pronounced deceased at White Plains Hospital.

The investigation of the accident continues, Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety, Daniel Jackson told WPCNR Monday: “We believe the suspect was alone in the car. Her reason for being (in Havilands Manor neighborhood)there is still under investigation.  We anticipate further charges at some point, but probably not today.”

Sheldene Campbell. 

Photo, White Plains Department of Public Safety

White Plains Police reported Sunday night that  Sheldene Campbell, 37, of 18 Ormian Drive, Pomona, New York was charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in a Death, in connection with the death of a woman killed Sunday morning on Havilands Lane. She is being held for arraignment Monday morning. White Plains Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety Daniel Jackson  reported to WPCNR Sunday. Earlier yesterday, Commissioner Jackson noted to WPCNR: 

“Alcohol is not believed to be a factor. The initial charge will probably be leaving the scene of a fatal accident which is a D felony. Further charges may be following as the result of further investigation. “

White Plains Police reported earlier today that  a second woman died when hit by a motorist on Havilands Lane this morning, after the same motorist had first struck and injured another woman seconds earlier on Havilands Lane. White Plains Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety Daniel Jackson told WPCNR Sunday

“The first victim was struck near 205 Havilands. She suffered minor injuries. The second victim was struck near 89 Havilands. She is deceased. We have a person in custody and the vehicle involved. The investigation is ongoing. Charges are being determined with the assistance of the District Attorney’s office. The incidents occurred around 11:30 this morning. “

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WPCNR VIEW FROM THE UPPER DECK. October 18, 2008: Coach has died. Pleasantville High School’s  coach of 32  years, Peter Kurachek died this week in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and this reporter remembers this energetic, bear of a man with the blue eyes, the jut jaw, the rock hard body at 49  and the brush crew cut who scared me a lot when I was in junior high school in Pleasantville High. He looked like a coach, acted like a coach, and scared the heck out of you.  

Coach of the Pleasantville Panthers football team in the late 50s and early 60s when Rye was our biggest rival, (Remember “Fry Rye?”) he scared those of us who were not athletes. He pushed us, sometimes to a fault, and his gym classes were anticipated with dread by  the physically uncoordinated, the fat boys, and the “brains.”

 The rope-climbing in which he’d urge us to climb to the top of the Pleasantville Junior High Gym (without safety guide wires, as obstacle courses are rigged with today taking all the “nerve” out of it) still brings me nightmares.  

Athletes were the apples of his eye and he had, I guess out of concern to develop those less athletically gifted, those picked last on any choose-ups, a proclivity for singling us out when we messed up or could not execute – especially overweight, out of shape kids, or the uncoordinated. 

Those were the days when Phys. Ed was a graded academic course, not getting a B could keep you off the honor roll. Today, you just have to show up for physical education, attend the classes. It usually does not hurt you “acume.”

In those days, the coach pushed the fat kids hard.

In one incident,  my pal the late Chuck Cannizzaro  of Pleasantville, who was terribly afraid of climbing the rope to the 50 foot high ceiling. Heights terrified him. The coach made him do it. Chuck climbed to the top of the gym on the single rope, panicked and slid down the ropes, burning his hand badly.

The coach showed me what a great person he was and only had concern for his students at heart. He personally consoled Chuck  as Chuck’s hands healed, but he, the coach himself changed. He was distraught that he had made a terrible misjudgment at driving Chuck

He mellowed with those who were not the athletic stars and struggled. He was more accepting and did not yell harshly at them anymore. In doing so, his Phys. Ed classes still had that edge, but it was a firmer more supporting edge. He learned not to fit every young man into an athletic star mold. He grew. They grew.

My pal Chuck, became close friends with Coach Kurachek  throughout high school. 

Chuck Cannizzaro died too young at age 55 in 1999 after having been successful in not one, but four careers. He was a lieutenant in the United States Navy traveling the world.  He became a chemical engineer making a very good living, but it did not satisfy his need to help people. He studied, going back to school and became a physical therapist, and, disgusted at what he saw as  cruelty and uncaring nature of many of the doctors he worked with as a physical therapist, he decided to become a doctor himself at age 40. He put himself through  Johns Hopkins medical school at his own expense, and became a doctor. He was a tireless and dedicated physician, and his wife told me he basically died of overwork. His father, also a resident of Pleasantville died young too.

Chuck Cannizzaro was my greatest friend and a man whose drive and determination were, I believe developed, in no small part, by Coach Kurachek’s influence. Chuck had no father and I think Coach Kurachek’s taking an interest in the young man gave him a lot of the courage and dedication to change his careers and do what he wanted to do no matter what the odds. The rope incident changed both men.

Coach Kurachek after the incident with Chuck was a different kind of coach. He became more accepting and open. Still tough and driving – but the edge was firmer and more supporting than goading – the style of coaching that was in vogue then, and sadly sometimes continues today.

Coach Kurachek was a role model for coaches before it became fashionable. From the incident with my friend, he grew as a coach, and perhaps was instrumental in developing one of Pleasantville High’s most distinguished graduates, a true renaissance man, Chuck Cannizaro.

He helped me, too. Bumbling athlete that I was.

I wanted to be a sportscaster at the time.

 I thought the Pleasantville Junior High basketball games would be enhanced if the baskets and players were announced on a public address system like John Condon did for the Knicks in Madison Square Garden.

I approached Coach Kurachek, then Athletic Director at Pleasantville High School at the time, this was in around 1960.  I explained what I hoped to do, announce  lineups and baskets and foul shots as they were scored. I started in 8^th grade doing the junior high school games.

 In absolute fear of the man. To my surprise he said yes. He then let me do it in high school and junior year. This was unheard of at the time. No high school games had public address announcers.  

I did my very best John Condon, “Panther Field Goal by number 14, Roy Coulsey, Panthers lead 37-33.”

When I see White Plains High School consistently employ and use adults to announce games, instead of allowing students (who might learn something and nurture a possible career) do it – not even creating a mentoring situation where perhaps a professional would work with a student doing the games, I realize what a vote of confidence that was for Coach Kurachek to say Yes. I mean I never auditioned. He let me try it.

I remember him as a very in-shape coach even in his late 40s. But, most of all I remember his compliments after my first game behind the mike when he said “good job.”  I loved doing those games, and when I transferred to Port Jefferson High School in my senior year, I had the confidence thanks to Coach to ask the school to let me emcee record hops. They let me.  I talked the basketball coach there (at a new school) to let me do the Port Jefferson basketball games.

Chuck and I are  just two of the thousands of Pleasantville High students Coach Kurachek, a positive force, who transformed himself, learned from experience, and used it to develop youth in a positive way.

Another Pleasantville High student of my day 1959-1963, passed along her thoughts on Coach:

It saddens me to have to pass the news of another well loved and respected member of our PHS FAMILY who has left this earth but will never leave our hearts ……

What a fantastic obit. A writing this great required not only a great writer, but a great person to write it about. Very few people in this life can be remembered as fondly and admirably by as many friends as Coach Kurachek. He and Tony Sabella were cornerstones of P’Ville high and countless lives. The number of people they will be missed by, as well as the number of times they will be remembered, gives us a glimpse into the pertinence of their lives and lessons. Not only a life, but an entire era has passed.

KURACHEK, PETER WILLIAM

Peter William Kurachek “Coach” died peacefully on October 12, 2008 after 93 years of a life well lived and characterized by thankfulness. Born on All Saints Day, 1915, Peter kept close to his heart those who predeceased him: his devoted wife Louise, his dear son Michael, parents Peter and Katherine, and brothers, George and John. He is survived by his son Peter (wife Mary), daughter Mary (husband Terry Quiggins), and son Stephen (wife Mary); grandchildren Kathy Kurachek, Jennifer (husband Josh) Kenchel, Amy (husband Richard) Miller, Michael (wife Angela) Quiggins and Sarah (fiancé Ryan Lodgaard), Sam and Peter Kurachek; and great-grandchildren Emma and Stella Kenchel ; and Carter and Kellen Quiggins. Peter was a proud graduate of the University of Kentucky where he received a Master’s degree in education. He attended the U of K on a football scholarship, revered the opportunity of a college education, and belonged to the honorary education fraternity, Phi Kappa Delta . He enjoyed reminding us that college in his day cost fifty dollars a semester!

During World War II Peter served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Corps readying young men for combat. For 32 years he was a successful teacher, high school football coach, and athletic director in Pleasantville, NY. He was a lifelong member of the New York State Teacher’s Association and the American Football Coaches Association.

Peter’s teams reflected his life: well prepared, disciplined and passionate. He loved the camaraderie of fellow coaches of all sports and the exuberance of his young players. He connected with them. He understood them and he understood his role as a teacher and the responsibility of helping boys on their trajectory to manhood.

His teams won a lot of games and he was fond of saying, “Loses are owned by coaches, wins belong to the team.” His players loved him as did their parents and years into retirement he would reflect, “Some of my best players never took the field. They were managers or substitutes. Young people who just wanted to be part of something larger than themselves.”

 He received numerous coaching awards culminating in the “Distinguished American Award” bestowed upon him by the Westchester Chapter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame. Peter and Louise retired to Florida, toured the country, and visited Europe.

They helped many of the aged people around them and when his loving wife passed in 1984 he moved to Minnesota to be with family. In recent years, Peter found a spiritual home at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church (IHM) in Minnetonka where he was befriended by many parishioners. Peter’s smile, gentle heart, kindness and loyalty will be missed by all who knew him.

A Mass of Christian burial was held  on Friday October 17th at 11 AM preceded by visitation at 10 AM at IHM Catholic Church, 13505 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka.

Peter will be laid to rest aside his wife Louise and son Michael at All Souls Cemetery in Pleasantville, NY on Saturday October 25, after a brief committal service at the grave site at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations to support extracurricular activities may be made to the Peter Kurachek Activities Fund, IHM School, 13505 Excelsior Blvd., Minnetonka, MN 55345

The Coach comes home at last to Pleasantville forever next Saturday at 11 A.M., Saturday October 25 with burial at All Souls Cemetary in Pleasantville.

He was a great guy who saw the greatness in everyone.

That’s what great teachers do. All their children are their children.

Coach was that way.

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Westchester County Department of Communications (Edited). October 16, 2008: County Executive Andy Spano Wednesday proposed spending $21.7 million less next year on capital projects than the county spent in 2008, but did not indicate whether the county budget would remain at the same spending level. The total budget will be presented November 14.

Spano’s proposed $91,176,000 million capital budget for 2009 – 19 percent less than this year’s – was submitted today to the Board of Legislators. The adopted capital budget for 2008 was $114,880,000 (out of a total county budget of $1.8 Billion).

Mr. Spano’s Chief Advisor, Susan Tolchin told WPCNR Tuesday, “According to our latest numbers, we are on our projections with sales tax revenue based on the second quarter report. We have not received the third quarter report as yet. Mortage fees revenues are down county wide. For us  as it stands now, we are looking at a $7 million shortfall (in mortgage tax revenues) . In response we have already cut $13 million from our 2008 budget to meet any projected shortfall in revenues and also to counteract the state cuts of over $6 million.”

“I am forever mindful of the tax implications in every single area of county government,” he said, “We continue to review every item with an eye towards eliminating or delaying anything which is not absolutely necessary. The programs in this capital budget reflect this policy.” 

Recommended projects include those for infrastructure improvements that will enable the county to save energy, a continuation of the county’s commitment to build more affordable housing and preserve open space, and rehabilitation of parkways, roads and bridges.

The capital projects budget is a spending plan for projects that the county would pay for with bonds. The interest costs of these bonds go into the county’s operating budget as expenses. The costs to Westchester of borrowing are kept relatively low due to the county’s triple-A bond rating, the highest rating possible.

Separate budgets for capital projects at the airport and for sewer, water and refuse districts do not impact the county’s operating budget.

Spano’s proposed budget for operating expenses will be released Nov. 15. The Board of Legislators has until the end of December to adopt the operating and capital projects budgets.

Energy Savings:

• Various upgrades to heating and air conditioning systems to conserve energy
  
• Continuation of roof  replacement program using green technology as well as other building improvements to reduce overall energy consumption. 

Affordable Housing and Open Space:

• The budget continues Spano’s commitment to work with municipalities to develop affordable housing. To date through the Housing Implementation Fund and New Homes Land acquisition, a total of 2,313 units have been funded. Spano proposes spending  $8 million.
  
• In addition, through the Parkland Acquisition/Westchester Legacy program, the county will again set aside $5 million to assist municipalities to provide for parkland, ball fields and open space. To date Yonkers, Greenburgh, Rye Brook, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, White Plains and Port Chester have benefited. Two more fields, in Yorktown and Ardsley, will be dedicated next year.

Parkway, Road and Bridges:

• The county’s bridge and parkway rehabilitation projects continue to keep roadways in a safe condition for motorists. This budget includes necessary repairs to roads and bridges in Mount Vernon, Pelham, North Salem, Yonkers and Bedford. To reduce maintenance costs, the county continues its policy of  ultimately turning  county roads over to the local municipalities, once they are rehabilitated.

Recreation:

• The only projects being considered are those that will add to the pleasure of  residents or aid the environment and at the same time generate revenue. Therefore, work will be done at the county’s golf courses, at Tibbetts Brook Park, and along the Bronx River Reservation.

Transportation:

• The county will spend $1.8 million for the continued purchase of hybrid buses so the county can save on fuel costs. Spano noted he has always supported mass transportation and that ridership on the county’s Bee-Line buses has increase significantly with the increase in gas prices.  

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Airport:

• The capital program for 2009 includes storm water management, rehabilitation of taxiways as well as equipment acquisition for a total of $2.3 million paid for out of airport funds. The airport’s capital budget is not paid for with tax dollars, but the county oversees its capital program to ensure that work is done in accordance with strict environmentally mandated standards.

Refuse and Sewer Districts:

• The capital program for the refuse and sewer districts continues to provide for the rehabilitation and infrastructure improvements in accordance with the districts’ five-year capital plans. The program includes equipment replacement, material recovery enhancements, and upgrades and rehabilitation to both pumping stations and facilities which will also save on energy. Building on the success of the county’s  recycling program, which continues to save taxpayer dollars, this budget contains funding for the design and construction of advanced technology equipment to improve the sorting of recyclables. This, in turn, will generate more revenue to the county. The total capital funding for both districts is $44.2 million.
  
• The refuse and sewer district budgets do not affect the county’s operating budget.

The proposed capital project budget is available online at www.westchestestergov.com/budget