PLAYLAND OPENING DAY, MAY 12

The sounds of old-time carousel organ music will waft through the air, the smell of freshly spun cotton candy will abound and the mighty Dragon Coaster will roar in its tracks when Playland Park in Rye hosts its 84th opening day, Saturday, May 12. The fun gets underway with a parade and entertainment beginning at 11 a.m. and rides opening at noon. Special opening day admission is $15, which is good for unlimited rides until the park closes at 7 p.m. Admissions go on sale at 10:30 a.m. The opening celebration begins with strolling entertainment at the Fountain Plaza at 11 a.m., followed by the traditional parade with the Port Chester High School Marching Band accompanied by local dignitaries, staff and Playland’s mascot, Coaster the Dragon. Grab a seat in front of the Music Tower Theater stage to hear the band Reunion perform hit sounds from the ‘50s,’60s and ‘70s. at 1, 3 and 5 p.m. Unique, science-based entertainment will leave children and their families laughing and mesmerized at “Mad about Science,” the featured act in Kiddyland for two shows at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Playland’s Kiddyland DJ will also entertain with the “Play it DJ” show, in four performances at 1, 3, 5 and 6 p.m. Kids will move, groove and be smooth as our DJ plays their favorite dance tunes. Admission Prices (after opening day):Daily:$30 unlimited rides; $20 Junior (under 48”) - Westchester residents with acceptable proof of residency are eligible for a $5 discount on these prices. Spectator admission (no rides) is free for Westchester County residents and $10 for non-residents. Season Passes:· $95 for unlimited rides all season, with a $15 discount for Westchester residents.· $35 for spectator admission all season (no rides), for non-residents of Westchester County. Acceptable proof of Westchester residency is a Westchester County Park Pass; New York State driver's license or non-driver I.D.; or a photo I.D. or report card from a Westchester County school. Playland’s pre-season schedule is noon to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays until Memorial Day weekend, after which the spring schedule begins. For the season schedule go to ryeplayland.org or call the park at (914) 813-7000. Use the Website link to join the Playland E-Club and receive valuable discounts all season long. Become a Facebook fan at Playland Facebook and follow Playland on Twitter. Parking is $5 weekdays, $7 weekends and $10 on holidays.Rain date for opening day is Saturday, May 19.Playland is located at the end of Playland Parkway in Rye. For public bus transportation, visit westchestergov.com/beelinebus.

ASTORINO SUBMITS BONDING RESOLUTIONS FOR $58 MILLION IN CAPITAL PROJECTS

Asks Board of Legislators to approve projects that will create about 550 jobs

County Executive Robert P. Astorino has asked the Board of Legislators to approve the bonding for $58 million of capital projects that would restore important infrastructure and protect public safety, while creating about 550 jobs in construction. The approval requests, sent on an ongoing basis since Jan. 1, include about $26 million for 15 new projects and about $32.3 million in other projects that the legislators failed to act on in 2011. Collectively, they focus on bridges and roads, county parks and county buildings.

Tracee Ellis Ross Announced as a Host for 2012 NYFW EMERGE! Show To Honor Vogue’s Contributing Editor Andre’ Leon Talley

Diane Von Furstenberg Scheduled to Present Legend Award During February Emerging Designer Event

(New York, NY) EMERGE! A Fashion Runway Show, announced today that actress Tracee Ellis Ross will be taking the stage with EMERGE! Host Chavis Aaron for an unforgettable New York City Fashion Week event. The show has consistently been a platform for emerging designers and this year’s esteemed Fashion Innovator Award (FIA) will be presented to Vogue’s Contributing Editor Andre’ Leon Talley. To add to the excitement of the evening the award will be handed off to Andre by legendary designer and President of the CFDA Diane Von Furstenberg. EMERGE! A Fashion Runway Show is produced by D. Williams Public Relations Group and debuted on the Fashion elite social scene in February 2011 and since then has been consistent in providing a platform for emerging designers to showcase their work twice a year for New York City Fashion Week. This year’s EMEGE! Will feature a total of 6 designers: Terri Stevens of Project Runway, Omar Villalobos & Gordana Rasic , Elie Kuame , Barbara Bates, Michael Alan Stein & Jahi Fitzgerald.

“New York Fashion Week is a magical time. I am delighted to co-host the EMERGE! show and to share the stage with fashion innovators in celebration of emerging talent,” states Tracee Ellis Ross.

The 2012 New York City event will be hosted at the historic Broad Street Ballroom (41 Broad Street, NYC) on February 14th, 2012 with doors promptly opening at 6:00pm for Reception and 7:00pm for Awards program and Fashion Show. The invite only event will be sprinkled with stars such as Kristin Chenoweth, Nole Marin, J Alexander, Jill Zarin and more.

“We could not be happier for Tracee Ellis Ross to join the EMERGE!
Team this year as a co-host.” States EMERGE! Producer Dionne Williams. “This event has grown faster than any of us ever expected. Tracee is truly the epitome of elegance and was hands down, the perfect choice.”

Emerge! is created and produced by D. Williams PR Group. The fashion show production is provided by Tai Chunn of MVC Management Productions. Sponsors for the evening include: Bennett Career Institute/ C. Alan Glam Squad, Flowers and Production design by Adam Leffel Production with florals being designed by Polpat Klongkhayan.

197 Motorists Pulled Over for 'Move Over' ViolationsState Police Troop T Reports on Traffic Safety Enforcement

(02/02/2012)(readMedia)-- During a concerted enforcement period in January, 197 motorists were pulled over for failing to "move over" along the New York State Thruway, according to Troop T of the New York State Police.The traffic safety initiative was intended to promote awareness of a new state law that requires motorists to change lanes or slow down when approaching a service vehicle that is stopped at the side of the road.The law that took effect Jan. 1 extended an earlier protection to tow trucks, maintenance crews and other vehicles with flashing amber lights. The original "Move Over Law" covered police, fire, rescue, and other emergency vehicles with flashing red or white lights.Major Robert C. Meyers, commander of Troop T which patrols the Thruway system, said, "Common courtesy and common sense dictate that motorists should give emergency service personnel and highway crews room to do their jobs. Now it's the law. Troop T will ticket those who violate it."Thruway Authority Executive Director Thomas J. Madison Jr. said, "Safety for our customers -- and for the people who serve them -- is our number one priority. This law gives State Police another enforcement tool to achieve that objective."Drivers who violate the Move Over law could face up to $360 in fines, and drivers could also be assessed three points on their driving record.During concentrated enforcement activities for the Move Over Law at the end of January, Troop T members issued a total of 325 tickets, with 197 of those for failure to observe the "Move Over Law." Other violations included failure to wear a seat belt, and talking on a cell phone while driving.

ROCKLAND COUNTY
Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012
Palisades Center
4th Fl. Community Rooms Grand Ballroom
1000 Palisades Center Drive
West Nyack, NY 10994
4:00 - 9:00 p.m.


Information will be available for review at the hearings, and there will be a project
presentation at 5:00 p.m and repeated again at 7:00 p.m.
The period for submitting comments ends on March 15, 2012. Comments may be
made as follows:
# Verbally, or in writing at the public hearings above.
# Via email: tzsite@dot.state.ny.us
# Via fax. 845-454-7443
# Via mail:
Michael P. Anderson
Tappan Zee Hudson River Crossing Project
New York State Dept. Of Transportation

THE GREENBURGH PUBLIC LIBRARY BUDGET IS DRASTICALLY REDUCED

Greenburgh, NY—December 27, 2011

The Greenburgh Town Board has released its 2012 adopted budget. The newly released budget includes a cut of $250,000 on top of the original $320,000 cut imposed on the Library in the tentative budget published on October 31, 2011. These drastic cost-cutting measures translate to an 18% reduction in the Town’s 2012 appropriation to the Greenburgh Public Library, as compared to the 2011 appropriation.

The Greenburgh Public Library Board of Trustees has decided to maintain a schedule of six days per week. Consequently the budget for books, DVDs, music CDs, audio books, newspapers, and magazines was eliminated. In addition, three part-time employees were laid off. The very popular online service used by students, Tutor.com, was cancelled. These painful decisions were based on the Trustees’ commitment to maintaining the current schedule of providing six-days per week service rather than further reducing our schedule to five days per week.  

As recently as 2009 the Library was open seven days a week. Further reducing hours jeopardizes the Library’s charter, as the New York State standard minimum hours are not being met. Furthermore, the Library Trustees recognize the evolving role of libraries in the community as a place to meet, learn, study and explore.  

The Greenburgh Public Library Trustees are working with the Friends of the Greenburgh Library and the Greenburgh Public Library Foundation to establish a book-buying campaign in order to fill the library shelves with new materials.

The adopted budget as published by the Town does not reflect the changes to the particular budget lines mentioned in this press release. Contact the Library for a copy of the revised Library budget

Westchester Putnam Association of REALTORS® Names Don M. Cummins III, Director of Legal Services White Plains, NY

The Westchester Putnam Association of REALTORS® (WPAR) has named Don M. Cummins III, Esq. of Mahopac, as its Director of Legal Services. Cummins will be responsible for administering the Professional Standards and Grievance proceedings for the Association members, and providing legal support for the business and contractual matters that come before the Association. In addition, he will provide advice on all educational and training matters which have Federal, New York State or local regulation compliance. Cummins has been practicing law for almost 15 years in New York and also holds real estate salesperson, brokers and continuing education instructors’ licenses. Prior to joining WPAR, he had his own private practice, Law Offices of Don Cummins, specializing in real estate issues, and also dealing with wills, trusts and estates and general litigation. Since 2000, he has been a New York State licensed real estate instructor for the New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR), the Orange County Association of Realtors (OCAR), WPAR, and many real estate brokerages, mortgage brokerages and title companies. Cummins also served as an instructor for the Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES, the New York Institute of technology and SUNY at Stony Brook. Before starting his own practice, Cummins was an Associate with Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider, and an Associate with Melito & Adolfsen, P.C., both in New York City. He also worked with Lorne Michaels and Saturday Night Live as a Business and Legal Affairs Associate. Cummins holds a J.D, cum laude, from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York, where he graduated at the top 10 percent of his class. He also holds a B.A. in Political Science from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He served as a Fellowship Law Clerk to the Honorable Michael B. Mukasey, U.S.D.J. and former U.S. Attorney General, and to the Honorable Henry B. Pitman, U.S. Magistrate Judge, both at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Cummins holds many awards including the Putnam County Association of Realtors’ “Man of the Year” Award in 2009. Other honors include: Membership and Entrance to the Order of the Coil – Legal Honor Society; Alexander’s Fellowship, Cardozo School of Law; Graduate Assistant of the Year, SUNY at Stony Brook, Division of Campus Residences; and many more.

ACCOUNTING FIRM CITRIN COOPERMAN ROLLS UP ITS SLEEVES TO SUPPORT FOOD BANK FOR WESTCHESTER

White Plains Firm Helps Package Pre-Thanksgiving Deliveries for the Needy

WHITE PLAINS, Nov. 9, 2011 – Accounting and business consulting firm Citrin Cooperman, in a show of volunteer force, closed its White Plains office Tuesday afternoon as 50 of its partners and staff prepared food packages at the Food Bank for Westchester.The Citrin Cooperman volunteers packaged more than 1,000 two-pound containers of macaroni and 675 children’s backpacks filled with a variety of food, from oatmeal to canned pears to granola bars for distribution the week before Thanksgiving. ”I can’t express in words the gratitude we have for the tremendous effort on the part of the good people of Citrin Cooperman,” said Christina Rohatynskyj, Executive Director of the Food Bank. “I know many people think of accountants as sitting behind computers crunching numbers, but these folks rolled up their sleeves and supplied us with the pre-holiday support we need to fulfill our mission. It really was incredible. What they did is so essential in helping to provide food to those most in need in this difficult economy.”Under the guidance of Nancy Lyons, the Food Bank’s Resource and Volunteer Coordinator, Citrin Cooperman staff worked as a volunteer assembly line throughout the afternoon, creating family-sized food packages from bulk food donations. “Volunteering our time and effort was a tremendously gratifying experience for our firm and staff,” said Alan Badey, partner in charge of Citrin Cooperman’s White Plains office. “At a time of great joy, we also recognize that there are others who are experiencing tough times and are having difficulty putting food on the table. Citrin Cooperman has a long history of involvement with the greater Westchester community, and this is just another way of giving back.” The food packages will be distributed by the Food Bank for Westchester to hunger-relief organizations located throughout the county.For Citrin Cooperman partner Spencer Barback, the commitment to the Food Bank goes more than 15 years, back to the 1990s, and includes serving three years as president of the organization and his current role as board member. “At an unprecedented time of need for many in Westchester County, Citrin Cooperman, took the unusual step of closing the office for the afternoon, in order to support the Food Bank,” said Barback.Westchester County has a great deal of wealth, but there are also many residents living on the edge of poverty for whom the Food Bank is an invaluable resource. The Food Bank for Westchester estimates that approximately 200,000 county residents are hungry or at risk of hunger. Half of them are seniors; approximately one-third are children under the age of 18.The Food Bank for Westchester acquires, warehouses and distributes more than seven million pounds of food annually to 227 Westchester County hunger-relief organizations, including food pantries and soup kitchens, among others. The mission of the Food Bank is to lead, engage and educate Westchester County in creating a hunger-free environment. Its core activity is the collection and distribution of donated, government and purchased food.

Redevelopment Repositions 1 Million Sq. Ft. Outdoor Shopping Center
As One of the Region’s Most Successful and EnduringRetailCentersYONKERS, NY (October 2011) – The Cross County Shopping Center, Westchester County’s first shopping center, celebrated a new chapter in its remarkable history at a VIP reception held October 11 to mark the completion of a $250 million redevelopment project. The extensive renovation and remerchandising of the property positions the
1million-square-foot outdoor shopping center as one of the region’s most successful and enduring retail developments.The VIP reception, which was attended by State, County and City officials, kicked off a week-long “RE-Launch Celebration” that featured a series of exciting programs including a restaurant tasting event, public art sculpture installation, live concert,fashion shows, beauty makeovers and much more. “The redevelopment of Cross County Shopping Center is complete and after more than five years of renovations, we could not be more pleased with the outcome,” said James Stifel, chief investment officer for Benenson Capital Partners, LLC and executive vice president for the property’s owner, Brooks Shopping Centers, LLC. “The center has been transformed into a modern destination with nationally-known retailers, beautifully landscaped gathering spaces and valued amenities including free parking. The one thing that has remained consistent is the connection Cross County Shopping Center has with the local community – our history with Westchester residents are what set us apart from other shopping centers. We are so pleased to welcome our shoppers back to what we believe to be a brand new Cross County Shopping Center and a brand new shopping experience.”“Cross County Shopping Center is an integral part of the fabric of our city. We have been pleased to work closely with Macerich and Brooks Shopping Centers to bring this revitalization to fruition. This project has created more than a thousand construction jobs and hundreds of new permanent jobs for our community, and Cross County is one of the city’s largest revenue generators. Congratulations to all involved,” said Yonkers Mayor Philip A. Amicone."Westchester loves to shop locally and the Cross County Shopping Center has been filling that need for close to six decades," said County Executive Robert P. Astorino. "Its redevelopment positions it as a go-to destination for shoppers for years to come and is a sign of confidence in the county's continuing economic growth."Located in Yonkers at the junction of the Cross County Parkway and New York State Thruway, the Cross County Shopping Center features more than 100 retailers including noted national brands Macy’s, A│X Armani Exchange, Swarovski, bebe, GUESS, H&M to name a few. Since the redevelopment project began in 2007, 32 retailers representing 155,288 square feet have opened new stores and/or renovated or expanded existing stores at the center.As part of the redevelopment project, each of the 15 buildings that comprise the center received architectural enhancements including new canopy details, updated lighting and more window frontage for retailers to showcase their merchandise.Retail Venues Complemented by Extensive Landscaping
The 71-acre center has also undergone extensive landscaping to complement the retail venues and restore the center’s beautifully manicured outdoor setting. The common area has been transformed into an attractive pedestrian-friendly centerpiece with new brick pavers, colored concrete, new planters with seasonal and local flowers and trees that line the main promenades and entrances. The outdoor shopping experience has been enhanced with the addition of new outdoor gathering spaces with graceful fountains, comfortable seating vignettes and outdoor play areas for children.Two new children’s play areas were opened last year to enrich the family experience at the center. The Zoo Zone play area features an animal theme, complete with eight play pieces and a tree-house/slide as the centerpiece. A second children’s play area includes two “park pet” sculptures which are modeled after the Alice and Wonderland statutes seen in New York’s Central Park. Both play areas are open to the public at no charge.Last year the center opened a new indoor soft seating lounge and public restrooms. The new restroom facility includes a family restroom as well as two private nursing rooms. Restrooms are located to the north of A│X Armani Exchange. Also in this location is a new centralized security office which assists shoppers with services such as Lost & Found, mass transit schedules, taxi contact assistance and store directories.Major Improvements to Parking and Traffic Flow
A key element in the redevelopment project is the improvement of parking and traffic flow at the center. A new direct entrance into the shopping center from the Cross County Parkway allows shoppers to circle right into the property, while on-going traffic continues on Kimball Avenue. The exit ramp off the Cross County Parkway onto Midland Avenue has been widened to allow more traffic to flow toward the shopping center. There is also a new entrance into the center off Central Park Avenue that leads shoppers directly into a new parking deck with 685 free parking spaces on five levels and direct access into Macy’s on two levels. The center has more than 5,000 free parking spaces.Macy’s, the largest store in the center, has expanded by an additional 75,000 square feet of new retail space. The $30 million expansion and renovation by Macy’s brings its total square footage at the center to over 400,000 square feet.More Retailers Slated to Open Soon
Additional restaurants are slated to open at Cross County, including a free-standing TGI Friday’s and Red Lobster restaurants as well as Chipotle, BGR The Burger Joint, Noodle House and Sarku Japan. More fashion retailers are also planned to open including Adidas, a renovated Gap, Call it Spring and GNC. Future development plans call for replacing the existing eight-story office building at the center,potentially with a new hotel with approximately 150 beds, meeting space and ground-floor retail.In addition to its many retail offerings, the Cross County Shopping Center is home to an extension center of Westchester Community College which has re-located and expanded to more than 12,000 square feet at 8510 Mall Walk. The extension center, which serves more than 2,500 students, offers a variety of credit and non-credit courses. WCC has also formed a partnership with AARP to assist the needs of area seniors.Original Center Featured Gimbel’s and John Wanamaker’s
When it opened in 1954, the Cross County Shopping Center was Westchester’s first shopping center. For more information about the Cross County Shopping Center visit www.crosscountycenter.com