Westchester View

White Plains Beautification has held a special place in the hearts of White Plains residents and commuters for many years. White Plains NY has often been called “The City In the Park” and with good reason. Gardens dot the landscape everywhere from the downtown, to our historic monuments to our parks and suburban enclaves.  Much of this is due to the good offices of the White Plains Beautification Foundation. The following is a press release sent to me by White Plains Beautification regarding the Holocaust Memorial Garden on Martine Ave. The memorial Cedar of Lebanon evergreen that was dedicated in 1992 has died, but plans are being made to replace the tree with the help of Alan and Mary Jane Goldman:  More information is below in the press release:

Ruthmarie Hicks

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The PCF – History & Mission…

The (PCF) -  Pediatric Cancer Foundation  was founded in 1970  – a year before Richard Nixon declared “war” on cancer in 1971.  Initially  known as the Maxwell Leeds Pediatric Tumor Foundation, it was founded by grateful parents whose son underwent surgery for cancer at Babies Hospital  of New York Presbyterian.   It is dedicated to raising money for research and parent/patient care for world renowned doctors and institutions.

PCF is not-for-profit and 90% of every dollar received directly supports its mission to fund research and support for families.

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One of the most active months in the Westchester calendar of events is the month of October.  Halloween is big news particularly in Sleepy Hollow and up the line along the Hudson River.

Horseman’s Hollow at Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow NY was a smashing success last year.  It received great play and great reviews. Now it is back this year – bigger and better than ever.  By popular demand it has been extended to 12 evenings. It started last week but there is still time for a good scare before Halloween.

This is perhaps one of the “darker events” that is not for the faint of heart and probably not suitable for small children.  It takes place at the historic Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow off of Route 9.   There are creatures of all kinds – earthly and otherwise and costuming that is one of a kind according to friends who went last year.   Of course you will meet the famous horseman.  I was driving by the other day and saw the horse right off the property eagerly getting ready for his performance!

Where: Philipsburg Manor – Sleepy Hollow NY – off Route 9

When: October 14-16, 20-23, 27-30  -  7 PM – 9:30 PM  at 30 minute intervals

The Price:  $20 weeknights – $25 weekends

Tickets are going fast so sign up ASAP - Click Here for Horseman’s Hollow

© 2011 – Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com – All rights reserved.

It’s hard to believe that we are nearing the 10th anniversary of that fateful day that changed the world in 2001.  I think we all remember where we were on that fateful morning.  In the wake of this sad  anniversary  there is opportunity..an opportunity to give something to the community.

The Westchester County Center is hosting an event to rally volunteers from all over the county…

When:  Friday Sept. 9, 2011  2:00-7:00 PM
Where:  Westchester County Center  – Central Ave -  White Plains NY

• Connect with over 100 non-profit organizations that need volunteers.
• Give blood and help save lives.
• Support our men and women in uniform.
• Bring  non-perishable canned food for the Montrose VA Food Pantry.

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A few days ago, I posted links for the major public school calendars.   It was popular  – so I decided to extend the school calendar offering  to local colleges and universities in Westchester NY.  As someone who has been a local adjunct professor – I am aware that our area is uniquely rich in academic opportunities.  These days, with costs rising everywhere,  many Westchester students are opting to stay local for college.  And why not?  Westchester has a great deal to offer.  This list is by no means complete.  But here are  most of the academic calendars from local colleges and universities.

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Greetings everyone – like many of you I spent much of the last 24 hours preparing for Hurricane Irene.  Please do not take this storm lightly.

Here are some helpful hints to staying safe:

Before the storm:

Remove debris, garden furniture, and anything likely to fly around.  Either dispose of it or move it indoors so that it doesn’t become a deadly projectile.  I was amazed at how much I had in my back yard that was not secured. Indeed the task continues this morning.

Make sure you have water, batteries and perhaps a radio.  If you have an iPad or smart phone, the radio may not be necessary.  Bring in extra food in case stores are closed for a few days.

If you can – sandbag areas where you want water kept out.  Water damage in this storm is expected to be considerable.

Home Depot has been running out of everything – however they are constantly getting new shipments and they have vowed to stay open for all Westchester customers 24/7 until the storm passes.  You can call the Mt. Pleasant store about availability of needed items at 914-593-7110. The number in New Rochelle is 914- 235-7575.   I was there yesterday and they are doing everything they can.  They will probably be doing the same thing during the aftermath – so these are great resources if you have damage in the aftermath.

If  You Lose Power or Detect an electrical emergency:

Con Edison: 1-800-752-6633 and 914-925-6435

For local updates online:

News 12 Westchester – has updates online in the event that you lose television and cable.

You can access News 12  on your smart phone through this web address – www.news12.com.

For those without a cell phone or with cell phones that are not smart phones – here is the number for News  12 Audio Feed:  646-273-1212.

Local Police Numbers:

DO NOT CALL 911 unless it is a true  emergency  – here are some local police numbers for your convenience.

For those who were advised to Evacuate – DO SO!

This is a serious storm and even if it weakens a great deal – it is better to be safe than sorry.

Stay Dry – Stay Safe –

For those who want this information on their phone….

Use the QR Code below – and it will load this url directly to your phone.

©2011 – Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com