NEWS STORY ABOUT EMPIRE/STELLARIS CONTRACT DISPUTE IN TODAY'S TARRYTOWN PATCH

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Editor Sean Roach: Heard some news you want us to check out? Let me know: sean@patch.com

Stellaris and BlueCross Talks Back On
Politicians wade into the debate as residents and workers in the villages continue to be frustrated by the impasse over reimbursement rates.

By Sean Roach | Email the author | July 30, 2010
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July 28 offer letter from Arthur Nizza.Credit Tom Auchterlonie
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Months have passed since Stellaris Health Network and Empire BlueCross BlueShield split in a disagreement over reimbursement rates.

And since April 1, tens of thousands of Westchester residents have been affected by the inability of the two sides to come to agreement. Individuals have been forced to pay out-of-pocket for medical care, or have had to seek out medical services elsewhere due to the dispute.

Stellaris runs four medical centers in the region including Phelps Memorial Hospital in Sleepy Hollow. The disagreement means that those covered by Empire BlueCross BlueShield are not covered for a majority of medical services provided at Stellaris centers. However, emergency room services are still being covered by Empire.

The frustration has grown to a point where elected officials and municipal administrators have begun throwing their weight behind the issue to force a solution.

Last Friday, New York State Senator Kirsten Gillibrand entered into the debate, urging both sides to come back to the bargaining table and expressing her "concern and dismay that negotiations between Empire BlueCross BlueShield and Stellaris Health Network of Hospitals have stalled."

Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner has also begun an e-mail campaign directed at BlueCross. He has circulated numerous emails showing the real-life impact the dispute has had on residents with medical problems.

It seems like the mounting pressure has caused both sides to blink.

On Tuesday, Stellaris presented a new proposal to Empire BlueCross BlueShield which offered single-digit reimbursement rate increases over a three-year period, which would be tied to certain quality measures. The plan also called for reducing the readmission rate of patients, also referred to as the percentage of patients to become hospitalized again due to conditions such as infections of complications.

According to a letter between Feiner and Mark Wagar, CEO of Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, Empire replied with an altered counter-proposal in a meeting with Stellaris on Friday. There has been no word on the status of that offer or how it has been received.

Empire has portrayed the developments as productive. In Wagar's letter, he noted that Stellaris' revised proposal "signals a compromise" and that it was "a positive development for our members and their patients."

Calls to Stellaris were answered by a machine set up specifically for the issue. Phelps Memorial Hospital directed calls to the designated spokesperson for Stellaris, Thompson & Bender Press Relations.

Geoff Thompson stuck a more cautious tone on Wednesday, stating that there was ongoing communication between the two sides, but no "meaningful discussion" at this point.

"Community hospitals can't go on like this," Thompson said. "At this point it appears some elected officials are starting to get involved to push BlueCross to the table. Maybe this will result in getting this in far more active dialog."

Thompson could not comment on the discrepancy over the reimbursement rate and could not offer any solid numbers on the issue, though Gillibrand noted in her statement that Stellaris estimates it has provided nearly $22 million in uncompensated care over the past two years.

In Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, there are hundreds of residents who have been impacted by the impasse. A good portion of those are workers for the municipal governments. Both municipalities offer the New York State Health Insurance Plan, or NYSHIP. A portion of NYSHIP is provided by Empire BlueCross BlueShield.

"We've definitely been affected by it," Sleepy Hollow Village Administrator Anthony Giaccio said. "I know one employee in particular, and it's been a huge inconvenience. They were very upset about it, and we tried to do what we could to get permission to go to Phelps."

In Tarrytown, Village Administrator Michael Blau said that many employees who had to have screenings, such as mammograms, were suffering the most since BlueCross BlueShield members were flooding smaller medical centers trying to find appointments.

In Greenburgh, Feiner said he got involved with the issue because of the inconvenience to municipal employees, and dozens of residents who have contacted him saying their health had suffered as a result of the impasse.

"Obviously, this has created a tremendous amount of stress for constituents and employees who subscribe to Empire BlueCross BlueShield and who have major medical needs," he said. "Some people have been forced to delay surgeries and procedures. Others are concerned because the doctors they trust and have used for many years do not have privileges at other hospitals. I have received e-mails from patients with leukemia, cancers and major/minor medical problems."

Feiner said he had scheduled a meeting with Mark Wagar, President of Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, on August 11 if the issue has not been resolved by then.

And while there has been an offer, and a counter-offer, members of Stellaris are sticking to their guns.

"The decision is really in Empire's court," Jon B. Schandler, the President and CEO White Plains Hospital Center. "We have no room left for movement, and Empire can either reject our offer and continue to disrupt their members' health care needs or accept our new offer and end this dispute."

no work session..playground being replaced..fun events

The Town Board will not be scheduling a work session this week.
SATURDAY, farmer's market and outdoor concert.
Thursday evening, outdoor concert, Yosemite Park--Theodore Young Community Center

PLAYGROUND BEING REPLACED AT RICHARD PRESSER PARK/WEBB FIELD. We decided to replace the old playground during the end of July/early September so that children will enjoy the new equipment in September when school opens. This is the slowest time of the year and the best time to replace the playground equipment.

-FUN EVENTS FROM www.rivertownsguide.com - Road to Freedom Walk DOBBS FERRY THIS SUNDAY AT 1

Sunday, August 1 @ 1pm: walk, @ 2pm: music & event
Gould Park & Mead House, Dobbs Ferry
The walk starts with a salute to the 13 states, then follows route of the Continental Army in 1781. Them at The Mead House, there will be music, cannon display, costumed re-enactors. Road to Freedom 2010 is a shared initiative of The Dobbs Ferry Historical Society and the Village of Dobbs Ferry.





Sounds of Summer: New Music Documentaries

Jacob Burns Film Center, Pleasantville
There's something for everyone in our summer music festival, a series of new documentaries on rock, folk, soul, classical, and more—including Arcade Fire, Glenn Gould, and ukelele music. Go to http://www.burnsfilmcenter.org/films/film-series/detail/24140 for information, show times and to purchase tickets.
Tuesday, August 3 @ 7:30 & 9:50 - Ride, Rise, Roar
Wednesday, August 4 @ 7:25 & 9:50 - Genius Within: The Inner Life of Glenn Gould
Thursday, August 5 @ 7:30 & 9:40 - Wetlands Preserved: The Story of an Activist Nightclub
Wednesday, August 11@ 7:30 - A Trip Through Strawberry Fields: A Multimedia Lecture of Rare Audio and Video
Wednesday, August 18 @ 7:30 & 9:30 - Neil Young Trunk Show



Tarrytown Third Friday – August 20

We need your vote!! Please go to http://www.tarrytownthirdfriday.com/ to vote for which movie you would like to see on the big screen for the next Third Friday!! Tarrytown Third Friday in August will feature our first Dinner and a Movie event! Please visit our website for dinner details and to vote!



Paid Internship

Family-to-Family, a grassroots national hunger relief organization with office located in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY seeks: college grad, or close to it, with interest in working for social change and causes. You are highly organized, a self-motivator, great research skills, good people/phone skills, comfortable with data entry/organization and flexible in nature. 10+ hours per week (work from home/library/our office….we’re flexible, too!), $12 per hour and a great resume builder. Please email: famtofamily@aol.com with resume.






Friends of the Greenburgh Library Accepting Donations

The Friends of the Greenburgh Library are now accepting donations for their annual sale which will take place October 1 through October 5. The group is seeking donations that include hardcover books (with dust jacket); paperback books, music CDs and DVDs. Donations can be dropped off in the vestibule of the Greenburgh Public Library, located at 300 Tarrytown Road, in Elmsford during normal Library hours beginning July 21. For information, go to http://greenburghlibrary.org/friends.php, call 914/761-4443 or email Elly1@aol.com.

Ardsley Summer Concert Series at Ashford Park
from 7pm – 9pm
Friday, August 6 - Linc
Friday, August 20 - Barj-Project
Saturday, August 28 - Ardsley's Billy Watson and Raising Kane



Summer 2010 from Jazz Forum Arts
Free Outdoor Concerts. Pack a picnic and watch the sunset over the Hudson
at these two outstanding Music Series. For a complete listing of the over 30 Summer Concerts from Jazz Forum Arts, go to http://www.jazzforumarts.org/ & download flyer.

11th Annual Dobbs Ferry Summer Music Series
Every Wednesday, 6:30pm – 8pm
Waterfront Park in Dobbs Ferry
Co-sponsored by RiverArts
August 4 - Pete Yellin and Don Friedman Quartet
August 11 - The Stryker/Slagle Band
August 18 - Greg Abate and Gary Smulyan Quartet
August 25 - Season Finale! Ginga Pura Nova York



Farmers Markets on Facebook
Join the Facebook Pages for updates and schedules for the
Rivertowns Farmers Markets

Tarrytown Farmers Market – (no Facebook page)
http://www.communitymarkets.biz/market.php?market=9

Dobbs Ferry Farmers Market: Every Friday

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dobbs-Ferry-NY/Dobbs-Ferry-Farmers-Market/113108982047720?ref=ts



Hastings Farmers Market: Every Saturday

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=84953708667&ref=mf



Irvington Farmers Market: Every Wednesday, 3:30pm – 7:30pm
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Irvington-Village-Farmers-Market/98309589893?ref=mf



Hartsdale Farmers Market: Opening Day: Saturdays, 8:30am - 1pm (and every Saturday morning) Hartsdale Train Station





Saturday 31-from thehudsonindependent.com
Jerry and Patsy Di Leo are Westchester residents who will be having a book signing for their first publication called "Gabriella and Her Bouquet of Friends" at Coffee
Labs Roasters in Tarrytown on July 31st from 7pm-9pm.
Who’s Eating Who?: From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. meet a few owls and dissect an owl pellet to find out what they had for supper at Teatown Lake Reservation in Ossining. Call 762-2912, ext. 110 or visit www.teatown.org.
Flights of Fancy: At 2:30 p.m. walk among the butterflies and chat with curator Travis Brady about these “flying flowers” at the Greenburgh Nature Center in Scarsdale. Call 723-3470 or visit www.greenburghnaturecenter.org.
Ongoing
Tomato Festival
Come Pick Tomatoes at Your Community Garden
Sunday, August 1st at 4pm. Event will take place at the garden located behind the 100 College Arms apartment building.
Also, attend our “Open Houses” - Monday-Friday from 5-6pm all summer long!
Plant, harvest, taste and tend to your garden!
Summerweek History Day Camp: Children ages 9 to 11 can experience the daily life of the 18th and 19th century from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. July 5 to 9 at Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow, July 12 to 16 at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton and July 19 to 23 at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside in Tarrytown. Call 631-8200, ext. 643 or visit www.hudsonvalley.org.
Adult Summer Reading Club: Through Aug. 13 read/listen to 4 books, fill out a log sheet and win a prize at the Warner Library in Tarrytown. Call 631-7734 or visit www.warnerlibrary.org.
Summer Reading Program for Teens: Through Aug. 16 read/listen to 4 books, fill out a log sheet and win a prize at the Warner Library in Tarrytown. Call 631-7734 or visit www.warnerlibrary.org.
Children’s Summer Reading Club: Through Aug. 7. Sign up in the Children’s Room and read for rewards at the Warner Library in Tarrytown. Call 631-7734 or visit www.warnerlibrary.org.
Art Exhibit: From July 6 to 31 Sumi ink drawings of the American Southwest by Jim Maciel will be on display at the Irvington Public Library. Proceeds from the sale of artwork will benefit the Food Bank for Westchester. Call 591-7840 or visit www.IrvingtonLibrary.org.
“Stories in the Park”: Mondays at 11 a.m. beginning July 12 at Matthiessen Park in Irvington. Call 591-7840 or visit www.IrvingtonLibrary.org.
Kayaking: Rent a kayak between noon and 4 p.m. on the Tarrytown Lakes Saturdays and Sundays. Call 682-5135 or visit www.KayakHudson.com.
Art Exhibit: Art from Neighborhood House will be on display during the month of July at the Warner Library in Tarrytown. Call 631-7734 or visit www.warnerlibrary.org.
Farm Market: Stone Barns Center’s produce, meat and eggs are on sale Wednesdays and Fridays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 630 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills. Call 366-6200 or visit www.stonebarnscenter.org.
Tarrytown Farmer’s Market: The market is open from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays at Patriots’ Park to Nov. 13. Call 923-4837 or visit www.communitymarkets.biz.
Piano Bar: Every Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m.to 11 p.m. in Bistro Z at the Doubletree Hotel in Tarrytown. Call 524-6410.
Stone Barns’ programs: A series of produce-related talks and tours will be offered on Saturdays and family programs on Sundays at Stone Barns in Pocantico Hills. Call 366-9606 or visit www.stonebarnscenter.org.
Children’s programs at the libraries: Stories, rhymes and songs for children of various ages at Tarrytown’s Warner Library and Irvington Public Library. For Warner, call 631-7734 or visit www.warnerlibrary.org. For Irvington, call 591-7840.
Chess club: Join the Warner Library Chess Club which meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Call 631-7734 to register.
Men’s club: Meets every Wednesday at 9:45 a.m. at JCC on the Hudson in Tarrytown. Meetings have varied speakers and are open to the public free of charge. Call 366-7898 or visit www.jcconthehudson.org.impacted by these cuts.
GREAT WEBSItES

www.rivertownsguide.com ( frequently updated calendar of fun events happening in our area)
www.thehudsonindependent.com for news and activities.
www.tarrytownpatch . com for more news and activities.
www.scarsdale10583.com news about Edgemont and Hartsdale
www.intervillage.org (non profit adult education programs)
www.volunteer-center.org (the volunteer center can provide you with hundreds of volunteer opportunities.
WANT TO SAVE MONEY? WWW.KnowtoriousPIG.com posts substantial discounts on their website every day. Most of the discounts are 50%+ off the typical costs. Example; $1- for an entree at a restaurant.
Want a free prescription drug card? Some residents have advised me that they have saved 40% or more off their prescriptions from this card. Also have cards for pets.
The cards are available at my office. No gimmicks, no registration. Just take a card. Cards are effective if you do not have insurance or if you are underinsured.

update: EMPIRE AND STELLARIS NEGOTIATIONS

In recent days I have forwarded many e mails from residents who subscribe to Empire Blue Cross BlueShield and Stellaris Health Networks to the CEOs of both organizations and to local hospital presidents. . Because the parties have not yet agreed to a contract those who have Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield have been denied access to medical services from area hospitals—Northern Westchester, Lawrence Hospital, Phelps Memorial and White Plains Hospital.
Obviously, this has created a tremendous amount of stress for constituents and employees who subscribe to Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield and who have major medical needs. Some people have been forced to delay surgeries and procedures. Others are concerned because the doctors they trust and have used for many years do not have privileges at other hospitals. I have received e mails from patients with leukemia,cancers and major/minor medical problems.
PROGRESS IS BEING MADE.—READ STATEMENTS FROM HEAD OF EMPIRE BLUE CROSS/WHITE PLAINS HOSPITAL
I have spoken with Mark Wagar, CEO of Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield and have e mailed him a number of times this week. His office just sent me the following statement. ALSO posted below is an e mail that a constituent sent to me –from the President of White Plains Hospital.
It’s important that we continue to highlight the personal stories that this contract dispute is having on Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield customers. All e mails that I receive highlighting your experiences are being forwarded to Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield and Stellaris Health Networks. Please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
This is the statement we are releasing in response to the emails we are receiving as a result of Stellaris' most recent communications:

We are pleased to report that Stellaris presented us with a revised proposal on Tuesday, July 27, 2010. Stellaris' revised proposal signals a compromise on their request for increased reimbursement and, importantly, indicates a willingness to align payment with value by putting a portion of their reimbursement at risk for achieving quality metrics and reducing readmission rates. This is a positive development for our members and their patients. We are particularly excited about the opportunity to create a collaborative arrangement going forward that promotes improved patient safety and outcomes. Towards that end, we have prepared a counter proposal that we will be presenting to Stellaris at a meeting scheduled for later today (July 30).

Though we have learned that Stellaris has issued a communication informing patients and community leaders that this was their final offer, Stellaris did not state that in their proposal to us. Therefore, we will continue a collaborative dialogue with Stellaris designed to reach an appropriate compromise that balances their needs against the needs of our members for affordable, accessible, quality health care. We believe that Stellaris will do the same and, if that is the case, we are hopeful to bring this negotiations to a successful conclusion soon.

We know that Stellaris Health network is important to our customers and members. Accordingly, we will continue to post updates www.empireblue.com.


Sending on behalf of
Mark Wagar, President & CEO
FROM JOHN SCHANDLER, WHITE PLAINS HOSPITAL
It’s been a few weeks since we last wrote to you about our situation with Empire Blue Cross and we want to take this opportunity to provide you with an update on our negotiations.

Early this week, we presented Empire with a revised offer. In an effort to finally resolve this for the sake of our community, we lowered our request to single digit rate adjustments over three years to meet Empire half way. We offered to accept part of those payments based on quality measures, which Empire wanted, because we are confident in the quality of care we provide. Finally, we offered to partner with Empire to reduce the readmission rate (the percentage of patients who return to the hospital with an infection, complication, or other problem) to reduce the overall cost of care. This would be an innovative partnership that's good for everyone in the health care system. Our latest offer demonstrates a major step toward resolution and we urge Empire to accept our offer and settle this dispute immediately.

The decision is really in Empire's court. We have no room left for movement, and Empire can either reject our offer and continue to disrupt their members' health care needs or accept our new offer and end this dispute. We gave Empire until early next week to respond to our offer, and we are holding them to this timeline. They have a decision to make and we can only hope it’s the right one for the sake of our community, our patients, and their members.

We could use your help. Please contact Empire and urge them to accept our offer and settle this dispute once and for all. They need to hear how important it is that we reach a resolution on this issue and the more pressure they get from their members and the community, the higher the likelihood they will accept. Please call, write, or email today.

Mark Wagar, President & CEO
Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
mark.wagar@empireblue.com
212-476-1237
One Liberty Plaza, New York, NY 10006

We have made every attempt throughout the course of these negotiations to get a contract finished. We’ve lowered our request more than once, we’ve proposed new and creative approaches to payment, we’ve accepted Empire’s request for quality pay for performance, and we’ve offered innovative partnerships with Empire unlike any other. It’s up to Empire to make this right and accept our latest offer and we hope they do.

Thank you again for your continued support and assistance. Please don’t hesitate to call us at (914) 206-4664 with any questions.

Sincerely,
Jon B. Schandler
President & CEO
White Plains Hospital Center

IMPACT OSI'S DECISION NOT TO RELOCATE TO GREENBURGH WILL HAVE

Received a call from an attorney for Astellas. He represents Astellas which took over OSI. He advised me that they will be closing the Ardsley facility on 9A as of October, 2011 and will be doing very limited construction between now and then to protect their investment. This is disappointing. OSI is a major bio tech company. They had planned to move their corporate headquarters to Greenburgh from Long Island. Earlier this year Astellas acquired the company in a takeover. Their presence in Greenburgh would have created more jobs for the community and would have helped boost the local economy. Although they won’t stay in Greenburgh – the town benefited from their temporary presence. We estimate that we received about $400,000 in building permit fees for the construction work they received building permits for. We worked out a pilot agreement which protects the town. OSI is still responsible for the PILOT AGREEMENT.

In negotiating the agreement for the fifteen year term, first, the property is not permitted to file a Certiorari proceeding. Secondly, the property was purchased at a market value of $27,000,000, OSI is responsible for a payment In lieu of taxes based on a market value of $32,000,000 plus any improvements that increased the market value that were or are going to be made to the site through the term of the agreement. Lastly, if the company goes in to default of the agreement, they are still responsible for the payment in lieu of taxes.

Based on OSI’s purchase price in 2008 and the current economic downturn in the market, the PILOT payments exceed the taxes which would be payable were the facility to be vacant. Also, if the property is to go back on the taxable roll due to OSI's default or sale of the property, the company would remain liable for the PILOT amount for the full term of the PILOT agreement., even if the taxes turned out to be less

The terms of this agreement are similar to those contained in other PILOT agreements negotiated during my tenure, and similarly, protect the town from the devastating effects that a move such as this might have had otherwise. Our town team (Edye McCarthy, Assessor; Tim Lewis, Town Attorney, John Lucido, building inspector, Thomas Madden, Commissioner of Planning and the Town Board always tries to consider worst case possibilities –so we can protect residents of the town. I am pleased that we were careful before approving the agreement with OSI.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

another success story--one less unemployed neighbor!

From: Joseph [mailto:joseph.]
Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2010 8:54 AM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Re: manager human resources Paul, Thank you for all of the job notifications. Please remove me from this distribution list, as I am back to work. Joe

meeting to be held on august 11th with president of empire--we hope they resolve dispute with area hospitals

the Editor:
On August 11th Mark Wagar, President of Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, will be meeting with me and fellow Town Supervisors, Mayors and Village Managers at Greenburgh Town Hall. The purpose: to discuss the breakdown in negotiations between Empire BlueCross BlueShield and Stellaris Health Network.
As a result of this contract dispute, many municipal employees who bought Empire Blue Cross Blue Sheld cannot receive medical care at Lawrence Hospital Center, Northern Westchester Hospital, Phelps Memorial Hospital Center, and White Plains Hospital Center. The dispute means that patients who have long standing relationships with local doctors can't use doctors they trust for elective procedures because the doctors don't have privileges at the local hospitals. The lack of a contract has severely restricted the choice of hospitals where our employees and those who have Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage can seek their medical care.
To prepare for this important meeting - I would appreciate it if your readers would e mail me their hard luck stories so I can share them with Mr. Wagar. Hopefully, if Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield understand the impact this dispute is having on hundreds of Westchester residents who purchased insurance from them but are now receiving reduced service (at no discounts) --it will motivate the company to negotiate in good faith with Stellaris Health Network. A group of Town Supervisors, Mayors, Village Managers met with Hospital Presidents and Stellaris Health network recently.
We hope that if we keep the pressure up - that this dispute will be resolved and that local government employees and other residents who have Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield will be able to continue to receive the medical care they depend on from their preferred hospitals and from doctors they have relationships with.
Please e mail me your experiences and comments to: pfeiner@greenburghny.com. I will forward all e mails to Mr. Wagar and to Stellaris and area hospital Presidents.

PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

THE FOLLOWING IS A SAMPLING OF SOME OF THE INITIAL E MAILS I HAVE RECEIVED. THERE ARE MANY MORE>


-----Original Message-----

From: cbrykSent: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 11:47 AM

To: Paul Feiner

Subject: Impacted by Empire BCBS



Hi Paul,



I have a number of drs who are affiliated with White Plains Hospital. Last month I broke a bone in my foot. Instead of going to WPH located directly behind my dr's office for x-rays, I had to travel to WCMC. It was an inconvenience all around. My dr doesn't have an affiliation with the hospital so it took days to get the results and it added to the time I was out of the office. Let me know if you want me to provide an update or if this is sufficient for your purposes.



Thanks,

Christine Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile






--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 11:53 AM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Blue Cross situation




Hi Paul,



I am a long time Greenburgh resident who is impacted greatly by the current Blue Cross situation. As a ten year Leukemia survivor, with life long complications due to a 44 month chemo therapy regiment, I am under the care of several doctors. I was recently advised that several of my doctors NO LONGER accept my current insurance due to the ongoing BC/BS situation. Needless to say this is very disturbing to me.



If I can do anything to help resolve this dispute please call upon me.



As always Paul, thank you for all you do for the residents of Greenburgh.



Sincerely,

Linda




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Frank D [Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 11:54 AM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Stellaris & Empire



My wife and I are impacted by the negotiation failure. Most of our MDs work out of White Plains Hospital and if an elective procedure comes along we would have consequences.

Frank
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


From: Paul Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 12:03 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Empire Blue Cross-Stellaris Hospital network



Dear Mr.Finer: I am writing in response to your e-mail fo yesterday or this morning concerning the termination of the contract between Empire and Stellaris. This occurred earlier this year, in April, I believe. I have considerable experience in the employee benefit field since I have worked in it for more than fifty years. Empire Blue Cross is a major carrier. The termination of their contract with Stellaris is a serious problem for the people insured with Empire because they cannot use these four hospitals (Phelps, Northern Westchester, White Plains and Lawrence) and receive benefits from their Empire plan as they could before the contract ended. If a person’s Empire plan is an E.P.O. type of plan paying in-network benefits only, then expenses incurred in these hospitals are not reimbursed at all. If the plan provides out-of-network benefits, reimbursement for such hospital expenses are now subject to deductible and co-insurance, leaving the insured person liable for out-of-pocket amounts which may be very high.Doctors are also affected because they may try to admit patients to other hospitals where they also have admitting priveleges and which are in the Empire network but which may not be as medically suitable for the patient or as conveniently located. For example, I have an employer client located in Katonah who is insured with Empire and whose employees normally used the Stellaris hospitals. Not, in order to receive hospital expense benefits, the employees and their dependents.have to use other hospitals in Westchester, if possible, or in Carmel or Danbury. All contracts, of course, have at least two parties involved. We don’t know the reasons this contract terminated. We don’t know the points in dispute. Therefore, I think it would be very useful if a meeting with the Stellaris representatives could be held also.Since the two sides seem to be at “loggerheads” perhaps some behind –the scene mediation could be initiated. This is a very important matter. I would gladly be of assistance to you at any time. Sincerely, Paul


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------







From:
Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 9:14 AM
To: Paul Feiner

Subject: Stellarts Contract, 7-27-10



July 27, 2010



Dear Supervisor Feiner:



I can only echo your sentiments regarding the Stellarts Agreement with Blue Cross/Blue Shield. I am RIPPED OFF $400 every month from my government pension to pay for a Blue Cross plan that does not even let me select the hospital of my choice!

(I want to be able to to go to White Plains Hospital).



Thank you for your consideration in this matter.



Stephen



-----Original Message-----

From: Alan

Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 9:05 AM

To: Paul Feiner

Subject: RE: YOUR HELP WANTED-EMPIRE BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD COVERAGE DISPUTE...WAYS TO CUT ENERGY COSTS...FISHER AVE BRIDGE UPDATE



Paul, please note that Empire shows a $1.5 billion dollar profit for last year. All that our local hospitals want are similar deals to mirror what Empire is doing in other parts of the country. My wife and I are subscribers and if any health problems arose that required hospitalization, we'd be forced to go out of the area for care. My wife and I are hobbled with having to go outside of OUR hospitals for simple everyday tests. I have written to both parties in the dispute. Empire stands to lose many subscribers if they maintain their current posture. I count among my friends a good number of doctors in the area. All are of the opinion that Empire is not negotiating in good faith with the hospitals. Good luck with this money grabbing company. Alan



-----Original Message-----
From: Facebook
To: Paul Feiner
Sent: Mon, Jul 26, 2010 4:45 pm
Subject: Joycommented on your status...

Joy commented on your status:



"I'm an employee of NYC Department of Education and also have Empire. Just got

another letter today and I'm very concerned about this"







-----Original Message-----
From: Facebook
To: Paul Feiner
Sent: Mon, Jul 26, 2010 4:43 pm
Subject: Maria commented on your status...

Maria commented on your status:



"I'm not a Greenburgh employee, but I have that plan and just had a difficult

time finding a surgeon and a hospital that both accepted my ins. Very stressful

to switch Dr and hosp. for necessary surgery. They're still making money unless

employers stop offering their product."









-----Original Message-----
From: Facebook
To: Paul Feiner
Sent: Mon, Jul 26, 2010 12:29 pm
Subject: Stephen commented on your status...

Stephen commented on your status:



"I have switched from Empire Blu!!"











From: Ron
Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 12:05 AM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: EMPIRE BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD COVERAGE DISPUTE



Thanks for organizing action on this, Paul.



Wow, it took only a few years For Empire Blue Cross to convert one of America’s finest brand names into something villainous!



I feel totally abandoned by Empire Blue Cross. I pay nearly $18,000 for my family’s annual health insurance premiums and now I can’t even get treatment at our local hospitals. My reaction is to abandon Empire Blue Cross. I’m working with my doctors and my insurance brokers to switch my family and my company employees away from Empire Blue Cross as quickly as possible.



Given a choice between our outstanding local hospitals and the despicable Health Insurance companies of (which I believe WellPoint and Empire Blue Cross are the worst) it didn’t take more than a second to choose whose side I’d be on. Unfortunately, switching health insurance companies takes a bit longer.



I hope my family stays healthy in the meanwhile. I can’t say the same for Mark Wagner! Please let him know how angry our community is.



Thank you,



RON
















--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From:

[Blase

Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 11:27 AM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Empire Healthcare/Stelaris



Hi, Paul



As a retired NYS employee, we too are impacted by this breakdown in negotiations between Empire and Stelaris.



I think that employers have to get tough with Empire. Empire has been insensitive to the needs of retirees, very selective what they pay for, and have been manipulating the system to their benefit for years. However, in the last year or so it's become tantamount to no coverage at all.



Perhaps the town should explore other options rather than renewing its contract with Empire. I hope that NYS does the same.



Blase


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: @aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 11:21 AM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Fwd: YOUR HELP WANTED-EMPIRE BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD COVERAGE DISPUTE...

This is an extremely important matter for many residents who are also retired teachers from the City of NY and
who don't have a choice but to deal with Empire.

As long as this rift is not settled, no lab work done at the hospitals in question from most area doctors, is not paid
AND we also have virtually no hospitals in our area that we can go to.
This a a far reaching breakdown that needs to be resolved and/or reported to NY State authorities.
Obviously we are not now receiving the benefits of the health care that we signed up are paying for.
You can advise Mark that we are going to complain to the NYSUT about this breach of contractual responsibility.
At the very least, they should be paying the bills until a settlement can be reached.



Warren

your help wanted--stories re: impacts from EMPIRE health insurance dispute..energy meeting...fisher ave bridge update

If you have Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage and have been impacted by the breakdown in negotiations between Stellaris Health Network and the insurance company - please advise me of your experiences. After I sent the following e mail to Mark Wagar, President of Empire, I received a call from him. He agreed to meet with me and fellow Town Supervisors and Mayors on August 11th at Greenburgh Town Hall. To help me prepare for the meeting - I'd like to share with him some of the personal hardships residents and employees are experiencing due to this dispute. Please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com

Mark Wagar, President & CEO
Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
One Liberty Plaza
New York, NY 10006

mark.wagar@empireblue.com


Dear Mr. Wagar,



I am writing to express my concern that negotiations between Empire BlueCross BlueShield and Stellaris Health Network have not reached a successful conclusion. It is not acceptable to the town of Greenburgh that our employees do not have access to the four (4) hospitals that comprise the Stellaris Health Network.

The provider network that we originally bought from Empire BlueCross BlueShield is not the network of providers that we can now access. The exclusion of Lawrence Hospital Center, Northern Westchester Hospital, Phelps Memorial Hospital Center, and White Plains Hospital Center, severely restricts the choice of hospitals where our employees can seek their medical care.

Representatives from a majority of the towns and municipalities throughout Westchester County recently hosted a meeting with representatives from Stellaris and the network’s hospitals. Those in attendance now have a better understanding of the issues that challenge the hospitals and why they cannot accept inadequate rates of reimbursement. It is unfortunate that Stellaris is not sure that your organizations will ever reach an agreement. There is no doubt in any of our minds that it would be better for our employees, and for that matter, all of the residents of Westchester County if the Stellaris Health Network Hospitals were participating provider with Empire BlueCross Blue Shield.

In the meantime, however, there continues to be limited access to high quality hospitals in the area. Therefore, I request that you make yourself available for an in-person meeting to further discuss the situation and the impact on the town of Greenburgh. I would be pleased to arrange meetings with the other Town Supervisors and Mayors who currently offer employees Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield. Please contact my office at 914-993-1540 to arrange a time to meet.



Sincerely,




PAUL FEINER

HOW TO CUT ENERGY COSTS
~ Attention business owners and managers ~

Are your utility bills too high?

Would you like to reduce your operating expenses?

Do you want to improve cash flow while greening your business?

Excellent incentives are available for a limited time through

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and Con Ed that provide:

--Free energy assessments or low-cost energy audits to identify opportunities to save on energy costs

--Up to 70% incentives for energy efficient lighting, select equipment and space cooling

--Cash rebates for new high-efficiency restaurant equipment

--Reduced costs for solar system installation.

Come hear from representatives of Con Ed, NYSERDA, and local business

owners who have taken advantage of these opportunities

________________________________________________

~ Wednesday, August 11th at 3:00 ~

Dobbs Ferry Public Library, 55 Main Street, Dobbs Ferry

Sponsored by: Dobbs Ferry Energy Task Force, Dobbs Ferry Downtown Improvement Committee,

Greenburgh Climate Action Task Force, Hastings Chamber of Commerce, Hastings Conservation Commission,

Irvington Chamber of Commerce, Irvington Green Policy Task Force, Irvington Business Improvement Committee,

Sleepy Hollow Chamber of Commerce, Tarrytown Environmental Advisory Council, Westchester Green Business Challenge



Refreshments courtesy of the Riviera Bake House



For further information contact Holly Malekian at 693-6113 or hmalekian@aol.com







Allegra Dengler

Energy Conservation Coordinator

Town of Greenburgh

993-1649



UPDATE FISHER AVE BRIDGE REPAIRS


Paul,

Work last Monday night was successful in determining the structural soundness of the existing concrete substructure. We are meeting this week with the design team to review the test results and finalize the plans for the bridge repairs. The outcome of this meeting is expected to present a final timetable to perform the repairs necessary to restore the bridge to full service.



Victor G. Carosi, P.E.

Commissioner of Public Works

Town of Greenburgh

177 Hillside Avenue, Greenburgh, NY 10607



From: Paul Feiner [mailto:pfeiner@greenburghny.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 27, 2010 12:17 PM
To: Supervisor External Account
Subject: fisher ave bridge

THE FISHERLANE BRIDGEUPDATE—BRIDGE THAT CONNECTS TO N WHITE PLAINSTRAIN STATION



Fisher Lane Bridge required emergency inspection and evaluation by a professional engineering firm due to deterioration of structural members observed by the Town Engineer and Commissioner of Public Works, Victor Carosi. In response to the observations, the Town contracted with WSP-Sells to perform a full inspection and evaluation of the bridge. This inspection identified and documented defects requiring the immediate closure of one lane to traffic and a weight limitation posting to the remaining single lane. WSP-Sells also provided a detour and coordination assistance to the Town with adjacent municipalities and other agencies for the lane closure.







Additional engineering services are now required to resolve the immediate observed structural defects to return the bridge to two-way traffic while further engineering studies are undertaken assessing the long-term design needs of this bridge. The Town has WSP-Sells to provide Engineering Design Services for recommended repairs to the Fisher Lane Bridge in accordance with their proposal of May 7, 2010 for $16,500. Once the study is complete additional funding will have to be authorized for the repairs.



PAUL FEINER



Greenburgh Town Supervisor

work session...public hearing thursday to save child care funding...great websites

Tuesday – July 27, 2010 WORK SESSION TOWN BOARD– 9:15 AM (All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 35 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. )
09:15 AM Library – Air Conditioning problems--update on what we're doing to correct problem.

09:45 AM Budget Process

10:00 AM Special Meeting

10:15 AM Town-Wide Garage Sale – Flea Market (garage sale could be held in October, with proceeds to be used to pay for some town programs

10:30 AM Manhattan Avenue Follow-up--community policing

10:45 AM Follow-up: Scheduling Interviews for Vacancies (Hartsdale Public Parking District)

11:00 AM August Work Session Calendar

11:15 AM Peddlers and Permits

11:30 AM Motion for Executive Session

Community Outreach Meetings with the Town Board and Upcoming Events

· Outreach and Special Meeting at the Theodore D. Young Community Center, Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at 7:00pm.



PUBLIC HEARING THURSDAY, JULY 29 6-9 pm Westchester County Center: Should the county scrap day care funding for kids? I disagree with the County Executive's proposed cuts. If we eliminate child care we will force parents to go on public assistance.



These programs have become a valuable asset in tough economic times for families who are seeking gainful employment and for those who already have jobs but cannot afford the cost of child care. In March, the County Executive proposed cutting $1.5 million in day-care spending .I believe that the elimination of funding for these programs is penny wise and pound foolish--will force parents to stop working and to go on public assistance. The Lois Bronz day care center on Manhattan Ave would be impacted by these cuts.

GREAT WEBSItES

www.rivertownsguide.com ( frequently updated calendar of fun events happening in our area)
www.thehudsonindependent.com for news and activities.
www.tarrytownpatch . com for more news and activities.
www.scarsdale10583.com news about Edgemont and Hartsdale
www.intervillage.org (non profit adult education programs)
www.volunteer-center.org (the volunteer center can provide you with hundreds of volunteer opportunities.
WANT TO SAVE MONEY? WWW.KnowtoriousPIG.com posts substantial discounts on their website every day. Most of the discounts are 50%+ off the typical costs. Example; $1- for an entree at a restaurant.
Want a free prescription drug card? Some residents have advised me that they have saved 40% or more off their prescriptions from this card. Also have cards for pets.
The cards are available at my office. No gimmicks, no registration. Just take a card. Cards are effective if you do not have insurance or if you are underinsured.
PAUL FEINER

heat advisory...my cell phone...cooling centers...con ed press release

SATURDAY IS GOING TO BE A VERY HOT DAY. IT'S POSSIBLE THAT THERE WILL BE CON ED POWER OUTAGES AND SERVICE PROBLEMS--ESPECIALLY IF THERE ARE HEAVY STORMS AND TREES FALL DOWN. I RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING RELEASE FROM CON ED. THE THEODORE YOUNG COMMUNITY CENTER WILL BE OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY AS A COOLING CENTER. ENJOY OUR TOWN POOL. IF YOU OR ANY NEIGHBOR HAVE ANY HEAT RELATED PROBLEMS ON SATURDAY FEEL FREE TO E MAIL ME AT PFEINER@GREENBURGHNY.COM OR CALL ME ON MY CELL: 914-438-1343. I WILL BE GLAD TO HELP OUT. I WILL ALSO KEEP OUR COMMUNITY INFORMED OF ADDITIONAL COOLING CENTERS WE OPEN (IF NEEDED) AND OF ANY OTHER ACTION STEPS WE TAKE DURING THIS HEAT WAVE.

STAY COOL. IF YOU ARE ELDERLY OR HAVE MEDICAL ISSUES- STAY HOME AND DRINK LOTS OF WATER.

PAUL FEINER


NEW YORK – While Mother Nature winds up a one-two punch of steamy temperatures and possible thunderstorms this weekend, Con Edison is mobilizing extra crews and support personnel to work around the clock to respond to service problems.

The company is also turning to its customers again for help. Earlier this month, when a prolonged wave of heat and humidity baked the New York region, Con Edison’s customers responded to calls for conservation, helping to avoid large-scale outages.

Con Edison continues to urge New Yorkers to set air conditioner thermostats to 78 degrees, to turn off air conditioning when they are leaving rooms or leaving home, and also urges merchants not to blast A/C out of open storefronts.

Here are some more “cool” tips:

· Make sure air conditioner filters are clean for peak efficiency;


· Set thermostats no lower than 78 degrees. Each degree lower increases cooling costs by 6 percent;


· Close off rooms not being used if you have a room air-conditioner; if you have central air, block the vents in unused or vacant rooms;


· Turn off lights and other appliances, using a timer to turn them on as necessary;


· Run appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers in the early morning or late at night when it’s generally cooler. Another alternative: use a microwave to cook, or a barbecue outside, if possible.


Accept Con Edison’s offer of a free programmable thermostat if you have central air conditioning. Program the thermostat manually or from the Internet. Turning off your air conditioner when you’re not there beats leaving it on all the time, and programming it instead to turn on before you return is a wise way to save on summer electric bills. To learn more about Con Edison’s free programmable thermostat, call 1-866-521-8600 or visit www.conEd.com/cool.


Energy-savings tips are also available on Facebook at Power of Green, on Twitter @ConEdLiz and @ConEdSara and by downloading the company’s Power of Green iPhone app.

Con Edison urges customers to call 1-800-75-CONED promptly if they are experiencing any service difficulties. Customers can also report power interruptions or service problems, as well as view service restoration information online at www.conEd.com, and on their cell phones and PDAs.

job fair september 15th..2 good news stories about people who found work

Do You Have Vacancies to Fill in Your Company?

We are excited to tell you about an opportunity for you to meet talented, skilled people eager to fill those positions. The WJCS Women-Helping-Women Progam, Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner and the Greenburgh Public Library, are collaborating on a Job Fair to be held:

Wednesday, September 15, 2010 from 10:30am-2:30pm
At
The Greenburgh Public Library
300 Tarrytown Road
Elmsford, NY l0523

As co-sponsors of the Job Fair, we are committed to helping our residents who are unemployed or whose careers are in transition, meet potential employers right here in Westchester.

Participation will give your company the opportunity to meet qualified candidates to fill your positions and help your firm grow, while playing an important role in the economic expansion of the county.

Because we are all dedicated to helping our citizens become gainfully employed and stimulate growth in our local economic environment, there is no fee to participate. I look forward to hearing from you about your interest in the Job Fair. I can be reached at (914) 761-0600 ext. 308 or lrosenbaum@wjcs.com.

Sincerely,


Lenore Rosenbaum, MS
Coordinator, WJCS Women-Helping-Women

DON’T GET DISCOURAGED IF YOU ARE OUT OF WORK! If you have been out of work for a while, don’t get discouraged. All you need is ONE job offer. A hundred rejections or a thousand rejections followed by one job offer means that you succeeded. The more resumes you send out…the better the odds are of getting a great job. I received the following e mails from people on my job e mail list this morning
Almost two years ago I started an informal jobs club. I invite people to advise me of job openings. I post the job openings on www.linkedin.com (greenburgh jobs group) and on my facebook page. And---also send people who want to be on a list e mails at least a few times a week with job openings. If you are not on the list and want to be advised of job opportunities please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com.
PAUL FEINER
From: Karen Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 9:46 AM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Re: a success story
Hello Mr. Feiner,

I finally received my first job offer - after 1 1/2 years of unemployment since 12/08 - and accepted! I just started this past Monday. I am at a law firm in Manhattan. So far so good! I am back in NYC where I should be. Thanks for all of your help!
Karen

From: maur Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 7:06 AM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: jobs
Good morning Mr. Feiner,

After 10 long months, I found a job! ..so fingers crossed that all will go well. You can remove me from your email alerts.

Thank you again for everything!

Maureen

pay students to read...what do you think?

Although it would be difficult to find taxpayer funds to support this initiative - perhaps a foundation could be contacted before next summer and we could try finding some private funding to support this initiative. Could help improve students reading.

I would welcome your thoughts on this suggestion.



Elementary school students in Prince George’s County, Md., are being offered a chance to receive money for reading books over the summer. To combat the “summer slide” effect – the summertime regression of students’ reading skills from the lack of regular reading – Prince George’s County Public Schools is teaming up with a nonprofit to implement the “5 Gets You 25” pilot program. Incoming fourth, fifth and sixth graders in five participating PGCPS elementary schools will be able to receive $5 each time they read a book and write a five-paragraph report. The program offers each grade specific, 16-book reading lists from which students can choose from. Students participating in the program will only receive money for up to five books, capping their summer-reading earnings at $25. If a student reads and reports on five books, they will then be entered to win a netbook computer. Sign-ups for the program started in mid-June and will cease once the 500-student limit is reached. LUKE Foundation President Charles G. Davis came up with the idea after using a similar activity to spark a colleague’s child’s interest in reading.

POOL STUDY MEETING WED..FREE SKIN CANCER SCREENING THURSDAY

The Town Board will be meeting at AF Veteran park this Wednesday, July 21st to discuss the pool study (which can be found on the town website: www.greenburghny.com. The meeting will take place at 7 PM at the pool--and then at the multipurpose building. We anticipate that the current pool at AF Veteran park will have to be replaced within the next five or six years. Your input is welcome and appreciated. Members of the Parks & Recreation Board will also be in attendance. We encourage residents to join us at this important meeting.
Here is a direct link to the study: http://www.greenburghny.com/Cit-e-Access/news/index.cfm?NID=18987&TID=10&jump2=0

Or http://www.greenburghny.com/index.cfm

PAUL FEINER

Free skin cancer screenings will be provided at Greenburgh Town Pool in Greenburgh on Thursday, July 22, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. The screenings will be provided rain or shine on a first-come, first-serve basis, in the building next to the pool.

The free private screenings are hosted by CancerCare of Connecticut with screenings performed by Sherri Kaplan, M.D. Dr. Kaplan is a board-certified dermatologist with a practice in Ardsley, New York. Dr. Kaplan (

“CancerCare of Connecticut is thrilled to be hosting free screenings which will educate Westchester County residents on simple techniques they can do to prevent skin cancer,” said Lisa Cannella, Regional Director of CancerCare of Connecticut. “The event will also help residents identify potential concerning skin lesions and promote timely medical follow-up.”

Skin cancer is curable when treated in its earliest stages, but less than one-third of people examine their skin and more than half do not know the signs of melanoma. This free private screening is a quick educational process showing you how to detect suspicious moles or growths on your own.

“More than a million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year, making it the most common form of cancer,”said Dr. Sherri Kaplan.

WORK SESSION...FUN EVENTS...FISHER AVE BRIDGE CLOSED MONDAY...WEBSITES...PUBLIC HEARING BUS FARE INCREASES

Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday – July 20, 2010 – 9:15 AM
(Work Sessions begin at 9:15AM except where schedule changes are made by the Board.)


(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 35 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours,
Depending upon the length of the two meetings.)

09:15 AM Parks and Recreation – Door replacement
10:00 AM Special Meeting to Approve Resolutions (will be posted on website)
10:15 AM Warren Avenue Project
10:30 AM Manhattan Avenue safety Follow-up
10:45 AM Hartsdale Public Parking District Appointment Discussion
11:00 AM Motion for Executive Session

The Fisher Ave bridge off the Bronx River Parkway will be closed on Monday, July 19th from 8 PM to 4 AM for additional testing on subsurface concrete bridge. Before bridge repairs are completed this must be done.

HARTSDALE FARMER’S MARKET OUTDOOR MUSIC SERIES CONTINUES TOMORROW Julie Corbalis & Bryan Gordon at 10 AM and 12 PM
FUN EVENTS—FROM RIVERTOWNSGUIDE.COM
Friday, July 16 from 5pm - 9pm
Take a Staycation Beach Party this month with Tarrytown Third Friday! Take your break on Broadway, Main Street and South Washington Street! Events will include ...Music and Art: Live music by Peter Spink Band on South Washington Street. Tappan Z Gallery Fiber artist Carolyn Lee Vehslag. Local Getaways: Old Croton Aqueduct Walk - Follow this historic walk through our town with the Tarrytown Environmental Advisory Council - meet up at Main St. Firehouse (50 Main St.) at 5:45pm. Latin Dance w/ Red-Hot Latin Fridays & Cabo Salsa Wednesdays on S. Wash. St. Lyndhurst - Representatives of this historic site of the National Trust will be on hand to talk about their upcoming events. Saw Mill River Audobon, a local environmental group with membership from Peekskill to Tarrytown.
Hastings Friday Night Live: Midsummer Magic with “Vanishing” Vinny
Friday, July 16 from 5:30pm - 9pm
Join us for an evening of magic, mystery and imagination as the streets come alive. Local magician "Vanishing" Vinny DePonto is guest producing the spectacular Hastings Friday Night Live Event. The streets come alive with live magic, juggling, fire eating, fortune telling, dancing, music and more! A night the whole family can enjoy! From old timey street busking to big illusion, you won’t want to miss this! Music by Matt Turk and Fred Gillen, Jr. at the Community Center. The majority of Warburton Avenue in the business district will be closed to traffic. Visit http://www.rivertownsguide.com/fnl for details!

Hastings Village-wide Tag Sale – Saturday, July 17
Download the map from our home page http://www.rivertownsguide.com/
The tag sale is being hosted as part of Hastings Weekend 2010. For all the details on Hastings Weekend, please visit http://www.hastingsrecreation.org. Maps are also available at the library, village hall and community center. If there are any questions, please contact Bryan Healy at 478-2380, ext. 600 or by email at bhealy@hastingsgov.org

The 10th Annual Celebrate Greenburgh Day! - Saturday, July 17 from 10am - 5pm
Anthony F. Veteran Park. The day promises to be fun for everyone. All residents of town of Greenburgh are invited, as is the general public. Cancellation hotline number: 693-8985 x133. Details on our Home Page.

Nyack’s Arts Crafts & Antique Street Fair – Sunday, July 18
Nyack. Nyack’s Arts Crafts & Antique Dealers Association hosts a street fair on Sunday July 18, rain or shine, from 10am - 5pm in downtown Nyack.

Orchard School Summer Book Fair- All You Can Read!
Andrus Children’s Center will host a Scholastic Book Fair July 26- 28. Our local community is invited Wednesday, July 28 from 3 to 5pm to help support the Orchard School and the 155 students who attend. Join us for our Diner themed event and “ketchup on your reading”. All ages welcome. The selection includes books for ages Pre-School to high school. Funds raised will help purchase supplies for the classrooms and libraries at the Orchard School. This award winning K-9 school provides special education and individualized treatment for students who come to Andrus with emotional and behavioral illness and the effects of trauma. So come out and pick up the newest bestsellers, children’s classics, educational products and much more- all for a great cause. 1156 North Broadway, Yonkers http://www.andruschildren.org/

Irvington Farmers Market July Music Schedule – 5pm – 7pm
Main Street School Parking Lot
Market Hours: Wednesday, July 7 from 3:30 - 7:30
LIVE MUSIC from 5pm - 7pm July 21 - Marc Jacoby
July 28 - Jessie Lambiase
Go to http://www.rivertownsguide.com/20localevents.php for more information.

Summer 2010 from Jazz Forum Arts
Free Outdoor Concerts. Pack a picnic and watch the sunset over the Hudson
at these two outstanding Music Series. For a complete listing of the over 30 Summer Concerts from Jazz Forum Arts, go to http://www.jazzforumarts.org/ & download flyer.
11th Annual Dobbs Ferry Summer Music Series
Every Wednesday, 6:30pm – 8pm
Waterfront Park in Dobbs Ferry
Co-sponsored by RiverArts
July 21 - Maya Azucena
July 28 - Souren Baronian’s TAKSIM Middle Eastern Jazz
August 4 - Pete Yellin and Don Friedman Quartet
August 11 - The Stryker/Slagle Band
August 18 - Greg Abate and Gary Smulyan Quartet
August 25 - Season Finale! Ginga Pura Nova York

Jazz at Pierson Park at the Hudson River
Fridays, 6:30pm – 9pm
Pierson Park, W. Main Street, Tarrytown
Presented by Jazz Forum Arts, in assoc w/ the Village of Tarrytown Recreation & Parks
July 16 - Hendrik Meurkens Quartet
July 23 - Jonny Hirsch Group
July 30 - Joey Berkley’s Funkasaurus Rex

"Free" Sunset Concert Series | Pierson Park, Tarrytown
Thursday, July 8 from 6:30pm - 8pm (through July 29)
A2D Quartet – Jazz, Blues and Soul - with Art Hightower, Drums & Vocals, Bill Conway, Bass, Christopher Reising, Vocals and Flute and Doug Smith, Vocals and Piano. Pack a picnic basket, bring Kids and friends and blankets and relax to the sounds of music on the Hudson River. Presented by Tarrytown-Sleepy Hollow Recreation Department.
Thursday, July 15 – Blues with - The Roxy Perry Band.
Thursday, July 22 – Jazz - Kate Baker & Vic Juris Quartet.
Thursday, July 29 – Pop, Rock, Blues Groove with Lipbone Redding and the LipBone Redding Orchestra.


Dobbs Ferry Farmers Market
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dobbs-Ferry-NY/Dobbs-Ferry-Farmers-Market/113108982047720?ref=ts

Hastings Farmers Market:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=84953708667&ref=mf

Irvington Farmers Market: Every Wednesday, 3:30pm – 7:30pm
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Irvington-Village-Farmers-Market/98309589893?ref=mf

Hartsdale Farmers Market: Every Saturday from 8:30am - 1pm at Hartsdale Train Station

From HudsonRiverIndependent.comFriday 16
Third Friday in Tarrytown: Come to Main St. & Broadway from 5 p.m. for a blacktop beach party and patronize our local merchants. Call 374-5884 or visit www.sleepyhollowchamber.com.
Raffle to Benefit Neighborhood House: As part of Third Friday celebrations, Whimsies Incognito on Main St. will raffle a papier-mache and fabric sailboat. Tickets can be bought in advance at Whimsies, Neighborhood House or the Warner Library. Call 631-3355.
Music: Cliff Mays hosts SuperTonic Songwriters at 6 p.m. at the Black Cat Café in Irvington. Artists talk about songwriting, inspiration and the stories behind the music as well as perform. Call 231-9060 or visit www.blackcatchef.com.
Open mike night: Sign up to read at 7:30 p.m. at Hudson Valley Writers’ Center in Sleepy Hollow. Call 332-5953 or visit www.writerscenter.org.
Rock Concert: Renaissance and the Steve Hackett Acoustic Trio will perform at 8 p.m. at the Tarrytown Music Hall. Call 877-840-0457 or visit www.tarrytownmusichall.org.
Saturday 17
Canoe the Croton: Enjoy paddling on one of the secret gems of Westchester starting from Teatown Lake Reservation in Ossining, time TBA. Call 762-2912, ext. 110 or visit www.teatown.org.
Sailing Songs from Around the World: At 11 a.m. children 3-8 can enjoy an interactive musical program with the City Winds Duo at the Warner Library in Tarrytown. Registration is limited. Call 631-7734 or visit www.warnerlibrary.org.
Author Talk: At 2 p.m. Roger L. Jewell will be at the Irvington Public Library to discuss his newest work of fiction “The Sawmill River Valley War”, based on Westchester County history. Call 591-7840 or visit www.IrvingtonLibrary.org.
Sunday 18
Dragonfly Dance: From 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. watch dragonflies dart, hover and dive in pursuit of food and mates at Teatown Lake Reservation in Ossining. Call 762-2912, ext. 110 or visit www.teatown.org.
Story Walk: At 2 p.m. children aged 8 and younger can combine a walk on a woodland trail with a favorite storybook at the Greenburgh Nature Center in Scarsdale. Pre-registration required. Call 723-3470 or visit www.greenburghnaturecenter.org.
PUBLIC HEARING ON BXM4C EXPRESS BUS FARE INCREASE TO BE HELD
JULY 27


The Westchester County Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing July 27 to receive comments about a proposed fare increase for riders of the Bee-Line's BxM4C express bus to Manhattan.

The July 27 hearing will be held at the Westchester County Center (Central Avenue and Tarrytown Road) in White Plains. There will be two sessions: 4-6 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

The proposed fare increase will help reduce an anticipated $1.8 million deficit in the department's 2010 operating budget.

This proposed fare increase would affect the BxM4C route only.
The proposed fare schedule would raise the base one-way fare from $5.50 to $7.50, effective Sept. 7.

The proposed discounted fare for senior and disabled riders would go up from $2.75 to $3.75. Fares could be paid in coins or with MetroCard Pay-per-Ride cards.
The change would also eliminate "Express Bus Plus" unlimited ride MetroCards; free transfers to and from other Bee-Line routes and the New York City subway; and discounted transfers from other transit routes to the BxM4C.
Earlier this year, County Executive Robert P. Astorino announced a compromise plan that saved the BxM4C from elimination.

At that time, the county executive said that service would have to be reduced to reflect ridership demand and characteristics and fares would be increased to eliminate deficits.

www.rivertownsguide.com ( frequently updated calendar of fun events happening in our area)
www.thehudsonindependent.com for news and activities.
www.tarrytownpatch . com for more news and activities.
www.scarsdale10583.com news about Edgemont and Hartsdale
www.intervillage.org (non profit adult education programs)
www.volunteer-center.org (the volunteer center can provide you with hundreds of volunteer opportunities.
WANT TO SAVE MONEY? WWW.KnowtoriousPIG.com posts substantial discounts on their website every day. Most of the discounts are 50%+ off the typical costs.
Want a free prescription drug card? Some residents have advised me that they have saved 40% or more off their prescriptions from this card. Also have cards for pets.
The cards are available at my office. No gimmicks, no registration. Just take a card. Cards are effective if you do not have insurance or if you are underinsured.
PAUL FEINER

ART IN STOREFRONTS...WATERWHEEL APPROVED...RALLY AGAINST CHILD CARE CUTS

Unfortunately, there are a number of vacant store-fronts around town, thanks to the bad economy. Sarah Bracey White of our arts council is involved in an interesting project: placing art in vacant storefront windows. We were involved in a similar project a number of years ago when E Hartsdale Ave had numerous vacancies. The art in the windows project helped the avenue--the street looked less empty. The art also generated more street traffic, helping existing storefronts. We are looking for additional storefronts to display art work at.

“Recycling Nature: Painted Gourds” by Gail Wilson will be on display from July 12th thru August 30th, 2010 in the Village of Hartsdale, at 215 East Hartsdale Avenue. The exhibit showcases Ms. Wilson’s use of botanical gourds to express her creativity. The exhibit is visible in the store’s front windows during daylight hours.
Gail Wilson is a diverse artist and teacher. While still a child, she started sewing for fun; as an adult, she did it to earn extra money. She continues to work as a seamstress while teaching doll-making at a local after-school program. A quilt maker for about twenty years, she just began working with gourds a year ago. She crafts and runs her own business, Gail’s Corner, out of her home in Mount Vernon, NY.
Windows on Hartsdale is a beautification project of the Greenburgh Arts and Culture Committee. For more information about the exhibit, or to arrange an exhibit of your art work, contact Greenburgh’s Director of Cultural Affairs, Sarah Bracey White, at (914) 682-1574.
(

CHILD CARE ADVOCATES TO PROTEST CHILD CARE FUNDING CUTS ON SATURDAY...July 17 ...11 AM... Lois Bronz Children’s Center, Manhattan Ave

The programs that are in danger include the Westchester County Child Care Scholarship program (created by the Board of Legislators) and Title XX child care, a federal program that helps countless families. In addition, the County Executive has drastically increased parental contributions, from 15% to 20%.



“These cuts will disproportionately impact working families, according to Legislator Alfreda Williams.. These actions will force working parents to choose between having to place their children in sub-standard care or quitting their jobs to take care of their kids. Westchester should not be about deliberately pushing working parents onto the unemployment rolls.” I will be at the rally.



CELEBRATE GREENBURGH DAY AT AF VETERAN POOL THIS SATURDAY--I'll be at the dunk tank at 1 PM. You don't have to attend a Town Board meeting to express your disapproval of any town policy. Buy a $1 ticket (which goes to the swim team), throw a ball at me and try getting me dunked.



TOWN BD APPROVES WATERWHEEL CONTRACT FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

The Town Board unanimously approved a contract to sell the waterwheel property for affordable/workforce housing. Housing is located in Ardsley. 22 units of housing will be built across from Macy Park. Sale price: $1.2 million. I signed the contract last night.



VETERANS RECEPTION TONIGHT--We expect over 450 veterans to attend our barbeque tonight at AF Veteran park beginning at 6:30 PM. Celebrate their bravery and dedication to democracy. We will share some of the video interviews: living history project.



MOBILE SHREDDER AT TOWN HALL SATURDAY MORNING..

Paul Feiner

waterwheel property to be sold for affordable/workforce housing tomorrow.

The Greenburgh Town Board will vote tomorrow evening (Wed) on the sale of the waterwheel property for affordable/workforce housing. The town acquired this property due to a foreclosure. Members of the Board have expressed the desire, over the years, to use foreclosed property like this for a good public purpose. The Village of Ardsley, Ardsley Fire dept & ambulance corp have been supportive of this sale. Although the town owns the land - the property is located within the borders of the village of Ardsley. All land use decisions concerning the property will be made by the village. The 17 affordable units will comply with the federal housing stipulation the county signed last year.



A copy of the contract is posted on the town website: www.greenburghny.com

PAUL FEINER



RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN SUPERVISOR OF THE TOWN OF GREENBURGH TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT CONVEYING SURPLUS TOWN-OWNED REAL PROPERTY TO ARDSLEY WATERWHEEL PARTNERS, LLC FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR THE PROPERTIES DESIGNATED ON THE TAX MAP OF THE TOWN OF GREENBURGH AS SECTION 6.20, BLOCK 3, LOTS 7, 8, 9, AND 10, FORMERLY KNOWN AS VOLUME 6, SECTION 16, SHEET 1, LOT P-23; VOLUME 6, SECTION 16, SHEET 1A, LOT P-4; VOLUME 6, SECTION 16, SHEET 1A, LOT P-5A; AND VOLUME 6, SECTION 16, SHEET 1A, BLOCK 7, LOT 1; COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE WATERWHEEL PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE VILLAGE OF ARDSLEY





WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Greenburgh recognizes the importance of providing opportunities for adequate and affordable housing for residents, volunteer emergency personnel and employees; and



WHEREAS, on October 30, 2008, the Greenburgh Affordable Housing Committee reviewed three presentations from developers that were submitted in response to the “Development Opportunity For A Mixed Affordable Housing and Market Rate Multifamily Development” request for proposal; and



WHEREAS, on November 18, 2008, after careful deliberation of the three presentations, the Affordable Housing Committee, on a motion from Mr. Jim Chin, and seconded by Mr. Clark Chung, recommended that the Town of Greenburgh enter into negotiations for the sale of the property with the development group formed by Ariston Properties, Developer: Conrad Roncati, Community Housing Innovations, Affordable Housing Partner: Alexander Roberts and Architectura, Inc. – Architect (“Developers”), now known as “Ardsley Waterwheel Partners, LLC”; and



WHEREAS, the Developers are proposing a “green” design development that would be flexible and able to be adapted with further input from the community; and



WHEREAS, the Developers are required to construct at the Property a multi-family development having twenty two (22) Units, seventeen (17) of which shall be Affordable Housing units and five (5) of which shall be Workforce Housing units, and related infrastructure and amenities; and



WHEREAS, the Developers have agreed to have restrictive covenants going with the land that will insure affordability of the units;



NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Greenburgh hereby authorizes the Town Supervisor of the Town of Greenburgh to execute the attached contract conveying surplus Town-owned property to Ardsley Waterwheel Partners, LLC for the development of affordable housing for the properties designated on the Town Tax Map as Section 6.20, Block 3, Lots 7, 8, 9 and 10, formerly known as Volume 6, Section 16, Sheet 1, Lot P-23; Volume 6, Section 16, Sheet 1A, Lot P-4; Volume 6, Section 16, Sheet 1A, Lot P-5A; and Volume 6, Section 16, Sheet 1A, Block 7, Lot 1; commonly known as the Waterwheel property located in the Village of Ardsley.





Submitted: 07/11/2010

Resubmitted: 07/12/2010

Revised: 07/13/2010

THIS IS WHAT CNN/MONEY SAID ABOUT GREENBURGH IN ITS JUST RELEASED POSTING

Subscribe to Money

Top-earning towns
Bethesda, Md., residents pull in more than $170,000 a year. Which other places in our Best Places database have high incomes?
8 of 258. Greenburgh, NYPopulation: 89,604
Median family income (per year): $127,376
Median home price: $518,750
This well-to-do town prides itself on providing concierge-level service to all residents. Dial Democracy lets residents call into Town Board meetings live and Town Supervisor Paul Feiner and staff make house calls to address community concerns.

One of a handful of communities with a AAA bond rating from Moody's and Standard & Poor's, local government keeps taxes low and spends money where it counts.

Mixing business with pleasure, Greenburgh is home to numerous biotech firms, 30 art exhibits and training facilities for the Knicks, Rangers and Liberty. As one-time Greenburgh resident Cab Calloway sang, ain't that something?

See complete data and interactive map for Greenburgh

NEXT: Burke, VA

new businesses...mobile shredder...dunk me

The following businesses have taken out building permits. Please welcome them to our town:

Toys R Us Express – Crossroads Shopping Center - 499 Tarrytown Road, White Plains

Sheer & Jampol LLP – 570 Taxter Rd 6th Floor

General Phosphorix, LLC – 250 Clearbrook Rd, Elmsford

American Moving and Storage – 3 Westchester Plaza, Elmsford

Empire Furniture – 380 Saw Mill River Rd, Elsmford

Eden Hall Fabrics – 77 Tarrytown Rd, White Plains

Harrow’s – 111 S Central Ave, Hartsdale

Total Form Personal Fitness – 250 E Hartsdale, Ave, Hartsdale

Green Design – 640 Central Ave, Scarsdale

Prime Bar-B-Que Grill – 2 N Central Ave, Hartsdale.



If you would like to shred some of your unwanted personal papers - the mobile shredder is coming to Greenburgh Town Hall, 177 Hillside Ave this Saturday, July 17th from 10AM to 2 PM.



DUNK ME---This Saturday is celebrate Greenburgh day at AF Veteran town pool. If you think taxes are too high...are not happy with service cuts or lack of cuts, or don't appreciate the need for some programs or services ---you'll have a great opportunity to take out your frustrations. For $1 (donation to the Greenburgh swim team) you can throw a ball at me and try getting me dunked.. I'll be at the dunk tank at 1 PM.



PAUL FEINER

march to protest violence wednesday

In recent weeks there have been a few shootings in the Fairview & North Elmsford section of the town. One person was injured in the first shooting. This is not acceptable.
I have been meeting with community leaders and the Police Chief. We are planning a community march from Christ Temple, 25 Oak Street to Greenburgh Town Hall on Wednesday evening at 6 PM. The Greenburgh Housing Authority, local clergy, the Theodore Young Community Center and elected officials are determined to speak with one voice – to express outrage.
Please attend this rally. We will stop by the locations where the shooting incidents occurred on Manhattan Ave and Oak Steret. Greenburgh and the Fairview community have been safe for families in the past. We want to make sure that our community continues to be safe. Please join us Wednesday.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

waterwheel property to be sold for affordable housing

When the Town Board approves the contract to sell the waterwheel property for affordable housing, it will be different from the contract that was originally proposed in January. Here is a summary of some of the changes.

PAUL FEINER


The Waterwheel contract language has changed in several significant respects since the initial draft on January 13, 2010: (1)The Town has modified language in the contract which would have permitted the prospective buyers to reduce the $1.2 million purchase price by $27,500 for each unit less that 22 units approved by the Village of Ardsley. This language has been eliminated so that the purchase price is a firm 1.2 million; (2) the Town has changed language requiring the Town to pay all sales, transfer and other taxes and expenses related to the sale of the property and shifted responsibility for payment of taxes and expenses of sale to the buyer; (3) The Town is requiring the buyers to accept a quitclaim deed as opposed to a Bargain & Sale deed which is the type of deed all other purchasers of Town-owned property are required to accept; (4)The Town agreed to modify contract language to give the buyers an additional 60 days after the signing of the contract to perform a Phase II SEQR study if a Phase I SEQR study reveals that additional environmental review is warranted; (4) unambiguous language has been inserted in the contract so that both buyers and seller understand the ramifications of any default; (5) the Town has more clearly defined Affordable and Workforce housing definitions to conform to Town, Village and County standards and (6) the Town has clearly defined the affordability period of the property in which the property is required to be used as affordable housing to ensure that the property will be affordable for a period of 99 years and beyond .

new mexican restaurant opens on e hartsdale ave...summer constituent hours at the pool sunday...waterwheel to be sold...shooting incident

WELCOME--VEGA MEXICAN CUISINE, EAST HARTSDALE AVE! NEW RESTAURANT JUST OPENED YESTERDAY!
A new restaurant opened on E Hartsdale Ave yesterday --replacing the old Oporto on East Hartsdale Avenue. The restaurant: Vega Mexican Cuisine.
The restaurant looks fantastic. Beautiful glass doors, windows. Colorful interior. Another restaurant in the chain owned by chef Shiva Natarajan.



TOWN BD TO VOTE TO SELL WATERWHEEL PROPERTY FOR AFFORDABLE/WORKFORCE HOUSING ON WEDNESDAY! 17 units affordable...5 units for volunteer firefighters/ambulance corp members (workforce)...property is located in Ardsley but is owned by the town due to foreclosure.
TB 2 – 7/14/10 Resolution authorizing the Town Supervisor of the Town of Greenburgh to execute a contract conveying surplus Town-owned real property to Ardsley Waterwheel Partners, LLC for the development of affordable and workforce housing for the properties designated on the tax map of the Town of Greenburgh as Volume 6, Section 16, Sheet 1, Lot P-23; Volume 6, Section 16, Sheet 1A, Lot P4; Volume 6, Section 16, Sheet 1A, Lot P5A; and Volume 6, Section 16, Sheet 1A, Block 7, Lot 1; commonly known as the Waterwheel property located in the Village of Ardsley.
A thank you to Councilman Francis Sheehan for tightening up the language of the contract to make sure that units allocated for volunteer firefighters/ambulance corp members actually go to the volunteers/workforce housing. We don't want any loopholes in the contract.

Will continue my summer constituent hours at the AF Veteran town pool tomorrow (Sunday) at 1:30 PM.
Was at the pool today --but few people were at the pool due to weather. Stop by and say hello. Let me know what's on your mind.

We will be devoting time to our work session on Tuesday beginning at 10:30 to address the shooting incident on Manhattan Ave. The police are increasing their presence in the community, we've been in contact with the owner of the apartments at 33 Oak, 90 & 100 Manhattan Ave. The police chief has made suggestions to the landlord regarding action steps that should be taken. I've asked the landlord to pay for off duty police to provide additional protection for residents. Have also suggested improved screening of new tenants. This will be given the highest priority attention.
PAUL FEINER

work session...fun events...outdoor concerts...great websites

The Hartsdale farmer’s market outdoor concert series continues tomorrow, Saturday July 10th. . Bernie & Charlie @ 10…Blues Mothers at 11. Our Hartsdale farmer’s market has more farmer’s, more vendors. More entertainment.

The TDYCC New Urban Jazz Series featuring Ragan Whiteside and the FAM –a great outdoor concert at the Theodore Young Community Center’s Yosemite Park (in back of the center, 32 Manhattan Ave). This Thursday evening at 7 PM. Don’t miss the concert!
PAUL FEINER

Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday – July 13, 2010 – 9:15 AM
(Work Sessions begin at 9:15AM except where schedule changes are made by the Board.)


(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 35 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours,
Depending upon the length of the two meetings.)

09:15 AM Audit Presentation
10:00 AM Agenda Review
10:15 AM Chief DeCarlo – Manhattan Avenue----------There was some violence on Manhattan Ave. The police chief has been authorized to use overtime to beef up patrols on the avenue. I will be contacting the owner of 90 & 100 Manhattan Ave, 33 Oak Street. Will ask the management to tighten up the screening process re: tenants moving into the buildings. And, to pay for an off duty community police officer to help with security. Residents must feel and be safe!
- 10:45 AM Motion for Executive Session

THIS WEEKEND FUN EVENTS http://www.rivertownsguide.com

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHT: The Pleasantville Music Festival
Saturday, July 10 from noon - 8:30pm
This signal event of summer in Westchester brings together thousands of people to enjoy a day of music, food and fun. 19 acts will perform on 3 stages; the gates will open at 12:00 Noon and the music will move you until 8:30 PM. The open-air seating arrangements make for a relaxed atmosphere.
Go to http://www.pleasantvillemusicfestival.com/ for the complete schedule for the day.

FREE “Screenings under the Stars”
Screenings under the Stars” free outdoor movie series at the Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla. It will be followed by the science
fiction thriller. “Avatar” (2009, PG-13) on Thursday, August 19. Park opens for picnicking at 5pm.
Entertainment begins at 6pm.
Movies begin at sundown.

NEXT FRIDAY, JULY 16
Hastings Friday Night Live: Midsummer Magic with Vanishing Vinny
Friday, July 16 from 5:30pm - 9pm
Join us for an evening of magic, mystery and imagination as the streets come alive. Local magician "Vanishing" Vinny DePonto is guest producing the spectacular Hastings Friday Night Live Event. The streets come alive with live magic, juggling, fire eating, fortune telling, dancing, music and more! A night the whole family can enjoy! From old timey street busking to big illusion, you won’t want to miss this! Music by Matt Turk and Fred Gillen, Jr. at the Community Center. The majority of Warburton Avenue in the business district will be closed to traffic. Visit http://www.rivertownsguide.com/fnl for details!

Irvington Farmers Market July Music Schedule – 5pm – 7pm
Main Street School Parking Lot
Market Hours: Wednesday, July 7 from 3:30 - 7:30
LIVE MUSIC from 5pm - 7pm
July 14 - Mitch Treger
July 21 - Marc Jacoby
July 28 - Jessie Lambiase
Go to http://www.rivertownsguide.com/20localevents.php for more information.

Summer 2010 from Jazz Forum Arts
Free Outdoor Concerts. Pack a picnic and watch the sunset over the Hudson
at these two outstanding Music Series. For a complete listing of the over 30 Summer Concerts from Jazz Forum Arts, go to http://www.jazzforumarts.org/ & download flyer.
11th Annual Dobbs Ferry Summer Music Series
Every Wednesday, 6:30pm – 8pm
Waterfront Park in Dobbs Ferry
Co-sponsored by RiverArts
July 14 - Seleno Clarke and his Harlem Groove Band
July 21 - Maya Azucena
July 28 - Souren Baronian’s TAKSIM Middle Eastern Jazz
August 4 - Pete Yellin and Don Friedman Quartet
August 11 - The Stryker/Slagle Band
August 18 - Greg Abate and Gary Smulyan Quartet
August 25 - Season Finale! Ginga Pura Nova York

Jazz at Pierson Park at the Hudson River
Fridays, 6:30pm – 9pm
Pierson Park, W. Main Street, Tarrytown
Presented by Jazz Forum Arts, in assoc w/ the Village of Tarrytown Recreation & Parks
July 9 - The Johns’ Jazz Group
July 16 - Hendrik Meurkens Quartet
July 23 - Jonny Hirsch Group
July 30 - Joey Berkley’s Funkasaurus Rex

"Free" Sunset Concert Series | Pierson Park, Tarrytown
Thursday, July 8 from 6:30pm - 8pm (through July 29)
A2D Quartet – Jazz, Blues and Soul - with Art Hightower, Drums & Vocals, Bill Conway, Bass, Christopher Reising, Vocals and Flute and Doug Smith, Vocals and Piano. Pack a picnic basket, bring Kids and friends and blankets and relax to the sounds of music on the Hudson River. Presented by Tarrytown-Sleepy Hollow Recreation Department.
Thursday, July 15 – Blues with - The Roxy Perry Band.
Thursday, July 22 – Jazz - Kate Baker & Vic Juris Quartet.
Thursday, July 29 – Pop, Rock, Blues Groove with Lipbone Redding and the LipBone Redding Orchestra.

Hastings Farmers Market: Opening Day Summer Market Saturday, June 5 (May 8 Market also scheduled)
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=84953708667&ref=mf

Irvington Farmers Market: Every Wednesday, 3:30pm – 7:30pm
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Irvington-Village-Farmers-Market/98309589893?ref=mf

Hartsdale Farmers Market: Opening Day: Saturday, June 19 from 8:30am - 1pm (and every Saturday morning) Hartsdale Train Station

From: the Hudson Independent.com Saturday 10
Butterfly Count: At 10 a.m. participate in an annual rite of summer, the North American Butterfly Count, at Teatown Lake Reservation in Ossining. Call 762-2912, ext. 110 or visit www.teatown.org.
Excursion for the Disabled: Westchester Network for People with Disabilities invites the community to join them for a day at Lake Compounce water and amusement part in Bristol, CT. Bus leaves JCC on the Hudson in Tarrytown at 10 a.m. Call 366-7898 or e-mail i...@jcconthehudson.org.
Art Exhibit Reception: From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Irvington Public Library. Call 591-7840 or visit www.IrvingtonLibrary.org.
Hunt for Wild Edibles: From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. naturalist Steve Brill will lead a Wild Food and Ecology tour at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in Pocantico Hills. Call 366-6200 or visit www.stonebarnscenter.org.
Music: Kat Spina performs at 6 p.m. at the Black Cat Café in Irvington. Call 231-9060 or visit www.katspina.com .
Concert: The Old Crow Medicine Show will perform at 8 p.m. at the Tarrytown Music Hall. Call 877-840-0457 or visit www.tarrytownmusichall.org.
Sunday 11
Story Sundays: From 11 a.m. to noon children 4 -7 years old can enjoy seasonal nature stories and activities at Teatown Lake Reservation in Ossining. Call 762-2912, ext. 110 or visit www.teatown.org.
Water Olympics!: At 2 p.m. discover more about water and all the amazing things you can do with it at the Greenburgh Nature Center in Scarsdale. Call 723-3470 or visit www.greenburghnaturecenter.org.
“Lawrence of Arabia”: This classic movie will be shown at 6 p.m. at the Tarrytown Music Hall. Call 877-840-0457 or visit www.tarrytownmusichall.org.
www.rivertownsguide.com ( frequently updated calendar of fun events happening in our area)
www.thehudsonindependent.com for news and activities.
www.tarrytownpatch . com for more news and activities.
www.scarsdale10583.com news about Edgemont and Hartsdale
www.intervillage.org (non profit adult education programs)
www.volunteer-center.org (the volunteer center can provide you with hundreds of volunteer opportunities.

COOLING TIPS...COOLING CENTERS

If you want to stay COOL and don’t have air conditioning, you’re invited to cool off at the Theodore Young Community Center..Multipurpose Center (veteran town park)….Town Hall or at the Library. Over the weekend we had some heat related medical calls. It’s important that the elderly/ those with medical issues avoid the heat and stay COOL.

PAUL FEINER

CON EDISON PREPS FOR HEAT WAVE

OFFERS SAFETY AND COOLING TIPS

NEW YORK – With high heat and humidity returning this week, Con Edison will have extra crews and support personnel available 24/7 to respond to any service problems that may arise.

Con Edison urges customers to report power interruptions or service problems, as well as view service restoration information, online at www.conEd.com, or on their cell phones and PDAs. Customers can also call 1-800-75-CONED.

If you experience a power outage:

· Turn off all light switches and appliances to prevent overloaded circuits when power is restored. Leave at least one light switch in the on position to alert you when power has been restored;

· Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Each time the door is opened, heat enters and speeds the thawing process;

· Have a battery-powered radio and a supply of extra batteries handy. Have flashlights available for every member of your household;

· Listen to your battery-operated radio on for updates on our restoration progress and safety tips;

· Fill spare containers with water for cooking and washing;

· Use candles and storm lanterns carefully. Keep them out of drafts, away from flammable materials, and out of the reach of children.

Here are some steps the company is recommending to stay cool this summer:

· Make sure air conditioner filters are clean for peak efficiency;

· Set thermostats no lower than 78 degrees. Each degree lower increases cooling costs by 6 percent;

· If you have a room air-conditioning unit, close off the rooms not being used; if you have central air, block the vents in un-used or vacant rooms;

· Also turn off lights and other appliances, use a timer to turn them on as necessary, and turn your computer off when not at home to conserve;

· To reduce heat and moisture, run appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers in the early morning or late at night when it’s generally cooler. Use a microwave to cook, or barbecue outside if possible.

Energy-savings tips are also available on Facebook at Power of Green, on Twitter @ConEdLiz and @ConEdSara and by downloading the company’s Power of Green iPhone

VETERANS APPRECIATION BARBEQUE.FUN EVENTS...WORK SESSION

TOWN OF GREENBURGH TO HONOR VETERANS AT AN OLD FASHIONED BARBEQUE
THURSDAY, JULY 15 AT AF VETERAN PARK

The Town of Greenburgh & Community Mutual Savings Bank will honor local veterans at an old fashioned Veterans Appreciation Barbeque on Thursday, July 15. The event, which will run from 6:30 – 9 pm, will be held rain or shine in the multipurpose building at AF Veteran Park off Heatherdell Road, Ardsley.

Veterans will have an opportunity to meet members of the Towns Veterans Committee as well as fellow veterans and elected officialsVeterans will also learn about the Town’s exciting “living history” initiative where local veterans are being interviewed on videotape about their experiences serving our country. These taped interviews will be archived at the Greenburgh Public Library and given to local schools. The Town is also exploring the possibility of having these interviews archived at the Library of Congress in Washington. Alan Hochberg, Steve Wittenberg and Frank Musantry have been overseeing this project.
The event is free and open to all veterans who reside in Greenburgh. Please RSVP to ahochberg@greenburghny.com
Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board

Tuesday – July 06, 2010 – 09:15 AM
(Work Sessions begin at 9:15AM except where schedule changes are made by the Board.)

(Please note that, although the Work Session Agenda is shared with the public prior to each Work Session, the Agenda may be revised at any point up to the start of the meeting as well as during the meeting, if necessary.)

(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 35 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours,
Depending upon the length of the two meetings.)



09:15 AM Empire Plan
10:00 AM Town Employees and Town Vehicles
10:15 AM Spread Sheet of Legal Cases
10:45 AM Early Retirement
11:00 AM Motion for Executive Session by ________2nd ___________Vote:_______
- Personnel

RIVERTOWNSGUIDE.COM







Friday, July 2 from 10am - 4pm
Dobbs Ferry Farmers Market [link]
Cedar Street
Locally grown produce, freshly baked goods, local wines, fresh mozzarella, and pickles & olives. For vendor names & links, and for more information about the market, please visit us on Facebook. To become a vendor, contact the Market Manager, email. Fridays through November.



Friday, July 2 @ 8pm
Mary Chapin Carpenter [link]
Paramount Center for the Arts
Over the course of a 10-album recording career to date, celebrated singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter has won five Grammy Awards and sold well over 12 million records. She has twelve top ten singles to her credit, including "Passionate Kisses" and "He Thinks He'll Keep Her" which was nominated for a Record of the Year Grammy).


Friday, July 2 @ 9:15pm
Fireworks!
Playland Park, Rye [link]



Friday, July 2 and Saturday, July 3 @ 9:45pm
"Stop Making Sense" [link]
Jacob Burns Film Center, Pleasantville
Part of the "Sounds of Summer" Film Series. Acclaimed filmmaker Jonathan Demme made his documentary debut with Stop Making Sense—an astounding concert film showcasing the seminal bunch of art-school dropouts turned arty new wavers known as the Talking Heads. This landmark film has been digitally remixed and remastered. Jonathan Demme. 1984. 88 m. NR. US. Palm Pictures.




Saturday, July 3 from 8:30am - 2pm
Hastings Farmers Market [link]
Hastings Public Libray Parking Lot
Begining today the markets are every Saturday, rain or shine, in the Library Parking Lot. Please park in the Commuter Lot.


thru July 3
Dualities, Abstract Expressionistic Landscapes by Monique Ford
Irvington Public Library [link]
On display July 3.


Saturday, July 3; Sunday, July4 & Monday, July 5 from 1pm on
The Edible Garden: Garden to Table Weekends
Conservatory Kitchen Theme: Berries
New York Botanical Garden, Bronx [link]
Enjoy The Edible Garden and learn how to bring it to your table during these themed weekends that celebrate in-season local vegetables, fruits, and herbs. In addition to everything offered during the Value Weekdays, Garden-to-Table Weekends offer Home Gardening Demonstrations and even more cooking. From tomatoes and eggplants to noted authors and chefs such as Rick Bayless, each weekend brings a new culinary adventure and shows you how to be creative in your own kitchen and garden. Cooking Demonstrations @ 1pm & 3pm. Home Gardening Demonstrations @ 2pm.


Saturday, July 3, all day
New Shoots Bluegrass Festival [link]
Venetian Theater, Caramoor
Caramoor presents its first New Shoots Bluegrass Festival with three groups that are transforming and re-interpreting the traditions of bluegrass and traditional music. The Punch Brothers, featuring virtuoso mandolinist Chris Thile - renowned for his incredible spontaneity and restless imagination - is the hottest group to be creating wide - ranging music out of the worlds of bluegrass, folk, and chamber music. Crooked Still, the hot young alternative bluegrass group whose soaring vocals and high-wire solos have enraptured audiences all over North America, is on a mission to bend the boundaries of traditional music, From Irish, Old-time, and Bluegrass to Swedish folk music, Sandra Wong-fiddle and nyckelharpa-is a veritable encyclopedia of traditional musics from around the globe.


Saturday, July 3 beginning @ 7pm
Independence Day Celebration
Memorial Park, Beacon [link]
Before the pyrotechnics, come listen to music at the Pavilion — 7pm - 9pm, and stop by the concession stand. Fireworks! — 9:30pm (approximately).




Saturday, July 3 @ 9:45pm
"Stop Making Sense" [link]
Jacob Burns Film Center, Pleasantville
Part of the "Sounds of Summer" Film Series. Acclaimed filmmaker Jonathan Demme made his documentary debut with Stop Making Sense—an astounding concert film showcasing the seminal bunch of art-school dropouts turned arty new wavers known as the Talking Heads. This landmark film has been digitally remixed and remastered. Jonathan Demme. 1984. 88 m. NR. US. Palm Pictures.






Sunday, July 4 @ 10am
Fourth of July Independence Hike
Marshlands Conservancy, Route 1, Rye [link]
Follow a clue card to discover things at Marshlands that relate to Independence Day. A fun way to learn a bit of history for the whole family.




Sunday, July 4 from 10am – 6pm
Independence Day 1800
Van Cortlandt Manor [link]
Festivities begin with the roar of the cannon and feature a reading of the Declaration of Independence. All visitors are invited to join the Independence Day Parade through the manor along with its costumed residents. Stirring patriotic speeches and songs follow the parade, and military re-enactors invite one and all to drill and muster. Children and adults can experience military camp life through hands-on activities. Food and beverages are available, or visitors can bring a picnic lunch.


Sunday, July 4 from 10am – 6pm
Independence Day 1850
Washington Irving's Sunnyside [link]
Plan for a full day of live entertainment including dramatic presentations, rousing speeches, period music, and traditional country dancing for everyone. Play ¨Town Ball¨ (19th-century baseball) with our costumed guides. Enjoy house tours and ice cream demonstrations throughout the day. Bring a picnic or buy food in the Courtyard Café.


Sunday, July 4 from 1pm – 3pm
Old Fashioned Fourth
Muscoot Farm, Somers [link]
Buy your hot dogs and hamburgers at the Concession Stand or bring a picnic lunch for an afternoon of fun. Play old-fashioned games and try your hand at churning ice cream.


Sunday, July4 & Monday, July 5 from 1pm on
The Edible Garden: Garden to Table Weekends
Conservatory Kitchen Theme: Berries
New York Botanical Garden, Bronx [link]
Enjoy The Edible Garden and learn how to bring it to your table during these themed weekends that celebrate in-season local vegetables, fruits, and herbs. In addition to everything offered during the Value Weekdays, Garden-to-Table Weekends offer Home Gardening Demonstrations and even more cooking. From tomatoes and eggplants to noted authors and chefs such as Rick Bayless, each weekend brings a new culinary adventure and shows you how to be creative in your own kitchen and garden. Cooking Demonstrations @ 1pm & 3pm. Home Gardening Demonstrations @ 2pm.


Sunday, July 4
Fireworks!
Memorial Park, Nyack [link]
Fun-filled day of activities for the entire Family!! Food, games,


Sunday, July 4 from 7:15 – 9pm
July 4th Concert
Manor Park, Larchmont [link]
Enjoy the festivities as Dixie Dandies perform at Manor Park in


Sunday, July 4 from 7:30pm - 9:30pm
4th of July Fireworks!
Riverfront Green, Peekskill [link]
Celebrate the 4th of July at Riverfront Green. Peter Spink and his band will kick off the festivities with a concert beginning at 7:30 and the Peekskill Fire Department will be hosting a grand Fireworks Display after the Concert.


Sunday July 4 @ 8pm
Pops, Patriots & Fireworks [link]
Caramoor, Katonah
Music: Classical, Family & Kids, Festival, Instrumental. Fireworks Display to Follow the Concert (for ticket holders only)


Sunday, July 4 @ 9pm
Dobbs Ferry Fireworks
Waterfront Park, Dobbs Ferry
There will be music and games for the kids throughout the day ending with fireworks at around 9pm.


Sunday, July 4 @ 9pm
Tarrytown / Sleepy Hollow Fireworks
Fireworks will be atthe former GM plant and visible from Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow Waterfronts


Sunday, July 4 @ 8pm
July 4th Fireworks Party
Science Barge, Yonkers
Join us on the barge to enjoy the sunset on the Hudson River. We will be serving root beer floats. We will be able to see fireworks all along the river and at 9:20 we will watch the fireworks over Manhattan. You are welcome to bring desserts to share. For More Information: Call us at 914-375-2151 or send an e-mail to bob@groundworkhudsonvalley.org.



Sunday, July 4 from 9pm – 9:20pm approx.
Macy's 4th of July Fireworks! [link]
Over the Hudson River
The Fireworks will be simultaneously set off from 6 barges located between 24th and 60th Streets. Visit the website for viewing areas and street closures.


Sunday, July 4 from 9pm – 9:30pm (rain date July 5)
4th of July Fireworks! [link]
Matthiessen Park, Irvington
Plan to arrive by 8:30pm. Park Pass required.
From Hudson Independent calendar…
Saturday 3
Garlic Weekend: Enjoy garlic-themed programming, tastings and hands-on farm activities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in Pocantico Hills. Call 366-6200 or visit www.stonebarnscenter.org. Also July 4.
Open Mic: Hosted by musician/comic Jim Cirrin at 6 p.m. at the Black Cat Café in Irvington. Call 231-9060 or visit www.blackcatchef.com.
Sunday 4
Tarrytown Fireworks Display: Starting at 9 p.m. Call 631-8347.
Picnic on the Farm Day: Celebrate July 4th with a picnic at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in Pocantico Hills. Call 366-6200 or visit www.stonebarnscenter.org.
Independence Day 1800: Join the parade and experience military life through hands-on activities from noon to 6 p.m. at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson. Call 631-8200 or visit www.hudsonvalley.org.
Independence Day 1850: From noon to 6 p.m. enjoy live entertainment including dramatic presentations, rousing speeches, period music and traditional country dancing at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside in Tarrytown. Call 631-8200 or visit www.hudsonvalley.org.
Tuesday 6

THINGS TO DO. CHECK THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES:
www.rivertownsguide.com ( frequently updated calendar of fun events happening in our area)
www.thehudsonindependent.com for news and activities.
www.tarrytownpatch . com for more news and activities.
www.scarsdale10583.com news about Edgemont and Hartsdale
www.intervillage.org (non profit adult education programs)
www.volunteer-center.org (the volunteer center can provide you with hundreds of volunteer opportunities.