At the end of the day, music is really about the people who enjoy it.

After a long day of work, then practice, then maybe a live show, that's one of the things that keep Dania Abu-Shaheen, 29, and Zilpha Starnes, 30, of Starnes&Shah going - they love music and their fans do too.

The White Plains women have performed nearly 100 live shows together since starting the band seven years ago. The two met while attending Sarah Lawrence College in Westchester and have been dedicated to making music together since. Both work full-time jobs, but have still found time to release three full-length albums and perform live on a regular basis.

“You get home late,” Starnes said. “But you know you’ve spent time doing something you enjoy at the end of the day.”

Starnes said that's something that helps her during performances, she looks out at the crowd and knows many of them have spent the day at work, living their lives and are there to have fun and enjoy some music. It's fun to realize she's there for the same reason.

“We don’t have a label, we do this completely ourselves, and there’s a lot of responsibility financially, but there’s also a lot of freedom,” Starnes said. “That’s something that we have really come to enjoy.”

Both performers say they take pride in performing live, and have traveled the Northeast from Maine to Philadelphia for shows. They have performed as far away as Lebanon and Texas.

The band focuses on vocal harmony, with Shaheen on the guitar and Starnes on the keyboard. Their music started out closer to the folk-rock genre, but has evolved over time to more of an indie rock sound. 

“The music has evolved a lot, but the heart of it still is that we are a band of two vocalists and we highlight vocal harmony in every song,” Shaheen said. “There’s no song when one sits out.”

Since moving to White Plains a couple of years ago the band has also been performing at the local scene, playing at bars including Elements on Mamaroneck Ave. They also practice and perform regularly in New York City and make an effort to perform live wherever and as often as possible.

“It’s really rewarding to go somewhere where you are connecting with brand new people and a brand new city through music,” Shaheen said.

The shows are usually at smaller, fun venues, which allow the band to interact closely with the audience, something both musicians say they enjoy. Road trips and performances are mostly self-organized, and practice times are fit into busy work schedules. But it's the love of music, and performance, that keep the two so busy.

“It’s about balancing the life with the play,” Starnes said. “We don’t have as much time as we would like to devote to music, but I think that forces us to make the best use of every moment we have.”

Starnes&Shah is preparing to release its fourth album this summer, and has built a steady following on the regional music scene. The growing popularity hasn't changed the vision of the band; it's still about deep lyrics, a fun sound and meaningful music.

Find out more about Starnes&Shah by visiting their website here.

Douglas Kennedy and his wife Molly are fighting back against the Northern Westchester Hospital nurses who claimed that he injured them as he moved his newborn son, Bo from the maternity ward last January. They are also suing the hospital itself.

In a 45-page complaint dated Jan. 4, the Kennedys have 17 causes of action, which include defamation, negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, assault, malicious prosecution, breach of confidentiality and deprivation by the hospital of due process rights under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution.

The Kennedys, who are Chappaqua residents, are seeking an unspecified amount in damages, including punitive damages, along with legal costs. They have retained a new law firm for the case, Douglas & London, PC.

The lawsuit, including counter-claims against the nurses, comes a month and a half after the nurses filed their own lawsuit  against him, and nearly two months after he was acquitted in a bench criminal trial in Mount Kisco related to the matter.

Gary Douglas, a lawyer for the Kennedys, told Patch that they are prepared to aggressively defend against "a frivolous lawsuit" brought by nurses, Anna Lane of Brookfield, CT and Cari Luciano of Hopewell Junction, NY. For the counter action, Douglas described the new lawsuit as being "about principles," arguing that people who not be allowed to "burden" the legal system with false claims.

The complaint is long on details for the claims.

In his cause of action for assault, Douglas Kennedy, who was accused of intentionally kicking nurse Cari Luciano when they were by a stairwell as she reached to grab his baby, in turn claims that she "aggressively lunged" towards Kennedy in trying to remove the baby and caused each of them to fall to the ground. It adds that Luciano was there "with her arms extended in an aggressive posture causing a forceful and violent encounter" with the plaintiff.

Kennedy's legal counsel argued during a trial involving the alleged incident that his instinctively pushed her away, rather than intentionally kicking her, to protect Bo.

Molly Kennedy, in the complaint, is suing Luciano, fellow nurse Anna Lane and NWH for intentional infliction of emotional distress; the nurses are named because of the alleged scuffled involving them and her husband, and the hospital because it is their employer. She is also suing NWH under another claim of distress, one in which they are claimed to be directly liable, and claims that an employee told her later on during the night of the alleged incident, that Douglas Kennedy would be arrested if he returned, and that she was being harassed because she was told that her son could not leave NWH after his medical discharge because of a child protective services investigation. Douglas Kennedy was later cleared of wrongdoing by CPS.

Newly Public Claims Are Included in the Lawsuit

Molly Kennedy, who did not testify during the trial last fall, adds newly public information to the lawsuit with her allegations against NWH. The new claims include Marla Koroly, the hospital's chief medical officer, stating that Luciano should not have place her hands on Douglas Kennedy, and that Lane should not have tried to stop him from exiting.

The nurses, along with the Westchester County District's Attorney's office, argued that Kennedy's conduct in his desire to take his son outside for fresh air went against the hospital's policy of patient removal. Kennedy's legal team argued that NWH has no specific policy for a father who would want to take his son outside for air, a matter that Mount Kisco Judge John Donohue agreed with in his acquittal ruling for the criminal trial.

In the suit, Molly Kennedy also stated that she told her patient advocate, more than four hours after the alleged incident, that she wanted to leave "because of her perceived harassment and intimidation" by hospital staff. The request was denied, she claims, adding in the suit that she told the patient advocated "that she felt like a prisoner being held against her will."

Media Statements, Release of Security Footage, Play Major Parts

In his defamation claims, Douglas Kennedy took issue with the nurses' public claims in early 2012, including statements made to Mount Kisco Police and a March 1, 2012 interview they gave on NBC's The Today Show, occasions in which they gave summaries of their accusations against him.

Also named as a defendant is Luciano's spouse, Steve Luciano, for giving two interviews to The Daily News in which he recapitulated the nurses' claims, which were that Kennedy twisted Lane's arm and intentionally kicked Luciano; Kennedy denies both accusations.

NWH, due to its employment of Lane and Luciano, is also listed as a defendant for defamation.

Molly Kennedy is suing NWH for negligence and breach of confidentiality because of information about the alleged incident, including security camera footage of Kennedy and Lane by an elevator becoming public. The claim is that Cari Luciano, Steve Luciano and Elliot Taub, the nurses' attorney, improperly obtained the information.

Meanwhile, Douglas Kennedy alleges in the suit that the nurses engaged in "malicious prosecution," while both Kennedys claim that NWH engaged in negligent hiring, training and supervision of personnel.

When Geri Draddy saw an Andy’s Pure Food juice cleanse delivery on her neighbor’s doorstep last week, she decided it was time for another cleanse of her own.

“It is a good way to get you on the right track,” said Draddy, a Rye resident and mother of three. “As a New Year’s resolution to be healthier, it is a great way to introduce people to juicing,” she said.

To prepare for the cleanse, Draddy planned to cut out as many processed foods as she could for the weekend and kicked it off with a vegan lunch from Andy’s on Friday. She and her husband tried Andy’s three day juice cleanse about two years ago and became more committed to a plant-based diet and healthy eating. Like many, she slowly fell back into old habits and is ready to recharge her healthy eating again.

“It is hard with kids, but when it is pre-made you can just grab it and drink it,” instead of stealing tastes of the kid’s food, Draddy said. Her cleanse will be one of about 70 that Andy’s Pure Food owner Andy Ozgur will facilitate in the Westchester area during the first two weeks of the new year. Last week, he received 48 orders for his juice cleanses. Another 22 people will start their cleanses this week, and people will continue to sign up throughout the month of January, Ozgur said.

“You don’t have to be a genius to understand how juicing works,” he said.

Juicing vegetables and fruits allows the body to absorb the many nutrients and minerals that raw produce provides and to take a break from the work of digesting. Yeast, salt, Gluten and toxins are not present in a juice cleanse so your body detoxifies while being fueled by pure nutrients. It is important to use only organic produce for juicing so that you get the most nutrient rich juice and do not juice pesticides into your drinks, according to nutritionists.

Andy’s orders come from miles around the region. Ozgur’s deliveryman brings the juice to doorsteps anywhere in Westchester and to most places in Putnam, Fairfield and some in New York City. If the deliveryman is booked all day, Ozgur will deliver the juice himself. He does not allow customers to buy all three juices at once because after 24 hours the juice loses nutrients and by the third day it will still taste ok, but no longer be good.

“Then you will go to the bathroom like you are being cleansed, but it is because the juice went bad,” Ozgur said.

Ozgur offers two different three day cleanses: the Synergy, which allows a soup and a raw salad each day in addition to juice and nut milk; and the plain juice cleanse, which is solely vegetable, fruit juice and nut milk. He also offers a seven day complete cleanse that allows some soup and salad as well. Each juice is made from about three and a half pounds of produce and they taste good. You will not see a juicer grimacing at his or her green drink while walking out of Andy’s.  And for those simply looking for a healthy meal that you can chew, you’ll find an array of dozens of colorful vegan dishes to choose from at Andy’s.

January is one of his busiest months. The other most popular months for cleansing are April, May, June and July. Business spikes again in September and then the next rush usually does not come until the following January, Ozgur said.

All of Andy’s food is from Baldor Speciality Foods, a Bronx- based delivery service, and it is all organic. Ozgur explained that he does not use local produce because it does not necessarily mean organic. He posts his produce invoices on the wall next to the check out counter so customers can be reassured he is purely organic.  

Proof That Food is the Best Medicine

Ozgur opened Andy’s after a life time in the food business. He has enjoyed cooking for a long time and combined that love and his business savvy to open Zeytinia in Croton in 2001. But several years later, at age 36, he started feeling tired all the time and suffered from some digestive issues. A landscaper he knew turned him on to juicing and he has never looked back.

He bought a juicer for Zeytinia, and started juicing a few meals a day. The next week he did a pure juice cleanse. Within two months he felt healthy, energetic, and no longer had digestive issues.

Feeling that if it worked for him, it would work for everyone, Ozgur sold Zeytinia in 2008 and opened Andy’s Pure Food, where he has seen success since.

He has had several customers with various skin, joint, and other problems that have been reversed by juicing and plant-based diets.

One customer who has type 2 Diabetes and was on insulin turned to Andy’s to help him juice and use a healthier diet to treat his disease. In two months, the diabetes had been reversed, Ozgur said.

“So many customers lose 30 to 40 pounds too,” Ozgur said, explaining that the juice cleanse helps them to make a longer commitment to healthy eating, which continues the weight loss.

Most of Ozgur’s customers are people who are already dedicated to health and who use cleanses to detoxify or refocus their efforts. But Ozgur hopes that more people learn the health benefits of a vegan and raw food diet.

“The other day two ladies came in and looked at the vegetables and said, ‘let’s go eat real food and come here another time,’” Ozgur said. “But this is the real food,” he said with excitement.  “People don’t realize, this is the real food.”

To start a cleanse visit Ozgur at the store located at 46 Purchase Street, Rye, NY; check them out online or call 914-967-266.

For more information on juicing and vegan diets check out the documentaries, “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead,” and “Forks Over Knives.” 

There's plenty to do with the younger set in days ahead:

Bilingual Storytime, Thursday, January 10, 3:30 p.m. Pelham Public Library, 530 Colonial Ave., Pelham, NY. Chilldren in kindergarten through 3rd grade are invited to listen to stories and songs in Spanish and English. A native-Spanish speaker uses rhymes, stories, games, and play to teach Spanish in a creative, relaxed approach. Snacks are provided. No sign-up required. For more information, call 914-738-1234.

Lego Club, Thursday, January 10, 4:30 p.m. White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Ave., White Plains, NY. Join the Lego building fun! Children in grades 1 through 6 are invited to design and build their own structures using The Trove's Lego set. For more information, call 914-422-1476. 

Camp and Teen Summer Camp Opportunities Fair, Sunday, January 13, 1 p.m. Rye Country Day School, 3 Grandview Ave. Rye, NY. Rye Country Day School Meet with directors and speak with knowledgeable consultants to learn what is available for summer 2013! For more information, call 914-939-5338.

Danceworks, Sunday, January 13, 3 p.m. White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Ave., White Plains, NY. Danceworks, the modern dance troupe from Westchester Community College, will teach the basics of modern dance with audience participation. For children and their families. For more information, call 914-422-1476.

My Brother Martin- A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Monday, January 13, 4:30 p.m. White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Ave, White Plains, NY.  A reading of Christine King Ferris' book My Brother Martin: A Sister Remembers Growing Up with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, and other activities. For school-age children grades K - 6 and their families.

If it were $1 more, the asking price would be bumped into seven-digit territory.

A ivy-covered Tudor on Hillaire Circle in White Plains is asking $999,999. Built in 1931, the home features four bedrooms and four bathrooms on .72 acres.

For more photos, click here.

Information provided by AOL Real Estate.

Scarsdale's newest hair salon is blowing customers away.

PlushBLOW, located on Harwood Court in the village center, is the latest addition to the Westchester beauty scene. The blow dry bar offers clients a quick, stylist blowout and a sleek setting.

Owners Kristy and Anthony Fidanza of Rye Brook operate a blow dry bar in Rye and Greenwich, along with the full-service Plush Salon in White Plains that has been open since 2005. The couple officially opened the doors to PlushBlow Scarsdale on November 30, 2012.

Kristy, a White Plains native and White Plains High School grad, started her beauty career while in high school. Now, the 30-year-old is expanding her resume with her and her husband's chain of blow dry bars.

The lure of the blowdry-only shop is the quick service and "the affordable luxury," Owner Kristy Fidanza told Patch.

With a blow dry taking anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes, folks can swing by, get a blowout for $40 and have it last for a few days, not having to worry about their hair, Fidanza, who has worked in the industry for nearly 17 years, said.

PlushBLOW offers a choice of five blow dry styles: the signature Plush Blow; the Skinny for super straight locks; the Va-Va Voom for lots of volume; the Pin-Up, which gives glam waves a la that Victoria's Secret model look; and the As Say.

The salon also does braids, curls, moisturizing treatments, shampoos, up-dos and special occasion hair, as well as sells Plush products and brushes. One blowout is $40 and curls and moisturizers have an additional cost. Plush offers a blow dry package, giving clients a discount on blow-dries. Also on Tuesdays, folks can enjoy a $30 blow dry.

Fidanza said the staff of five is loving the community of Scarsdale and the businesses nearby.

"It's really nice," she said of the village. "It's like a little family."

Since opening, the Scarsdale salon does about 60 blowouts a week. In the other locations, the salons do about 300-plus a week, the owner noted.

"It's such an affordable luxury," Fidanza said of the blow dry. "It makes life so much easier."

For more information view the PlushBLOW page in our business directory here.

For further reading:

Cement Truck Overturns at Wilson Park Construction Site

Nanuet Chamber to Host Simon Property, TZ Bridge Talks

Car Stolen in Westchester Discovered at Boston Airport

The Bedford Hills Fire Department and several fire departments from around northern Westchester County battled a three-alarm blaze that broke out Tuesday evening at 109 Stone Bridge Lane in Bedford Hills.

The fire departed got dispatched around 6:30 p.m., according to Bedford Hills Fire Chief Dominick Bueti, and the first arrival was at 6:41 p.m. Firefighters then spent hours working on the building, both in battling the initial fire and then smoke and hot spots. The overall fire was under control by around 9:30-9:45 p.m., Bueti said, and hot spots were still being addressed as of about 10:30 p.m.

Bueti described the damage as "pretty extensive," though he did not characterize the house as being gutted. The roof over the garage of the house collapsed during the fire, he said. 

The fire was already well underway, Bueti said to a group of reporters, saying it was “definitely well involved upon arrival.” Bueti added that there was “pretty extensive damage.”

There were no injuries, Bueti said, and he was unaware of anyone being inside the house when the fire broke out.

Bueti estimated that there were roughly 100 firefighters for turn out.

The Westchester County Cause and Origin team is investigating the cause of the fire.

Other responding fire departments included Mount Kisco, Chappaqua, Bedford Village, Katonah, South Salem, Croton Falls, Ossining, Somers, Banksville, Yorktown, Goldens Bridge, Pound Ridge and Armonk. The Katonah-Bedford Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Westchester EMS were on scene. 

Bedford Police also assisted at the scene, while Mount Kisco police and Westchester County police provided mutual aid.

Parts of nearby roads were blocked off, including Bedford Center Road, Springhurst Lane, Stone Bridge Lane itself and Broad Brook Road.

Neighbors reported seeing intense smoke conditions. Dr. Ezriel Kornel, who lives near by, said he knocked on a window after he noticed what was going on, before he saw a first responder had arrived.

The response from volunteers was "amazing to see," said Christina Dochtermann, a neighbor.

"My boys and I went outside to see flames licking the garage roof of the house," she said. "It looked as if the fire was under control for a while, when we suddenly heard loud horns blaring, and the roof went up in flames. All of Bedford Center Road is alight with flashing lights," she said. "It's an incredible display of a community coming out to help in a tragedy to get this fire under control."

The home is valued at more than $2.5 million, according to recent real estate property records.

It was the second major fire in a Bedford home in a week. A four-bedroom home on Hook Road—owned by Eliza Bolen, step-daughter to Oscar de la Renta, and her husband Alexander Bolen, CEO of the designer's company—was gutted on New Year's Day.

A fight in a White Plains coffee shop led to the arrest of a 33-year-old woman this week, police say.

Nicole Alcaide, who didn't have a permanent address, was charged with third-degree assault, a misdemeanor. Police say Alcaide spotted an ex-boyfriend in Splendid Coffee on Mamaroneck Ave. at about 4:50 p.m. on Jan. 2 and scratched his face and neck. 

The boyfriend was treated for minor injuries and Alcaide was arrested at the scene.

UPDATE: 3:30 p.m.

In his State of the State message in Albany, Gov. Andrew Cuomo called for significant steps in New York State to safeguard residents from continued gun violence that has come with high-volume ammunition assault weapons.

"We must stop the madness," Cuomo said. "It has been enough. We need a gun policy that is reasonable, balanced and respects hunters. It's about ending the unecessary risk of high-capacity assault rifles."

Cuomo called for the "toughest assault weapon ban in the nation" in New York, along with new laws that would close private gun sale loopholes, keep weapons out of hands of the mentally ill and regulate ammunition purchases.

Cuomo said gun regulation leadership is not new to New York, citing the 1911 Sullivan Act, which required registration of handguns.

Making a emotionally-charged plea to lawmakers, Cuomo asked them to set aside politics 

"What we are proposing today are common sense measures," Cuomo said. "No one needs to hunt with an assault weapon. No one needs 10 bullets to kill a deer."

UPDATE: 3 p.m.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo today called for the state Legislature to again pass an on-time state budget and not to create any new taxes.

"We can accomplish anything we want when we work together," Cuomo said.

Cuomo said the state has made major progress in the way it does business, becoming more business-friendly and ending the "politics as usual" mentality that created years of deadlock among lawmakers in Albany.

As an example of the change in the state, Cuomo cited the planned replacement of the Tappan Zee Bridge connecting Westchester and Rockland.

"We put it together in one year after they talked about it for 10," Cuomo said.

Among the steps Cuomo has called for in his address:

- Reduce the burden of unemployment insurance and workmen's compenstation insurance on employers in the state.

- Extend the state's solar jobs program.

- Put a new focus fixing the terrible economic climate in upstate New York.

To help the upstate economy, Cuomo called for expanding casinos. He said casinos in upstate New York would boost that region's economy. Step one: Three casinos upstate to bring downstate residents upstate.

This would require a referendum in November.

On education, Cuomo said we need more education.

"We need more learning time my friends if we are really serious about improving education," Cuomo said.

Options:

- Longer school days.

- A longer school year.

- Or, a combination of both.

"Our proposal is that we make it an option for every school district in the state and how they would want to opt in," said Cuomo, noting the state would pay for the additional costs related to longer school days/years.

He also called for more early childhood education. Cuomo called for full-day Pre-K programs, especially in poorest communities.

For teachers, Cuomo said New York must reward high-performing teachers, calling for a master teachers programs in which those teachers would see extra pay. He also praised the state's school districts for following through with formalized teacher evaluation plans.

On minimum wage, Cuomo said the state's current minimum wage of $14,000 is not a living wage.

"My friends, it does not add up," Cuomo said, urging a raise of the minimum wage.

Stop and frisk

In New York City, Cuomo called for an end to the city's "stop and frisk" methods, calling the technique unfair. "It's unfair, it's not right and it must end now," Cuomo said.

He called for changes in the law so that minor marijuana possession does not become a misdemeanor - keeping it at the violation level.

Affordable housing

Cuomo said New York State will step in with a $1 billion effort over the next five years to boost affordable housing.

Campaign reform

Cuomo called for significant changes in the state's political campaign financing laws.

He called for faster reporting of political and lobbying campaign contributions. And, he called for lowering limits on contributions.

Environment

Cuomo called for reducing C02 output in New York.

"Climate change is real," Cuomo said.

Also, he called for the "Recreate NY-Smart Home" to help homeowners in storm-prone areas to avoid rebuilding homes only to have them destroyed a few years later.

In New York City, Cuomo called for steps to safeguard underground facilities, utilities and the subway system. On Long Island, he called for eliminating the LIPA system of providing power.

UPDATE: 2:20 p.m.

After lengthy introductions, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has taken the podium to begin his State of the State address.

Among those noted before the speech were the familiy members of two Webster, NY, volunteer firefighters who were slain in an abush.

In noting major incidents in New York in 2012 from Hurricane Sandy to the deadly incident in Webster, Cuomo said, "We saw New York at its worst and we saw new york at its best. You saw unparalleled heroism ...."

UPDATE: 1:58 p.m.

State lawmakers have filed into the state's convention center in Albany and Gov. Andrew Cuomo is about to deliver his State of the State address. 

Watch the speech live online at http://www.governor.ny.gov/NY/2013-State-of-the-State

---

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is set to deliver is State of the State message today at 1:30 p.m., when he will outline his goals for New York in 2013.

The message can be seen live online from Albany via the state government's web site, http://www.governor.ny.gov/NY/2013-State-of-the-State

In previous messages, Cuomo has targeted school reform an efforts to make government smaller and more efficient. Today, Cuomo is expected to discuss gun control in the wake for the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, CT. Cuomo is also expected to discuss the state's minimum wage and the economy.

After his speech, share your reaction to his proposal here on Patch. Tell us what you think should be the state's priorities for 2013.

About the State of the State message:

- The State of the State address allows the Governor to lay out his yearly agenda for the legislators and the people of New York.

- The Governor is required to give the State of the State by Article IV Section 3 of the New York State Constitution.

- The State of the State message is not only a message from the Governor to the Legislature but is also the beginning of the Legislative year.

- Only three governors, Charles Poletti, John Tayler and Horace White, have never given a State of the State message.

- The State of the State address was traditionally held in the Assembly Chamber until Gov. Andrew Cuomo moved it to the Convention Center.

- Article XIII section 4 of the State Constitution sets the day for the beginning of the legislative term as the first Wednesday after the first Monday in the month of January.

- Colonial governors gave speeches, but our first governors after winning Independence thought that was too pretentious and so instead delivered a written message to the Legislature.

- Even today, the actual State of the State is a document given by the Governor to the legislative leaders and not the speech that accompanies it.

 

A White Plains man faces an assault charge after police say he punched a female group home employee during an incident at 14 Oakwood Ave.

Zaire Corwell, 26, who lives in the building, was charged with third-degree assault, a misdemeanor. Police say Corwell was arguing with another person in the building just after 10 p.m. Sunday night when the group home worker took Zaire to another room.

Police say Corwell became upset during a conversation with the employee and puched the woman in the face, resulting in minor injurues. Zaire was arrested and held for court.

The Baseball Writers' Association of America failed to vote a single new member to the National Baseball Hall of Fame Class for 2013. 

In results announced at 2 p.m. today, none of the eligible players received the 75% of the vote required from the BBWAA for election to the Hall of Fame.

MLB.com's coverage of the election is here. To see the full 2013 BBWAA ballot, go here. 

It was only the eighth time in the history that the BBWAA did not vote in anybody, the first since 1996. 

Craig Biggio, who compiled 3,060 career hits in a 20-year career with the Houston Astros, playing catcher, second base an the outfield, got the most support with 68.2 percent of the vote. Pitcher Jack Morris, whose last of 15 years on the ballot would be next year, got 67.7 percent. 

Two players on the ballot for the first time were next with Jeff Bagwell at 59.6 percetn and Mike Piazza at 57.8.

Barry Bonds, a seven-time league MVP and Major League Baseball's all-time leader in career and single-season home runs, got only 36.2 percent of the vote in his first year. Seven-time Cy Young winner Roger Clemens got 37.6 percent in his first year. Both faced accusations of performance-enhancing drug use. 

Of the top candidates who did not get in, who should have? Tell us in the poll below. You can only select one. 

Reaction started coming quickly following today's State of the State address in Albany by Gov. Andrew Cuomo:

Click here to read the full text of Cuomo's address.

Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino:

“The Governor deserves high marks for the progress made on the new Tappan Zee Bridge. The proposal to designate 10 tax-free Innovation Hot-Spots is an exciting one and we believe that our North 60 bio-tech project is an ideal candidate. But the most significant aspect of the speech was what was missing. There was no mention of mandate relief, which is the biggest and most urgent problem facing local communities and schools all across the state. Nine current state mandates already consume 85 cents of every Westchester county property tax levy dollar. We need real relief now and there was no sign of it in the speech. Lastly, I’m concerned that the Governor’s upstate casino proposal could harm Empire City in Yonkers.”

Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Ken Jenkins:

"Since he has taken office, Governor Andrew Cuomo has consistently put the people of New York at the forefront of his decision making. The broad and extensive agenda he delivered today in his State of the State address shows that the Governor remains focused on transforming New York into a model of economic growth and educational excellence while also strengthening safeguards and investing in infrastructure for the protection of our residents.

"Governor Cuomo’s commitment to rebuilding the parts of New York hard hit by Hurricane Sandy is exemplary. I also commend his willingness to ensure that public utilities improve their service for residents and business owners in the wake of severe weather events, and that all state agencies quicken their responses to those in need as such. Included in these improvements should be the burying of power lines in outage prone areas, for which I have proposed county legislation.

"When it comes to protecting our residents, public officials must do their utmost to eliminate risks and accentuate safety. There can be no halfway measures in this regard. Governor Cuomo’s strong call for new gun control measures will have a lasting impact on life in New York, and I will do everything possible to aid him in his efforts to vanquish gun violence here. Again, this is a good example of putting the people first.

"I fully appreciate Governor Cuomo’s visionary approach to getting things done in New York, and his tireless fight against inequality in all walks of life. He has brought all kinds of individuals and groups to the table on a number of initiatives, including the building of a new Tappan Zee Bridge, which many pundits said would not be possible. His verve for public service, forward thinking and a positive approach to problem solving are benefitting the residents of New York in so many ways. Westchester is ready to assist the Governor in increasing economic development for all of New York’s residents, and I am proud to be part of these endeavors with him."

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman: 

“In the year ahead, New York faces many hurdles, including continued rebuilding from Hurricane Sandy, growing our economy, strengthening our democracy and protecting our communities from gun violence. In today’s State of the State speech, Governor Cuomo laid out important steps to address these challenges. I look forward to working with the governor and all of our state’s leaders to make New York safer and stronger for all our communities.”

New York Assemblyman David Buchwald, 93rd District:

“Ensuring that New York State continues to attract new businesses and create more good-paying, permanent jobs is essential to the welfare of our local economy,” Assemblyman David Buchwald (D-Westchester) said. “The agenda that the governor outlined today in his State of the State address is a significant step in the right direction towards improving the economy, controlling state spending and providing tax relief to hard-working Westchester families.”

“I look forward to working with the governor on these issues, as well as supporting important measures like an increase in the state’s minimum wage, a strong recovery from Hurricane Sandy and sensible gun safety legislation to keep our families and children safe.”

Here's just a few things you can check out this weekend:

Arsenic and Old Lace, Thursday, January 10- Saturday, January 12, 7:30 p.m. New Rochelle High School, 265 Clove Rd., New Rochelle, NJ. Cost: $10 Theatre Works will be performing Arsenic and Old Lace in 3 Acts, Thursday-Saturday, January 10-12, 2013 at the Whitney M. Young Auditorium. All shows start at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $7 for students/seniors and $10 adults. Come out and support the Arts!!! 

PAC House Ballroom: Salsa, No Chaser, Friday, January 11, 7:30 p.m. Parish House Performing Arts Center, 311 Huguenot St., New Rochelle, NY. Salsa, No Chaser Party. Dance til you drop and get coaching by Tiffany DeMarco Loza from Dance by Design. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Located at 311 Huguenot St between Division and Centre in New Rochelle (look for the red doors). Free parking in rear of building. $15 advance at SmartTix.com 212-868-4444 or $20 at door day of event. 

Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ Saturday, January 12, 1:30 p.m. 897 S. Columbus Ave., Mount Vernon, NY. Enjoy a performance by the Red Monkey Theatre Group of William Shakespeare's popular comedy about events surrounding the marriage of the Duke of Athens to Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons.  Also view the site’s feature exhibition, “A Clash of Cultures: Anne Hutchinson’s Brief Life near St. Paul’s Church.”        

Danceworks, Sunday, January 13, 3 p.m. White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Ave., White Plains, NY. Danceworks, the modern dance troupe from Westchester Community College, will teach the basics of modern dance with audience participation. For children and their families. For more information, call 914-422-1476.

For further reading:

3-Alarm Fire Brings Major Damage to Bedford Hills Home

State of the State: Cuomo Sets His 2013 Agenda

Orangetown Board Condemns Journal News Gun Map

As he faces a second trial for a 2010 arrest that ultimately cost him his position as mayor of White Plains, Adam Bradley said Thursday he is confident that new evidence expected to be introduced this time will result in a not guilty verdict.

Jury selection for Bradley's second trial will begin April 8. The Appellate Division Court in Brooklyn overturned Bradley's 2010 conviction of domestic violence charges stemming from an incident involving his estranged wife Fumiko Bradley in October. The Westchester County District Attorney's office has since moved to re-try the former mayor.

Bradley and his attorney Amy Bellantoni were in White Plains court before Judge Richard Molea Thursday morning to set a trial date and discuss pre-trial arrangements with the prosecution. Outside, an upbeat Bradley told reporters he expects the testimony of at least three people barred from the first trial to make the difference the second time around.

“I’m looking forward to my new trial,” Bradley said. “Assuming I get a fair trial, I know the truth will come out, unfortunately it’s been many years too late, but the truth is the truth and it will stay the truth.”

The appeals court ruled that Bradley's defense should have been able to call witnesses to challenge Fumiko's credibility during the original trial. Bradley said the new witnesses will "make a huge difference" this time. A marriage counselor who met with Bradley and Fumiko is expected to be among the witnesses.

“All these people still exist, so hopefully it’s a fair trial," Bradley said. "The truth will come out, I’ll be vindicated."

The second trial will go before a jury, a change from the bench trial that led to the original conviction. Bradley said he learned from the first trial, when Judge Susan Capeci wrongly convicted him.

The former mayor was convicted of attempted assault and harassment in 2010. He was sentenced to three years probation before the conviction was overturned.

After initially refusing to resign, Bradley stepped down as mayor two months after his conviction. He has maintained his innocence throughout.

Bradley was later charged with violating a court order by contacting Fumiko after the trial. Bradley blamed the calls on "butt dials", they were later dismissed.

The fire that took the life of 78-year-old Alice Foster in the Winbrook Housing Complex on South Lexington Ave. Friday was set accidentally, police said today.

Results from the Westchester Medical Examiner's office determined the woman died of smoke inhalation in her fourth floor apartment. Police say Foster had already died when they arrived at apartment 4F shortly after 12 p.m. Friday.

Firefighters received the call just before 12 p.m. and reported heavy smoke and fire upon arrival. It took only a few minutes to knock down the blaze, but investigators found Foster's body under a pile of belongings inside a bedroom.

The fire was contained to Foster's apartment, but water damage extended to the third floor and there was smoke damage on the fifth floor.

A White Plains man has been charged with second-degree murder in connection to the shooting of a 21-year-old man this August in Port Chester.

Jaerue Williams, 27, of 59 Old Mamaroneck Road, was arraigned Thursday on three felony charges including second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Investigators believe Williams shot 21-year-old Wilfredo Rivera in the chest at close range near 16 S Regent St. at about 12:15 a.m. on Aug. 11, 2012.

Friends took Rivera to Greenwich Hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to an announcement from the Westchester County District Attorney's office. Port Chester Police handled the investigation and eventually identified Williams, who was already in custody for an alleged parole violation, as the shooter.

The DA's office identified Williams as a "career criminal", whose parole violation stemmed from two felony convictions in 2010. Williams was also indicted on Sept. 26 in connection to a home burglary in Larchmont. Investigators say the Larchmont break-in took place the day after the shooting and was captured on video surveillance.

“Collaborative detective work in several jurisdictions linked this defendant to both crimes which occurred within a day of each other," said Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore.

Williams faces burglary, petty larceny and criminal mischief charges in connection to the Larchmont burglary.

The next court date in the murder case is Jan. 22. Williams faces up to 25 years in prison on the second-degree murder charge and up to 15 years in prison on the burglary charge.

Assistant District Attorney Wendy Parra of the Superior Court Trial Division is prosecuting the murder case, Assistant District Attorney Timothy Ward, Chief of the Career Criminal Bureau, is prosecuting the burglary case.

With 2013 shaping up to be one of the worst flu years in recent memory, Westchester officials are urging residents to hit the doctor's office or pharmacy, roll up their sleeves and receive a shot.

"You should always get a flu shot to protect yourself," said county health commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler. "Many local pharmacies still have flu vaccine, and it’s never too late to benefit."

This year's vaccine steels residents against the three strains of the flu that are currently circulating, Amler said. She noted those most vulnerable to flu complications are pregnant women, adults 50 or older, and children under five.

County executive Rob Astorino has asked resident to follow simple guidelines to stay healthy and prevent the flu's spread.

"Three simple steps that can help you stay healthy are washing your hands, staying home when you're sick and avoiding others who are not well," he said.

To prevent spreading the flu, cough or sneeze into your elbow and wash your hands often with soap and water, Amler added in a county press release. And if you do become ill, "get plenty of rest, exercise and eat healthy food," she advised.

About 36,000 lives are lost in the United States each year due to the flu.

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For more information about the flu, contact the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000 or go to www.westchestergov.com/health