Port Chester Schools plants the seeds to grow the next generation of teachers
Often, young aspiring educators don’t get in front of a classroom for firsthand experience in their chosen field until they’ve reached the student teaching segment of their training.
With love and gratitude, signing off for the last time
As I sit down to gather my thoughts and reflections, my mind is overwhelmed by this spiraling emotional soliloquy of lament, nostalgia, anxiety and optimism. There’s so much I want to say, both for myself and the communities I’ve come to cherish, yet I, supposably a writer, have a hard time finding the words.
Rye Brook, Rye Town Park Commission receive grants to plan for climate change
Combating the effects of climate change enduringly must start with a plan. The Village of Rye Brook and Rye Town Park Commission are two of 15 municipalities and institutions joining a cohort eager to study those tenable solutions.
Do Port Chester Schools need metal detectors?
Board of Education begins contemplation, but not all trustees are on the same page
With the benefit of increased funding, the Port Chester School District has made an intentional investment in amplifying its security measures over the last two years, from tightening visitor protocol, to hiring School Resource Officers to beginning plans to incorporate entrance vestibules in all the buildings. At the Board of Education meeting on Nov. 21, at Trustee George Ford’s request, the school board began discussing the potential of installing metal detectors in the school buildings.
The holidays have arrived
Christmas Tree Lighting brings festive colors to Liberty Square; spruce donors happy to see community enjoy their family legacy
Family legacy was the sentiment in the air when MaryRose and John Munnick became the fixtures getting the Village of Port Chester in the holiday spirit this year. MaryRose didn’t think much of it when they chose to donate their tree.
Education is changing in NYS and PCSD will be a part of it
Participation in PLAN Pilot program gives district jump-start in studying, implementing Regents-alternative assessments before new state mandate
New York State is moving forward with substantial philosophical and tangible changes to the way K-12 education is focused and facilitated. And the Port Chester School District isn’t just getting a head start on studying and implementing one of those coming transformative elements but will have a voice through experience as the Education Department defines its new expectations.
Bea Conetta, a renowned advocate celebrates her 100th birthday
Whether she was the bane or the delight at any given Board of Trustees meeting, Bea Conetta, to all who have watched, is a local figure who demands respect. With a reputation in advocacy as feisty as her own, it’s no wonder that the community would gather to celebrate Conetta’s 100th birthday—if anyone can make it to the rare title of centenarian, it’s her.
To Greg Austin, serving R.B. was a dedication to home
Greg Austin retired from the Rye Brook Police Department after 36 years of service on Nov. 12. During the last 18 years, he served as chief. At 61 years old, he left his post as the most experienced police chief in Westchester County, he said—though that was a title he only held for a few months; the longtime police chief in Tuckahoe, John Costanzo, beat him to retirement.
Senior creates AI diagnostic tool, gets published in biomedical journal
BBHS science research program student appears as first author on study involving the diagnosis of rare diseases
Before being legally permitted to get behind the wheel of a car—a test she nervously conquered in October (it ended up being easier than she thought)—Charlotte Zelin celebrated an achievement that’s difficult for academics twice her age: she got published.
First female Eagle Scout claims her spot in history
In December 2019, Ariana Ayala was a pioneering girl joining the mixed-gendered Cub Scout Pack 400. She was a Corpus Christi-Holy Rosary School fifth-grader with sharp ambition. On Nov. 12, she officially became an Eagle. Out of her own pure ambition, she even outpaced her older cousin who inspired her to join the Scouting world in the first place.
There’s a new chief in town
New leader takes over Rye Brook Police Department after longtime chief retires
Just a few hours into his new position, Eric Dengler was “slowly” getting used to his new moniker: “Chief.” The night before, at the Rye Brook Board of Trustees meeting, the 56-year-old Mount Pleasant resident was officially sworn in as the new chief of police.
‘You’re more than your grades,’ high school thespians portray
BBHS Drama Club’s fall show ‘Ranked’ premieres this weekend
Blind Brook high schoolers have at least one common denominator in their experience that many, if not most, share: grade anxiety. “Ranked” was essentially written for them. And because circumstances seemed appropriate this year, Drama Club director and producer Christina Colangelo felt it was the right study for her students’ fall production that will premiere this weekend.
Free Clay Art Center program teaches PCSD students about the culture of ceramics
The Port Chester High School students working in the main classroom at the Clay Art Center on Tuesday, Oct. 29, were given a simple, yet loaded, task—create something of significance.
Do you remember High Point Hospital?
P.C. Historical Society partners with documentarian to create exhibit about psychiatric institution that once stood where BelleFair is today
A few years after the BelleFair community was developed in 2000, Jodi and Bryan Wolkind moved in. They didn’t realize they were living on the grounds of a largely unknown, yet historical spot in the community—not until an elderly taxi driver told Jodi during a trip home from the Metro-North train station that she resided on the property that formerly housed a psychiatric institution: High Point Hospital.
Culture war: ‘The brotherhood of the fire department is long gone’
Internal division, animosity surface in PCFD as Village of Port Chester takes control of its regulations
In July, the Public Employee Safety and Health (PESH) Bureau of the State Department of Labor cited the Village of Port Chester with the serious infraction of having inadequately trained leadership in the volunteer department. Twelve of the 24 active officers—referring to chiefs, captains and lieutenants—had not received Fire Officer 1 and/or ICS 200 (Incident Command Systems) training, a qualification to hold the position.
Students are taking a seat at the table
New state law will mandate students serve with Boards of Education next year, P.C. and B.B. pupils and trustees discuss pros and cons
Two new faces had a seat at the table during the last Port Chester Board of Education meeting on Oct. 17. Their expertise to bring to the discussion? The student perspective. Soon, all Boards of Education in New York will be mandated to appoint a student ex-officio member. The law, sponsored by State Senator Shelley Mayer, was signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in September and will go into effect July 1, 2025.
Afterschool enrollment skyrockets when affordable program launches
PCSD afterschool program, facilitated by Carver Center, more educational than previous years
Since the first day of school on Sept. 3, the elementary buildings across the Port Chester School District have been bustling in the hours after the final bell rings.
25% enrollment dip projected at P.C. Schools over next decade
Fewer than expected children coming out of new building projects leads to new, reduced mitigation costs for developers
After decades of conditioning, the Port Chester School District community had grown accustomed to grappling with the challenges of skyrocketing student enrollment trends. But new data suggests those days are coming to an end.
Living off the land, in Port Chester
Indian Road family turns massive gardening production into a family activity
Over the last three years, the Fragiacomo converted their quarter-acre sized property on Indian Road into an operation that, with meticulous planning, feeds them through the winter. Akin to micro-farming, a trend popular among sustainability-driven and mindful eating folks in urban areas, their set up is slated to produce a harvest totaling over 630 pounds this year.
Six Rye Brook police officers receive awards for service
From saving lives to preventing fraud, Rye Brook police officers never know what a day on the job will bring. Five awards were bestowed to six police officers during a special ceremony at the Rye Brook Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 24.
BBHS named Blue Ribbon School
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recognized 356 schools as the 2024 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Among the institutions recognized was Blind Brook High School.
Keeping spry with fresh veggies
AARP grant brings beauty and nourishment to the Rye Brook Senior Center with new community garden
Life now flourishes in a spot that once rarely saw it at the Rye Brook Senior Center on Garibaldi Place. A Community Challenge Grant of close to $5,000 from the AARP allowed Rye Brook Senior Center staff to not just beautify the building’s patio adjacent to the main hall but turn it into a space that helps the residents served by the facility.
R.T. tax receiver resigns from elected position
On Tuesday, Sept. 17, Rye Town Receiver of Taxes Nick Mecca submitted his notice of resignation. Since 2005, his service has taken form as the tax receiver. Elected for a fifth four-year term in the November 2023 election, his time in office isn’t slated to end until the end of 2027.
Half of PCFD officers, chiefs are inadequately trained
State Department of Labor issues citation; Village says it’s working on a remedy to resolve before Oct. 4 deadline
A July 29 Notice of Violation from the Public Employee Safety and Health (PESH) Bureau of the State Department of Labor, which the Westmore News received through a Freedom of Information Law request, cited the fire department with a “serious” infraction related to training. As of May 8, “the employer did not provide training and education for 12 of 24 chiefs and officers of Port Chester FD requisite to perform their assigned duties,” it states. The dozen firefighters have not had their Fire Officer 1 or ICS 200 (Incident Command Systems) training.
Port Chester SRO could be in schools by end of month
Eight months after the Port Chester Board of Education officially moved to implement a School Resource Officer (SRO) program across the school district, the necessitated partnership with the Village of Port Chester to make the initiative complete is almost ready to go.
Learning a community, one letter at a time
Upon retirement, longtime mail carrier Toni Sacco reflects on four-decade career in the U.S. Postal Service
After four decades—the first three of which were spent serving Port Chester and Rye Brook—Toni Sacco retired from the U.S. Postal Service at the end of August. She spent a career as an often-uncelebrated fabric of society, a lifeline many don’t realize is there. She learned what it means to be community in ways most aren’t privy to and hopes the often-criticized institution will continue to uphold its crucial nature.
Emboldening culture at the core of new JFK principal’s ambition
After three years as assistant principal, Colleen Moore takes leadership role in the building
One of Colleen Moore’s favorite parts of the first day of school last week was opening the doors. In a matter-of-factly yet nurturing essence, she discussed her fondness for John F. Kennedy Elementary School on Thursday, Sept. 5, a few days into the 2024-25 school year, and optimism about being the new building principal.
Port Chester board challenges Rye Town budget, tax spikes
Letter exchange between municipal leaders shows tensions among elected officials
Last month, the Port Chester Board of Trustees got the cold shoulder. Mayor Luis Marino, on behalf of the board, formally invited Rye Town Supervisor Gary Zuckerman as well as his administration’s comptroller to attend the Village trustees’ Aug. 5 meeting to “participate in a discussion” regarding the Town’s budget and initiatives. Though the Board of Trustees had scheduled Zuckerman’s appearance on their agenda that night, it was a symbolic effort as no one from the Town showed up. In writing, Zuckerman’s response to the board “respectfully declined” their invitation.
Photographer captures monk parakeets in P.C.
South American birds that have made New York home for decades find comfort in town
Embellished with vivid shades of lime green, monk parakeets, in flourishing summer months, can easily go unseen. But when spotted, it’s hard not to appreciate their presence.
B.B. school board proposes $18.3 million bond project
Community will vote Oct. 22
For the Blind Brook School District administration and Board of Education, the summer months have been all about tinkering and crafting—putting together a bond proposal to address overdue needs facing the facilities. The bond proposal’s adoption on Wednesday, Aug. 28, came as no surprise.
‘The Kid’ becomes the leader: Greenwald looks to bring stability to high school
After 30 years at B.B., new principal kicks off 2024-25 year committed to embracing modernization while honoring tradition of progressive education
There were no walls in Blind Brook High School when Mark Greenwald first stepped foot inside 30 years ago. Greenwald, now 61, has gone from newbie on the block to an actor of institutional knowledge—from teaching in the classroom to leader of the flagship.
Flowers flourish to honor legacy
Garden at Port Chester Schools administration building named after 27-year school board member James Dreves
The sense of “passing the torch” is, in best practice, a two-way street—where figures of legacy let a new generation take the reins while future leaders respect the history that paved the way to their new path. Blue skies and mild weather prevailed as around two dozen people gathered to dedicate a new garden to James Dreves, a Board of Education member who served the district for 27 years.
New PCHS band director brings his forte to the Pride
Band Camp sees marching band students preparing for visually elevating ‘Flight of Fire’ show
Isaac Schneider often thinks about balance, how to walk the line between tradition and modernization. And as the new leader guiding the Port Chester High School marching band, an organization deeply rooted in history, it’s an important consideration to have.
Bacteria-related beach closures on the rise at Rye Town Park
More frequent heavy rainstorms are causing a problem that Rye Town officials say requires infrastructure renovations to fix
During the height of August, there may be nothing better than basking in the sun and wading in the water for a classic summertime beach day. But for a few days earlier this month, that was not an option at Rye Town Park. Oakland Beach was forced to close by the Westchester Department of Health on Friday, Aug. 9, after tests revealed unfavorably elevated levels of enterococci, a bacteria associated with fecal matter contamination.
Blind Brook bond: Three options, three price tags
Town hall on Oct. 22 Blind Brook bond proposal dives into details, finances while residents question how to ensure future financial security
Before anyone could speak, Jeffrey Mensch took a moment to squash “misconceptions” that he said are circulating around the Blind Brook School District community—fallacies, he said, that people believe about the Board of Education attempting to needlessly raise taxes as they prepare to present a bond proposal to the community this fall. Mensch was speaking at a town hall on Aug. 7, the first public feedback session the school district hosted during their regular Board of Education meeting to garner input about its anticipated bond this fall—a proposal they aim to finalize at the end of the month to put before voters in October.
Homegrown principal: Craig Dreves returns to P.C. to lead Park Avenue owls
After years of humanitarian world travel, PCHS Class of 1992 graduate ready to ‘give heart and soul’ to his hometown
Craig Dreves, 50, relishes the full circle moment coming together as he heads into the 2024-25 school year as the new principal of Park Avenue Elementary School—his rival turned home.
Welcome to Port Chester
Beautification Commission launches first Community Art Initiative with help of Redemption Community Church, Open Door
As chairperson of the Village’s Beautification Commission, Arianna Christopher saw addressing ugly fences as a foremost priority while brainstorming viable ways to make the community a more alluring place. And, given the lack of funding the commission has to take on such a mission, it seemed like taking on one fence was a doable effort that could make a difference.
14 homeowners pursue federal buyout to leave flooding-prone R.B. properties
32 households were eligible for the voluntary program, Village foresees first batch of closings to come in August
Rye Brook Village Administrator Christopher Bradbury has set a “soft goal” for the end of 2024 to see the last house come down—putting to rest, from the residents’ perspective, an initiative over two years in the making.
The community’s rabbi in and beyond the synagogue
Congregation KTI Rabbi Ben Goldberg is here to stay for 5 more years
As the solo rabbi at Congregation KTI—the only synagogue in the Town of Rye—Rabbi Ben Goldberg has come to cherish the tightness of the Rye Brook and Port Chester communities, both in and out of the Jewish sphere. And serving in the area has given him a sense of purpose, finding a corner of the world where he feels he can make a tangible difference. It’s in part that closeness and intimacy, he said, that’s made him want to continue the work.
Crawford hills are alive with sound of talent
Port Chester Council for the Arts’ summer program to perform ‘The Sound of Music’ before alumni showcase takes the stage on Aug. 1
Tracy Tummarello O’Sullivan was a theater kid, describing the community as “a family” in the way most still do today. “We kind of come in as an entourage,” she said, describing the ways her old thespian friends have worked together over the years. “We’re hoping our bond and friendship rubs off on the students so they can have these types of relationships and bonds with each other that carry beyond high school.” And students currently involved in the PCCFA summer program feel they have.
‘I’m ready to be the heart of the school district’
Juan Sanchez takes a promotion from PCHS assistant principal to executive director of the HR department
Sometimes, the pursuit of growth and progress takes a reality check from the family, friends and advisors around you. That’s a mentality Juan Sanchez has always embraced throughout his storied career as a mentor at Port Chester Schools.
Chef Wyatt: He’s got the meat, wants to show others a good feast
Rye Brook teenager uses practiced cooking skills to feed neighborhood, give to charity
Wyatt Feist, while speaking of his passion hobby turned charitable, methodically shuffled and flipped the colorful side dish. Every bite should be tender and sweet—crisp without bearing the overwhelming taste of char. While an umbrella protected him from the sun beaming down in ways a cloudless sky couldn’t on that June 15 afternoon, nothing could stop the heat of the grill from blushing his cheeks to a shade of rose as cheery as he felt feeding the neighborhood.
Post-workout brawl
Two women allegedly got into a brawl at the gym on Thursday, July 11.
Dispute ends in shatters
A 30-year-old was arrested after an allegedly violent fight outside of St. Peter’s Church on Westchester Avenue got the Port Chester police called on Thursday, July 11.
Four out-of-towners charged
Four out-of-towners were arrested last week for drunk driving, removing parts from a fire department connection on a downtown Port Chester building and shoplifting.
History of Quakers’ relationship to slavery embellishes education of Juneteenth
Port Chester Historical Society holds annual celebration of newest federal holiday
“Freedom” is often echoed during Juneteenth celebrations. But perhaps another word should be in the common vernacular: “education.”
P.C. afterschool program price drops vastly to $10 per month
After families expressed strife last year, academically enhanced Carver Center program made affordable with use of multiple funding pools
After families felt sticker shock, and vocalized their dismay, the need for accessible afterschool programming at Port Chester Schools became a hot topic playing a part in shaping the last school year. But that situation is not anticipated to be a problem this fall.
Off-duty P.C. police officer dies in motorcycle accident
With great sadness, the Village of Port Chester announced the death of local Police Officer Christopher Bernal.
Melody Sapione dreams of true equity, plans to make change with a Yale degree
PCHS Class of 2024 graduate is headed to the Ivy League with ambition to go into human rights law
It takes someone with firsthand experience of the harsh realities of inequity to change the world—a fundamental tenant Melody Sapione genuinely believes.
Cornell is calling to BBHS top scholar
Zoeya Suhail eager to embrace the art of computer science in the fall
Zoeya Suhail was full of chipper laughs while chatting over an iced drink at The Producer Coffee Studio. “I’m that person,” she’d often declare with silliness as she described herself and the place she holds in the lives of the community around her. And on June 20, at the Blind Brook High School graduation ceremony, she was “that student” who was able to walk across the stage at the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College to accept her diploma as one of the top two scholars of the Class of 2024.
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