The Rockefeller State Park Preserve is a wonderful place.

Conveniently located, with entrances in Pleasantville and Tarrytown it has an extensive network of trails, originally for carriage use.  It’s an ideal location for a morning run, afternoon hike or evening stroll.

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It’s genius. It’s fashionable. And it’s cheap.

Green Eileen in Yonkers is an Eileen Fisher store -that opened in March- stocked with professionally cleaned, gently worn Eileen Fisher clothing at, in many cases, below half the original retail prices.

Phillipa Climaco holds a dress that retailed for $278, and was never worn. It's selling for $70.

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This home is at 17 Bonnie Briar Lane, Larchmont.

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The listing reads: “Exceptional 1929 Larchmont Farmhouse Colonial on a rare full acre of rolling lawns, stone walls & a babbling brook with charming bridge. Unrivalled setting & privacy in premier Bonnie Briar with views of golf course. Thoughtfully renovated & expanded w/Smallbone Dine-in-Kitchen adjoining stunning Great Room w/soaring ceilings. Oversized two room Master Suite w/FPL easily could become 4th Bedroom on 2nd floor level. A Treasure on an acre.”

This 4 Bed/5 Bath home is going for $2,499,000

A group known as Environmental Advocates of New York has released a report that claims New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)  fails to track the  waste water from about 6,800 existing low-volume hydraulic fracturing, or  “fracking” wells currently operating and doesn’t know where the drilling waste is going.

The report, Out of Sight, Out of Mind, says only the gas companies know how wastes from their existing gas drilling operations are actually disposed of, and they’re not talking.

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Click here to donate your gently used furniture to a family that needs it, in honor of your mama.

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We are big on recycling e-Waste, as you may know- dumping your computers, cell phones, VCRs etc. the green way.

The Mamaroneck Library is making it easy on May 19:

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News 12 shot of Kujtim Nicaj

WHITE PLAINS– Every dog has his day.

The “bestiality Super” was arraigned Tuesday on burglary and sexual misconduct charges after prosecutors said he illegally entered a tenant’s apartment Feb 8. and engaged in multiple sex acts with a 15-month-old Labroador Retriever. He was allegedly caught by the tenant’s “Nanny Cam” at the Rye Colony apartments.

Kujtim Nicaj, 43, of Rye pleaded not guilty to six counts of sexual misconduct and two counts of burglary, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office said in a statement.

NEW ROCHELLE– This New Rochelle home, at 50 Montgomery Circle, is owned by the Republic of Cameroon. According to a recent report in LoHud, its owners owe $1.4 million in taxes.

Now Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) wants them and the other seven New Ro property owners owing a combined $2.7 million in back taxes and interest to the city of New Rochelle, to pay up.

Here’s the honor roll:

#1) Republic of Cameroon: $1.4 million on a diplomatic residence at 50 Montgomery Circle – back to 1995.

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Amy O'Doherty

Amy O’Doherty was a lovely young woman who died at age 23 on 9/11/01 at the World Trade Center.

Spare Change writes,

Amy O’Doherty grew up in Pelham, NY, and attended St. Bonaventure University in upstate New York, graduating in 2000. A professor there who had her in four classes said of her:

She was a true pleasure to have in class: always doing every homework, carrying class discussions (especially in Money and Banking!), and such a hard worker.After graduating, she moved to New York City into her first apartment and worked for Cantor Fitzgerald, an international securities firm with offices on floors 101-105 of the north tower of the World Trade Center.

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When was the last time you went to City Island? This gem is so great and so easy to get to.

And the City Island Nautical Museum wants you to know it is one of 40 historic sites in New York City, chosen from over 500 applicants, selected to compete for $3 million in grants to preserve the city’s historic buildings, icons and landmarks. The building, an old school, was constructed in 1897–98, was recently designated a New York City landmark and is on the National Register for Historic Places.

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The bustling, bargain-filled New Rochelle Humane Society Thrift Shop is gone. effective immediately. Lucia Kim, who managed the shop at 311 North Avenue, for 32 years, is ill and unable to continue running it.

The NRHS says it is hoping to reopen the shop in a different location as soon as possible.

The New Rochelle Humane Society, founded in 1911, is a private, not-for-profit animal shelter dedicated to providing individual loving care for lost, abandoned, injured, and mistreated animals in 17 communities in Westchester County. It takes in over 500 dogs and 700 cats each year.

from our friends at Westchester Eats:

YONKERS–On May 18 – exactly 30 days after the official opening of Havana Central Yonkers – the first 30 guests to dine at the restaurant after 11 a.m. will be awarded a year’s supply of free empanadas. In honor of the new location at Ridge Hill Shopping Center, winners will receive a punch card, redeemable for 365 free empanadas – while dining in or in carrying out – before May 17, 2013.

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Peyton (not to be confused with Payton) has recently arrived from a crowded Virginia shelter. He’s as friendly as he looks with both people and dogs. He is totally ready to join an active family who will keep his border collie brain busy and his svelte figure in shape! He would love to learn how to catch a frisbee and since he’s a smart guy, he’ll figure out in no time!

You can meet this dog today! We are open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm and Thursdays from 2pm to 8pm!

For information about how to adopt, contact us:

www.NewRochelleHumaneSociety.org
New Rochelle Humane Society
70 Portman Road
New Rochelle, NY 10801
914-632-2925

MAMARONECK –We told you last week about two local kids that are healthy, happy cancer survivors, sponsoring a St. Baldrick’s Spring Buzz Cut at Molly Spillane’s in Mamaroneck to raise money for research.

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Nancy Seligson, Mam'k Town Supervisor, Suzi Oppenheimer, State Senator, Norman Rosenblum, Mayor, Dr. Pushpa Jagoda, Dir., Liberty Montessori, listen as Fellows unveils the Rock.

 

GW revealed

MAMARONECK– He’s Back. Our local Mount Rushmore.

A remarkable George Washington-like visage naturally carved into a big rock near Orienta, (or blasted by construction crews about 1890, depending on who you talk to,) once one of this area’s primary attractions, emerged from the weeds and vines Saturday at a ceremony conducted by Peter Fellows of the Mamaroneck Historical Society..

Located near the corner of Boston Post Road and Orienta Avenue, the Washington Rock is now on a slope adjacent to the Montessori School, across from Mamaroneck Harbor. The school is on the former site of an Inn named, appropriately, Washington Arms.

Here is the video of our trying to find the rock back in 2009:

Under the Cherry Blossoms (June Marie Sobrito posted to the Looppool on flickr)

‘Supermoon,’ Obscured by Clouds, Left Plenty to See
Those in New York  looking to take photographs of the so-called supermoon had to make do with other amusements under a cloudy sky on Saturday night.

More than 1,000 attend Sullivan family funeral in Carmel
More than 1,000 friends, neighbors, relatives and uniformed officers gathered at St. James the Apostle Church Saturday morning to pay their last respects to the Sullivan family, among them the sole survivor of the blaze that took the lives of his father, mother and two sisters.

Animal shelter faces theft, cruelty claims
Volunteers at the purportedly no-kill Westchester Shore Humane Society are accusing the animal shelter’s directors of cruelty, stealing from the charity, mismanagement and euthanizing hundreds of animals.

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A very cool Mothers Day gift guide from Cool Hunting. (What I wouldn’t do for that poodle USB hub…)

What are you getting?

A selection of Friday- Sunday events from theLoop Events Calendar:

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Chamberlain, Sr. as a young Marine

A Grand Jury in White Plains has found no reason to indict White Plains police officers in connection with the shooting death of Kenneth Chamberlain, Sr. inside his apartment on Nov. 19, 2011.

Chamberlain, a 68-year-old retired county correction officer and former Marine, died after an hour long stand-off with cops. Tapes released today reportedly show he was acting erratically and had a knife.

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LARCHMONT– from Michael of Murphy Brothers Contracting:

Best bargain? Check out the 6-11am Breakfast special at the Harbour House in Larchmont. It’s not just the food but the understated ambiance!

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This home is at 17 Huguenot Drive, Larchmont.

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The listing says:   Beautifully restored 1931 Normandy Tudor with old world architectural craftsmanship. This home is dedicated to gracious living, boasting a grand hallway, spacious formal living room with fireplace, a dining room perfect for large family gatherings. A gourmet cook’s kitchen with separate breakfast room. Large Master Bedroom and three oversized bedrooms with hall bath on 2nd level. This home has been lovingly maintained. The perfect location, easy walk to train to NYC and Larchmont Village.

This 5 Bed/3 Bath home is going for $1,649,500.

Connor Robinson and Katie Broderick

Update: 20 men and boys have signed up to shave their heads. Come join the spectacle! If a shiny pate isn’t your goal, the organizers invite you to come anyway and bring a donation if you’d like.

LARCHMONT, MAMARONECK– Katie Broderick is a wonderful little girl in the fourth grade.  Connor Robinson is a sweet, athletic third grader. Both are from great families. Both are at Larchmont’s Murray Avenue School. And both of them are cancer survivors.

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LARCHMONT — Thirty years in business, any business, is something to celebrate. So we celebrate Kurt Sauer Opticians in Larchmont on their 30th anniversary.

Have a look at the store and owner Josie Fanelli, then– (remember the 80s?) when she was an apprentice to previous owner Kurt Sauer.  And now.

They haven’t changed a bit.

Congrats!

Kurt Sauer Opticians -1935 Palmer Ave Larchmont, NY 10538   914-834-8015

Two towns mourn the loss of Larchmont Police Capt. Tommy Sullivan, who died in a house fire in Carmel May 1 with three members of his family.

The story in pictures.

Larchmont

Fire scene, Carmel

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WHITE PLAINS — You don’t need a road trip to find a classic American diner, unless that road is the Post Road in White Plains.

At  66½ Post Road a chrome and steel diner with a counter serves breakfast all night long, or a slice of apple pie, a lottery ticket and a pack of reds. A hamburger is $3.10.

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Trainjotting once again is commissioning the Unofficial Best Commuting Town on Metro North poll. Last time’s winner? Larchmont, USA.

This year’s winner? You decide, here.

photo: Elisabeth Pollaert

Captain Thomas Sullivan

Tommy Sullivan died a hero.

LoHud reports a relative says the Larchmont Police Captain saved his son from the inferno that claimed the rest of the family yesterday , then ran back in to get his wife and two daughters.

All four perished in the Carmel, NY blaze in their home.

Investigators are still probing the cause of the fire that killed Thomas Sullivan, 48,  his wife, 47, and daughters Meaghan, 17, and Mairead, 12.

Sullivan was with the Larchmont Police force  for 19 years, after serving six years with New York City police as a community patrol officer in the 47th Precinct in the Bronx.

Residents of the Village say son Thomas, Jr. and daughter Meaghan worked at Flint Park Day Camp. Tom also works at the Larchmont Dept. of Public Works.

Sullivan also coached youth baseball in Carmel.

You begged. You pleaded.

We actually listened. The Friday Loop Scoop is back. Now you can sign up for a daily Loop wire right into your inbox, or the traditional Friday-only.

And as always, the mother ship itself, theLoop, is there 24-7 with new stories all day long.

No, we can’t believe it either. Not that we have anything against some racy fiction, but when it’s badly written, boring and on the New York Times Best Seller List?

The Fifty Shades of Grey phenom continues.  And if you’re really obsessed, you can meet the author in Eastchester.  E.L. James, author of the “Fifty Shades” trilogy, will be at the Willow Ridge Country Club on May 11. The event promises lunch, wines, dessert and Q and A.

James was named by Time Magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World” in 2012.

She will be signing her book from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets to the event cost $85 and can be purchased at www.divamoms.com.

Captain Thomas Sullivan

Larchmont police Capt. Thomas Sullivan, 48,  his wife, 47, and daughters Meaghan, 17, and Mairead, 12, died this morning in a house fire in Carmel.  A 20 year old son remains hospitalized.

The Larchmont Police Chief and a Lieutenant remain at the scene at 19 Wyndham Lane in Carmel, where the family lived. Carmel Fire Chief Bob Lipton said the fire was so hot when firefighters arrived that it was impossible for them control it.

At a news conference, Putnam County Executive Mary Ellen Odell said of the son, whom she knows, “This community will wrap their arms around him.”

News12 report

In published reports, former Larchmont Mayor Josh Mandell said “He was a wonderful, big-hearted, larger-than- life figure. He was one of those guys who defined small –town policing. He interacted cordially with everyone in town”

Sullivan was with the Larchmont Police force  for 19 years, after serving six years with New York City police as a community patrol officer in the 47th Precinct in the Bronx.

Sullivan also coached youth baseball in Carmel.

There’s a growing rap sheet against the “commuter robber.”

Olivier Fanby, 19,  will be charged by Harrison police in two robberies, and one each in the village and town of Mamaroneck, and in New Rochelle.

Famby is being held without bail. He was expected to be in Mamaroneck Town Court on Monday and in Harrision Town Court today.  As LoHud reports:

Famby reportedly  told Pelham detectives that he had planned to rob someone at the Larchmont station around 5 a.m. Friday, but didn’t see anybody who looked promising, so he drove to Pelham. He parked on Corlies Avenue, in a no-overnight parking zone.

Sgt. Christopher Casucci saw the parked car about 5:20 a.m. and knew it hadn’t been there earlier, Benefico said.

While he was writing a ticket, he noticed someone in the car and pulled up to talk to the driver. When he got out to investigate, he noticed a gun on the floor and black gloves.

Day's end at the edge of the Sound in Manor Park, Larchmont (Jacqueline Silberbush for theLoop)

Submit your local photo by email or to our looppool on flickr, and we’ll post one at the end of every weekday.

submitted by Loop reader Mark Lane:

There are people who think I am knowledgeable about beer.   Probably because I drink a lot of it.  And because much of the time, no one has ever heard of the strange brands they find me with.  So the topic comes up a lot.  I try to steer people towards a good American-made craft beer, particularly India Pale Ales, which have become an art form in this country in the last decade.

I now have a fairly narrow range of IPA’s that I will drink.  Has to be a strict IPA, not some “chocolate IPA” or something.  I prefer “American style” IPA: basic stuff, not the “San Diego” or “Belgian” style IPA’s, which I regard as abominations and insults to an intelligent palate.

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New Rochelle High School

From New Rochelle Schools:

 

Billed as an evening of education and information for middle and high school students and their parents, Family University will take place at New Rochelle High School tonight, beginning at 6:30pm.

The evening is loaded with workshops aimed at four different categories (Parents, High School Students, Middle School Students and Spanish Parents).  In all categories, there are workshops aimed at students and parents either entering high school or entering college in the fall.

Among the workshops being offered are the following:

Communicating Effectively With Your Teen

Sex in the Suburbs: Raising Sexually Healthy Kids

The 12 Deadliest Mistakes Teen Drivers Make

Teens N Transition: On and Off Campus

Is There a Freshman Friday?

There is also a keynote speaker for each track aimed at that particular audience.  Among the topics covered by the keynote speakers will be:

Helping Teens Handle Stress

The Immigrant Educational Experience in Westchester

Food Ads: What’s The Real Deal?

Family University is a collaboration between New Rochelle FOCUS (Families Organized to Curb the Use of Substances) and the district’s Safe Schools/Healthy Students initiative, a federally funded partnership of New Rochelle Schools and community agencies.

Harrison Train Station

PELHAM, LARCHMONT, MAMARONECK, HARRISON–Pelham police says a 19 year old New Rochelle man confessed Friday to the series of  gunpoint robberies of commuters near train stations in several Sound Shore towns since January.

Robberies occurred in Larchmont, Mamaroneck, three in Pelham and two in Harrison.

Police arrested Olivier Famby Friday when he was caught with a handgun that had been reported stolen in Pennsylvania.

LoHud reports Police say that Famby told them that he had been scouting out the area of the Larchmont train station for a potential victim prior to coming to Pelham on Friday. When Famby couldn’t find a suitable victim, he came to Pelham to see if he could spot one  arriving into the Pelham station.

photo: June Marie Sobrito