The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Christine Pasqueralle

Meet Scarborough’s Thomas Comiskey, Author: The East Village Mafia

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Lucky Luciano, Joseph Bonanno, Carlo Gambino and of course, John Gotti. These are some of the most well-known and notorious names in organized crime. And they all have one thing in common–they lived in or conducted much of their “business” in New York City’s East Village.

I lived in the East Village during my college years and knew some stories about the famed New York families of the Mafia–but clearly not everything. Now author and Scarborough resident Thomas F. Comiskey has written a book, The East Village Mafia, taking readers on a journey through time and place with an in-depth look into the lives and activities of some of the most powerful and infamous players in 20th century organized crime.

Comiskey comes from a long line of New Yorkers with his mom and grandmother having grown up in the tenements of San Juan Hill, near where Lincoln Center now sits. His dad hailed from Saratoga Springs and after World War II, married and settled in Stuyvesant Town (14th Street and Avenue A). Comiskey grew up in the East Village and lived there until 1991. Living on the northern border of the East Village gave him an insider’s view into the goings on of this secretive enclave.

“The father of one of my 1960s grammar school classmates was an ‘associate’ of a ‘made man’ in the Genovese crime family who lived on Avenue A and 12th Street. Stories about my classmate’s father’s violent exploits fascinated me,” says Comiskey. So much so that the chapter of his book entitled The Vatican Connection, is about the Genovese crime family, although Comiskey chose not to name names of his classmate’s father.

Comiskey, an attorney, spent his entire 33-year law enforcement career with the New York City Department of Investigation, exposing criminal conduct in NYC’s anti-poverty programs and public school system. First and foremost, the inspiration for his book came from his childhood and subsequent train commute. “Much of my leisure reading on my daily train commute from Scarborough to the city were the books about the Mafia. I discovered more and more about the Mafia in the East Village and its important role in the growth and direction of organized crime. After I retired, I began to research criminal records, law enforcement reports, periodicals, census records, reverse phone directories, and other sources.” He used his investigative attorney skills to help research and write his book, revealing many stories about the mostly unknown, secretive world of NY’s underground crime scene.

“The existence of this 70-year Mafia stronghold of racketeering, treachery and intrigue in the East Village was virtually unknown. Mafia royalty Lucky Luciano, Joe “the Boss” Masseria, and Joseph Bonanno lived in or frequented the East Village. They, and their East Village underbosses and capos, had a massive influence on the direction and destiny of organized crime in New York City.” The East Village Mafia brings its readers inside the social clubs, bars, restaurants and coffee houses where this underground “business” was mostly conducted–if by business we mean murders, international drug trafficking, counterfeiting, gambling and extortion.

As for Scarborough, Briarcliff Manor and the surrounding areas, Comiskey loves everything the area has to offer. He and his wife moved to Kemeys Cove in 1991 during the height of crime in the city. “I loved the city and still do, but now it has become a ‘place to visit’.” He loves to surround himself in nature and takes advantage of the natural beauty of the area. “I’m a hiker, bird watcher, history and jazz lover, so Scarborough and its surroundings has so much to offer. I love to hike the Rockefeller Park Preserve, the Croton Aqueduct, and Teatown Lake Reservation. I can see everything from hummingbirds to bald eagles sitting on my deck looking out on the Mighty Hudson.”

Comiskey is also very involved in local organizations that help preserve the history of the area such as Historic Hudson Valley, Ossining Historical Society and the Briarcliff Manor-Scarborough Historical Society. And for a night out? “When I lived in the city, I loved independent films. The Jacob Burns Film Center has no peer.”

The East Village Mafia is published by Archway Publishing and can be purchased at major booksellers.

Strong & Proud: The Incredible Briarcliff Manor Running Club

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Members of the Briarcliff Manor Running Club        Photo by Donna Mueller

Briarcliff Manor boasts a multitude of trails ideal for biking, hiking and running as well as a large population of residents who enjoy utilizing those trails. But sometimes people need a little motivation to get out there and run. That’s where the Briarcliff Manor Running Club (BMRC) comes in. Established in 2020, the club has become an incredible way for people to meet others, explore new trails and connect over a shared passion.

I recently spoke with Brian Harkins and Craig Motz, two of its coaches, about the club and some of its plans for the near future.

The BMRC was established in October 2020 when Harkins spoke with the Recreation Department about creating a running club for the community. “There’s so many trails, paths and resources, we thought it would be fun to open up a group to explore and take advantage of what’s right in our own backyard.” Along with Motz, two additional coaches, Maria Kucheryavaya and Davey Gibian jumped on board and the BMRC was born. “Craig had just moved to the area, as did Maria and Davey during the pandemic, and they were looking to connect with like-minded people with a passion for running and outdoor activities. We got together and started throwing ideas around of what the group would look like, and its grown from there.”

Grassroots Beginnings

What began with the initial sending of one community-wide email and having 10 runners show up the first day, has now turned into a list of 75 runners. It was an organic, grassroots process to building these relationships, including by word-of-mouth. Motz shares, “We send an email each week with a new running location. We want to keep it fresh. Doing the same loop over and over can be kind of mind-numbing and we want to keep doing new routes.”

The group has meet-ups twice per week–8:00 a.m. on Saturdays and 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. They meet at various locations and average 3-6 mile runs. “We do everything from beginner to intermediate with options to shorten or lengthen your run as needed”, says Motz.

Both Harkins and Motz have some favorite trails in the area. “We take full advantage of the Rockefeller Preserve”, says Motz. “13 Bridges, Swan Lake, Buttermilk Hill–it’s beautiful.” The group also runs the North County Trail up to Millwood, Rockwood Hall, Old Croton Aqueduct and even the hilly roads throughout the village. All of the coaches live in the Briarcliff area and have found it to be a great place to set down roots. “The schools, parks and the outdoor activities attracted us”, says Motz, who lives in town with his wife and young son Miles. “The area has a lot to offer in terms of community and raising a family here–we’ve met some really great people and families through the running club.” Harkins, who’s lived in Briarcliff for seven years, wholeheartedly agrees.

Creating Connections

The creation of the BMRC has led to many new connections and opportunities for everyone involved. They’ve started participating in various races throughout the area including the Sleepy Hollow Half Marathon, Sleepy Hollow10K and The Leatherman’s Loop in Cross River and have also collaborated with the Croton and Rivertown clubs. “There are lots of people training for the NYC Marathon, as well as other races in the area and we’re here to help everyone. We are trying to connect everyone as well as promote local races and create new ones”, says Motz.

Harkins is planning some upcoming informational sessions as well. “We’re thinking of putting together some sessions on nutrition, training habits, sleep and recovery. We’d like to have a physical therapist come to provide information on stretching and exercises.”
There’s also talk of working with the Village to hopefully establish a 5K race this fall.

Harkins continues, “The initial thought for the club was that there were so many resources and so many great people running on their own but I’d hear people say, I wish could run more but need motivation. Getting a group together helps people be more accountable–even for myself.” The BMRC has even created a Couch to 5K program for runners of all abilities. “People from all walks of life joined and they all developed friendships–I was very happy to see all the people come together”, said Harkins. “Some joined the club from never having run at all.”

The BMRC and its coaches are happy to introduce residents to one another and to different parts of the area, including its amazing trails. As Harkins says, “People who have lived here for so long will say they never knew some of these trails existed.” Creating connections and keeping things fresh are two of the things the Briarcliff Manor Running Club does best.

For more information please visit the BMRC social media channels.

Getting to Know Beloved Briarcliff Author Tom Leihbacher

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Growing up in Briarcliff Manor had such a profound impact on author Tom Leihbacher that he set his first novel, A Gift Most Rare, in the idyllic village. Published in 2020, the story is a coming-of-age tale set at Christmastime in the 1970s inspired by Leihbacher’s own adolescence in Briarcliff and the amazing memories he made there.

“It was just as golden and wonderful as you could imagine. Briarcliff was a microcosm of life in the USA back in the 60s and 70s – a small town with really close family and friendships all over town, it made everything more cohesive; we had each other’s backs and were there for each other.” Leihbacher grew up the youngest of three sons. At the University of Florida he majored in advertising and marketing and got a job in NYC right after graduation. It was then that he found an apartment in the Scarborough/Briarcliff area and decided to set down roots, a decision he is grateful to have made.

Leihbacher grew up attending the Briarcliff Congregational Church and married the daughter of the minister. He and his wife Rachel raised their son, Tom Jr., in the Tree Streets neighborhood and Tom Jr. and his wife also live in the local area now. He concluded after years traveling all over the U.S., “if ever you lived in Briarcliff, no matter where you’ve gone since, you’ll always call Briarcliff home.”

A Hometown’s Influence

Leihbacher regularly gets together with a group of high school friends to reminisce about favorite spots in the area. “We all agree that the single most beautiful spot here is the 16th green at Sleepy Hollow Country Club, looking at the sunset over the Hudson River.” He still sees Briarcliff as a town that emphasizes family and children, especially when the whole town comes out for sporting events such as football and basketball. In addition, he really enjoys the walkability of town. “I like to take the dog for a walk through the tree streets and the village. The downtown area is great–everything you need is there. We have something here that rivals the most beautiful places you can find.”

Taking inspiration from life in Briarcliff, Leihbacher decided to try his hand at writing fiction. After spending many years in the advertising business, his career took a decidedly different turn. “I had written lots of ad copy but also studied fiction writing. In my later years, around age 60, I had an inspiration for a Christmas story.” Leihbacher created a story outline but couldn’t get himself going and didn’t understand why. “I started thinking I had to nail down a setting first and knew I wanted a Norman Rockwell/Courier & Ives feel. It finally occurred to me: I grew up and live in a setting that fits the description, why not set it in Briarcliff?”

So that’s what he did. “I took the dog for a walk–I do my best thinking that way, and thought, why don’t you draw from people you know to create characters.”

Many of the characters in A Gift Most Rare are based on people Leihbacher grew up with including his late father-in-law Reverend Higgins and Mr. Welden who ran the deli he frequented as an adolescent. He also drew on characteristics from those he grew up with in town.” For many who grew up in Briarcliff, Leihbacher’s book is an enjoyable trip down memory lane.

Summer Up, the next installment, takes places two years after A Gift Most Rare, with the same cast of characters. He calls it a “God-honoring summer tale capturing the fun and excitement of summer break from school.” The story also contains a timely anti-bullying message. Victory Lap is the third planned book of the series, with the characters now seniors at Briarcliff High School taking their own “victory lap” before heading off to college. As Leihbacher says, “I had a hobby that turned into a new career–it has been super fun. The success of the first book was enough to go for a second one.”

In addition to writing, Leihbacher also finds time to volunteer both with the youth group at Faith Lutheran Brethren Church, and at the Ossining Food Pantry. “For me, kids hurting and people who don’t have enough to eat touches my heart and that I want to help with. Also, kids who are looking for a good, positive environment–those are three things that most pull at my heart.”

For more information about Leihbacher and his books, please visit tomleihbacher.com

“A Beautiful Rose”

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Two Community Leaders Share ‘What you Need to Know’ about Briarcliff Manor

Steven Vescio

Briarcliff Manor is truly a wonderful community in which to live as well as visit. I spoke with Mayor Steven Vescio and Jim Domzalski, President of the Briarcliff Manor Chamber of Commerce, to find out what they believe makes Briarcliff Manor so special to both residents and visitors alike. 

What would you like our readers to know about the Village of Briarcliff Manor?

Steven Vescio: I’ve grown up here; it has special meaning for me. A lot of people stay or move away and then come back. It just has a small town feel, you can’t help but see people you know when you go downtown. I may stop by somewhere for 5-10 minutes but be there for 30! You just never know who you’ll run into. It’s a tight knit community made up of dedicated volunteers–so well-run and well-maintained. 

Briarcliff really feels like a good suburban space. There’s lots of trees and wooded areas, it’s very spacious. If you’re working in the city, you can come home, hear the birds; it’s very tranquil. We have a lot of green space. The village owns 600 acres of protected parkland, several trails, baseball, tennis, swimming, a big pavilion. It’s all the features you’d expect from suburban life. There’s always a park within a small distance. 

Jim Domzalski: Briarcliff Manor is a wonderful, picturesque, small town with something always going on. People are drawn here for so many reasons–the incredible schools, the amazing recreation facilities, parks and all-age programming, the wide variety of local businesses. There really is something for everyone! And because it’s a small town, don’t be surprised if after visiting local shops and businesses a few times, you’re welcomed by name!

One thing I’m always hearing people talk about are the bike and hiking trails close to the downtown area. It’s pretty great to be able to go for a ride and then grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee.

Jim Domzalski

What are some of your favorite spaces? Any hidden gems?

SV:  The trails are great hidden gems. I didn’t know about them until I became mayor. I went to the Pocantico Park trail–it was an unpolished gem that could use improvement, which they did, creating signage, parking, etc. Many of our trails are on the the Hiking Project App, where people can see different levels of difficulty before they go out on the trails.* I used the trails a lot during the pandemic to get out with my family. 

The village is working on a project to tie into the North County trail and downtown. There will be a trailway behind the soccer field near the library, creation of a new dog park and the trail will come behind Village Hall and the police station. There’s no train station in town so there’s a limited way to bring people in. We want people to take advantage of bike trails and maybe create a bike repair station–helping bring people back to downtown. 

JD:  I don’t know if this is a hidden gem anymore, but the Briarcliff Summer Concert Series is incredible. It really felt like the whole village turned out for both shows last year. This year, we’re planning an additional two shows, so get ready to rock Briarcliff!

Some other hidden gems would be “Battle of the Bags,” an annual adult cornhole tournament hosted by the Rec Department; the new Pickleball Courts at Chilmark Park; and a revitalized jewel, Scarborough Park–Briarcliff’s own slice of the Hudson River and BMEF (Briarcliff Manor Education Foundation) events, those are always a great time!

What resources are available for new residents?

SV: We have instituted a New Resident Packet, on the Village website (www.briarcliffmanor.gov). It gives people information on recreation programs, dog licenses, train info, etc. We help get people involved. Once they see what Briarcliff is all about, they fall in love with it and want to stay and get involved in volunteering on different committees. It’s great to see the public so engaged. 

JD:  A great place to start is online. Some of the local Facebook pages have a ton of great information and connection opportunities including Briarcliff Moms, Briarcliff Community and Briarcliff Schools. These are a few that come to mind right off the bat. 

In person, many programs available through the Rec Department are a fantastic way to meet fellow residents in the community. Also, the big annual events like Community Day, the Holiday Bonfire/Sing Along, Downtown Window Painting…so much of the village will be there for those. 

And finally, I’ve heard that so many people make their closest friends at the town pool. It’s definitely one of the biggest social hubs in Briarcliff for much of the year…and it’s beautiful!

Any other important info you’d like readers to know about the Village?

SV: Recreation events in the community are a great way for new families and long-term residents to meet each other. We have a cornhole tournament, bingo family game night with lots of new families attending. When pool season comes, it’s a great way to meet people.

JD: These might fall more under the category of fun-facts, but Walter Law founded the Village, hence the name of the downtown park, Law Memorial Park.  

On all the Briarcliff Manor Village signs you will see a beautiful rose. That’s because Law brought this “American Beauty Rose” from England and developed a more brightly colored one dubbed the “Briarcliff Rose.” He then sold these roses to upscale establishments in New York City. 

Please do revisit the Inside Press story by Anna Young about the Manor’s revitalized trails and hiking app. 

“We all Connect Together.” Briarcliff Manor Mom Stacey Winnick on the Beauty of Volunteering and Supporting Community

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Living sustainably and helping those in need means being able to live a better quality of life. This is what drives Stacey Winnick to keep doing good in her community and beyond. With a 30+ year career in the vintage clothing and antique industry, Stacey teaches her clients how to “Turn Your Clutter into Cash” while at the same time, showing them that reducing, donating, and selling items can be truly liberating. 

Our dream team. Nance Dickinson, Stacey Winnick, Merri Satran, Amy Diaz, Elaina Hon

A native of Edgemont, Stacey has called Briarcliff Manor home for the past 18 years. She lives here with her husband and two sons–one in college and the other a high school Junior. Living iand volunteering in Briarcliff Manor really gives Stacey a strong sense of community. 

“You go into town and everybody you see knows your name. I patronize almost every business in town and people will say, ‘Hi Stacey, how’s your son? Let me get your order.’ It’s really just a wonderful town and it’s small enough that you can really make a huge difference.” 

Stacey is very passionate about helping others in the community and beyond, as well as making connections. Living in a small town like Briarcliff Manor allows her to meet different groups of people she never may never have met otherwise. 

“People message me all the time, ‘I just got a house here and feel so lucky. Can you tell me about the town?’ I get to tell people about different services in town and connect them. You can connect with others if you want, you have to make the effort to connect and get yourself out of your comfort zone.”

Volunteering and making connections with and for others is of the utmost importance to Stacey. She mobilizes a 15-person team of volunteers whom she calls her Briarcliff Volunteer Dream Team and uses social media to connect with others, tell people what’s going on and how they can help. “I’m working, taking care of kids and house and I’m busy, but I know that my group of volunteers is making a difference. The volunteers are taking the time because we all connect together, it unites a lot of people.” As she says, she makes it easy for people to get involved. They can see what events are going on and join in helping where they can. “Everyone has their own interests, but you have to make the time to do something.”

We asked the community and we got lots of dresses and boy’s shirts donated. We partnered with Sarang7 dry cleaners and they cleaned 65 dresses for free. All the children were extremely happy with their new outfits !

Stacey has been volunteering with the Ossining Children’s Center (OCC) for 15 years and utilizes social media to get the word out on the families’ needs. “You have to think of all the channels to promote the drives on. The pandemic happened and we said, families need food.” People lined up at the OCC for meals and groceries and then it was expanded to include items like bikes, appliances, clothing and more. “We just couldn’t stop. A woman with a family to support called me. She was out of a job, and we had food for them the next day. It just sparked something in me.” The OCC receives food donations from various organizations including a weekly donation from Trader Joe’s in Larchmont and a monthly donation from the Upper Westchester Muslim Society in Pleasantville as well as various farm stands. It is very competitive to get food donations everywhere. 

Our volunteer Nancy Beard personally put together 80 Christmas bags filled with Christmas toys and candy. She worked with the kids on Zoom to create a Christmas bag!! It was roaring success. There is always something going on with our volunteer dream team.

In addition to the OCC, Stacey is also the Co-Chair of Briarcliff Sustainability. People contact her when they need to get rid of things and she connects the items to those in need. They host a ‘Stash the Trash’ event each April where the community comes out to bag trash throughout Briarcliff Manor. “You can’t imagine the things they find. You never know what’s going to pop up and we’re able to do it all through the volunteers.” And it’s never too early to start volunteering and teaching kids to do so. “My son started volunteering at 8 years old, he’s grown up with that. Both my sons’ hearts are with helping people; it’s the little things that make a huge difference.” 

Ben Jelinek, Briarcliff Manor HS Senior has dedicated two years of intense volunteering. He never said no. He started collecting donations, anything he could pick up from any where in the county. He once picked up an entire room full of baby equipment. He helps sort food or plays soccer kids. Ben can do anything. He has a heart of gold.

Through her main business as well as her Facebook group, Chappaqua Moms Sales, which she co-founded in 2013, Stacey helps people let go of their items as well as connect those items to others. She explains that condition counts, and you need to do your research on items to know what you’re selling. She’s fascinated with what people will buy but also stresses that people are throwing too much stuff away, which is not sustainable. There’s always a need for donations on other channels such as Buy Nothing sites. “My mom helped so many people, it really motivated me. People say, ‘how can you do this much?’ and I say, how can’t you? I feel like I’m a good organizer and motivator towards a common goal.” 

Stacey truly cares about the well-being of her community and believes that providing the resources and tools to help everyone around you can help us all live better, more sustainable lives.

For more information visit staceywinnick.com