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Armonk Cover Stories

Celebrating the Byram Hills Girls Varsity Tennis Team’s Win of a Historic State Championship

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Emerging victorious and making our community proud, the Byram Hills High School girls’ varsity tennis team captured the title of New York State Public High School Athletic Association state champions on November 5, 2021 when they defeated Friends Academy 5-0 at the Billie Jean King National Training Center in Queens. 

Finishing their undefeated season with a 22-0 record, they are the first girls’ team in any sport in Byram Hills’ 55-year history to win a state championship and only the third team in Byram Hills’ history overall. 

“For any varsity team to go undefeated through the regular season, repeat it through the post-season and then win the first state championship for the girls in school history, is special and rare,” says Rob Castagna, Byram Hills’ Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics. “Accomplishing this in a particularly long season that started back in August says a lot about them as student athletes. To juggle their academics week to week for the duration and then to perform at such a high level on the courts is impressive.”

The victory was especially sweet for the nine seniors on the team who did not get to play much as juniors due to an abbreviated season last year because of covid concerns.

Head coach Michael Racanelli, who led the girls to victory and was recently named LoHud coach of the year, explained that the season began much earlier than the first day of tryouts in August. 

“It started with a meeting in the off-season in January 2021 where I let them know that if they put their minds to it and worked hard, they could be anything they want in this world, including champions. We laid out a road map of what it would take to win a championship, which included great leadership, a willingness to work harder in the off-season than ever before and a determination to improve our physical and mental skills. The girls spent the winter, spring and summer months preparing as best they could. The team admitted to me just recently that they didn’t totally believe a championship was possible until we started this magical run.”

In addition to the team’s historic accomplishments there were record-setting individual performances. 

Alyssa Margolin, senior captain and the #1 singles player on the team, finished in third place at the New York State singles championships. That finish was the best finish for any Byram Hills tennis player, boy or girl, in Byram Hills history. Alyssa was recently named the Westchester/Putnam Tennis Player of The Year and is also a Con Ed athlete of the week winner. 

Teammates junior Chloe Bernstein and freshman Jenna Kleynerman also finished in third place at the New York State doubles championships which tied the best doubles finish by any boy or girl in Byram Hills history. Alyssa Margolin and her sister Ellie had previously set the mark in 2018 and 2019. 

No stranger to undefeated seasons, the team has, in fact, been undefeated for the past three seasons. Since 2019, the team has gone 38-0.

The team was celebrated by cheering fans on November 14th with a parade down Main Street in Armonk, a marching band, and the girls riding on a decorated truck announcing them as state champions. After a ceremony with school and town officials on the North Castle Town Hall steps, they walked over to add the team to the sign commemorating the school’s state champions on Route 128. They join the 2007 boys’ varsity soccer team and 2015 varsity baseball team as the only Byram Hills teams to capture a state title.

“Winning the championship title was the perfect way to finish off my final season,” says Margolin. “I think it truly reflected the dedication, training, and sportsmanship that the team demonstrated this season and the last four years, and I am very proud to have been a part of it. It was incredible to see the support of the school, community, and the town supervisor Mike Schiliro and New York State Senator Shelley Mayer. The parades and recognition were unparalleled and something all of us will remember for the rest of our lives.”

“I remember the coach telling us last spring that there was going to be a team state tournament this coming season and that we were going to win it. I walked away from that meeting thinking he was crazy and that that was never going to happen,” admits senior captain Chloe Siegle.

It was incredible to see the support of the school, community, and the town supervisor Mike Schiliro and New York State Senator Shelley Mayer. The parades and recognition were unparalleled and something all of us will remember for the rest of our lives.”  – Alyssa Margolin, Senior Captain

“However, as we started practicing and playing matches, I could see how badly we all wanted it. Match after match, our dream seemed like it was coming closer. The one thing that I think helped us go all the way was our team’s close relationship. I couldn’t have asked for a better team or season for my senior year. I will forever remember it and the significance of winning the first women’s state championship in Byram Hills history. I can’t wait to come home each year and drive by the sign remembering the incredible season I got to experience.”

“One thing that was special about this season was the way our team worked together,” says senior captain Sydney Levy. “We were always there for each other which really helped us throughout the season.  Also, being able to have a lot of fans this year was really special.  It is amazing to have so much support from our school district and town.”

Reciting the proverb “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” Racanelli declares, “the drive for the next championship begins right now.” 

There is no doubt this team has what it takes.

The team captains are Alyssa Margolin, Sydney Levy, Eva Shrayer and Chloe Siegle. The girls also on the team are Lily Anchin, Chloe Bernstein, Daphne Bernstein, Jordyn Bernstein, Allie Cooper, Elizabeth Deeks, Rebecca Geller, Jenna Kleynerman, Kate Levy, Julia Lucchino, Justine Maresco, Lila Raff, Skye Smith, Ari Tabankin, and Abby Yallof.

Photos courtesy of the Byram Hills School District

A BODY ALTERED By Prophylactic Surgeries: A MIND ALTERED By Consciousness

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And JUST when I thought I had finally been called every name possible… It was December 2021 when I was asked to speak on a panel about Breast Reconstruction by The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. A few days prior to curtain call, my doctor’s office sent an email to the moderator with my background which introduced me as a “Previvor.” I had never heard the word, nor been accused of being one, and I’m nearing 39. BUT I assumed I knew what it meant, thought I liked it, and I flexed my muscles. So pumped that I immediately called my mom and was like “Guess what?! I have a name!!!!!!” I’m a Previvor, I’m not gon’ give up (sing it with me).

As I came down from the heroic high, I thought it would probably be a good idea to look up the true definition of the term. So, I drove to the North Castle Library, hunted down the World Book Encyclopedia Series, and got to work (fallacious). 16+ pages of Google search results, and hundreds of clicks later, I come to you with this:

Previously described as an “unaffected carrier,” the term “Previvor” refers to someone who has an elevated chance of being diagnosed with cancer due to a risk running through their family and/or a genetic mutation. FORCE, which stands for “Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered,” founded by Sue Friedman in 1999, acts under the principle that nobody should face hereditary cancer alone. This organization is credited for coining the term which Time Magazine declared a buzzword in 2007.

So, is it even a REAL word? Well, no, not according to Merriam Webster; “Previvor” is not a recognized word. From what I found, the exact definition lacks consistency from one publication to the next. For example, some medical websites reserve the term to solely describe people who have undergone a preventative surgery, while other equally credible websites reserve the term for anyone who is predisposed to an elevated risk of cancer, regardless of whether or not they had a preventative surgery. And while some studies show that many people who would be considered previvors don’t want to be “jinxed” by such a name, other studies presented individuals who only found a purpose to continue living after they identified as one.

It’s really simple though. You see, there is a difference between someone who has been diagnosed with cancer and someone who’s been told they have a high likelihood of hearing that same news. Read that again. While they will end up using the same doctors, waiting rooms, and gauze, their experiences and struggles are vastly different. We all know that someone diagnosed with cancer will be referred to as a “Survivor,” but what should we call those other people that also need to be medically treated and mentally cradled??!! EXACTLY…

Three generations: my daughter, mom and me.

An increase in genetic testing over the decades has left the human race with a rather large community of people who remain undiagnosed, yet aware they’re predisposed to an elevated risk of cancer. That’s a heavy suitcase to walk around with and it left many people struggling and looking for somewhere to turn. These “people” needed a name. A differentiator. An umbrella to fall under, regardless of who, what, where, when or why we needed a name for people who went in for genetic testing and got bad news. And now you know what those people are called; “Previvors.”

And this is where the rubber meets the road…

In July 2000, at the age of 46, my mom was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer. She underwent a mastectomy and required chemotherapy. I was 16 years old and thought my mom was going to die.

This is a piece of art I made for my mom when I was 16-years old and her hair started to fall out. She still keeps it close by in her closet as a reminder of her bravery. I love seeing it there.

Fast-forward to February 2016–halfway thru my first pregnancy, my mom goes in for genetic testing and boom, positive: clinical mutation identified PALB2 (this is a BRCA carrier/ related mutation). Four months after I give birth to my son, boom, I tested positive: clinical mutation identified PALB2. The chances of me being diagnosed with breast cancer pre-menopause was extremely high, like stupid high. I gave birth to my daughter in May 2018 and underwent a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy in November of that same year. Three additional and extensive reconstructive surgeries followed in February 2019, September 2019, and March 2021.

My journey was supposed to end with a final reconstruction in February of 2019. The two surgeries that followed were unanticipated, avoidable, and quite honestly, tragic. I suffered through chronic pain, capsular contracture, herniated discs, guilt, and far too much freaking time away from my children (exactly what I was hoping to avoid by having the preventative surgery in the first place). The “Why Me’s?” only came to a stop when I started to embrace my new identity and find purpose in doing so as a patient advocate. They stopped when I found out that I wasn’t alone. And yes, it also felt nice to know that people like me, Previvor’s, have a community.

Being called a “Previvor” made me feel tough. I never had cancer but I did go through a lot. A lot of different things than a Survivor would, but still things that forever changed me and my family. When I went in for genetic testing, I never could have imagined how much my identity would change; not just my body.

This photo was taken at the end of the last summer, August 2021. It marked the end of a long, long journey. I was finally living life and no longer suffering from chronic pain. This is my happy place. When I see this picture of myself, I feel proud of how far I’ve come.
Here is a selfie I took before I spoke on a Breast Reconstruction panel by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
This is a picture of my friend Sabrina (another North Castle mom) who came over to braid my hair post mastectomy when I couldn’t shower or move my arms. Moms helping moms at its finest here.

Let me leave you with this:

When you learn that you have an elevated risk of cancer due to your heritage, your life path will change; whether you choose to have a preventative surgery or pretend you never heard the words, whether you like it or not, your life path will change.  

Go in for genetic testing with a plan to address whatever outcomes may arise. You would be foolish to think that hearing you have a genetic mutation really won’t impact your life that much. Have a plan. Even if it’s only a mental one.

THANK YOU. And I mean that. The opportunity to share my story is without a doubt, the best medicine. 

And finally, if you or anyone you know will be facing breast reconstruction, whether it be preventative, post-diagnosis or even cosmetic, find me. Let’s talk.

…it’s a Beyonce song…

A Dream Comes True – How 63 Acres of Land in North Castle Became a Nature Preserve

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When it comes to open space preservation, a partnership is typically involved. Recently, 63 acres adjacent to a 700-acre forest were preserved, thanks to the partnership with the Westchester Land Trust, the Town of North Castle and New York State. 

That sounds simple, but what it took to achieve that dream goal is quite remarkable.

Could The Dream Ever Come True?

Town of North Castle Supervisor Michael Schiliro had known about this property “since at least 2007.” Over the years, the Town’s Open Space Committee had put the 63 acres on a special list of properties to preserve, and the Town Board had had its eye on it too.

So, why did it take until 2021 for the 63 acres to become a nature preserve?  

The property had changed ownership a few times. Schiliro said there was “concern that a private owner would try to develop the land, and the dream of preserving it would be lost forever.”

Then, in 2019, the property went up for sale. Schiliro was elated when the owners Robyn and Vito Errico approached him: “‘A lot of people are interested in it…. Perhaps the Town could take possession, and we could protect it?'”  

Schiliro contacted Kerri Kazak, Chair of the Open Space Committee, to see if they could “explore ways to preserve this property.” Kazak was eager to contact President Lori Ensinger of the Westchester Land Trust (WLT), which also had had a keen interest in the property.

Kazak had full confidence that a land trust partnership was viable because the Town had worked with the Westchester Land Trust “for years,” and “the WLT is the expert on land preservation in Westchester County [and Putnam] and an incredible resource for municipalities.”

WLT President Lori Ensinger clarified that a land trust is “a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve environmentally significant land in perpetuity.”

Land preservation sounds great, but what made these 63 acres so deserving of preservation? Simply put, they sit on top of a sand-and-gravel drinking water aquifer.

How The Dream Took Shape

“Lori Ensinger thought the property would be the perfect candidate for a New York State water quality grant,” said Kazak, “and the Westchester Land Trust applied for the grant.”  

Securing the million-dollar grant was a labor of love that required such things as property appraisals, surveys, an environmental review, and a lot of legal work. It took two years to complete the complex transaction “because it was partially funded by the Town and by New York State with the remainder funded by WLT,” according to Ensinger. 

Supervisor Schiliro commented: “Talk about a remarkable achievement! Then, Covid hit, putting us a year and a half or so behind in the process.” Finally, in late autumn of 2021, the property was purchased by the Westchester Land Trust with the Town of North Castle contributing $250,000. All the parties involved breathed a sigh of relief.

“The entire Open Space Committee is absolutely thrilled,” said Kazak. “Preservation of this property has been the goal of so many people for so long that to see it become a reality is extremely gratifying.” 

Ensinger praised North Castle Supervisor Schiliro for being “fabulous throughout this entire process” and gave high marks to Kazak and the Open Space Committee for their excellent input and follow-through. 

But Ensinger gives “the ultimate credit” to the landowner, who “could have just listed the property for sale and sold it to a private party.”

It took “great team effort to protect pristine land that I’ve wanted protected for 14 years,” said Schiliro. Perseverance, the art of not giving up, that he learned from his beloved mother, clicked together with “the right team and culminated in something really good.” 

Schiliro said, “It happened because everybody was chipping in–our Board, Kerri, Lori, my Confidential Secretary Mindy Berard, Councilmember José Berra, Town Attorney Roland Baroni, and Robyn and Vito Errico.”

Schiliro further reminisced by invoking the line from his favorite movie Field of Dreams: “There comes a time when all the cosmic tumblers have clicked into place, and the Universe opens itself up for a few seconds to show you what is possible.” 

So, dreams can come true, and the 63-acre property preservation is an example that one did.

How the Dream Benefits the Community

Residents of North Castle should be very pleased that their drinking water is protected. The picture could have been different, said Ensinger: “If the 63-acre property were developed into ten homes or potentially had a commercial or light industrial use, that could have had a significant negative effect on the water resource.”

Another benefit that residents can look forward to, likely in a year or so, is the walking trail that New York State has approved. 

Then, there is the benefit of better air quality. Since the property is next to Highway 684, “the woodland serves to naturally filter air pollutants and particulates,” said Ensinger. This type of land ensures “the permanent connectivity of large blocks of forest” and “contributes to regional efforts to combat climate change.”

But the benefits don’t stop there.

Steven DiFalco, land project coordinator for WLT, said the property has “different habitats that host a diversity of plant and wildlife species… an upland forest with rock outcroppings, a pond, wetlands and a vernal pool that serves as an important habitat for amphibians,” such as wood frogs and spotted salamanders. Plus a waterfall. Who knew!

And Supervisor Schiliro chimed in with possibly the best benefit of all: “The land is protected forever. It was easy to think that we would never be able to secure this property.

“But in comparison to how many years this land will now be protected–for hundreds of years–it was worth keeping the dream project on the front burner.”

Elks Bring OLD GLORY to Armonk Recreation Center

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In 2019, Mid-Westchester Elks Lodge #535 received an unexpected gift from a local resident –a 59-inch-by-43-inch beautifully crocheted American flag.

When Elks member and Armonk resident Arthur Adelman saw the work, he immediately thought of the Hergenhan Recreation Center as a perfect destination.

“I knew right away that the seniors in the Hergenhan center would really admire it and love it,” Adelman tells Inside Press. “And in fact, I brought it there and showed it to them and they were all amazed and loved it.”

The Elks first planned to hang the crocheted work–whose origin is unclear–in the center but decided otherwise after realizing that it was not in the best condition. The episode brought to light, however, that there was no American flag in the building, which is used for a wide range of meetings, gathering and community events.

“We all thought that it was a great idea,” Adelman said. “We just needed a better condition flag.”

As of this January, a 4-foot-7-inch by 4-foot-6-inch American flag now hangs in the center thanks to a donation from the Elks lodge. The flag is displayed in a frame with plexiglass along with a plaque that reads “Donated by Mid-Westchester Elks Lodge # 535 Armonk, NY.” A commemoration ceremony was originally set for January 20 but was delayed due to snow. 

While the flag itself was not particularly expensive, the framing and plaque put the cost upwards of $1,000, according to Adelman. As a patriotic organization–one that supports several veterans’ organizations and initiatives–the Elks were eager to make sure a flag is proudly displayed at the center. 

The lodge also hope that the commemoration and the prominent display of Old Glory sparks further recognition for the 154-year-old Elks, a charitable and patriotic organization open to all American citizens, and leads local residents to think about joining the group. 

Increasing Awareness

“The two purposes are visibility and recruitment,” says Adelman. “Younger people these days don’t join organizations as much. So our priority, and the reason we are doing this, is to let everybody know in North Castle and beyond that the Elks exist.”

The Mid-Westchester Lodge was initially three separate lodges–one in Mt. Kisco, one in Port Chester, and one in White Plains–with each lodge having its own building. But in March 2009, with membership declining, the three lodges merged to form one central lodge. The Elks now meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays each month at the American Legion in Armonk. 

“Most Elks lodges have their own buildings,” says Adelman. “Some of them not only have their own buildings, they have swimming pools, they have tennis courts.”

The sale of the three properties, however, left the Mid-Westchester Lodge with a sizeable war chest. This has allowed the organization to fund a range of activities and initiatives. 

“The motto is ‘Elks care, Elks share.’ And fortunately because the three lodges that constituted our lodge all had buildings and sold them, we have a very nice treasury and we can afford to be generous.”

The Elks have supported dozens of local charities, fundraisers, and community events, including grants to The Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry, Cerebral Palsy of Westchester, and the North Castle Public Library. The organization also supports several youth sports teams, including youth football and little league. The Elks are especially engaged in programs supporting veterans, participating in the Memorial Day and Veterans Day Ceremonies at the North Castle American Legion; providing a grant to the Montrose VA Food Pantry, and sponsoring long weekend cabin stays for 8 to 12 disabled veterans for Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing.

The pandemic initially forced the Mid-Westchester Lodge to move most of its meetings to Zoom in 2020, but once vaccines became widely available, they were able to resume in-person meetings while masked and socially distanced. 

“That’s worked out fine,” Adelman says. We’ve not really had a diminution in attendance.”

A changing world–one which the online metaverse has made smaller while at times weakening the bonds between neighbors–has challenged community-based organizations like the Elks. But Adelman hopes that anyone willing to give their time and service to help their community considers the Elks. 

A Slice of New Castle History, Visited In our Writer’s Letter to Dorinda Dodge

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Dear Dorinda,

The first time I came across your tombstone in the Quaker Friends Meeting House graveyard, I was awestruck. It stood out. While others were weather beaten and some barely legible yours stood at attention and was clearly new. What I found even more interesting was that it listed your birthdate – May 23, 1938 but no date of death. As someone more accustomed to Jewish cemeteries, I had never before seen a headstone listing a birthdate but no information recording a date of death.

A daily walker amongst those tombstones with my two dogs, I knew that you were probably from a prominent family in Chappaqua. After all, there were tombstones from the Kipp family of Kipp Street in this same graveyard and the Haights of Haights Cross Road. I had an inkling that you were a descended from the family that built Dodge Farm which is abutting the Quaker Friends Meeting House.

And with extra time on my hands (thanks COVID lockdowns) and a natural curiosity about local history, I reached out to the New Castle Historical Society first about you and then another somewhat trusty resource aka Google who informed me of your nickname Rindy and your current residence in Vero Beach, Florida.

Gray Williams, the omniscient town historian answered my inquiry and promptly replied that “Dorinda (Rindy) Dodge is the daughter of Courtney Dodge, the developer and builder of the family homestead property, Dodge Farm. Marcourt Drive (one of my favorite running spots btw) is a compression of his and his sister’s names: Mar[jorie] and Court[ney]. Rindy decided that she wants to be buried with her family and arranged to have her monument erected to mark the spot.” 

So of course, his reply piqued my curiosity and I did a bit more research on your Quaker family who had roots in this town dating back to the 1740s. Your father’s contribution to the development of this town caught my eye in particular. Looking at notes from the Horace Greeley High School Class of 1957, I found that your father Courtney started building homes 1938 around Dodge Farm, the very same year that you were born. Perhaps he needed income for his growing family or he had a strong desire to keep putting roots down in this bucolic slice of Northern Westchester.

With you turning 84 this year, I get a little burst of happiness every time I pass your tombstone and see no date of death listed. You must be alive and kicking in the Florida sun instead of succumbing to COVID as one in 100 older Americans have in this pandemic.”

It couldn’t have been easy building homes with a newborn and no formal training in construction or real estate development but he was described as a “natural at building things.” The class notes explain that Courtney would buy land in Dodge Farms from his mother, build a house on it, move in, build another house, put them both on the market and sell whichever went first. 

Dorinda, I am sorry that you moved so many times in your childhood but at least you weren’t uprooted to a new town. I understand that your family moved many times because people usually wanted to buy the house your family was living in because it was beautifully adorned with antiques. The notes continue to say that “Rindy would leave one house in the morning, go to school and come back to the next house at night..almost everything unchanged.” What cherished objects did you take with you from home to home – a stuffed animal, a doll? 

It is believed that your father built around 25 houses or so with a brief hiatus during World War II. Houses in the early days sold for under $10,000 but today yield well over a million. 

But enough about him… I wonder more about you. I know you have many artistic talents, painting among them and have previously been an interior decorator. I was thrilled to hear that you have many grandchildren too and have traveled the world. 

With you turning 84 this year, I get a little burst of happiness every time I pass your tombstone and see no date of death listed. You must be alive and kicking in the Florida sun instead of succumbing to COVID as one in 100 older Americans have in this pandemic. 

And Mr. Williams confirmed for me that you are indeed “very much alive.” May you continue to live a vibrant life Dorinda and if you ever come to your hometown for a visit, look me up. I’d love to meet you and learn more about your family’s history and ties to our hamlet.

With warmest wishes,
Stacey Pfeffer

PS  I’m glad you decided to honor your family’s roots here by choosing your hometown as your final resting place and joining the six other Dodges already buried here. There was clearly a reason why the Algonquins called our town shah-pah-ka, a place where nothing is heard but the rustling of the wind in the leaves.

PPS  It’s great to see that the house building talent was passed down from your father and that you are working on building your third house in sunny Florida. If wintry weather continues, I may just look you up and pay you a visit.