Three SHS Students Help White Plains Hockey Team Capture State Championship
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- Written by: Jack Capobianco
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The White Plains Plainsmen 16U hockey team won the state championship on March 21-22, 2026 in Amherst, New York.
On their way to the state final, the Plainsmen had a big 2-1 win in the semi-final against the Watertown Wolves on Sunday morning. Then, in the state final that Sunday afternoon the Plainsmen had a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Rochester Aces.
Against Rochester, the score stood at 2-2 going into the dying seconds of the third period. With 1.5 seconds left in regulation time, White Plains Junior Chris Larosa picked up a loose puck in front of the net and scored to give the Plainsmen a 3-2 lead and an eventual victory. The state championship game came down to the final seconds and White Plains won it with 1.5 seconds left in the game. Absolute craziness!
This championship win was a testament to the hard-work, dedication, determination, commitment and character of the players, coaches and even supporters of the team. This win was big for the entire community and White Plains Plainsmen organization. This is a moment that will never be forgotten amongst the players, coaches, parents and the entire organization.
The team includes players from around Southern Westchester. Most of the players on the team are students at White Plains High School, while some attend Pleasantville and Dobbs Ferry and all play for their schools respective varsity teams.
SHS juniors Sebastion Oades, Jack Capobianco and Max HarrisonSHS juniors Sebastion Oades, Max Harrison and Jack Capobianco play on this team and also played on Scarsdale's varsity hockey team this past winter, Early on, they played together with the Scarsdale Youth Hockey Association. This season, they all decided to play on White Plains and quickly became instant members of the team. This past tournament and throughout the season, they have played on the same line together and have come to be known as the “Scarsdale” line.
Along with the three players on the team that go to SHS the team's head coach Chris Mignardi works for the town of Scarsdale. His son, Vincent is a goalie on the team.
Mignardi was the head coach and the team consisted of three assistant coaches who all have an unwavering love for the sport and the Plainsmen organization.
Following their state championship victory Sunday night in Buffalo, the team traveled back to Westchester where they were honored on Monday evening at Ebersole Ice Rink in White Plains. White Plains Mayor Justin Brasch was in attendance as well as many athletes, coaches and parents for the end of year family skate.
Mayor Brasch said a few words and then the championship banner for the 16U team was raised to the rafters where it will be etched into history. The banners for the 10U and 12U HVHL championships were also raised along with the 16U team that won the state championship.
During Mayor Brasch’s speech, he declared March 23rd as Plainsmen Hockey Day. It was a nice ceremony and a great opportunity for the state championship winning team along with the other championship winning teams to get honored and recognized.
Head Coach Chris Mignardi (pictured far left) with assistant coaches Dan Fendler (picture second to the right) and Walter Pozo (far right) with White Plains varsity hockey coach Howie Rubenstein
The win will be a moment that will never be forgotten.
The JCC Mid-Westchester Celebrates 70 Years of Community, Culture
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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Elise Dowell, JCCMW CEO, and honorees.On Sunday, March 8 the JCC Mid-Westchester in Scarsdale celebrated 70 years of community, culture, and connection at its Annual Benefit. The milestone evening honored the generations who built the organization’s foundation and the young leaders shaping its future.
In 1955, twenty-two families met to establish what was originally known as the Y, now the JCC Mid-Westchester. In 1967, with the support of dozens of founding families, the organization broke ground on its current Wilmot Road location.
For seven decades, the JCCMW has remained true to its core mission: enriching the lives of families in the community through programs that inspire, support, and bring people together. The evening honored The Arnow Family, David Raizen, Jill and Robert Serling, and Elaine and Alan Weiler, who represented the original founding families of the JCCMW for their lasting impact on the organization. Teen volunteers Eli Friedlander, Kate Glick, Micah Grandwetter, and Alexis Levine were recognized for their dedication, commitment, and service, representing the bright future of the JCCMW community.
Elise Dowell, Rachel Moseley (Board President) and elected officials (including Mayor of Scarsdale Justin Arest, Mayor of New Rochelle Yadira Ramos-Herbert, NYS Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, White Plains Common Council President Victoria Presser, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, Westchester County Legislator Judah Holstein, and Congressman George Latimar
“The JCC Mid-Westchester is a place where people feel safe, people feel proud, and people feel welcome,” shared Elise Dowell, JCCMW CEO. “I am so excited to see what the next 70 years hold for the JCCMW.”
JCCMW at 70 was a joyful evening of celebration, gratitude, and connection, attended by friends, partners, government representatives, and organizations who support the JCCMW’s vital mission. If you were unable to attend but would like to contribute, simply visit jccmw.org/donate. If you would like to learn more about the JCCMW, visit jccmw.org.
JCCMW Benefit Attendees celebratin.
The JCC Mid-Westchester is a nonprofit organization that supports the community by offering outstanding recreational, cultural, educational, and human services programming to all people regardless of age, background, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Programs are grounded in Jewish values and are open to all! The JCCMW enriches families, connects friends, strengthens community, and helps people lead joyful lives.
Photo Credit: Michael Priest Photography
. JCCMW Benefit - Youngest attendees
Photo Exhibit Celebrates Scarsdale
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- Written by: Claudia Wang
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A new photography exhibition celebrating the people, places, and everyday beauty of Scarsdale is now on display at the Scarsdale Public Library, featuring 144 images captured by local residents.
The exhibit grew from an initiative called Scarsdale Photo Day when the community was invited to submit photos of Scarsdale taken between November 30th through to December 7th 2025. Scarsdale residents were encouraged to use their phones or cameras to capture moments that reflect the spirit of our wonderful community. Participants submitted photographs of favorite streets, Scarsdale landmarks, children having fun, and the peaceful but joyful scenes that remind us all why we love to call Scarsdale our home.
All photographs are now being showcased in a special exhibition running from March 4th to March 27th at the library and are available for purchase, with proceeds supporting Pleasantville Cottage School.
The exhibit opened with a lively reception on the evening of March 4th, where guests gathered from 6 to 8PM to view the photographs and celebrate the local talent and joy of photography within the Scarsdale community. Soft drinks, wine, and light bites including sushi and snacks were served as residents mingled, explored, and discussed the delightful display.
The event was organized by cousins and co-chairs Jack Harrison and Max Harrison, students at Scarsdale High School. The boys took on the project for the first time this year and helped bring together this amazing and community-driven exhibition. Their family also contributed greatly to the evening’s hospitality, providing food and drinks and warmly welcoming guests throughout the reception and exhibit.
Friends, family members, and Scarsdale residents all stopped by during the opening night, creating a relaxed and upbeat atmosphere as visitors moved through the exhibit and talked with the organizers and friends about their work.
In addition to viewing the photos at the library, visitors can purchase images through an online gallery. QR codes posted alongside the displays allow guests to easily access the website and buy their favorite photographs with all proceeds supporting Pleasantville.
This exhibit is a powerful reminder that the most meaningful portraits of a community often come from the people who live there, capturing the everyday moments that make Scarsdale such a special place to call home. Stop by and see it from now through March 27, 2026.
Indian Fare with a Modern Twist
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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Running down Mamaroneck Avenue to the movies on another frigid night in January we noticed the warm glow of lanterns through a window. Was there a new restaurant on the block? More sushi?
We looked closer to find that no, there was not more sushi on the menu ….. happily it was an Indian restaurant promising the dishes of a Michelin starred chef.
We returned a week later and were greeted by a familiar face. Unable to place the host, he introduced himself as Ashu Wheeler and quickly explained that we knew each other from his former post at Marigold in Eastchester, another Indian restaurant we frequent.
The restaurant and adjoining bar area have been thoughtfully decorated using natural materials including bamboo lights and wood paneled walls, creating an atmosphere that is warm and welcoming. A long banquette lines the wall and provides comfortable seating for group large and small. The full bar provides mixed drinks, wine and your choice of Indian beer and non alchohol mango, salted and sweet lassis will complement any meal.
Wheeler has joined forces with two experienced Indian chefs, Hemant Mathur and Chandramohan Krishnasamy who crafted a menu with specialties from all over India, emphasizing fresh ingredients, vegetarian options, grilled meats and fish, baked naan and a long list of delectable dishes.
On two visits, we sampled appetizers, main courses, selections from their grilled menu, tandoori and biryani – and everything was sumptuous.
For our first visit we were a bit cautious and ordered familiar Indian specialties including a plate of meat and vegetarian samosas, to please everyone at the table. The saag paneer, included fresh Indian cheese, spinach and ground spices, the chicken tikka masala was a hit along with the garlic naan and raita. As we sipped our drinks we munched on the colorful, crisp and salty. papadam.
On the second visit we ordered a shrimp biryani – which was basmati rice slow cooked in herbs and spices in a ceramic (bowl) and baked under a pastry top. This was accompanied by minted yogurt. From the grill menu, we tried the lamb skewers, which arrived sizzling in their own cast iron pan.
Despite the fact that there was a full house, the food arrived swiftly and service was gracious. We will be back soon and often to order many of the more exotic dishes on the menu.
A note about reservations. When we attempted to secure a table on RESY, the app said nothing was available. But in fact, the app was broken and we were able to get a table by calling the restaurant at 914-315-1972.
So if you’re in the mood for some new flavors, make a visit to Kutir. You’re sure to be won over by the ambiance and your meal.
Kutir
441 Mamaroneck Avenue
Mamaroneck NY
914-315-1972 (Take out is available)
KutirNY.com
Open Sunday to Thursday
11:30 am to 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Friday and Saturday
11:30 am to 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Scarsdale Schoolmates Save Each Other’s Lives Through Writing
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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The authors were Co-Captains of the Scarsdale High School JV Field Hockey team in 1979.Two friends, who grew up in Scarsdale, found themselves confronting live-shattering circumstances: the death of a child by suicide and the diagnosis of a glioblastoma brain tumor. Engulfed by pain, they asked each other: “What if? What if we just write to each other? Anything. Just write.”
Over the course of the next year, these two women—one in New York City, the other in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado—embarked on a deliberate correspondence to rescue themselves and each other from overwhelming grief. Their words would become a lifeline and the inspiration for this new memoir: Antiphon: A Call and Response in a Year of Grief and Renewal.
As the months passed, the act of writing and bearing witness to one another transforms each woman’s journey through terrible loss into a courageous affirmation of resilience and of lives well lived.
“We’ve been friends for over forty-five years, since high school,” Chris and Jane explain, remembering with humor their experiences as the awkward and unlikely co-captains of the Scarsdale High School JV Field Hockey team. Both women went on to attend Wellesley College outside of Boston. “But our adult lives took very different trajectories, and part of what this epistolary project allowed us to explore, as we reckoned with grief and mortality, were those experiences that we all share, that make us who we are as human beings: the desire for love, the challenge of navigating close personal relationships, the reality of grief and loss, the longing for a life of meaning.
“We have loved these months of corresponding with each other for the simple yet life affirming feeling of having someone to walk with in the deep woods. We have come to believe that the conversation between us could resonate with others. And if this is so, then that is grace.”
Flynn and Holbrook will host an author Q and A and book signing on Sunday March 1, 2026, from 2 -3:30 pm at the Church of St. James the Less, 10 Church Lane, Scarsdale. The event will be hosted by the authors' Scarsdale High School classmate Dorothy Kindred and organized through Diane’s Books in Greenwich CT.
About the Authors:
Jane Flynn. Jane received her BA from Wellesley College, and her JD from Harvard Law School. She left family, friends and 
Jane Flynnprofession behind to follow her future husband to Athens, Greece, in 1990. She learned Greek and, over the next thirty years, raised two sons while navigating the services to support her younger son with autism, cofounding an autism advocacy nonprofit and serving on the board of the Mediterranean Garden Society. Jane returned to New York in late 2020 following the death of her younger son by suicide. Antiphon is her first published work.
Christina Holbrook. Christina graduated with a BA from Wellesley College and spent most of her career in New York City involved in the printing and publishing of art and photography books. She now lives in Breckenridge, Colorado, with her husband Alan. Christina has worked as a columnist for the Summit Daily newspaper in Colorado, and her short stories have appeared in a number of literary journals. All the Flowers of the Mountain, her first novel, was published by Sunroom Studios 
Christina Holbrookin 2022 and has received the 2023 Colorado Book Award for Romance, the 2023 IPPY Bronze Medal for Romance, and the 2025 IPPY Silver Medal for Fiction
Audiobook.
Antiphon: A Call and Response in a Year of Grief and Renewal
Book Publisher: Ikaros Books
Available through bookstores and from Amazon.com.
Attend a Q and A and book signing with the authors on Sunday March 1, 2026, from 2-3:30 pm at the Church of St. James the Less, 10 Church Lane, Scarsdale.
