July 2010

Gala Bastille Day Multi-Business
Block Party Planned;
Patrolman Arthur Dematte Remembered
at Trustees Meeting

By Stephen E. Lipken

Benjamin Aiello, Carolynn Dilworth, Melissa and Richard Perez came to the Larchmont Board of Trustees meeting in Village Hall on Monday, June 14 to request holding a multi-business block party on Larchmont Avenue, between Gilder and Addison Streets for Wednesday, July 14, Bastille Day from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Aiello and Dilworth, representing Auray Gourmet and Perez from Espana Restaurant are planning the gala celebration with 17 local merchants. Helping our People Eat (HOPE) from New Rochelle will have a special booth; Auray and Espana have contributed food to HOPE in the past. Admission is free; pay only $1.00 each for food tickets.

Dilworth said that the French-American School was contacted to provide crafts for children attending the affair. Trustee Marlene Kolbert expressed concern about amplified music played after 10:00 p.m. Dilworth replied that the Michael Nappi Band will perform at 6:00 p.m. and shut down by 9:00 p.m. Exact street closure; e.g., up to Boston Post Road will be determined by Police Chief John Poleway.

Mayor Joshua L. Mandell noted that Chief Poleway was not present because he was in Albany, contesting the parole of Anthony Curtis Blanks, convicted of murdering Patrolman Arthur Dematte on October 12, 1976, who was shot in line of duty with his own service revolver.

“This is important to understand because it highlights the senselessness of the crime—at the time of the killing Patrolman Dematte was unarmed and therefore presented no threat to the shooter. The fact that he was pursued and shot multiple times only serves to underline the depravity and indifference of the act,” Mandell stated.

“This week, Patrolman Dematte’s killer will once again attempt to gain parole. Thirty-three years is a long time and the heinous act perpetrated by Blanks may seem a distant memory to some. Let me assure you, however, that the senseless killing of Patrolman Arthur Dematte is never far from memory in the Village of Larchmont,” Mandell concluded.

On a happier note, Mayor Mandell displayed a bright yellow softball Mayor’s Trophy, autographed by the players, labeled Larchmont-Mamaroneck Babe Ruth (LMBR) [League]. “Village of Mamaroneck Mayor Norman Rosenblum and I both coached ad hoc teams and informally bet on outcome of the Memorial Day game.

“We won by one point (4-3) and our girls got free pizza,” Mandell laughed. Players range from 13 to 16 years of age and come from Hommocks; Mamaroneck High School {MHS); Rye Neck Middle School and Stanwich Prep School in Greenwich, Ct.

Relaying other good news, Trustee Richard Ward announced that 12 bicycle hitching posts, accommodating two bikes each will be installed in the two Business Districts.

The Board approved Recreation Committee’s Family Campout in Flint Park, on Friday, July 16, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Mandell cautioned campers not to use tent spikes, since there is an underground irrigation system; also no fires or open flames. {For further information contact Recreation Director Joyce Callahan; Kate Verni, Recreation Committee Chairperson or website www.villageoflarchmont.org.}

 

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