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MAMARONECK, N.Y. -- Throughout the next week, The Daily Mamaroneck will recap 10 local stories that made headlines in 2011 and provide any available updates. They are in no particular order.
Today, The Daily Mamaroneck looks back on the devastation left by Tropical Storm Irene, as well as the Mamaroneck Tigers' run in the state championships for varsity field hockey.
10) Julienne Conaway and her son Michael, 5, can tell you just how hard Tropical Storm Irene hit the Village of Mamaroneck. When the flooding left their Howard Avenue home uninhabitable, they were forced to live out of shelters. Five months later, they have found more stable housing in an apartment in Mamaroneck, but still haven't returned to their Howard Avenue home.
On Aug. 28, Mamaroneck Avenue turned into a river thanks, in part, to the Mamaroneck River overflowing at Columbus Park where it meets the Sheldrake River. Unfortunately for the Conaways and their neighbors, the Mamaroneck River runs through their home's back yard, exposing their apartment to the brunt of the flooding.
Their landlord has done extensive work to prevent any issues with molding, which took until June to complete. However, Julienne has decided not to return yet, said Jim Killoran, executive director of Habitat for Humanity.
"They weren't sure whether they wanted to go back or not," said Killoran, who has given his time, resources and care to the family since the storm hit. "It's still traumatic for people, worrying about floods coming in. She didn't feel comfortable. It's almost like post-traumatic stress."
Julienne, however, has gotten back on track by returning to school. Michael is on winter break from Mamaroneck Avenue School, where he is a kindergartner.
For the full story, click here.
9) Mamaroneck High School's varsity field hockey squad had made it to state championship final four the last two years in a row and 2011 would be no different. However, the Tigers fell to Sachem-East, who squeaked out a victory in the finals to take home the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class A field hockey title.
Sachem-East's goalie tandem led them to a 3-2 victory in penalty strokes at Cicero-North Syracuse High School Nov. 21. On Dec. 20, the Tigers' strong season was recognized at a Board of Education honors ceremony. Team captains Nina Kumar, Jessica Corbin and Molly Cohen, along with the other seniors on the squad, said they will continue to play field hockey at their respective colleges, but that it wouldn't be the same.
For the full game story, click here.
Check back with The Daily Mamaroneck Tomorrow for the next two stories in the Top 10 of 2011.
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