VOL Board Meeting: History, Beer Fest and Parking Rates

Tuesday, August 17, 2010 will forever be known as Dr. Judith Doolin Spikes Day in the Village of Larchmont, proclaimed Mayor Josh Mandell at Monday night's Village of Larchmont Board of Trustees meeting. Dr. Spikes will be retiring from her position as Larchmont village historian after thirty years. In 1980, she was a founding trustee of the Larchmont Historical Society and its first president in 1981. After receiving her proclamation, she addressed the board with a humble "Thank you. You're very kind."

As an author and scholar, Dr. Spikes has been a fountain of knowledge and resource for village officials whenever any questions arise about the history of municipal projects. Trustee Ann McAndrews added that from Dr. Spikes she learned that "history is more than historical events, it's how we got here, how we are who we are now." You can read more about Dr. Judith Doolin Spikes here.

Fun and fundraisers will also be added to Larchmont's history books as the Board of Trustees approved two events for the fall: Octoberfest and the Spin-a-Thon. On October 17, 2010, an Octoberfest block party will be hosted by Auray Gourmet, Espana and Vision of Tomorrow Salon and Spa. This year, said Carolynn Dilworth of Auray, the party will be held in Lot 3 of the railroad station so that many village merchants can be included in the event. The area will be tented and, in addition to German themed food and beverages, there will be face painting, hair braiding and carnival games for kids provided by Vision of Tomorrow Salon and Spa. All the merchants involved will defray the cost of police security, and funds from the event will be donated to In the Pink Foundation, a Westchester-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting young women with breast cancer.

On the fall social calendar as well will be the 3^rd annual L Train Spin Gym's Spin-a-Thon on October 9^th in lot 3 at the train station. Residents young and old can spin like the wind for $50 per hour and, according to L Train's owner Laurie Parkinson, all funds raised will be donated to juvenile diabetes research.

Other business ratified at the meeting was the new parking permit rates for 2011. Daily metered rates will increase from $4.00 to $5.00 per 12 hour period, which is the same as the Town of Mamaroneck. Meter parking permits will stay the same for village residents at $50 but will increase to $175 for the Town of Mamaroneck. Combined meter permit plus fee will be $1,300 per year. Resident day permits for train station lots 1 and 3 will increase to $675 and all other lots will jump to $450 for day parking. Day/Night parking in lot 1 will be $800 per year and all other day/night parking permits will increase $50. Mayor Mandell asserted that some proceeds from this increase will go toward improving the appearance and functionality of Larchmont's parking facilities.

Finally, Chief of Police John Poleway reminded drivers that schools will open in just a few short weeks. In keeping with the 65^th year of AAA's campaign, "School's Open, Drive Carefully," he has asked the police to be pro-active in stopping speeders in order to keep our children safe.