top of page
CA-Recorder-Mobile-CR-2025[54].jpg

Land Conservancy promotes Dave Prosser

The Pound Ridge Land Conservancy has announced the promotion of Dave Prosser to director of land stewardship. 

Since joining the PRLC in April 2023, Prosser has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to PRLC’s work in land conservation and environmental education, the group said.

In his new position, Prosser will lead stewardship and grant writing for PRLC, manage all volunteer programs, and oversee the care and maintenance of 20 preserves with over 12 miles of trails. 

“In less than two years with PRLC, Dave has grown tremendously in the scope of his work he is doing for us as he extends his already-strong skill set with experience in Pound Ridge,” said Jack Wilson, president of the group’s board. “We rely on Dave’s leadership and judgment in areas far beyond his initial responsibilities and we want his title to reflect the expansion of his role with PRLC.”

Prosser is enthusiastic about his new role.

“I am honored to step into this leadership position and am eager to continue working with our dedicated board and the community to promote environmental stewardship and land conservation,” he said.

The promotion comes as the land conservancy celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of land preservation and environmental advocacy.


Caramoor president leaving at end of March

Caramoor President and CEO Edward J. Lewis III will leave the organization March 31 to pursue new opportunities closer to his home in Washington, D.C.

IN BRIEF

CA-Recorder-Mobile-Mission-2025[26].jpg

Halaifonua leads John Jay to win over Somers on the court

Feb 14

From left, Sela Halaifonua drives to the hoop for two of her 29 points in win over Somers. Jordan Kauftheil drives baseline. Helena Schembri scores two inside for John Jay. Natalie Ellrodt gets an assist for the Wolves. Jim MacLean photos

By JIM MACLEAN

It was an impressive demonstration, one pass after another, as the John Jay girls varsity basketball pulled away for a dominating 58-44 victory over league rival Somers on Feb. 7.

John Jay has five senior starters, and it was clear the veteran group has spent a lot of time on the court together finding the open shooter as the Wolves hit one lay up after another off a sharp pass.

“We’re at our best when we’re making the extra pass and finding the open player, moving the ball the way we did tonight is special to watch,” said John Jay coach Matt Gallagher. “They know each other so well, they’re able to read and go. We had 20 assists tonight and that is awesome.”

As usual for John Jay, senior Sela Halaifonua was involved on both ends of the passing game, dishing them out and scoring, as she took over the game and led the Wolves to victory. Halaifonua was unstoppable as she scored 29 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and adding six assists and four steals, but she wasn’t the only one getting her senior teammates Jane Brennan, Jordan Kauftheil, Natalie Ellrodt and Jaime Bartley-Cohen involved.

“It’s amazing, I’ve played with some of these girls since first grade, so we definitely connect well,” Halaifonua said of her senior teammates. “Our team has been playing great, pushing hard everyday in practice, and we’re hoping to end it off with two good wins.”

John Jay came out flying and opened up a 7-0 lead with senior Jane Brennan scoring four points and senior Natalie Ellrodt hitting a three-pointer. However, Somers answered back to cut the lead down to one at 7-6 before Halaifonua started to heat up hitting a three-pointer and adding another hoop to make it 12-6.

In the second quarter, John Jay led by one at 16-15 when Halaifonua sparked a 15-0 run for the Wolves. Halaifonua hit another 3-pointer and then stole the inbounds pass and scored for five points in a matter of seconds. Two more hoops from Halaifonua and two from Gianna Pelosi and John Jay was in control with a 31-15 lead and the Wolves never looked back.

Two more hoops from Halaifonua closed out the first half with John Jay holding a 35-21 lead. Somers went on a 7-0 run and had the lead down to nine points at 46-37 at the end of the third quarter, but John Jay opened up the fourth quarter with eight-straight points with senior Jordan Kauftheil scoring a pair of baskets. Two more hoops from Halaifonua and the Wolves were up 58-40 and finished off the victory.

“Now that she’s healthy she doesn’t come off the floor, she’s someone we rely on so much,” Gallagher said of Halaifonua. “For her to play the way she did tonight, not only scoring, but distributing the ball and getting rebounds, she played a great game.”

Brennan also had a big all-around game for the Wolves, making several nice passes as she finished with eight points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Kauftheil and Pelosi each finished with six points. Helena Schembri scored four points, Ellrodt had three, and Bartley-Cohen scored two to round out the scoring for the Wolves.

John Jay also had a big win over league rival Lakeland on the road Jan. 30, as Halaifonua finished with 21 points to lead the way. Bartley-Cohen had a big game inside, scoring 14 points and grabbing eight rebounds. Brennan also finished in double figures with 10 points to go along with seven rebounds. 

The game was tied at halftime at 22-22 and it was still close with two minutes left before John Jay closed it out with an 11-0 run behind a three-pointer from Ellrodt and two more three-pointers from Halaifonua.

John Jay was set to finish the regular season at home with the Wolves hosting Lakeland on Thursday, Feb. 13.

bottom of page