Pelham Examiner

Pelham Examiner

Pelham Examiner

Oliver Tam, Senior Editor

Oliver is a graduate of the Pelham Memorial High School class of 2022. He has been working with the Pelham Examiner since August of 2019 and looks forward to continuing his contributions. Along with contributing to the Examiner, he is a participant in both the Sock 'n' Buskin school theater program and community theater and is part of the PMHS Student Association for his class. He also is a co-leader of the AcaPelicans, an acapella group in the school, and is a member of the PMHS Forensics Speech Team as well as the American Red Cross Club.

All content by Oliver Tam
Oliver Tams graduation speech: Embrace the unknown; dont write your high school sequel

Oliver Tam’s graduation speech: Embrace the unknown; don’t write your high school sequel

By Oliver Tam
June 29, 2022

I am obsessed with sequels. Good sequels, bad sequels. I love them all. For example, recently I watched “The Next Karate Kid,” with Hilary Swank and Pat Morita, the sequel to “The Karate Kid.”...

Two bodies found in burning car Monday morning on Shore Road

By Oliver Tam, Executive Editor
May 16, 2022

Two unidentified people were found dead inside a burning car on the side of Shore Road early Monday morning, according to Fox News. New York Police Department officers were called to the area on Shore...

According to the school district, the boilers at Pelham Memorial High School are among the items that could be funded by the proposed capital reserve.

Champ defends proposed capital reserve fund at public budget forums

By Oliver Tam and Bella Caruso
April 29, 2022

Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Champ defended the proposed capital reserve fund after residents expressed concern over its purpose during public hearings about the fund and the tentative 2022-23 district...

The Pelham Fire Department fights the fire

[Photo] Three-alarm apartment building fire on Fifth Avenue leaves one dead

By Cristina Stefanizzi, Deputy Managing Editor
February 20, 2022

The Pelham Fire Department fights the fire

Picture from www.pelhamschools.org

Pelham schools to offer virtual options starting Monday due to post-holiday Covid-19 concerns

By Oliver Tam and Ulysses Conrad
January 3, 2022

The Pelham school district will offer the option of virtual learning to grades 3-12 starting Monday for families concerned about the increase in Covid-19 infections following the holidays, while seeking...

tick, tick Boom! movie poster

‘tick, tick…BOOM!’ is an awe-inspiring film for everyone

By Oliver Tam, Executive Editor
December 22, 2021

"The sound you are hearing is not a technical problem. It is not a musical cue. It is not a joke. It is the sound of one man's mounting anxiety. I ... am that man...I keep hearing those tick-ticks. And...

PMHS basketball home court

District changes spectator policy for winter sports and concerts after protest at school board meeting

By Oliver Tam and Bella Caruso
December 13, 2021

Thirty high school basketball players and their parents attended the Pelham school board meeting Wednesday to protest the district's limit of two spectators per player at each game. Two days later, interim...

Josh Lin (Jimmy O. Yang) and Natalie Bauer (Nina Dobrev)

‘Love Hard’ is an uninspired, lazy film that somehow manages to captivate

By Oliver Tam, Executive Editor
November 29, 2021

Congratulations! I'm impressed, you did more than I would've done. You clicked on this review. One look at the title of this film and I would've skipped. I had already summarize this in my head immediately:...

The Pelham Memorial High School/Pelham Middle School campus.

Residents criticize administrators, suggest changes after Nov. 1 emails on threats caused students to flee PMHS

During the past week, parents and students have voiced criticisms and suggestions for change in the wake of an online post by a student that others perceived to be threatening and several unrelated incidents...

Pelham Memorial High School

Update: ‘Worrisome’ Snapchat posts by PMHS student lead to investigation by Pelham Police; some students opt to leave building

By Oliver Tam, Executive Editor
November 1, 2021

Pelham Police have been working with school district administrators after a Pelham Memorial High School student "posted pictures to Snapchat that some other students found worrisome," according to an email...

Usnavi, Benny, Sonny and Graffiti Pete in Washington Heights.

‘In the Heights’ soars to its own heights

By Oliver Tam, Executive Editor
August 6, 2021

“A dream isn’t some sparkly diamond we get. Sometimes, it’s rough. And it’s not so pretty.” These lines from Usnavi, a bodega owner in Washington Heights who dreams of moving to the Dominican...

The crossing over the Hutchinson River Parkway was renamed the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - Michael Henry Schwerner Memorial Bridge.

Cuomo signs bill renaming bridge between Pelham-Mount Vernon to honor MLK and Michael Schwerner

By Oliver Tam, Executive Editor
August 2, 2021

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation Wednesday that named a bridge connecting Pelham and Mount Vernon after civil rights leader Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and and murdered Pelham activist Michael...

Pieces of A Woman is gripping and captivating... for its first half hour

‘Pieces of A Woman’ is gripping and captivating… for its first half hour

By Oliver Tam, Assistant Managing Editor
June 15, 2021

One...two...three. PUSH! Okay, you're doing great. The baby is crowning. I need you to do one last push for me, okay? Just one more. Alright, are you ready? Here we go. One...two...three. PUSH... she's...

Malcolm and Marie has nice aesthetic; plot is painfully repetitive

‘Malcolm and Marie’ has nice aesthetic; plot is painfully repetitive

By Oliver Tam, Assistant Managing Editor
June 10, 2021

Before I start, let me just say up front: I was excited for this movie. Like really excited. It looked right up my alley. A nuanced story with two powerhouse actors, beautiful cinematography, some smooth...

Captain Robert Benkwitt III (left) was promoted Tuesday to chief of the Pelham Fire Department, replacing retiring Chief James DiNapoli.

Village of Pelham Fire Captain Robert Benkwitt III promoted to chief as James DiNapoli retires

By Oliver Tam, Assistant Managing Editor
May 27, 2021

Captain Robert Benkwitt III was promoted Tuesday to chief of the Pelham Fire Department by the Village of Pelham Board of Trustees, which also honored retiring Chief James DiNapoli. Mayor Chance Mullen...

Pelhams Van Ogtrop shares new perspective on middle-age with book Did I Say That Out Loud?

Pelham’s Van Ogtrop shares new perspective on middle-age with book ‘Did I Say That Out Loud?’

By Oliver Tam, Assistant Managing Editor
May 12, 2021

"Live with no attachment to outcome." This is the mantra that Kristin Van Ogtrop follows in her life and her writing. Her new book, "Did I Say That Out Loud? Midlife Indignities and How to Survive Them,"...

One Night in Miami... is gold standard for stage-to-film adaptations

‘One Night in Miami…’ is gold standard for stage-to-film adaptations

By Oliver Tam, Assistant Managing Editor
April 27, 2021

A civil rights revolutionary. A blues musician. A fullback for the Cleveland Browns. A world-renowned boxer. All African-American, all icons of the 1960s, and all meeting in a run-down motel in the middle...

Video: Oscar smackdown with Oliver and Vikram

By Oliver Tam and Vikram Jallepalli
April 23, 2021

Editor's note: Reader votes are listed for each category in parenthesis. Best Actor Nominees (Time - 1:25) Anthony Hopkins from "The Father" (0 votes) Chadwick Boseman from "Ma Rainey's Black...

Promising Young Woman blurs the lines between right and wrong in an introspective look at sexual violence

‘Promising Young Woman’ blurs the lines between right and wrong in an introspective look at sexual violence

By Oliver Tam, Assistant Managing Editor
April 20, 2021

Warning: This review contains mild spoilers.  'He seemed like such a nice guy.' 'Well, he didn't know what he was doing.' Still, there seemed to be a connection between them. Sure, he lured her into...

Hillbilly Elegy is an emotional rollercoaster that gets more hate than it deserves

‘Hillbilly Elegy’ is an emotional rollercoaster that gets more hate than it deserves

By Oliver Tam, Assistant Managing Editor
April 19, 2021

Redneck. Bumpkin. Hillbilly. These derogatory terms are all synonymous with uneducated southern whites. The media has often painted these people in a less than positive light, exaggerating their lack of...

Minari is a stunningly accurate portrayal of faith, farming and family

‘Minari’ is a stunningly accurate portrayal of faith, farming and family

By Oliver Tam, Assistant Managing Editor
April 14, 2021

미나리, a parsley-like herb commonly used in Korean, Indian and Japanese cooking, is known to be able to grow in harsh conditions including rough soil. It also has a purifying effect in that it clears...

Ma Raineys Black Bottom is Chadwick Bosemans final, bittersweet bow

‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ is Chadwick Boseman’s final, bittersweet bow

By Oliver Tam, Assistant Managing Editor
April 5, 2021

"The blues help you get out of bed in the morning. You get up knowing you ain't alone. There's something else in the world. Something's been added by that song. This be an empty world without blues." Spoken...

Scout visits to police headquarters were cited in Pelham Manors report on dealing with racism in policing.

Residents query absence of body cams, race and accountability during Manor police forum

By Oliver Tam, Assistant Managing Editor
March 26, 2021

The Pelham Manor Board of Trustees held a public forum Thursday to answer questions on the second draft of the village's police reform report, including the decision to not adopt body cameras, the use...

Manor candidates debate police reform, moving elections to November in campaign’s only forum (includes video of event)

By Oliver Tam and Tommy Roche
March 3, 2021

Pelham Manor mayoral and trustee candidates Tuesday debated police reform, the timing of village elections, the tax cap and environmental programs during the only event where they will face each other...

The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a frustrating and uncomfortable masterpiece

‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ is a frustrating and uncomfortable masterpiece

By Oliver Tam, Assistant Managing Editor
March 2, 2021

The year is 1968. The Democratic National Convention is taking place in Chicago and countercultural protests are lobbying for the end of the Vietnam War. Rioters, often chanting the phrase "The whole world...

A photo from the Pelham Manor report: A village police officer delivers Halloween safety brochures to Siwanoy School.

Pelham Manor police reform: new foot patrols, call for civil service changes, implicit-bias training okayed

By Oliver Tam, Assistant Managing Editor
February 11, 2021

The Pelham Manor Police Department started foot patrols at Four Corners to interact more with the public as one of its responses to the state-mandated police reform process to address racism, according...

Pelhams real estate market is on fire as city dwellers seek suburbs, say realtors; now is time to sell

Pelham’s real estate market is ‘on fire’ as city dwellers seek suburbs, say realtors; now is time to sell

By Oliver Tam, Assistant Managing Editor
January 27, 2021

During the Covid-19 pandemic, residential real estate prices have jumped in the Town of Pelham as city dwellers sought the suburbs and more space. It has also made the job of real estate agents more...

Axon Body 3 camera in demonstration.

Village of Pelham police reform panel calls for body cams, reveals off-duty officers no longer do residency checks

By Oliver Tam and Cristina Stefanizzi
January 2, 2021

The Village of Pelham's steering committee on police reform called for officers to wear body cameras and revealed the Pelham school district will no longer hire off-duty members of the force to conduct...

Auto insurance fraud ring busted in New Rochelle and the Bronx

By Oliver Tam, Assistant Managing Editor
December 11, 2020

Westchester County District Attorney Anthony Scarpino Jr. announced the takedown of an auto insurance fraud ring located in parts of New Rochelle and the Bronx this Wednesday. Nine defendants and five...

(Left to right) Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Benny Watts, Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon, and Harry Melling as Harry Beltik

‘The Queen’s Gambit’ creates an enthralling experience in the world of chess

By Oliver Tam, Assistant Managing Editor
December 7, 2020

The white queen's pawn advances to d4 on the board. The black queen's pawn responds, matching white with queen's pawn d5. White's gambit is pawn e4. This chess sequence, the Queen's Gambit, is used to...

Middle school shifts to remote instruction until Dec. 9 after multiple positive Covid-19 cases

Middle school shifts to remote instruction until Dec. 9 after multiple positive Covid-19 cases

By Oliver Tam, Assistant Managing Editor
November 30, 2020

Pelham Middle School will shift to remote instruction from Dec. 1 to Dec. 9 after multiple individuals tested positive for Covid-19, according to an email sent by Principal Lynn Sabia on Monday night. The...

Village of Pelham board passes new rules for outside dining, retail

Village of Pelham board passes new rules for outside dining, retail

By Oliver Tam, Assistant Managing Editor
October 14, 2020

The Village of Pelham Board of Trustees adopted Local Law Number 3 of 2020 to create Chapter 75A of the Code of the Village of Pelham, outlining the emergency procedure guidelines for outdoor business...

Village of Pelham board proposes formation of a municipal art council

Village of Pelham board proposes formation of a municipal art council

By Oliver Tam, Assistant Managing Editor
September 22, 2020

The Village of Pelham Board of Trustees last week discussed the formation of a municipal art council. Board members were interviewed on the proposal due to an issue with the meeting video. This proposal...

Amending Village of Pelham code to let businesses expand outdoors gets Tuesday public hearing

Amending Village of Pelham code to let businesses expand outdoors gets Tuesday public hearing

By Oliver Tam, Assistant Managing Editor
September 21, 2020

The Village of Pelham Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. on an amendment to the village code that would establish guidelines for "the creation and expansion of outdoor business...

Village of Pelham board calls Con-Ed response after storm abysmal, discusses policy for public art

Village of Pelham board calls Con-Ed response after storm ‘abysmal,’ discusses policy for public art

By Oliver Tam, Assistant Managing Editor
August 17, 2020

The Village of Pelham Board of Trustees last Tuesday discussed Con Edison's "abysmal" job during Tropical Storm Isaias and the ensuing power outages. Both Mayor Chance Mullen and Deputy Mayor Pete Potocki...

Quarantine Countdown Vol. 3: The best books to be reading while stuck in your home

Quarantine Countdown Vol. 3: The best books to be reading while stuck in your home

By Oliver Tam, Assistant Managing Editor
July 24, 2020

Don’t worry, I understand. TV shows and movies just aren’t really your thing. You read our two previous articles and just couldn’t find something that piqued your interest. I know how you feel. Sometimes...

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School closing for coming school  year

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School closing for coming school year

By Oliver Tam, Assistant Managing Editor
July 10, 2020

The office of the superintendent of schools of the Archdiocese of New York this week announced that Our Lady of Perpetual Help's (OLPH) school program will not be in operation for the 2020-2021 academic...

Jamaal Bowman (top left), Chris Fink (bottom left), Eliot Engel (top right), and Andom Ghebreghiorgis (bottom right)

Bowman wins endorsements to gain traction against incumbent Rep. Engel in primary race

By Oliver Tam, Staff Reporter
June 10, 2020

In the Democratic primary race for the 16th Congressional District (which consists of parts of the Bronx and Westchester County), challenger Jamaal Bowman has gained endorsements in his battle to unseat...

Pelham Memorial High School

Citizens Nominating Committee moved to not seek, review candidates for school board due to Covid-19

By Oliver Tam, Staff Reporter
May 19, 2020

Possibly for the first time since 1954, the Pelham Citizens Nominating Committee decided not to call for candidates for open school board seats or interview those running for the committee's endorsement...

Pelham Manor board adopts $16.3 million budget at virtual meeting, opens Shore Park

Pelham Manor board adopts $16.3 million budget at virtual meeting, opens Shore Park

By Oliver Tam, Staff Reporter
April 30, 2020

The Pelham Manor Board of Trustees met Monday to finalize the 2020-2021 budget proposed on March 23, and discussed recent updates to Westchester's Covid-19 status. Before adoption of the budget, the board...

Quarantine countdown Vol. 2: Best TV shows to watch while stuck in your home

Quarantine countdown Vol. 2: Best TV shows to watch while stuck in your home

Wow, we're impressed! We cannot believe that you watched ALL the movies that we recommended in our first article. Give yourself a pat on the back. However, it's understandable to be craving something longer...

Citizens questions on budget answered during virtual Pelham Manor village board meeting

Citizens’ questions on budget answered during virtual Pelham Manor village board meeting

By Oliver Tam, Staff Reporter
April 18, 2020

Resident's questions on the 2020-2021 Pelham Manor village budget were answered Monday during the virtual board of trustees meeting. As in prior meetings, village officials practiced social distancing...

Mark Fink (l.) and Andom Ghebreghiorgis

Democratic congressional primary candidates clash over petition challenge amid Covid-19 outbreak

By Oliver Tam, Staff Reporter
April 9, 2020

Pelham resident Chris Fink, who is one of three seeking to face Rep. Eliot Engel in the Democratic primary, charged that candidate Andom Ghebreghiorgis' move to challenge the other candidates' ballot petitions...

Quarantine countdown: Must-watch movies while stuck in your home

Quarantine countdown: Must-watch movies while stuck in your home

During your time in quarantine, it might become increasingly harder to occupy yourself with something to do as your choices are limited to the confines of your home. With your normal, habitual routine...

Pelham Manor Board of Trustees discusses Covid-19, confirms 7 known cases

Pelham Manor Board of Trustees discusses Covid-19, confirms 7 known cases

By Oliver Tam, Staff Reporter
March 25, 2020

Village of Pelham Manor officials gave updates on the impact of Covid-19 on the Village, and took the first steps on next year's annual budget at the Board of Trustees meeting on Monday. The board and...

Sonic the Hedgehog provides nostalgic and mindless entertainment for all ages, but nothing more

‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ provides nostalgic and mindless entertainment for all ages, but nothing more

By Oliver Tam, Staff Reporter
March 6, 2020

Let's face it, good movies based on video games are an extreme rarity in film. One must look no further than titles like "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" and "Assassin's Creed" as prime examples of...

SOOP stages Love Letters, unconventional play that challenges actors to perform without rehearsals

SOOP stages ‘Love Letters,’ unconventional play that challenges actors to perform without rehearsals

By Oliver Tam, Staff Reporter
February 10, 2020

SOOP Theatre Company presented A.R. Gurney's "Love Letters," featuring Paul Romanello (Saturday) and Jeff Schlotman (Sunday) as Andrew Makepeace Ladd III with Christine Pedi (Saturday) and Nellie O'Brien...

‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ is mostly entertaining, but feels forced and lazy

By Oliver Tam, Staff Reporter
January 6, 2020

I will confess, seeing this movie was not how I was planning on spending my Friday night. After the atrocious "Star Wars: The Last Jedi", I assumed that "The Rise of Skywalker" would further tarnish my...

The Pelham Picture House and Ballet Arts present The Nutcracker live and on screen

The Pelham Picture House and Ballet Arts present ‘The Nutcracker’ live and on screen

By Oliver Tam, Staff Reporter
December 11, 2019

The Pelham Picture House hosted their annual Nutcracker Magical Matinee on Sunday, a festive tradition designed for audiences to witness the iconic story of "The  Nutcracker" come to life for a reasonable...

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood reminds us all of Mister Rogers simple message: Love thy neighbor

‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’ reminds us all of Mister Rogers’ simple message: Love thy neighbor

By Oliver Tam, Staff Reporter
December 4, 2019

Upon hearing the words "Won't you be my neighbor?", most adults today will immediately recognize and reminisce about the iconic figure who first uttered them. That figure is Fred Rogers, who, through his...

PMHS alumni Chris Russo and T.J. Hurd fill homes with holiday cheer with their Pelham Lights

PMHS alumni Chris Russo and T.J. Hurd fill homes with holiday cheer with their Pelham Lights

By Oliver Tam, Staff Reporter
November 27, 2019

Putting up Christmas lights for the holiday season can be a frustrating and daunting task for many residents looking to add some Christmas spirit to their homes. Luckily, Pelham Lights is offering their...

2019 Manhattan Short Film Festival offered emotion-packed entries at Picture House

2019 Manhattan Short Film Festival offered emotion-packed entries at Picture House

By Oliver Tam, Staff Reporter
October 9, 2019

The Pelham Picture House Regional Film Center hosted Thursday the Manhattan Short Film Festival, a celebration of short movies submitted from all corners of the world. The festival is a yearly event that...

Town of Pelham Summer Concert Series ends with trio entertaining crowd in front of gazebo

Town of Pelham Summer Concert Series ends with trio entertaining crowd in front of gazebo

By Oliver Tam, Staff Reporter
September 5, 2019

Last Monday, the Town of Pelham Summer Concert Series came to a conclusion. At the final event, performers Dennis Dell, Christopher Macchio, and Jackie DiMaggio sang a variety of songs including "Beauty...

Once Upon A Time...In Hollywood... perfectly blends history and fiction

‘Once Upon A Time…In Hollywood…’ perfectly blends history and fiction

By Oliver Tam, Staff Reporter
August 7, 2019

Quentin Tarantino is one of the most iconic and revolutionary directors of the modern era. Notably, Tarantino's movies are notorious for their brutal and unforgiving violence and gore. So, when I heard...

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