Village Greets the Holiday Season at Light the 'Dale

Scarsdale Mayor Jane VeronScarsdale greeted the holiday season with a Christmas tree and menorah lighting at Boniface Circle on Friday December 3. According to Margot Milberg, “The SHS acapella group “For Good Measure” sang, as well as carolers from Hoff Barthelson and the Westchester Chordsmen. The crowd enjoyed hot chocolate, popcorn and pretzels. There were fun activities for the kids and colorful, festive decorations.

Rabbi Blake from Westchester Reform Temple gave beautiful opening remarks to welcome people, light the Hanukah menorah and to remember Steven Sondheim. Mayor Jane led off the celebration and included lots of young children with the lighting of the tree. It was magical when they switched on the lights and the tree was illuminated. The carolers added a beautiful holiday touch and the arrival of Santa in the firetruck generated lots of excitement for the kids. It was a wonderful community event.”Rabbi Jonathan Blake remembered Steven Sondheim

Scarsdale Mayor Jane Veron said, “I love this event! There is nothing better than seeing our community join together in celebration. We missed being live last year as we had to tune in (congregate) virtually, but we are back tonight stronger than ever. Neighbors, friends, family, your presence creates such a wonderful energy and excitement - such a wholesome goodness - and I feel privileged that I get to participate in this joyous occasion.

Light the ‘Dale is very near and dear to my heart, and I am so proud that it is now an enduring institution. Six years ago, we had no big holiday community event. I was a new Trustee, and a handful of us gathered here as we watched the Mayor switch on the lights. Truthfully, it was kind of lonely and quiet. That had to change. The following June we pulled together a group of community volunteers and created Light the ‘Dale. It was a pilot project, of sorts, that exceeded our wildest expectations, and now the Village has officially adopted the event and made it our own.

An acapella performance by From Good MeasureSo, you see, we are innovative here in Scarsdale - always seeking to make things better. As we look around the Village sparkling with holiday lights, we see examples of our experimentation. We tested sidewalk al fresco dining and the Dine the Dale tent, expanding venues for our community to enjoy the buzz and beauty of our Village. You embraced these changes so we made outdoor cafes permanent and are planning to upgrade our popular Dine the ‘Dale tent, courtesy of the Scarsdale Business Alliance. The Village is being transformed, and the vitality is palpable. Nothing beats the positivity and good will of our residents.

There are many to thank for making this event possible. I assure you, the flawless execution is the result of countless hours of planning and hard work.

Thanks goes to ….Veron greets a young resident

Scarsdale Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation
Scarsdale Village Manager’s Department
Scarsdale Department of Public Works
Scarsdale Police Department
And to SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS
Scarsdale PBA and Police Department
Scarsdale Fire Department
Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps
Weinberg Nature Center
Scarsdale Library
CSEA

We also express our appreciation to Rabbi Blake and to our carolers from Hoff Barthelson, Scarsdale High School’s For Good Measure, and the Westchester Chordsmen.

Let’s welcome in the holidays together with one of our Scarsdale own lighting the tree and the menorah. I can’t wait to find out who will be the lucky one.”

Photos by Olivia Halligan
Walter's hotdogs were a big hit.The Christmas tree and wreath on Polar Bear LaneA menorah for Chase Park