Scarsdale Concours to Support the PaulieStrong Foundation
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The Scarsdale Concours has added the PaulieStrong Foundation as a new beneficiary for their 2016 event. The mission of the PaulieStrong Foundation is to raise awareness and funding for pediatric cancer research.
In October 2015, Paul Ulysses Jiminez of Greenacres was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer that forms on soft tissue. It took his life after just two and half months on January 5th 2016.
He was a happy and loving child 
who will be remembered for his infectious smile and laugh. He saw the good in everybody and anyone who was lucky enough to have met him instantly knew how special he was.
Paul was wise beyond his ten years and after his diagnosis it was his idea to create a campaign to raise funds to find a cure for cancer. PaulieStrong will raise awareness and raise funding to help all children who have to battle cancer which, according to the National Cancer Institute is the #1 disease killer of children in the United States. Nearly 16,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed each year and yet, less than four percent of all funding from the National Cancer Institute goes to research into childhood cancers. Most clinical trials are to treat adults. In the last 20 years, only two major drugs have been developed for children.
Funds raised through The PaulieStrong Foundation will go directly to the Pediatric Oncology Team at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City to help fund research into pediatric sarcomas.
Mark your calendar to attend the 13th annual Scarsdale Concours in Scarsdale Village on Sunday October 2 where you can see a great display of vintage automobiles and support PaulieStrong and other worthy causes.
SHS Grads Build Online Site for Student Job-Seekers
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Three Scarsdale grads have developed Jobbard, an online tool that connects work-hungry students with prospective local employers. The Jobbard team currently consists of recent graduates: Kimberly Zou, Christine Desbois and Xavier Worsley. By streamlining the job search process for students, they aim to help students earn money while pursuing their interests.
Kimberly, a rising sophomore at Johns Hopkins University, created the site after having a difficult experience finding part-time work to supplement her unpaid summer internship at a wealth management firm. "I already worked most days as an intern," she explains, "but I also wanted to earn money this summer to help cover the costs of college." As part of the Hopkins Varsity tennis team, she thought it would be a good idea to give private tennis lessons. However, she faced several roadblocks, namely an inefficient process for publicizing her availability as a tennis coach and attracting clientele. Through conversations with her friends and classmates, Kimberly realized that other students were going through the same struggle when finding jobs. Most opportunities available to students, from babysitting to interning, were usually found through word of mouth or familial connections. "So I thought: why not create a simple platform for students and employers to connect?" Kimberly said.
"What we aim to do", explains Christine, a close friend and business partner of Kimberly's who will commence her second year at Columbia University this fall, "is enhance our site's network so that it becomes the go-to for any student employment." They will initially be concentrating on expanding in Westchester, before growing their user base nationwide to support all students in America. Focusing on Westchester, however, was not going to be particularly easy from Baltimore and NYC with a college workload. "That's where Xav came in," said Christine. Xavier is taking a gap year to pursue business interests before attending the University of Chicago; he jumped at the opportunity to work with the two. "It's an extremely exciting project, and I'm so glad that I have been able to contribute," he says. Xavier had a similar experience to Kimberly during his junior year while looking for work as a tutor. "I found that it took a serious amount of effort to find clients- I had no good starting point and was really on my own apart from some personal connections." Xavier eventually managed to expand his tutoring work to connecting other tutors with parents and managing those relationships.
Ironically, these parents experienced similar difficulties when looking to hire. "Many of the people whom I worked for had a parallel experience: strongly desiring a tutor, coach or similar student employee but being unable to find one." Jobbard caters to local individuals who seek student help and local businesses looking for employees or interns. Now, instead of having each individual worker expend large amounts of effort trying to find a job and vice versa, Jobbard puts all jobs and student workers in the same place so that more time can be spent doing the jobs rather than finding them.
For Kimberly and her team, empowering students 
to explore their passions and potential career paths is the main vision. "In addition", says Kim, "we want students to be able to start pursuing their interests early on by using our service. Whether you want to be a teacher, a doctor, or even start your own business, there's always a job opportunity on Jobbard that can help you gain the experience and insight. Of course, there's the added benefit of earning money along the way". The site includes a comprehensive category system for employers and students to explore, allowing workers to find desired opportunities in the listed jobs. Jobbard also encourages students to create a resume, along with listing any particular career preferences or special skills that they may have- these functions help both parties find a suitable solution to their employment needs.
One particularly interesting feature of Jobbard is its blog: every few days a helpful article pops up, ranging from tips on evaluating employees to advice about how to succeed as one. There are many more cool features beyond the blog that are coming up as well. "On a long-term basis we will, at the very least, include an employer/employee review and rating system, connections between previous colleagues and potentially even an integration of payment and time logs into our system," says Kimberly.
All in all, Jobbard is a sleek operation with strong potential. The enterprise and ambition shown by Kimberly, Christine and Xavier is a testament to not only the expectations set by Scarsdale High School, but the skills the school provides its students to meet those expectations. "The achievements of many Scarsdale residents, too, are an inspiration to work even harder," says Xavier. Jobbard has the potential to be an efficient and widely-used tool for student employment in the coming months. So, if you are an employer looking to hire or a student still seeking a summer job, Jobbard is an online tool to use.
Everybody's a Winner on July 4th in Greenacres
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The Greenacres' Annual 4th of July Celebration at the Greenacres field was a huge success this year. Neighborhood residents ate bagels and cream cheese, Munchkin donuts, watermelon and coffee. Children and adults participated in races and events in the field with a candy hunt for the youngest set. A patriotic ceremony was led by the Cub Scout Color Guard and accompanied by Jack Binder on trumpet. There was the perfect amount of sunshine and thanks to the Scarsdale Fire Department and their super soaker truck, the kids and adults got to cool off at the end. Greenacres residents never disappoint with their community gatherings.
Here's a list of the many winners of the events:
3-Legged Race
Parent/Child
Round 1:
1st - Kirwan King/ Carter King
2nd – Leon Zhou/ Joe Zhou
3rd – Caroline Bollen/Gregor Bollen
Round 2:
1st – Halle Jakubowicz/ David Jakubowicz
2nd – Alison Snyder/ Eve Snyder
3rd – Tess King/ Anne King
Round 3:
1st – Kayla Jakubowicz/ David Jakubowicz
2nd – Ethan Faucette/ Tamara Faucette
3rd – Alyssa Marvin/ Lynn Marvin
Pre School
2nd - Zoe Goldstein/ Owen Dubinsky
3rd - Jonah Bloomgarden
K – 1st Grade
1st - Caroline Bollen/Allison Snyder
2nd - Rachel Schwartz/Isabella Rabinovich
3rd - Andy Marvin/ Tess King
Phoebe Schutzer/ Whitney Rudneske (tie)
2nd – 3rd Grade
Round 1:
1st – Rachel Kershner/Lauren Zoland
2nd - Blair Rudenske/ Alison Snyder
3rd - Matthew Glassman/ Joyce Liu
Round 2:
1st - Nicholas Faraco/ Andrew Faraco
2nd - Michelle Meiselman/ Isabella Tse
3rd - Ethan Faucette
Round 3:
1st - Rashel Kershner/Alyssa Marvin
2nd - Lauren Zoland/Jocelyn Zoland
4th – 8th Grade
1st – Jackie Kershner/ Allison Kahn
2nd – Halle Jakubowicz/ Ashley Jakubowicz
3rd – Kayla Jakubowicz/ Juliette Bollen (tie)
Catherine Faucette/ Cecilia Faucette
Teen – Adults
1st – David Jakubowicz/ Pamela Jakubowicz
2nd – Taylor Shiley/ Jordan Wayne
SPOON RACE
Pre-School
Round 1:
1st – Brooke Schutzer
2nd – Zachary Weiner
3rd – Louisa Tse
Round 2:
1st – Sibel Kopelman
2nd – Nathan Chen
3rd - Aria Chen, Jonah Bloomgarden (tie)
Round 3:
1st – Owen Dubinsky, Zoe Goldstein (tie)
3rd – Asher Aggarwal, Miles Levinson (tie)
K – 1st Grade
Round 1:
1st – Phoebe Schuster
2nd – Tess King
3rd – Caroline Bollen, Whitney Rudenske, Katelyn Shi (tie)
Round 2:
1st – Leonardo Zhou
2nd – Isabella Rabinovich
3rd – Gabriella Silva, Rachel Schwartz (tie)
2nd – 3rd Grade
Round 1:
1st – Maya Rabinovich
2nd – Rachel Kershner
3rd – Allison Snyder
Round 2: 1st – Matthew Zoland, Ozan Kopelman (tie)
3rd – Matthew Glassman
4th – 8th Grade
Round1:1st - Mitchell Breakstone
2nd – Kirwan King
3rd – Alyssa Marvin
Round 2: 1st – Jackie Kershner
3rd – Catherine Faucette
SACK RACE
Pre School
1st – Brooke Schutzer
2nd – Owen Dubinsky
3rd – Whitney Rudsenske
K- 1sr Grade
1st – Leonardo Zhou
2nd- Phoebe Schutzer
3rd – Isabella Rabinovich, Jasmine Davis (tie)
2nd – 3rd Grade
1st – Leo Chavis
2nd – Alyssa Marvin
3rd – Blair Rudsenske, Maya Rabinovich (tie)
4th – 8th Grade
1st – Kirwan King
2nd – Catherine Faucette
3rd – Allison Kahn, Jackie Kershner, Mitchell Breakstone, Juliette Bollen, Kayla Jakubowicz
DASH
Pre School
Round 1:
1st – Harrison Glantz
2nd – Brooke Schutzer
3rd – Jordan Schutzer
Round 2:
1st – Maddie Glantz
2nd – Julia Marvin
K – 1st Grade
Round 1:
1st – Phoebe Schutzer, Whitney Rudsenske (tie)
2nd – Samuel Cascade
3rd – Matthew Weiner
Round 2: 1st – Miles Levinson, Samuel Cascade (tie)
2nd – Jasmine Davis, Jonah Bloomgarden (tie)
3rd – Gabriella Silva
2nd – 3rd Grade
Round 1: 1st – Alyssa Marvin
2nd – Blair Rudsenske
3rd – Michelle Meiselman
Round 2: 1st – Charlie Robertson, Matthew Glassman
2nd – Joyce Liu
4th – 8th Grade
Round 1: 1st – Allison Kahn
2nd – Jackie Kershner, Kirwan King, Ben Weiner
Round 2: 1st – Catherine Faucette, Mitchell Breakstone
2nd – Halle Jakubowicz, Kayla Jakubowicz
FOUL SHOTS
2ND – 3RD Grade
1st – Spencer Hellman
2nd – Charlie Robertson
3rd – Ryan Dedianous
4th – 8th Grade
1st – Catherine Faucette
2nd – Mitchell Breakstone
3rd – Halle Jakubowicz
Adult – Teen
1st - Warren Breakstone
2nd – Melvin Tan
Early Morning Fire on Bell Road
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At 2:27 am on Monday morning July 11 fire struck a home at 166 Bell Road. When the Scarsdale Fire Department arrived, heavy smoke was coming out of a window on the third floor of the house. According to the fire department report, "A crew made an aggressive interior attack on the third floor where they were met with lights-out smoke conditions and a moderate to high heat condition. The fire was placed under control after about 20 minutes." The homeowner first tried to put the fire out himself before calling for help.
The Scarsdale Fire Department was assisted by volunteer firemen, the Scarsdale Ambulance Corps as well as the Greenville and Hartsdale Fire Departments. The preliminary investigation into the cause of the fire pointed to a problem with a portable air conditioning unit on the third floor. Cond Edison cut off the power to the house and the residents were instructed to stay out until the smoke odor and residue could be eliminated. There were no injuries, and according to new Fire Chief Jim Seymour, "The crew working, led by Captain Dan Brown did a fantastic job."
Suzanne Seiden's Last Game
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To coin one of Suzanne Seiden's favorite metaphors, the MVP of the Scarsdale Board of Education has completed six years of service to the community. Monday June 20th marked her final game, and even then, she didn't get off easy when the marathon meeting ran until 12:21 am. But then again, her tenure on the board was anything but easy.
After receiving her nomination from the School Board Nominating Committee, Bob Harrison decided to challenge her for her seat on the board. For most candidates, the nomination by the SBNC is a virtual guarantee of a seat on the School Board. But not for Suzanne. She had to campaign, shake hands at the train station and launch a fully
coordinated effort to win the seat, which of course she did and ultimately scored a resounding victory.
Once on the board, she had little time to learn the ropes before she took on the vice presidency and presidency, jobs that are traditionally done by more seasoned members of the board. As other were not willing or able to serve, she stepped up and did an exemplary job. In subsequent years, two board members opted not to run for second terms, leaving her as one of the more senior members of the board for most of her tenure.
During this time, a budget failed for the first time in over 40 years and she was instrumental in getting it passed a few weeks later. After a contentious year, Dr. McGill, the district's long-time superintendent announced his plans to retire, and Suzanne again stepped up to lead a national search for a new superintendent. The following year, the district lost both Joan Weber and Linda Purvis, leaving big voids in the administration and requiring further searches for personnel. She became a mentor, a leader and the institutional memory for a board and administration with little history.
She was unfailingly gracious, upbeat and composed through contentious discussions and lengthy meetings, peppering her comments with humor.
These good traits were noted by her colleagues and community leaders who toasted her on Monday;
Board President Lee Maude:
It's hard to believe but we are coming to the end of your six years of service for the Scarsdale Schools and students. This followed your years in the PTAs, PTA President for the Middle School and the PTC. Your level of commitment and your professionalism are exemplary. You are not one to ever complain about the workload though we have heard you bicker about the pay. There are so many in the community always asking what are we doing for them. While you Suzanne are always asking what you can do for others. It is part of your DNA, and this town is so fortunate to have you.
Suzanne you have many amazing strengths let me touch on a few. In all our Board discussion you are always reminding us of the need to be thoughtful and compassionate in our dealings with the teachers, students and families. You have also reminded us and rightly so to thank the teachers for their tireless work on behalf of our students. You always thank members of the community who speak at public comment sessions regardless of their point of view. In our policy discussion you have reminded us of those families under duress and making sure we are thoughtful as we design policy. We hope in the years ahead you bring your thoughtfulness and compassion to other groups in Scarsdale so that we may continue to benefit from your wise counsel.
You have been the bearer of board tradition and with the help of Lois helped us maintain board practices. The Board underwent tremendous change during your year of Presidency and you met the challenge in an open and rigorous manner laying out a work plan for the year that we all could follow. You also encouraged us to meet with former board members, which many of us did. This was so helpful and I hope we continue the practice.
Scarsdale Schools District is an institution with a proud heritage. Our job as board members is less of owners and more of caretakers (to quote Dr McGill). Suzanne you have taken great care in your work to preserve what is great about our schools and to guide the institution forward.
And as a board member and board President you can have no greater impact on a district than helping to recruit and hire a new Superintendent. Hiring a Superintendent for Scarsdale is no small task and you did a tremendous job in the process of hiring and vetting search firms, working with Chuck Fowler and completing focus groups, surveys and hours of interviews. And of course we found Thomas. In the last two years Thomas has taken a leading institution and put us on a new trajectory as an institution ready to accept change. Suzanne this could not have happened without your leadership. As a board member we hope to serve and leave the Scarsdale School District no worse than when we joined. But you Suzanne have had an immense impact on this place that will be felt for many years. We cannot thank you enough for that.
Thank you Suzanne. You are a truly remarkable person and we will miss you on the Board.
Board Vice President Bill Natbony said, "Our kids grew up in Quaker Ridge together." He appreciated her "compassion, wisdom, wit, sports analogies," and said Seiden was "Truly a team player." He credited her with bringing stability to the board during her year as president and thanked her for personal advice that allowed him to grow as a board member and as a person.
Pam Fuehrer told Seiden that she had admired her for a long time, calling Seiden
her "favorite program of professional development." She said she will remember Seiden saying, "There's more that unites us than divides us in this district.
Art Rublin told Seiden, "You've been the best kind of mentor ... not only have you had wise things to say but you guided by example....You faced a unique challenge in a contested election and served the community with high distinction. You radiated positive energy and brought out the best in people. You distinguished yourself with your sense of humor and seriousness of purpose. You are compassionate but didn't shy away from tough decisions. You provided critical leadership for the bond passage and successfully led a nationwide search for superintendent. You've left a tremendous legacy and you will be sorely missed."
Dr. Hagerman conveyed his regard and affection for Suzanne saying, "Though speeches are often inflated by hyperbole, this one is not.... I wouldn't be here in Scarsdale without Suzanne. She provided me with support and encouragement throughout the search process.... She is a true believer in Scarsdale.... I was immediately drawn to her warmth and authentic demeanor. After arriving I learned more about Suzanne. When I was moving in I got a call from Suzanne and she headed over with coffee and bagels. She always says thank you and lauds the achievements of others. She genuinely cares about people and understands their contribution to the greater good. She is the quintessential mother who always reaches out to let you know she is thinking about you.... As a board member she has been unwavering in her support and a strong steward of people, policy and finance. She firmly believes that when there is a will there is a way and does not take no for an answer. Luckily she is on the right side of the cause." Hagerman told Seiden, "Your legacy will live on in my eyes and the eyes of others who respect you for who you are and what you have done for all of us."
At the 8 pm session of the meeting, former Board colleagues Jill Spieler and Liz Guggenheimer also lauded Seiden. They said she was, "student-centric, shares WOW moments and is a consensus builder... She stays on topic and asks thoughtful questions ...She stepped us as a board officer after only one year of service. She guided us with grace patience and the utmost integrity." Spieler added, there are the three words our graduates should know, which Suzanne demonstrated, "Know, Think, Act." They presented her with a tote that said "Love Giving" and bagful of gifts.
Karen Ceske thanked Seiden on behalf of the board of the PT Council, saying her "Commitments have been steadfast, tireless and selfless." Ceske credited Seiden with "Insightful questions, reasoned judgment and a collaborative and practical approach." She said, Suzanne, "acknowledges peoples' hard work and valuable contributions, and even when it got tough she remained calm and kept her wonderful sense of humor." She said, "You are the consummate volunteer and we hope you will enjoy your well-earned relaxation." The PT Council made a gift to the PT Scholarship Fund in her honor.
Thanking everyone, Seiden said she felt "Pressure to use a sports metaphor." She said, "It's my last "at bat" and I am proud to be on this team. Being on the school board is a team sport – thanks to my teammates and my former colleagues... The district hits it out of the park everyday. You are all are home run hitters and you should be eligible for the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown."
