Become S-P-E-L-L-BOUND!
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- Written by Lori Gertzog
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Join friends and neighbors in teaming up to compete and support the sixth annual Friends of the Scarsdale Library Adult and Teen Spelling Bee, to take place Friday, February 5, 2016 at 7:30pm in the High School Auditorium. Come participate in a thoroughly entertaining evening with family and fellow community members. For teens, this is a perfect chance to beat the adult contestants! Everyone high school age and up is eligible to form teams. Don't delay, as the deadline is December 31st, 2015.
Returning competitor, Susan Groner, invites others to join the excitement: "The Spelling Bee is lots of fun for teams and for the audience who can play along and test their spelling skills. The competition is very impressive. If you make it past round 1 the words can get very challenging! New competition is welcome!"
The new, Bee Arthur Manor team includes three SHS Class of 1986 graduates who also graduated together from the Edgewood School in 1980. Team members Diane Chesnut, Greg Bartalos and Matt Martin frequently commute into the city together on Metro-North, and it was during a recent train ride that the idea of forming a team took shape. Confident of victory, "The Bee Arthur Manor team welcomes any serious challenges from other former Scarsdale classes and classmates!" claims Matt Martin.
Sponsors are also needed to help support this key Friends of the Scarsdale Library event. Diamond level sponsors Mercedes-Benz and Richard and Sara Werder will be back this year to support this fun event. Sponsors of all levels are welcome, including sponsors of $250 and above or donors below $250. Funds raised will continue to support important library programs that bring notable authors to the community.
The evening, emceed by Ed Coleman, voice of the NY Mets, will include a raffle, silent auction, and a trivia contest between rounds. Admission to the Spelling Bee is $5, and refreshments will be available for purchase.
The deadline for teams to sign up is December 31, 2015 and the entry fee is $150 per team. Each team may consist of up to three members, high-school age or above. Throughout the Spelling Bee, team members collaborate to spell their words. Each team will write its answer on a dry erase board until the final round, when the top teams will spell their words orally.
Sponsor, Donor and Spelling Bee Team Application forms are available at the Library or online here. For more information, contact Spelling Bee Chairs Renu Lalwani at 917-584-8834 ([email protected]) or Carolyn Mehta at 914-584-5903 ([email protected]).
Traffic Headache at Scarsdale Station
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- Written by Preeti Sing
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The railroad arrived in Scarsdale in 1846 and by 1877 train service to Scarsdale was reliable and regularly scheduled. The present day station was completed in 1902. Then, the village had 885 inhabitants and today, the town has more than 17,000 residents. Parking and traffic around the station have always been a matter for concern for Scarsdale; it has been referred to as Scarsdale's 'number - one headache'.
The headache continues, and any changes at the station have a domino effect on the traffic around it. All roads leading to the Scarsdale station especially during rush hours are stressful. A surge in cars arriving at the station to pick up and drop off train passengers leads to extremely slow traffic movement on the East Parkway from Popham to Chase Roads. One of the trickiest places to navigate is the East Parkway in front of Starbucks at the station. Despite visible no parking signs, drivers line up in the lane, to drop off and pick up train commuters. When the train arrives, the place becomes messier because pedestrians get the right of way to cross, cars get backed up till merchant parking and beyond, and everyone tries to disperse at the same time.
A few months ago when the staircase that led up from the inbound train platform was closed, it resulted in additional pedestrian traffic at the Starbucks end. And in November, when the bus stop moved from its previous location (ahead of the stop sign at the station), chaos reigned supreme in front of Starbucks. Cars not aware of the change parked at the new bus stop and buses had to wait till they moved; meanwhile other cars also jammed up the narrow road. The queues for bus and taxis added to the crowd of people in front of Starbucks. Having the traffic control car did not help in alleviating the confusion.
Is this permanent? We caught up with the Village Manager's office to get some answers! According to the office, the East Parkway steps will be back in service by the end of the calendar year. The stairway was closed for repairs and the new stairs will be made of galvanized steel that will ensure less wear and tear from the weather elements. The bus stop had to be temporarily moved in front of Starbucks because it was adjacent to the steps construction zone. It will move back to its previous location once the steps re-open.
Work on the staircase has however been halted temporarily because MTA insisted that a 'force account' be created. This was to ensure that the train tracks will not be damaged while the staircase is being built. Negotiations between the Village and MTA have brought down the amount from $25,000 to $12,600, and a MTA representative will be onsite to ensure safety of the train tracks.
When asked if there were plans to streamline the traffic during rush hours, the Village Manager's office said, 'There is no room in the Village Center to create a satisfactory drop-off and pick-up area. Most of our resident commuters park in the Village at our commuter lots, but a number are dropped off and picked up. The busy periods are short in duration and are not unlike all small towns and villages in Westchester with train stations.'
Indeed it is quite impressive that the area around the station can handle this increased pressure. Back in the late 1890s the trains stopped only once in the morning and once in the evening at the Scarsdale station and people paid an extravagant 50 cents for a one-way jolting, uncomfortable journey. Now the station handles more than 30 trains during the peak hours alone, and Scarsdale's daily ridership is about 4,200, second only to White Plains on the Harlem Line.
The bus passengers don't mind the change for now - they have a roof over their heads for the coming winter's rain and snow, as they wait for the buses to take them home. And the cars have found other ways to handle the changes. The new waiting spots are in front of the East Parkway steps, and more cars drive up on Spencer Place and use the stop sign at East Parkway to pick up and drop their passengers.
Author Preeti Singh co-manages thegoodbookcorner.com a space for book reviews and author interviews. Her work includes Unravel, Great Books for Children and Smart Beginnings. Preeti has worked as a Content Head, an Acquisitions Editor and a Project Manager with various publishing houses in India, including Disney Publishing, Popular Prakashan and ACK-Media. Preeti's articles have been published in The Scarsdale Inquirer, HuffPost, The Medium, dnaindia.com, Mid-Day, IndiaAbroad and talkingcranes.com. You can reach Preeti at [email protected].
A New Playground at Scarsdale Synagogue
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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After several years of fundraising and dreaming big, Scarsdale Synagogue is proud to announce the opening of a new playground. Contributions from people of all ages and in all amounts helped to make this playground a reality. The new play space has two climbing structures, various dramatic play areas, ride-on toys galore, rocks for climbing, stonewalls for sitting, a rain garden and spectacular life-sized playhouses. There is even a spongy safety surface under all the climbing equipment and around the center of activity- our Village Green. The Village Green features play houses and shops, a grassy town center and a variety of community helper vehicles.
This playground addresses the needs of children who like to climb, sit, pretend, appreciate nature, and enjoy a quiet space. It is an ideal environment to engage in social interactions. The playground is designed to capture children's interest and encourage their imagination.
Scarsdale Synagogue is located at 2 Ogden Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583. 914-725-5175. www.sstte.org.
Former Scarsdale Police Officer Offers Advice on Securing Your Home
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Former Sergeant Mike Martin served on the Scarsdale Police force for 20 years before retiring to Florida. But when he moved south he found that he missed the northern pace, and is now back in Scarsdale -- a town he knows well -- in a new role.
Here's his story:
How many years did you serve on the Scarsdale Police Force and what were your roles? What years were you here?
I worked in the Village of Scarsdale Police Department for 20 years; 1982-2002. During the first 7 years I was a patrol officer, the next 3 years in plain clothes in a burglary and larceny patrol unit, then 10 years a Patrol Sergeant.
Throughout my 20 years as a police officer in Scarsdale I responded and investigated many burglaries. To see how it affected the homeowners, the pain they felt, their concerns of safety, how losing sentimental family heirlooms, all the feelings and insecurities of having their homes burglarized, made it a very rewarding feeling arresting the perpetrators of those crimes. I was proud to be a member of the Scarsdale police having been part of arresting several burglars during my time at the Scarsdale Police department.
What did you like about working in Scarsdale?
I enjoyed my 20 years of service with the Scarsdale Police Department, but having my 20 years in and that I was eligible for retirement my wife and I decided to move to Florida where her family had relocated.
What are some of your most vivid memories of your service?
I like helping people and the Scarsdale Police department who puts community policing first. The department's focus is always about helping and interacting in a positive way with residents. Scarsdale is a great community and I enjoyed working with the residents.
What did you find when you moved to Florida?
Life in Florida is much different, but I was fortunate to have the opportunity do some things I probably would not have done in New York. I coached high school soccer at Melbourne Central Catholic high school and was an assistant coach at Florida Tech University and later at Eastern Florida State. Working with student athletes and helping them to believe in themselves and working together to achieve a goal was very rewarding.
There are so many memories, but the most important was that I established long term friendships with a great group of great guys that I still maintain a special relationship with today.
What did you miss about living up north?
I missed the people, the culture, the fast pace of life and most important my family. Our daughters Danielle and Ariana moved back to New York and my wife AnneMarie and I decided to move back to be close to them.
What is your role at Scarsdale Security?
I am now an account executive at Scarsdale Security Systems where the biggest part of my job is customer service. I feel it is important for customers to be comfortable in making security decisions, and trust that I can help them with that. I want to make sure our customers feel that we are responsive to their needs and will be treated like they are a family member.
What do you like about your new position?
I like to be busy, which I am at my job. I'm a people person and with my job I get to meet and interact with new people every day. I also enjoy learning. With security technology always changing, it is important for me to continue to learn and keep up with all of these changes.
What advice do you have for residents to keep their homes secure?
My advice to residents is to always keep your house well lit, make sure newspapers and mail are picked up while you are away and report any suspicious vehicles or people to the police. Make sure you use your security system at all times.
Local Theatre Production Stars Local Kids
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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You don't have to go to Broadway to see quality theatre. There a quite a few upcoming professional and community productions that include local children in the casts. Here's a rundown of the best theater in Westchester you should try to catch before the end of the year starring none other than our very own.
Professional Productions
A Doll's House, the famous play by Henrik Ibsen, has been reworked by Axial Theater Company under the direction of Howard Meyer. Set in 1950s America instead the traditional 19th century Denmark, Meyer breathes life into this newly relevant, controversial drama. The performance space is extremely unique, (the theater is part of a 19th century historic church,) and creates the sensation that the audience is sitting inside the couple's home throughout the play. It's not to be missed! The play features local talent Carly Waldman as Emmy. Previews begin Friday, November 6th, opening night is November 7th, and the play runs through November 22nd.
Westchester Broadway Theater in Elmsford is a unique theater experience in Westchester because the price of your ticket includes a full meal. Show Boat follows the lives, loves, and losses of a troupe of riverboat performers on the mighty Mississippi while illuminating the racial and social changes that were shaping the country in 1890-1927. Its timeless score contains some of the most beautiful and emotionally charged songs ever written for a musical. Kim, a child, is played by Greenacres resident Alyssa Marvin (on an alternating schedule). The show runs now through November 29th and again from December 30th through January 31st.
Although not local productions, Although not local productions, two area kids are just leaving for their Broadway National Tours of Dr. Seuss' 
The Grinch who Stole Christmas. Caitlin Kops is playing Annie Who at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. Rachel Katzke is performing as Cindy Lou Who and is traveling Massachusetts, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio and Florida this holiday season.
Community Productions
Westchester Sandbox Theater in Mamaroneck as two upcoming shows including Disney's Beauty and the Beast as well as Nutcracker! The Musical, described as "...the holiday classic like you've never seen it before." Under the direction of Jason Summers, WST shows often cater to families and can keep you and the kids busy most of November. Rebecca Gross and Abigail Underweiser can be see as Babette and Lefou respectively in Beauty and the Beast.
The White Plains Performing Arts Center Conservatory Theatre is excited to be presenting Little Shop of Horrors November 13-15. "Feed the need for musical hilarity with this delicious sci-fi smash about a man-eating plant!" Scarsdale student Francesca Ricigliano plays Crystal, a doo-shopping urchin on Skid row. The songs are catchy and the story is hilarious.
Playgroup Theater in White Plains is performing Our Town the first two weekends in December. It is no longer read in high school, so this is the first time the cast is being exposed to Thornton Wilder's incredibly rich and wonderful characters, and timeless ideas about life and death and love which are speaking to this young cast as if they were written days ago rather than nearly a century ago. The cast is creating a contemporary musical score, using the theatre in a totally cool new way. They aren't changing a word of the text, but are absolutely making it clear that this play has stood the test of time and has so much to say about our town and our lives today, and that it speaks to this generation. The cast includes: Josh Ackerman, Josh Kirchner, Itai Rembaum, Dani Brinberg, Andrew Mitchell, Grayson Rosenberg, Maddie Glass, Anabel Calderon
Once on this Island is a vibrant, award-winning musical about the strength of love versus death and the perpetuity of life. The performances are being staged by The Edge, the teen program at the Random Farms Kids' Theater under the direction of Alexis Duermeyer. Alexandra Goldman is playing a storyteller/gossiper and Carly Waldman is playing Young Ti Moune and the Little Girl. The musical score is phenomenal. Performances take place at the Tarrytown Music Hall December 14th-17th at 7:00 PM each night.
Disney's Mulan JR at Random Farms Kids' Theatre is a heartwarming celebration of culture, honor, and the fighting spirit. Come catch one or two (or five) of 24 Scarsdale kids in this production between November 11th and November 24th! Local cast members include: Ella Schneyer (Yao), Gali Brass (Captain Shang), Harry Brass (Fa Zhou), Ariana Koenig (Chi Fu), Leah Vinodh (Fa Li), Lily Falk (Magyar/Maiden), Alexandra Perl (Mulan), Rachel Schwartz (Mushu), Jolie Kantor (Yun), Rania Palaniappan (Lin), Avani Palaniappan (Laozi), Maya Katcher (Mulan), Kate Persily (Mushu), Maddie Marlowe (Magyar / Maiden), Aanya Schoetz (Shan-Yu / Maiden), Anjali Schoetz (Grandmother Fa), Raphael Cai (Hong), Bianca Ozdoba (Laozi), Elena Korman (Matchmaker), Chloe Liu (Lin), Ava Schneider (Na), Gabrielle Schneider (Ling), Ria Bedi (Shan-Yu / Maiden), and Lara Yellen (Yao).
Hansel and Gretel, the childhood classic, has been reconstructed into a junior version for kindergarten through second graders in this adorable production by the Random Farms Kids' Theater. The show will take place at the Yorktown Stage the first weekend of December. Every child has a speaking and singing solo and it will delight audiences of all ages. Local kids performing include: Ava Herman (sand fairy/cookie), Emma Poritzky (Frack), Nadia Ozdoba (Johanna/Cookie), Olivia Sorkin (Frick), Sophia Sorkin, (Heidi/cookie), Sabrina Zaken (Gretel), Jaden Waldman (Hansel), Maya Meyerson (Maria/cookie), Isabella Rabinovich (Frack), Maya Rabonovich (Father/cookie), Samantha Goldstein (Heidi/cookie), and Joyce Liu (sand fairy/cookie).
