Back to School Guide to Programs and Activities for 2017

Enjoy the waning days of summer ... school begins for everyone on the Tuesday after Labor Day – September 5 – with Grade 9 orientation on Wednesday August 30th. Many are already practicing with their sports teams for the fall season and everyone's thinking about what the new school year will bring for kids from 2 to 17. We contacted local organizations to see what they are offering this fall – and here is what they shared. Whether you're looking for a nursery school or seeking out opportunities for dance, school enrichment, or sports training, you'll find many good options below:

For the Youngest Set:

The Early Childhood Program at Congregation Kol Ami is dedicated to providing a comprehensive and developmentally appropriate curriculum teaching and modeling Jewish values. We believe that children learn best through experiential play and provide for these rich experiences within warm, accepting, and nurturing surroundings. All of our Head Teachers have Masters Degrees in Early Childhood or N-6 or related educational fields. We offer a wide range of programs for children (from 1 to 5 years old) and their families. Our A Step Ahead! program for Fall 5 year olds provides full day Pre-K learning. For more information, contact: Nan Blank, ECP Director at nanblank@nykolami.org or call her 914-949-4717 x107.

KIDS Base/Little School: Open enrollment for the 2018-19 school year begins on October 1st at the Little School. We offer Half-Day Two's program in the morning and in the afternoon; Half-Day and Full Day Three's and Full Day Four's as well as early drop-off at 7:00am and Extended Day Child Care until 6:30pm. Our facility includes 8 large classrooms and a newly renovated enclosed playground. We focus on cognitive, linguistic and social-emotional competencies in our efforts to educate the whole child. We strive to make each child's first school experience a positive one that inspires a lifelong love of learning. We are proud to be accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) meeting rigorous standards for health, safety, teacher qualifications, curriculum and ongoing training. We work closely with Scarsdale Schools to ensure that our children are well prepared for kindergarten and future years.

The Little School Pre-K Academy is a transitional 4s program for children who want the "gift of time" prior to entering kindergarten. The class is a blend of play based learning, through the Project Approach with an academic curriculum that challenges children who are waiting to enter kindergarten. Registration for this class and all Little School classes for the 2018-2019 school year begins October 1, 2017.

The Little School is located at 307 Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale in front of the Pool Complex. For further information or to request an application, please call 914-472-5409, email office@kbls.org or visit our website at www.kbls.org.

Mazel Tots® at Scarsdale Synagogue provides a warm and stimulating environment, which encourages children's curiosity and helps them to grow socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. Our warm and nurturing staff will guide the children through a curriculum filled with a variety of child-centered and developmentally appropriate activities that are safe, fun and friendly. The children's spiritual growth will be enriched by the study of Jewish holidays, traditions and family values. We also offer a group of special activities such as sports and games, music, creative movement, sign language, nature, yoga, karate, science, art and more! We have two beautiful new playgrounds and gardens, plus a newly equipped indoor play space featuring ride-on toys, gym equipment, giant blocks, stepping stones and the like! Our Early Childhood Program serves children from 18 months until Kindergarten-bound! We also have afternoon Enrichment Programs and a Parenting Program! For more information please contact Jody Glassman, Early Childhood Program Director at 914-723-3001 or mazeltots@sstte.org. You can also visit our website. Scarsdale Synagogue is located at 2 Ogden Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583. 914.725.5175.

The Early Childhood Center of Westchester Reform Temple is dedicated to guiding, supporting and enriching young children's lives spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically. Our warm staff of experienced educators, along with Temple clergy and specialists, work in partnership to implement our program. Using developmentally appropriate best practices, we prepare our students for the demands of kindergarten readiness. Our pre-school curriculum reflects continuity of content and skills, subsequent growth at each age level, and is responsive to children's interests and individuality in the creation of emergent curriculum. Our facility offers beautiful indoor classrooms, play spaces and two age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds, filled with light and surrounded by nature.

Our ECC is unique among preschools in our area. We provide families with opportunities to participate in and appreciate their Jewish heritage. Equally as important, we create a warm, positive environment which fosters social connections among children as well as their parents. We are known as a Center for families with young children. There are many opportunities for families to participate in some of the fun and often free events we offer throughout the year.

Classes are offered for ages toddler to four-year-olds, and we offer half day and full day options for older children. For information, and to schedule a visit to our pre-school, please contact ECC Director Sue.tolchin@wrtemple.org or call us at 914 723-5493.

For Kids of all Ages:

Education at the JCC of Mid-Westchester: Feeding the Minds and Bodies. Pre-school learners all benefit from the full service nursery schools, fitness and sports facilities and professional teaching staff throughout the JCC. A year round indoor pool, fitness programs, arts programs and Special needs programs. All under one roof! Early drop off late pick up available. The JCC's Summer Art Center (SAC), a one of a kind program that provides a non-competitive, nurturing and flexible environment for all children with a passion for the Arts, continues throughout the year! Classes are all taught by professional artists and teachers and offers high quality instruction in Fine Arts, Dance, Theatre and Music. The Dance School provides extensive programs for pre-schoolers, teens, and adults. The Academic Center offers everything you need to prepare your kids for college entrance. One of the best things about having more than 250 programs for the whole family is that we can offer discounts to our members and patrons. For example, Nursery school families get significant discounts on the fitness packages, camps, and even pre-registration priority for programs that sell out like gymnastics. NEW this year is a pre-K Spanish immersion class! Contact the JCC for more information or to schedule a tour: 914-472-3300, www.jccmw.org.

The JCC is expanding their STEAM offerings. The JCC STEAM program is filled with exciting new classes including LEGO Mathematics, which brings the joy of math to children in grades K-1 and TEKI Tynker, a coding and programming class for children in grades 2-3. Favorite classes from last year, including our very popular Robotics and Jr. Robotics teams where participants work together to design and build a number of increasingly complex robots, as well as Animation and Video Game Creation, will also be offered. Classes are limited to 10 students so register early at jccmw.org we are also adding STEAM birthday parties for your child at the JCC of Mid Westchester.

Shaarei Tikvah, the Scarsdale Conservative Synagogue, invites your children, from Kindergarten through b'nei mitzvah age and beyond, to join in our vibrant and fun Jewish learning. The Anna and Louis Sheriff Religious School seeks to inspire our children with an appreciation of Judaism's rich traditions and culture. Our Teen Engage program offers a unique, elective-based curriculum, that combines experiential learning with our Jewish Debate Club (taught by Rabbi Adam Baldachin). Our weekday-only program (Monday and Wednesday) provides a strong foundation in Hebrew language and prayer, incorporating music and the arts that make learning fun. At Shaarei Tikvah, children experience mitzvot, Torah, Shabbat, holidays, Israel and Jewish history. Please find us on the web here or contact us with questions at synagogue@shaareitikvah.org or 914-472-2013 ext. 300.

The Arts:

Right here in Scarsdale – Starlight Starbright Music offers Music Together®, the international early childhood music and movement program for children from birth through age 8—and the grownups who love them®. In addition to our Babies (0-6 months), Mixed-Age (0-5 years), and Guitar for Grownups classes, new this fall are Rhythm Kids—Music Together with drumming—for preschoolers (4-5 years) and grade schoolers (grades K-2), and Sing Shalom—Music Together with Jewish songs—for mixed ages (0-5 years). Non-Music Together offerings include Uke U., parent-child beginner ukulele for 3- to 6-year-olds; Ukulele Party, for adults and teens; and private guitar lessons for 6- to 10-year-olds. For information about classes and free demos, please visit www.slsbmusic.com or call (914) 924-0995. 78 Garth Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583.

Steffi Nossen School of Dance (White Plains) has a class for you! We offer classes for dancers of all abilities. Through the discipline and joy of dance in a nurturing environment, students develop grace and fitness, build confidence and poise, and experience the creative process. We offer classes for tots to teens; from Parent and Toddler to a Pre-Professional Program. Parent and Toddler for 1 – 3 year olds, is a fun-filled opportunity for youngest dancers to express themselves through movement while working on balance and coordination. Pre-schoolers chose from Creative Movement, Tap-Ballet Combo, and an energy filled Boy's Movement class. Core Programs in Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Hip-Hop and a Pre-professional Program and Moving Wheels and Heels – an adaptive class for dancers with special needs - something for everyone who wants to dance. White Plains and Chappaqua. Visit our website, www.steffinossen.org or contact us at info@steffinossen.org or (914) 328-1900.

Sports!

House of Sports is a 100,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art sports and entertainment facility located in Ardsley. The facility offers a wide variety of sports programming options for athletes of all ages. House of Sports offerings include Learn to Play classes for children ages 2 to 7, sports training, leagues and teams for athletes 8 years old through High School and fitness classes and leagues for adults. We also offer a range of Open Play and rental options for basketball courts and turf fields. Visit us online for more information at www.houseofsportsny.com. Or contact us via email at: info@houseofsportsny.com, or (914) 479-5419 for more information.

Kids In Sports is a dynamic specialized sports program for children 12 months through 12 years old. Founded in 1999, Kids In Sports instructs children in multi-sport classes including Basketball, Baseball, Football, Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer and Volleyball. Headquartered on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, we recently opened our newest location in Scarsdale on Central Park Avenue.

Offering benefits that go beyond the game, Kids in Sports classes are designed to offer a combined learning experiencing energizing the mind and body of your children. With participation and separation options available, Kids In Sports has it all. With a 1:5 coach to child ratio, we focus on teaching the fundamentals of sports in an organized, safe, fun, and supportive environment with emphasis on sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, and communication. With a change in sports every 2-3 weeks, your child is sure to master the technique of each individual sport, while getting the experience and excitement of them all!

With bountiful options to choose from, Kids In Sports offers everything from multi and sport specific classes to summer and day camps, afterschool programs, pre-school alternatives, and birthday parties. We offer free trials for all new students so be sure to check us out at https://scarsdaleny.kidsinsports.com/ give us a call on 914-358-9732 or visit us at 365 Central Park Avenue in Scarsdale.

Westchester Skating Academy is a year-round, twin-rink ice skating Learn to Skate facility offering recreational, hockey, and figure skating for all ages and abilities. WSA programs include public skating, learn-to-skate classes, group events, birthday parties, summer/holiday camps and clinics, adult and youth hockey leagues and instruction, and much more. Visit us online for more information at www.skatewsa.com. Or contact us via email at: skateinfo@skatewsa.com, or (914) 347-8232 for more information.

Local Sports Organizations:

Scarsdale Sharks: Please go to Scarsdalesharks.com to read up about this great opportunity to play travel basketball, in house leagues and clinics in Scarsdale. Train and play games locally with our exceptional coaches. Fall season starts in early September. For more info, email at Scarsdalesharks@yahoo.com, visit: www.scarsdalesharks.com or email: scarsdalesharks@yahoo.com.

Scarsdale Youth Lacrosse Association is now accepting registrations for K-8 Boys and Girls in our Fall lacrosse programs. Fall lacrosse is about improving skills, game IQ development, playing games against other town teams, and having fun playing lax in the beautiful Fall season. The intent of the programs is to offer an alternative in the Fall for those who may not play traditional fall sports or who would like to continue to play lax during the off-season in a fun and competitive environment. SYLA programs are for all levels of players from beginner to advanced. We offer lacrosse programs in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. SYLA is dedicated to promoting lacrosse at the youth level for families residing in the Village of Scarsdale. We strive to develop strong fundamental skills and teamwork while adhering to the standards of sportsmanship and fair play. If you have any questions, please email us at scarsdalegirlslax@gmail.com. Visit our website to register today! 

Maroon and White is the Scarsdale parent organization supporting interscholastic athletics, physical education, and health at the high school. All Scarsdale families are welcome as members and can join through our website, www.maroonandwhite.org.We regularly raise funds through membership, from the sale of Raider merchandise and spiritwear, and from family and business ads in the M&W SHS Sports Journal. We are presently accepting ads through our website or by emailing Kate Conlan at sportsjournal@maroonandwhite.org. Ads placed by October 30, 2017 will appear in all three printings of the Journal (i.e., Fall, Winter, and Spring). Please come out and support our fall athletes. The schedule of games and matches is available on our website.

Do you have a program you would like to add to the guide? Email us at scarsdalecomments@gmail.com.

Killing Two Birds with One Stone, or Two Pests with One Spray

We hear about cases of tick-borne diseases like Lyme and Powassan regularly here in Westchester County and a case of West Nile was just confirmed as well. One in five ticks carries Lyme disease. And yet even without all the nasty diseases that these insects carry, it's a nuisance to not be able to eat outside because of mosquitoes and have to check for ticks every time your child plays in the yard.

And when you find a tick on you or your kid? Then the panic sets in of trying to remove the tick while your child squirms and tells you how gross it is which is followed by weeks of anxiously worrying about Lyme disease (among other things). Some parents go as far as not letting their kids play outside a lot because of having found ticks on them or because they are so prone to mosquito bites. One Scarsdale mom recalled a time that her daughter got 47 mosquito bites while being out in the backyard!

Spraying for ticks and mosquitos has become more common as the data gets stronger and the acaricide (tick pesticide) gets less toxic. Spraying for ticks and mosquitoes has also become more popular as tick and mosquito-borne diseases gain more attention in the media. Many pest control companies offer tick and mosquito spraying and many landscaping and tree care companies now offer this service as well. The good news? You can kill two birds (or insects) with one stone (or spray)!

Emerald Tree and Shrub Care is one such company that offers a comprehensive and natural treatment to reduce the tick and mosquito population in people's yards. They begin with an extensive evaluation of the property including looking for any high-risk areas that need modification such as areas of standing water. They look for evidence of mice as well since mice have been cited as a major vector for ticks. A treatment plan is then initiated based on the size of the property as well as the type; for example, is it near wetlands or does it back up to thick vegetation? Lawns, trees, bushes and garden beds are sprayed. Emerald Tree Care recommends spraying with their organic and natural cedar oil blend. It is effective (retreatment is needed only every 30-60 days which is similar to chemical treatments) and kids and pets can play in areas that have been sprayed 15 minutes after treatment versus 24 hours for chemical sprays. The CDC has deemed natural repellants safe for humans, animals and flora and they are EPA-exempt because they have been shown to not cause harm. 

So how often is treatment needed and during which months should yards be sprayed? Kate Flanagan from Emerald Tree and Shrub Care said, "Yards should be treated every 30-60 days depending on the severity of the mosquito and tick populations. The client feedback we receive from our all natural cedar oil blend is that it is very effective and the data out there supports this." Ms. Flanagan said that the initiation of treatment each year usually depends on how warm the spring is, but "...we usually recommend beginning to spray in April or May and continuing through the end of October."

Rebecca Wilcox has sprayed for ticks and mosquitoes a couple of times this summer. She chose an all-natural spray and hasn't had an issue with ticks since spraying. "Having been in someone else's yard that does NOT spray, I'll say we'll keep doing it every year," she said. She was "eaten alive" in a yard that was not sprayed. Joyce Russell had her yard sprayed in May with a cedar oil blend and noticed a huge decrease in the mosquito population. "By July, it was noticeably more buggy," she said. Joyce lives next to a pond so generally thinks her yard has more mosquitoes than others might have. "I resprayed last week and our yard is definitely less buggy. We've gotten no bites since we resprayed!" she said. Another local resident sprays because she knows she's reducing ticks and mosquitoes in one shot and that the formulation is safe for her dogs and kids. "I know the chemical pesticides are safe after 24 hours as well but it makes me feel better to use all natural oils if they work which I can say from experience that they do."

So is it an old wive's tale that all your neighbors also need to spray in order for spraying to be effective? David Wagner, ISA Certified Arborist with Emerald Tree and Shrub Care debunks this myth. "There is certainly a huge benefit to spraying your lawn even if your neighbors are not doing the same. Our spray is a contact kill and will help eliminate any ticks or mosquitoes that have settled in your lawn. You will definitely see an immediate impact," he said. "With that being said," he continued, "to truly stop the tick cycle, we recommend combining spraying with our Tick Tube treatment."

"Tick Tubes" are the latest adjunct treatment (in addition to spraying) being used to reduce the ability of mice, one of the main vectors for ticks, of transferring ticks to humans. Emerald describes their importance in their treatment and prevention of ticks as follows: While spraying is a very effective way to control ticks that have settled on your grass, Tick Tubes take the treatment back to the source of the problem: the nests of white footed mice. These biodegradable cardboard tubes are filled with cotton swabs that have been soaked in an insecticide called permethrin. Our team strategically places them in common areas of mouse habitat. Since mice are always looking for soft nesting materials, they grab up the cotton swabs and bring them back home where they will cover the mice fur with permethrin. The mouse then becomes our tick control agent, killing any ticks that were hosting on the mouse, along with any future ones that try to attach to the mouse.
Landscape modifications can also reduce tick populations in your yard. Recommendations from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station handbook are as follows:

• Keep lawn mowed
• Prune trees
• Clear leaf litter especially along edges of lawn, stone walls and driveways
• Move playsets away from woodlands
• Restrict groundcover in play areas
• Reduce Japanese barberry in and around yard

This is sponsored content from Emerald Tree and Shrub Care who is available for yard evaluations and recommends spraying through the end of October. They would also like to remind people to have their trees' health evaluated in the fall before storms and heavy snow to reduce the chance of trees falling and causing damage.

Emerald Tree and Shrub Care
914-725-0441
info@emeraldtreecare.com

The Transformation of Brookby Road

Over the course of four work days, a work crew transformed Brookby Road (between Heathcote and Mamaroneck) and Quaker Circle from a pot holed filled driving challenge to a driver's dream road with nary a bump or crack. The work crew has moved on to address other Village roads in need of repaving. Our thanks to Benedict Salanitro, Superintendent of the Department of Public Works, and Village staff for getting this work done.

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Sports Are Not Just for Kids

Sports are not just for kids.... grown-ups like to play too! See the results from two summer adult leagues here:

Claire D. Leone Real Estate won the Scarsdale Adult Softball League, defeating the Pulled Hammies.

Pictured from left: Christian Waterhouse, Kurt Schuster , James Felix, Stephen Gobes, Nick Wheeler, Greg Scacchi, John Cohen, Jake Nathanson, Rob Burns, Tim Leone , Todd Leone Sr, Rob Burns Sr.

Missing: Jeff Leone, Nick Leone, Mike Hodges, Dillon Aldefer, John Felix, Jamie Regan

The Fox Meadow Tennis Club 50 Love Womens Tennis Team almost won their flight this summer – missing the top spot by just one point. Captained by Jodi Zucker, it was a fun season for all:

Pictured here: Lori Falow, Lauren Haller, Shuling Smith, Amy Cooper, Joanne Wallenstein, Jodi Zucker, Pro Pavle Jefferson, Bella Dalton and Geralyn Della Cava

Not shown: Helyn Goldstein, Jill Fisher, Shari Romano

Send your team picture and results to scarsdalecomments@gmail.com.