Local Couple to be Honored at Cancer Support Team Event
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- Written by: Bill Doescher
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Jennifer and Dan Smith willbe honored at the Cancer Support Team dinner on May 8 at Scarsdale Golf Club(Written by Bill Doescher)
A lot of people honored in Scarsdale by various organizations over the years, or for that matter, any other city, town or village in America, no doubt would have preferred if it were somebody else getting the honor, praise, and the press. Stardom and community recognition were never in their minds while helping others in need. The same holds true for the Scarsdale couple being honored at Cancer Support Team’s “Celebrate Spring” event at the Scarsdale Golf Club on Thursday evening, May 8, 2025, 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
For Jennifer and Dan Smith, described by many of all ages as most caring volunteers, it was never, ever, about fame. It was always just about helping others improve their lives. Many of the members in the congregation at Hitchcock Presbyterian Church in Scarsdale, where The Smiths have been active members and volunteers for years, know first-hand about their good deeds. Now those involved as a patient, volunteer or board member at Cancer Support Team (CST) know first-hand about that same personal penchant for helping others, some who could be identified as underserved.
Never Interested in Recognition
“Getting recognition at an event or notice in the press, was never our intention when helping others in need,” both Smiths will tell you. “It’s just not who we are.” Then along came Bonnie Gould, also of Scarsdale, a CST board member and the former chair, and also the host of “Celebrate Spring,” and her persuasive powers. She wouldn’t let them say no to being honored at the upcoming event, and the rest is history. Their involvement with CST over the last five years helped Bonnie make the sale.
According to Tania Weiss, executive director at CST, “Jennifer and Dan Smith are both very involved with CST. Dan has been a board member since 2020, and Jennifer a volunteer driver, taking patients to and from life-saving cancer treatments multiple times every week for the same five years. Many people talk the talk, but this couple actually walks the walk.”
Giving back comes naturally to them because they both are from the health-care field. Dan is a retired surgeon of gynecologic oncology, and Jennifer began her education by becoming a registered nurse, later obtaining a master’s in public health (MPH) and in business administration (MBA), and finally becoming a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Together, they have used their healthcare knowledge and resources both locally to help newly settled refugees and abroad, traveling to Haiti on medical missions.
Both Studied Health Care
Raised in Oklahoma, Dan came east to Harvard for both his undergraduate degree and for medical school. Jennifer is originally from Pittsburgh and began her education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. Dan completed two residencies: one at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston in general surgery, and another in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Los Angeles County, USC Medical Center. He then completed a fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Jennifer practiced nursing at Mass General, UCLA Hospital and the Bay State PSRO, before going back to school to obtain an MBA, an MPH as well as a DNP, all from Columbia University.
Dan taught Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cornell University Medical College and at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University. Jennifer taught numerous courses at Columbia School of Nursing on such topics as Adult Diagnosis and Management as well as Legal and Ethical Issues.
Fox Meadow Resident to Open Library Cafe
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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Carolina Figueiredo will open Boleria Brazilian Bakery at the Scarsdale LibraryThe wait is finally over! The Library is thrilled to announce that Boleria Brazilian Bakery, known for its irresistible sweet and savory treats, will soon be operating the Library Café.
Founded in Mamaroneck, Boleria has become a community favorite for its unique blend of cozy charm and standout flavors. From rich coffee and hearty sandwiches to fresh soups, salads, and signature treats like their popular condensed milk truffles and house-made cheese bread, the new café will bring a thoughtfully curated menu to the heart of the Library.
“We’re excited to welcome Boleria to the Library,” said Elizabeth Bermel, Library Director. “The café will make the Library an even more inviting place for our community to gather, work, and relax. It’s a great fit with our mission to serve as a welcoming hub for learning and connection.”
Bakery owner Carolina Figueiredo, a Fox Meadow resident for the past 13 years, left her 15 year career at Citibank to become a pastry chef 8 years ago. Though her original bakery opening was delayed in 2020 due to the pandemic, she has since built a devoted following and a thriving business.
All menu items—except croissants—are made fresh at the bakery, and guests can look forward to gluten-free, sugar-free, and vegan options, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
While final touches are still underway, Carolina anticipates opening the café by the end of May. Updates and exact dates will be shared on the Library’s website (scarsdalelibrary.org/discover/cafe) as soon as they are available.
“We’re so excited to bring our food to a space that’s all about connection, discovery, and community,” said Carolina. “Libraries nourish the mind—and we’re here to nourish everything else!”
Whether you’re stopping by for a book or a bite (or both!), we can’t wait to welcome you to this delicious new chapter.
Cupcakes from Boleria Bakery
Scarsdale High School Students Shine at State Competitions
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- Written by: Wendy MacMillan
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SHS Math Team CompetitorsAt the Board of Education meeting on Monday April 7th, Superintendent Dr. Drew Patrick extended a heartfelt congratulations to the SHS Math Team who had a stellar performance at the annual New York State Math League Championships on April 5th. Competing in the A Division of the contest for the first time, SHS took third place just behind teams from New York City and Nassau County. Dr. Patrick recognized students Kevin Dong and Iris Wang for being the highest scorers on the team, with each scoring 9 out of 10 in the individual rounds.
Kenneth Ren was also recognized for winning the Berman Rockwell Award, an award given to students who demonstrate outstanding leadership for their team. Patrick expressed his appreciation for the math team’s coach Sam Greenberg and for the support of chaperones Anna Tamsin and Joe Garbaldi.
Dr. Patrick went on to celebrate the accomplishments of the SHS Speech and Debate Team at the recent New York State Speech and Debate championships. According to the team’s advisor, SHS teacher Joseph Vaughan, the team brought 35 entries representing the 43 students that qualified for the tournament through their successes earlier in the season. The team competed in 8 different speech categories and 2 different debate categories. The tournament had 77 schools from across the state competing and a total of over 800 entries.
SHS Speech and Debate Team Members
Vaughan shared these results:
On the Speech side:
- Junior Liya Chu won the State Championship in Varsity Oral Interpretation of Literature
- Freshman Eva Lammer was the runner up in Junior Varsity Extemporaneous Speaking
- Junior Esha Mehta was the runner up in Varsity Oral Interpretation of Literature
- Freshman Hailey King was the runner up in Junior Varsity Oral Interpretation of Literature
- Other students who were in the finals of their event included Juniors Kate Simpson, Anish Mehta, Evie Schiff, and Elle Lee.
Collectively the speech squad earned enough points to be declared the Champion Team in the Speech Division!
Debaters saw similar successes:
- Freshmen Jacob Auerbach and Nathanal Ng were Semifinals of Novice Public Forum Debate
- Other debaters who make it to late elimination rounds were Juniors Joyce Liu and Linda Zhang, Sophomores Alyson Andrade and Alina Peng, and Freshmen Henry Chen and Iris Zhu
Due to the combined efforts of our Speech and Debate squads, Scarsdale placed 3rd overall in the Team Sweepstakes Award.
As the proud advisor of this incredible team Vaughan expressed, “It was a wonderful weekend where our students had the opportunity to lift their voices and make their thoughts and hearts known. I'm very proud of all the work they have put in this season.”
New Historical Details Uncovered in Time for the Scarsdale Bowl Award Dinner
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- Written by: Leslie Chang
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1953 Dinner: Spencer S. Scott, recipient of the 1953 Scarsdale Bowl, and other former winners, at the Scarsdale Bowl Award Dinner in Scarsdale, N. Y., 1953. From left to right: Malcolm Pirnie, J. Lester Van Name, George B. Clifton, S. Spencer Scott, George M. Waugh, George Hugh Smyth, Arthur F. Driscoll, Robert M. Irish, Lester W. Nelson, Cleveland A. Dunn. Credit: Scarsdale Public Library(Submitted by Leslie Chang)
The Scarsdale Historical Society, in partnership with the Scarsdale Foundation, today announced the discovery of long-forgotten facts in the 82-year history of the Scarsdale Bowl Dinner. The Village’s highest civic honor, the Scarsdale Bowl, will be awarded to Andrew Sereysky on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at the Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club. The Scarsdale Adult School will also be honored with a Spotlight Award. The Bowl’s history, with some newly unearthed details, highlights the importance of the Scarsdale Foundation’s annual event as a unifying force in the community.
In 1943, a group of twelve Scarsdale civic leaders organized a dinner to honor George Clifton, a highly respected former Village Trustee and President of the Town Club, for his contributions to civic life. To mark the occasion, the Committee presented Clifton with a silver bowl.
The Scarsdale “Bowl” was almost going to be a Scarsdale “Bag.” In a Scarsdale Inquirer story from January 30, 1953, Committee member S. Spencer Scott recounted how the first award was going to be a “handsome traveling bag” until he suggested a silver bowl. He thought it would be more of a keepsake, and would “always be treasured by its recipient.” His foresight was right, and this wasn’t his only strategic vision that improved Scarsdale. He spearheaded fundraising for building the Scarsdale Public Library (thus the Library’s “Scott Room”). It’s also notable that he had been President of Harcourt publishing (then known as Harcourt, Brace & Co.). Scott is just one example of the visionaries and passionate volunteers who have received the Bowl award.
The year after the first award dinner, twelve men made contributions to the Scarsdale Foundation for the purchase of a permanent “Scarsdale Bowl” from Tiffany & Co.
The names of recipients are inscribed on the Bowl each year, and a smaller replica is given to each award recipient. The original Tiffany Bowl is a reproduction of a design from c. 1700 created by a Boston silversmith named Joseph Conyers. The colonial-era design is a fitting nod to Scarsdale’s colonial heritage.
The original Scarsdale Bowl is kept on display at the Scarsdale Library in the Quiet Reading Room and Local History Center. Credit: Scarsdale Foundation
By 1992, the Bowl ran out of space for new awardee names. A second Scarsdale Bowl was purchased from Tiffany’s, and the annual engraving tradition continues. Each year, the Foundation shuttles the Bowl to Wilson & Sons Jewelers for hand engraving. Wilson’s, a downtown Scarsdale fixture since 1932, has supplied the engraving and the awardee replica bowls for decades. Today, both Bowls have their own display cases at the Scarsdale Library in the Quiet Reading Room and Local History Center at Scarsdale Public Library.
The Award Dinner has evolved from an invite-only “elder statesmen’s” black-tie dinner to an inclusive and festive affair open to all Scarsdale residents. Women first served on the Committee in 1973, but were not invited to attend the dinner until the following year. In 1975, Harriette Krantz was the first woman to receive the prestigious award. Today, the Chair and the Foundation President mindfully select Committee members that reflect the diversity of the Scarsdale community.
Harriet Krantz at the 1971 Bowl Dinner, the year she became the first woman to receive the honor. Shown with 1971 winner, Samuel Duboff. Credit: Scarsdale Public Library
The past award recipients include busy chief executives, industry leaders and parents, yet they have all prioritized their civic work to drive positive change in Scarsdale. “The collective contributions of the awardees in the last 82 years is immeasurable,” stated Randy Guggenheimer, past President of the Scarsdale Foundation and current President of the Scarsdale Historical Society. “Volunteerism built this Village; from our fire stations and library, to our award-winning schools and the Scarsdale Adult School. The Award Dinner celebrates volunteers like Andrew Sereysky who give their time and talent for the sake of the public good.”
Andrew Sereysky will be awarded with the Scarsdale Bowl at this year’s Dinner on April 24, 2025 at the Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club. Credit: Scarsdale FoundationTo purchase tickets to the Scarsdale Bowl Dinner, visit https://bit.ly/smbowl25. Funds raised support the Scarsdale Foundation’s mission of helping local individuals and community organizations through need-based student scholarships and project grants.
About the Scarsdale Historical Society
The Scarsdale Historical Society exists to discover, preserve and disseminate historical information, as well as inspire others to learn about and contribute to the history of Scarsdale and the Central Mid-Westchester Region. The Scarsdale Historical Society accepts grant applications for projects that meet its mission, particularly those that will inspire others to learn about the history of Scarsdale and the surrounding communities. Learn more at www.scarsdalehistoricalsociety.org.
About the Scarsdale Foundation
For almost 100 years, the Scarsdale Foundation has quietly but effectively helped individuals and local community organizations in need through scholarships and grants. The Scarsdale Foundation also supports a strong community by celebrating volunteerism through its annual awarding of the Scarsdale Bowl. Details at https://www.scarsdalefoundation.org/.
Scarsdale Students Take Home Awards from Regeneron Science and Engineering Fair
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Superintendent Dr. Drew Patrick congratulated eleven Scarsdale High School juniors and seniors who took part in this year’s Regeneron Westchester Science & Engineering Fair and gave special recognition to six who were honored with an award at the Board of Education meeting on Monday night March 25, ,2025.
According to their website, “The Regeneron Westchester Science & Engineering Fair (WESEF) encourages students to participate in hands on science by providing a forum for showcasing the outstanding research of high school students in Westchester & Putnam counties of New York State and sponsoring the top students from the fair to advance to the REGENERON International Science & Engineering Fair.”
Dr. Patrick noted that the WESEF, held on March 15th, hosted over 750 student projects and is the largest high school science fair in the United States.
He highlighted Scarsdale’s six award recipients including:
ShuYue Zhang : Society for In Vitro Biology Award for in recognition of a student’s outstanding research in the areas of tissue or cell culture of plants or animals.
Chloe Ji : BASF Expanding Knowledge in Science Award for students who demonstrate an excitement and enthusiasm for discovery.
Sonja Xie : 4th Place in the category of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Julia Sobel: 1st Place in category of Chemistry.
Peter Lin : Innovations in Biological Sciences Research Award for his innovative projects in cellular and molecular biology.
Noah Ng : U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize water prize for his outstanding project in water science.
Dr. Patrick concluded by extending another heartfelt congratulations to all of these science research students.
The WESEF Awards Ceremony honoring these six outstanding students in addition to dozens of others from across the county, was held on Thursday, March 20th and welcomed a full house of students, teachers, parents, sponsors and Regeneron representatives. To learn more about the Science fair or the award ceremony see here https://wesef.org/
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