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Published: 26 January 2012

Created: 26 January 2012

Last Updated: 26 January 2012

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Will there be a spelling bee or “Family Feud” at the Scarsdale High School auditorium on January 27th at 7:30pm? At the second annual Friends of the Scarsdale Library Spelling Bee, some husbands will compete with their wives; others will compete against their wives! A mother will compete against her daughter, and three generations of Guggenheimers will return to compete as a team.

Yale junior Marcus Moretti is competing once again with his uncle Jon Ungar, joined this year by family friend David Scinto. “Last year, we were the ‘Wanna Bees.’” said Moretti. “This year, we're the ‘Gonna Bees.’ We've changed our name because we've changed our game. We're going to win.”

Twenty teams are competing for the title of Scarsdale Spelling Champion, and competition will be stiff! Rumor has it that the Friends of the Scarsdale Park team will be wearing the most creative costumes.

Contestants will range from 9th graders to Esther Sloan, the Bee’s most senior contestant at age 81. Esther filled in at the last minute at the 2011 Spelling Bee and took her team into the final round. She and her teammates Lucas Meyer and Ian Weston are returning this year to vie for the grand prize. Sloan attributes her strong vocabulary to the many hours she spent reading at the library as a child.

Audience members will be entertained by trivia quizzes, music, refreshments, a raffle, and emcee Ed Coleman, the radio voice of the New York Mets. Admission is $5 per person.

NY State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin is returning as one of the judges, joined by Scarsdale Mayor Miriam Levitt Flisser and Jamie Tanzer of the Library Teen Advisory Board.

Thomson Reuters is the “Platinum Sponsor” this year. The “Diamond Sponsors” include Houlihan Lawrence, Paul Hastings LLP, Bradford and Phyllis Perkins, and Rick and Sara Werder. For more information and a complete list of the contestants, visit the Friends of the Library website (www.scarsdalelibrary.org/friends/spellingbee/html). February 3rd is the snow date.

Raffle tickets can be purchased for $5 per ticket or $20 for 5 tickets.

Here is a list of the raffle prizes:

• 8 week SAT prep course and all materials (value $1,995) donated by Testtakers
• 32 GB iPod Touch (value $300)
• Monster Beats Headphones by Dr Dre (value $300)
• Diane James silk flower arrangement (value $230)
• Evening bag with bee (value $165) donated by Tracey Novick/ Ah!Dorned
• Five classes at SoulCycle (value $160)
• Basket of Lindt chocolates (value $100)
• Basket of children’s games (value $100)
• Bee Bookends and “History of Scarsdale" by Helen Hultz (value: priceless!)
• Scarsdale Skin Care facial (value $90)
• Picnic backpack with a bottle of wine (value $75)

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Published: 31 January 2012

Created: 31 January 2012

Last Updated: 31 January 2012

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The Personnel Committee of the Village Board is asking residents interested in volunteering to serve on Village Boards, Councils and Committees to submit their names for consideration. New terms will begin April 2, 2012. This year, there are openings on most Boards and Councils. The Committee strongly encourages residents to apply for these positions.

Trustee Robert Harrison, Chair of the Personnel Committee, said interested residents are encouraged to submit their own names, together with a brief listing of community service and relevant professional background. It is also helpful for Scarsdale residents to provide written suggestions of individuals who should be considered for appointment. Please submit contact information including email addresses. The information may be submitted in one of two ways:

• Via the Village Website – At www.scarsdale.com , click “read more” under Volunteers Needed for Boards and Councils (located under Village News on the home page). On the next screen, complete the on-line application form under “Boards and Councils Nominations” and follow the on-screen instructions.

• Via Village Hall – Alternatively, the information may be forwarded to Robert Harrison at Village Hall, 1001 Post Road, Scarsdale NY 10583

All materials should be received at the Village website or Village Hall by February 24, 2012. Residents should feel free to contact the Personnel Committee Chair, Robert Harrison by telephone at 914-725-0962 or e-mail at proscars@aol.com. You may also contact the Village Clerk, Donna Conkling at 914-722-1175 or via e-mail, dconkling@scarsdale.com for further information.

Pursuant to the general policy adopted by the Village Board, guidelines for membership on Scarsdale's appointed Boards, Councils and Committees cover four areas:

1. Residency

Boards, Committees and Advisory Councils are comprised of residents of the Village. While comments from outside the community can be sought as needed, actions recommended or taken by Boards, Committees and Advisory Councils should ultimately reflect the views of Village residents.

2. Professional or Business Affiliation

Various professional skills and training are required by Village law or deemed desirable by the Village Board of Trustees for the successful fulfillment of some Board, Council or Committee charters.

3. Civic Interest and Involvement

The majority of the members of Village Boards and Councils are appointed by reason of demonstrated interest in Village affairs, through volunteer involvement. Scarsdale is the beneficiary of a long history of voluntary civic endeavors. Since the overriding purpose of Boards, Committees and Councils is to assure the continuation of high community standards, it is appropriate that members on Boards, Committees and Councils be those residents who have demonstrated willingness and initiative to work in support of this objective.

4. Specialized Knowledge

Certain Boards, Committees and Councils benefit by having one or more members with specialized knowledge. For example, the Cable Television Commission benefits by having people with knowledge of the communications industry; the Advisory Council on People With Disabilities would benefit from the experience of residents with disabilities; the Advisory Council on Youth would benefit from people who have worked with young people; the Advisory Council on Parks and Recreation would benefit from having a parent active in the Recreation Department's Elementary School Sports Program.

NOMINATIONS

Nominations should be made in writing and should include information on the candidates’ civic involvement, work experience or other qualifications in sufficient detail to help the Village Board evaluate the prospective candidate. Nominations should be submitted via the Village website or sent to Trustee Robert Harrison at Village Hall, 1001 Post Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583 by February 25, 2011.

The following are the terms of office, and responsibilities for members appointed to the Boards, Councils and Committees:

BOARD OF APPEALS - (5 years - one term). Rules on appeals from zoning requirements, including setbacks; on permits for construction of swimming pools and tennis courts, and on non-conforming uses.

BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW - (3 years - two terms). Its basic purpose is to preserve the character and appearance of the Village. Review of all applications involving construction of buildings, or additions to, or reconstruction of existing buildings affecting the exterior appearance.

PLANNING BOARD - (5 years - one term). Advises Village Board on master planning; rules on applications for sub-division of lots, street designations, construction in wetland areas and non-residential buildings.

BOARD OF ETHICS - (5 years - one term). Possible conflicts of interest or other issues of ethics affecting Village personnel are referred to this Board by the Board of Trustees.

CABLE TELEVISION COMMISSION - (5 years - open-ended terms). Administers and monitors the Cable Franchise Agreements with the Village and encourages use of the cable access channels.

CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL - (2 years - open-ended terms). Advises the Village Board on such matters as programs, areas, facilities, public relations and other matters pertaining to conservation of the environment.

COMMITTEE FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION - (3 years - two terms). Determines if a structure located in the Village for which a permit for demolition has been requested is a structure of historical importance.

LIBRARY BOARD - (5 years - one term). Responsible for the administrative and operating policies of the Scarsdale Public Library. Operates independently of the Village Board and selects its own President.

ADVISORY COUNCIL ON PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES - (2 years - open-ended terms). Advises and assists the Village Board in matters of concern to residents with disabilities. Assists with programs and activities, increases public awareness of the needs of the disabled, acts as liaison with other Advisory Councils, and promotes participation in community affairs by disabled persons.

ADVISORY COUNCIL ON HUMAN RELATIONS - (2 years - open-ended terms). Considers and recommends actions at the request of the Village Board to foster mutual respect and understanding among all members of the community.

ADVISORY COUNCIL ON PARKS AND RECREATION - (2 years - open-ended terms). Promotes the recreation program in the Village and advises the Village Board on the use of Village parks for recreation and passive uses, recommends the use or non-use of all open space, and acts as a liaison between the Village Board and the community on all matters relating to recreation and parks.

ADVISORY COUNCIL ON SCARSDALE SENIOR CITIZENS - (2 years - open-ended terms). Advises and assists the Board of Trustees in all matters concerning the senior citizens of the Village of Scarsdale.

TOWN BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW - (5 years – open-ended terms). This Board reviews property tax grievances filed with respect to property tax assessments.

ADVISORY COUNCIL ON TECHNOLOGY - (2 years - open-ended terms). This Council has a broad mandate in advising the Village Board and staff on technological matters. It provides advice, explores strategic options, and develops recommendations on how the Village Board can best utilize technology, including the Internet to improve efficiencies.

ADVISORY COUNCIL ON YOUTH - (2 years - open-ended terms). Advises and assists the Board of Trustees in responding to the needs of Scarsdale's young people and works to generate a favorable climate for growth and development of youth in the community.

JUDICIAL QUALIFICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE - (5 years - two terms). The Committee’s function is to assist the Citizens’ Nominating Committee and the Mayor, respectively with the selection of individuals who are qualified for the offices of Village Justice and Acting Village Justice.

REPRESENTATIVE TO SCARSDALE ARTS COUNCIL - (2 years - open-ended terms). At-large representative (total of 4 appointed by the Village Board) to the Scarsdale Arts Council Board. The Council’s mission is to encourage the arts to flourish in Scarsdale by, among other methods, improving communication among arts programs and by attracting grant support and to raise public awareness and participation in the arts.

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Published: 18 January 2012

Created: 18 January 2012

Last Updated: 20 January 2012

Hits: 4400

Both the Girl Scouts and the Junior League of Central Westchester (JLCW) have announced their upcoming anniversary galas. Actress Vanessa Williams will be honored at the Girl Scouts’ 100th Anniversary Heart of the Hudson event and Brian Conybeare, an award winning journalists and News 12 anchor, will emcee of the night for the JLCW gala.

The Junior League of Central Westchester (JLCW) announced that tickets are now available for its 65th Anniversary Gala on March 16, 2012, at Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester. This monumental 65th Anniversary Gala will celebrate the JLCW’s growth over 65 years, and the organization’s commitment to promoting volunteerism; developing the potential of women; and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. As one of the JLCW’s primary fundraisers, the Gala will provide essential financial support for the JLCW’s educational and charitable projects.

The theme of the gala will be “Lights, Camera, ACTION!” Set against a red carpet backdrop, the Gala will recreate the atmosphere of a Hollywood party. The event is open to the public and will be attended by JLCW members and other prominent members of the community. Family Services of Westchester will be recognized with the Community Partner Award for their demonstrated excellence in partnering with JLCW. JLCW member and Scarsdale resident Lynne Clark will also be honored with the Distinguished Sustainer Award. Many of the League’s past presidents will be in attendance to receive the Circle of Leadership Award for their exceptional leadership and commitment to promoting the mission of JLCW.

The Del Bocas

The evening will include cocktails, dinner and dancing, featuring music by The Del Bocas, a 6-member band of Scarsdale and Edgemont residents. Red carpet photos and other photography for the evening will be provided by Londin Photography and available for purchase at the event. During the cocktail hour and

“We are thrilled to host a festive evening to celebrate this milestone and honor those volunteers whose tireless efforts have made a significant impact in our community,” stated Lynn Marvin, President of Junior League of Central Westchester. "We hope this year's gala will increase our ability to promote the literacy, health and welfare of children and families in the JLCW service areas of White Plains, Greenburgh, Eastchester and Scarsdale.”

Sponsorship packages, including tickets, tables and a range of additional recognition opportunities are available, as are advertisements in the Gala journal.

For more information on the Gala, becoming a sponsor, advertising in the journal, or donating to the silent auction, please contact the JLCW office at (914) 723-6130, or email jlcw@verizon.net. Tickets to the Gala are now available at www.jlcentralwestchester.com .

In honor of Girl Scouts’ 100th Anniversary, Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson (GSHH) is hosting a Centennial Gala honoring Women of Leadership and Excellence on Thursday, March 15th, 2012 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, in Tarrytown, NY. GSHH will honor women who have distinguished themselves in their fields and are role models for girls striving to become the leaders of tomorrow. At the event actress Vanessa Williams; Congresswoman Nita Lowey; PR Executive Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson; and Watson Women of IBM will all be honored.

The evening will be hosted by CBS news correspondent Alexis Christofouros and include live jazz entertainment by Ragan Whiteside and the Fam, a silent auction, dinner, Girl Scout ceremony and a special Girl Scouts 100th birthday celebration. Christofouros is an Emmy-nominated MoneyWatch correspondent and anchor for CBS Newspath, the affiliate news service, covering business and consumer news. Ragan Whiteside is a contemporary jazz songwriter, composer and musician who is nationally recognized.

Vanessa Williams, actress, will be honored for her work in the arts and entertainment field. A Westchester native, Williams was a Girl Scout in Chappaqua and has been involved in the performing arts since childhood. She is a world-renowned actress having played roles in major motion pictures, on Broadway and recurring roles on the popular TV series “Ugly Betty” and “Desperate Housewives”.

Nita Lowey, U.S Congresswoman, will be honored for more than three decades of public service to the citizens of New York State. Lowey is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College and has served in Congress since 1989. Lowey was a Girl Scout in the Bronx.

Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson, partner in Thompson & Bender, Westchester’s leading public relations/marketing/advertising firm based in Briarcliff Manor, will be honored for her achievements in business entrepreneurship. A Girl Scout as a child, she has had an extensive career in marketing and communications over the past 20 years. She is an active member of, and has served in leadership positions for, many professional women’s associations as well as a number of non-profit boards.

The Watson Women of IBM will be honored for their tremendous leadership in developing female leaders in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields at IBM. Watson Women's Network (WWN) is a volunteer network at the IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center. our members reach their full potential in the workplace.

The fifth and final honoree will be a Young Woman of Leadership and Excellence who has yet to be named. This young lady will have demonstrated leadership among her peers and in her community to help “make the world a better place.” Nominations are now open for this honor.

Tickets for the Gala, which begins with a reception at 6pm, are $175 per person. To become a sponsor, attend the event, purchase a journal ad, or more information, contact Mary Ellen Hoffman at (914) 747-3080, ext. 739, mhoffman@girlscoutshh.org. In addition to the silent auction at the Gala event, GSHH will also host an online auction consisting of a wide selection of highly desirable prizes including; trips, jewelry, household items and professional services. For more information about the online auction, go to: www.biddingforgood.com/girlscoutshh . For more information about both the silent and online auctions contact Monica Spears at (914) 747-3080, ext. 765, mspears@girlscoutshh.org.

Girl Scouts of the USA was founded in Savannah, Georgia, on March 12, 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) strives to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. Accordingly, GSUSA continues to be the world’s pre-eminent organization for, and leading authority on, girls, with a membership of more than 3.2 million girls and adults.

(Pictured at top: Vanessa Williams)