Author Marilyn Johnson to Lead Community Reading Experience
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"Lives in Ruins: Archaeologists and the Seductive Lure of Human Rubble," the New York Times bestseller by Marilyn Johnson, is the inaugural selection in the Scarsdale Public Library's What Scarsdale Is Reading community reading experience.
Johnson will discuss her book at the library on, Monday, March 9, at 7:00 p.m. A wine and cheese reception and book signing will follow. The program is free and open to the public.
What Scarsdale Is Reading engages residents in a communal literary experience. Four times a year, a committee of volunteers will choose a book they believe reflects the interests of the community. The library will make the book available in multiple formats, provide discussion questions, and hold an author reading or special event around the book.
Chosen for its intriguing subject matter and witty narrative, "Lives in Ruins" invites the reader to join Johnson as
she accompanies archaeologists from the Mediterranean to Machu Picchu, and even more locally in Fishkill, NY, as they uncover clues of civilizations' past. Her entertaining account digs into what drives those with a passion for human rubble.
"Community read programs have elevated the literary dialogue in towns and cities across the country," says Library Director Elizabeth Bermel. "What Scarsdale Is Reading is a natural fit for a well-read community like Scarsdale."
Michelle Lichtenberg, President of the Scarsdale Library Board of Trustees, notes, "What Scarsdale Is Reading offers an opportunity for neighbors and friends to read a special book, and then gather together at the library for a lively discussion. We encourage members of the many book groups in town to participate in this community event."
Copies of "Lives in Ruins" are available through the library in e-book, hardcover, and audio versions. Discussion questions for book groups and individuals can be found on the library website (www.scarsdalelibrary.org) or at the What Scarsdale Is Reading display table in the library.
To reserve a copy of the book, go to the library website or call the Reference Desk at 914-722-1302.
Register Now for the Young Writers' Workshop
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Registration is open now for the 20th Annual Scarsdale Young Writers' Workshop. This community event for third to fifth graders is scheduled for Saturday, March 21, from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, at Scarsdale Middle School. This special anniversary will be celebrated by hundreds of students gaining real writing experience through workshops taught by local communications professionals.
The event will begin with a keynote presentation from Chris Grabenstein, a former improvisational comedian and the author of The New York Times best seller, Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library. He also is the co-author (with James Patterson) of the number-one best sellers House of Robots, I Funny, I Even Funnier and Treasure Hunters. Grabenstein will start the morning by telling students about his journey from being a kid with a big imagination to a highly successful author, and all the fun stops in between.
He then will teach two interactive "master workshops" following his keynote address. Grabenstein will be joined by 33 talented, local professionals from the worlds of book publishing, journalism, technology, advertising, politics, art and more who'll share their expertise with students.
Registration takes place online here from now through February 28. Registrations after February 28 will be assessed a $10 late fee and are subject to workshop availability. (Registrations will not be accepted after March 6.)
Giving Back:
As in past years, students will have the opportunity to give back to local communities by donating books when they arrive at the workshop. The books will benefit Why We Read, a new organization that encourages a love of reading among underprivileged elementary age children. The YWW donations will help fill a library at the YMCA Camps of Greater New York.
UJA Examines Family Relationship/Jansen Hospice Hosts Evening of Remembrance
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UJA-Federation of New York's Westchester Women's Philanthropy explored the complexity of family relationships with Rabbi Lori Koffman at a private home in Larchmont on Thursday, January 22, 2015. Nearly 50 women came together to learn the Jewish perspective on the joys and challenges of being both parents and children. Event chairs included Rickie Broff of Scarsdale, Caren Osten Gerszberg of Larchmont, Nancy Kanterman of Mamaroneck, Susie Schnall of Purchase, Allison Spitalny of Scarsdale, and Amy Tanenbaum of Harrison.
"We have something in common: We share the same values and concerns," said Susie Schnall. "We're Jewish women who care about our families and want to understand and elevate those relationships. And we're here today, coming together under the auspices of UJA-Federation of New York, which means that we also share values that are common to the Jewish community – caring for those in need, ensuring that there is a Jewish community tomorrow, and finding meaning in our heritage and legacy."
Hospice Hosts Evening of Remembrance:
This past December, Jansen Hospice and Palliative Care welcomed family members with a personal connection to Jansen to their annual Celebration of Lights ceremony. It was an evening of remembrance and restoration for all those grieving the loss of loved ones.
The poignant, non-denominational service was hosted at the Reformed Church of Bronxville, and officiated by local clergy members, including Father Gus Badgley of Saint Joseph's Church in Bronxville, Nehemiah Luckett of Asbury Methodist Church in Crestwood, Reverend Cari Patterson of the Reformed Church in Bronxville, and Chaplain Suzanne Graham of Jansen Hospice in Scarsdale. Mr. Luckett performed Jonathan Larson's "Seasons of Love", a song with lyrics that invite retrospection and call for the celebration of life. Reverend Patterson extended comforting sentiments in a heartwarming homily that drew on her background as hospital and nursing home chaplain, as well as her personal experience coping with death and loss. She referred to hospice care in a special way, calling it "a gift" that alleviates worry so friends and family can devote themselves to their beloved and have "meaningful conversation" - something invaluable as hospice patients near the end of their lives, and so often offer advice that "illuminates a path" and "shines light" on how to move forward once they are gone. Towards the end of her homily, Reverend Patterson said, "Though your husband, your wife, your mom, your dad, your grandparent, your co-worker, your friend, maybe even your child—is no longer with you in bodily form, their flame has not gone out, nor has their spirit." This idea was a perfect segway into the candle lighting sequence in which family members lit candles in celebration of the person they loved and lost, with reassurance that their spirit would shine forth forevermore. It was a beautiful end to the night.
After the ceremony, family members enjoyed refreshments and mingled. The chatter among the crowd echoed feelings of thanks to Jansen Hospice for the exceptional care they offer patients, and for continued bereavement services after an emotionally devastating loss. It was a therapeutic experience for many who attended, and the night's theme of looking forward and celebrating life offered encouragement, hope, and healing.
Enjoy a Winterbrew at Winterfest
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The Scarsdale Forum will host its seventh annual membership party, Winterfest 2015 on Saturday, February 7 at the Scarsdale Woman's Club, 37 Drake Road from 7 to 11 PM. The snow date is Sunday, February 8, 4 to 7 PM if necessary.
Members of the Forum and their guests can look forward to an evening of lively conversation and fine food and drink to chase away the winter weather blues. One of the evening's highlights will be the home-brewed beers of Forum member Bruce Wells. Wells promises eight to ten varieties for the discerning beer drinker.
Jazz pianist Angelo DiLoreto will get the party started in the music room during cocktails followed by several member pianists during the dinner hour. Diners will enjoy a delicious buffet dinner prepared by Jensina Olson and as a final treat, the home baked desserts of member bakers beautifully displayed in the smaller dining room.
Several gift certificates donated by several local cafes and restaurants will be given as door prizes throughout the evening.
Join the Forum and come to the best block party in town! Admission is $30 per person and limited to members and their guests. Due to the popularity of this event, advance reservations are encouraged.
Advanced reservations, membership renewal and joining the Forum for the first time can be done online at: www.scarsdaleforum.com or by mailing a check to Scarsdale Forum Inc., 24 East Parkway, P.O. Box 86, Scarsdale, NY 10583. For additional information regarding the event, please contact the Forum office at 914-723-2829 or office@scarsdaleforum.com.
Two Authors to Visit Scarsdale Library
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Helen Perelman, author of the popular Candy Fairies series of fantasy books, will speak at the Scarsdale Public Library on Saturday, January 31, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The 20 book series takes place in Sugar Valley where the candy fairies have magical adventures. Registration is required on the library website, www.scarsdalelibrary.org.
Luis Montalvan, the award-winning author of “Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him” an inspirational story of a special relationship between a dog and a wounded veteran, will discuss his book at two programs at the Scarsdale Public Library – one for adults and a separate program for children.
The adult program will be held on Sunday, February 1, between 2 and 5 p.m. The program for children will be held on Monday, February 2, between 4 and 5 p.m. Registration is required for the children’s program.
Montalvan’s New York Times best-selling memoir tells the story of Tuesday,
a lovable golden retriever who changed Montalvan’s life. A highly decorated captain in the U.S. Army, Montalvan served two tours of duty in Iraq. After returning home, his physical wounds and crippling post-traumatic stress disorder began to take their toll. He wondered if he would ever recover.
Then he met Tuesday, who was trained to assist the disabled. Tuesday had lived among prisoners and at a home for troubled boys, and found it difficult to trust in or connect with a human being--until Luis. “Until Tuesday” is the story of how two wounded warriors found salvation in each other.
