SHS Students Advocate for Adoption of Diwali and Eid as Official School Holidays in Westchester
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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(The following letter was submitted by Arun Nayakkar and Ravi Vora of Scarsdale)
For the past several months, we have been supporting Westchester County Legislator David Imamura in his push to compel all County public school districts to adopt Diwali and Eid as official school holidays. That itself has been one piece of a larger effort to introduce Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) education into school curriculums. As juniors at Scarsdale High School of South Asian descent, we felt uniquely motivated to help lead the charge.
When Scarsdale Schools became among the first districts to formally recognize Diwali and Eid starting with the 2023-’24 calendar year, the benefits were immediate and meaningful. We no longer feel invisible in our own school or have to call in “sick” for the sole reason of celebrating and practicing our religion, and we know that incoming classes will be able to embrace the adoption of these holidays.
Unfortunately, despite the ways in which this kind of recognition demonstrably fosters a culture of awareness and tolerance for all students and their families – regardless of whether South Asian populations are prevalent in their communities – more than 20 of 43 total districts have not affirmatively adopted either holiday.
It is our firm belief that, no matter the demographic percentages in any one school building, it would be in the collective best interest for all students to share their customs and heighten sensitivity to the diversity in our midst. And crucially, without those who observe these occasions having to miss school and fall behind on their work in order to celebrate them.
Lunar New Year is already a mandated statewide holiday in all public schools, and Diwali has been adopted in all New York City public schools. Nearly 10 percent of Westchester’s population represents the AAPI diaspora, so even if the movement here has to be taken up district-by-district – which we have facilitated by coordinating with students across the County, sending correspondence to superintendents and Boards of Education, and meeting with other community leaders to further the cause – it is a fight worth fighting.
Anyone who wants to assist with this essential initiative can reach out to us at email.anayakkar@gmail.com and ravipvora@gmail.com or contact Legislator Imamura’s office at 914-995-2095. We look forward to seeing this initiative progress further.
Sincerely,
Arun Nayakkar and Ravi Vora
Westchester Residents and AAPI Student Advocates
October 8, Globalize the Intifada Movie, Plays to Packed Theaters
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- Written by Sharon Higgins
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Last week several Scarsdale social media posts popped up announcing the one week only showing of the documentary “October 8, Globalize the Intifada.” Many group texts also circulated to publicize the movie. Messages on social media urged attendance by more than just a homogeneously Jewish audience. Those advocating for attendance wanted diverse viewership and “not a preaching to the choir” event as one post mentioned. There was a solicitation for packed attendance in the theaters. Some commentators thought that they should buy tickets regardless if they showed up to watch the documentary. I cannot attest to all showings but in my particular screening, practically every seat was taken.
The first shots of the movie were taken in the long vertical rectangular shape of a smart phone video. For so long I had purposely avoided videos on social media. I realized now how this brutal attack was broadcast and captured as no other before: in intense and public detail.
But quickly the movie turned from the accounts of violence on October 7 to focus on its effects on the United States. It outlined the professional planning of the pro-Hamas, pro-Palestine protests across the country, first on social media and then on university campuses. Protests were made to seem like natural grassroot reactions but the movie presented evidence indicating they were systematically designed over many years and supported by organized terrorist groups with substantial funding.
With this topic front and center in the media, there might not be new information in the documentary for anyone who has been following it closely for the past year and half. However, the insights and details put the information into chronological order and an organized, digestible narrative that sheds some light on what happened and how this could affect the future –not necessarily in the Middle East – but here in the United States.
I interviewed movie attendees as they walked out of the theater and collected responses that ranged from feelings of anger, sadness, shock, and hopelessness. However, they all agreed that the film was a must-see.
Chinese Intergenerational Impact Group Bridges the Cultural Divide
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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L-R: Felix Mao, Lili Zu, Stacey Cook, Liping Han, Maida Silver, (Scarsdale Recreation Department) and Brian Zhao(Submitted by Scarsdale Family Counseling Service)
One of the many unique qualities about Scarsdale is its celebration of diversity. Numerous international families call Scarsdale home and many of those families make significant contributions to the well-being of the community. Ensuring that all residents feel included is a shared responsibility and over the past year, Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service and the Scarsdale Recreation Department have increased their efforts to make their programming more inclusive to the Chinese Seniors of Scarsdale.
While Chinese seniors have always been invited to participate in senior programming, the language barrier typically presented an obstacle that resulted in separate programming. That is until the SFCS Aging in Place Coordinator, Stacey Cook met with a group of enthusiastic Chinese Scarsdale High School Students through the Chinese Intergenerational Impact Group (CIIG). The CIIG is a new student organization whose purpose is to explore ways to engage all senior residents, overcoming language barriers to support mental agility and social connections.
The CIIG students have become regular attendees at senior programming events, providing interpretation services, facilitating communication, and actively encouraging participation in the various activities. Through their attendance, the CIIG students serve as a vital bridge between Chinese speaking and non-Chinese speaking residents. Additionally, they have fostered a cultural exchange by inviting the non-Chinese speaking residents to take part in Chinese events and celebrations such as the Chinese New Year festivities.
While technology and translation apps may one day take the place of human interpreters, the CIIG students have been instrumental in helping shape SFCS’s Aging in Place programming to a more inclusive space, a true reflection of Scarsdale’s commitment to celebrating diversity and inclusion.
For more information about Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service and its Aging in Place services, please contact Stacey Cook at Scook@sfcsinc.org or visit https://www.sfcsinc.org/.
Remember to Vote for Mayor and Village Trustees on Tuesday March 18
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Though the election for Mayor and Village Trustees is uncontested, it’s still important to vote on Tuesday March 18 at Scarsdale Public Library.
The Scarsdale Citizens’ Non-Partisan Party has nominated the following slate:
Justin Arest for Mayor
David Goldschmidt for Village Trustee
Dara Gruenberg for Village Trustee
Jason Kofman for Village Trustee
Arest and Gruenberg are currently on the Village Board and running for second terms, while Goldschmidt and Kofman will be newcomers. The two 
new members will replace Village Trustees Sameer Ahuja and Karen Brew who have completed their terms of service.
Why is it important to vote? Because your participation demonstrates your support for Scarsdale’s non-partisan system which facilitates the selection of candidates to serve in a fair and democratic process, without the rancor of partisan politics.
In order to help you get to know the candidates we have published four extensive interviews with them which you can access below.
Mayor Justin Arest
Candidate David Goldschmidt
Trustee Dara Gruenberg
Candidate Jason Kofman
So remember to vote on Tuesday March 18 from 6 am to 9 pm at Scarsdale Library, 54 Olmsted Road, Scarsdale, NY.
The candidates held a Meet and Greet at Scarsdale Library on Sunday March 16, and here are a few photos. Learn more here:
Cheers: Welcome Scarsdale Wine Merchants to Town
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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A gem of a wine store has quietly opened on Depot Place, on the west side of the Scarsdale Train Station, next to Dunkin’ Donuts. The totally redesigned space looks like something you’d find in Manhattan, with sleek shelving, state of the art lighting and cool ambience.
Behind the counter, which looks a bit like a bar, you’ll meet the proprietor and sommelier Kristie Campbell, who learned her trade while working in the vineyards of Sonoma and the wine cellars at renowned NYC restaurants such as Jean Georges, Daniel, 11 Madison Park and Craft where she was a sommelier. She clearly knows her stuff and has selected a unique collection of well-known and lesser-known brands at all price points on display in her first retail store. Also on the shelves are champagnes, spirits, hard seltzers and liquors.
Campbell explained that when she purchased the store, she did a total redesign to facilitate buyers, tastings and casual conversation creating a communal environment for wine lovers. When we stopped by on a snowy afternoon, Campbell was deep in conversation with a customer, reviewing the merits of reds, whites and scotch. It was evident that the customer was enjoying the exchange.
Open just a few weeks, Campbell says the reception from customers has been very positive and welcoming. Since the shop is a bit hidden under the Popham Road bridge, she sees the surprise and delight on the faces of those who happen in.
In addition to running the store, Campbell manages private wine collections, can recommend and supply wines for events and also serve as a sommelier at private parties. She emphasized her ability to select wines for the value driven, the connoisseur and everyone in between.
What is she recommending this week: Here are wines she thinks you’ll like:
Cantine Valpane Rosso Pietro Barbera del Monferrato, Piedmont, Italy 2020 $25
“I first visited this winery about a decade ago while on a Kermit Lynch trip. Monferrato is a bit of a trek, about an hour northeast of Barolo, but it was well worth it. As soon as we arrived Pietro Arditi greeted us with his enormous smile and arms stretched out for a hug. His wines are as lovely as he is, but if you try to compliment him, he humbly shrugs it off and says, “the wines of Valpane have been winning awards for well over a century, so it can’t be my doing. I’m just careful not to ruin what the land gives us!”
“Pietro’s grandfather (and namesake) began working the land in 1900. He saw the potential in Monferrato for its long hours of sunshine and slightly warmer climate which contributes to the pure and lively expression of Barbera that I don’t often find. This is a knockout wine for $25.”
Domaine de la Pepiere La Pepie, Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine sur Lie, Loire Valley, France 2023 $17
“Domaine de la Pepiere is an iconic producer, farming organically since 1985. It’s who I go to first when I want something crisp and clean to pair with oysters and other shellfish or just sit by the pool and relax. But make no mistake - this is more than just a quaffable wine; it has a rich texture due to its extensive lees contact (aka “sur lie”) which cuts through its minerality.”
“Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine is the name of the region that this beautiful wine comes from in the western edge of the Loire Valley. Only white wines are produced here and sits along the Sèvre Nantaise river and its tributary, La Maine. Wine drinkers are often confused by this name, thinking the grape is Muscat which tends to have sweetness. This could not be farther from the truth. The grape is called Melon de Bourgogne (brought over from Burgundy) and displays lemon curd and lime zest mixed with crushed rock and flint. It’s just delightful!”
Located at a crossroads of the Village, within walking distance from homes in Scarsdale and Edgemont and apartments on Garth Road, Campbell invites locals to stop into Scarsdale Wine Merchants anytime. The store stays open until 8 pm from Tuesday through Saturday, and until six pm on Sundays. There is ample parking in and around the circle to make it easy to pop by and curbside pickup and local delivery are available. Also check out their website here.
Welcome Kristie Campbell at Scarsdale Wine Merchants to the community.
Scarsdale Wine Merchants
2 Depot Place
Scarsdale, NY 10583
(914) 722-9463
scarsdalewinemerchants.com
Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday 11 am – 8 pm
Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm
