Scarsdale Walks for Autism Research
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One out of every 110 children in America today has autism, according to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. It’s a statistic that members of Team Scarsdale C.H.I.LD. know all too well.
Since 2002, this dedicated group of parents, friends and educators has joined forces and fund-raising talents to walk in the annual Westchester/Fairfield Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Their mission is two-fold: to promote greater awareness of this devastating disorder in our community, and to raise money for desperately needed scientific research. In its nine years as a team, Scarsdale C.H.I.L.D. has raised more than one million dollars for autism research; each year, it wins Autism Speaks’ award for most successful fund raising walk team in the nation. “It’s the best way we know to address this urgent global health crisis that has impacted so many of us personally,” says Scarsdale C.H.I.L.D. team captain Liane Carter.
On Sunday, June 6th, the team will again be walking in the 2010 Walk Now for Autism Speaks on the campus of Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York. A fun-filled, family friendly event, it will feature a petting zoo, bounce castles, face painting, temporary tattoos, music, a stage show, costume characters, kids’ games, refreshments and a Resource Fair featuring special needs service providers and programs. “It’s a wonderful experience to be with so many others who are passionate about this cause,” says Liane. “We pull together as one strong voice for the autism community.”
And it also takes a village. A dedicated group of Scarsdale High School students have organized their own Autism Speaks Student Club that runs fund-raising events throughout the school year. “When I first started the club almost two years ago, I wanted to change the way people looked at and treated individuals with autism spectrum disorders,” says Max Rolison, SHS junior. “I knew raising awareness about autism was an important step to take; however, it wasn't until I had already started the club and it became one of the largest and most successful clubs in the school that I really realized how crucial it was that people better understand autism.”
In support of Autism Awareness Month in April, club members enlisted the help of Leah’s Hair Salon to offer free blue hair extensions for a $10 donation, have run a trunk show at LF, and will be hosting an hors d’oeuvres and silent auction benefit April 24th. Club officer Toby Millstein, a senior, says that for her, the walk in June is particularly significant: “It's a day where I am reminded of just how important my work for SHS Autism Speaks really is. ”Last year, the club received the 2009 Top Autism Speaks student club recognition award. Christie Godowski, Greater Hudson Valley, Westchester & Fairfield County Regional Walk Director for Autism Speaks, noted, “Scarsdale High School is the standard to which we hope all of our clubs across the country will strive.”
SHS Club members and Team Scarsdale C.H.I.L.D. also work closely with Walk Chair Ellen Cohen, another Scarsdale resident. A tireless and longtime community activist on behalf of children with special needs, Ellen has been responsible for several years for recruiting and organizing the 200 volunteers who participate on walk day; this will be her second year chairing the event. “I so admire the strength, courage and unswerving optimism of our families,” Ellen says. “That dedication and sense of community is what I cherish every year at our walk. It stays with me and lifts me up for the rest of the year.”
Autism Speaks is the nation’s leading advocacy organization for the complex neurobiological brain disorder, which inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Walk Now for Autism Speaks is their signature event, taking place in communities across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
“Our kids deserve our commitment and hope,” says Liane. “We won’t stop walking until there’s a cure.”
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Ellen Cohen at elco428@hotmail.com. All teen volunteers will receive an individual certificate of community service for their efforts. To make a tax-deductible donation, please visit the team page at: www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/westchesterfairfield/scarsdalechild
Where: 2900 Purchase St, Purchase, NY 10577 (Manhattanville College)
Date: June 6, 2010
Time: 9:30am–2:00pm
Phone: 914-934-5138
Email: westchesterfairfield@autismspeaks.org http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/westchesterfairfield
For more information, contact Liane Carter at lcarter@cloud9.net
Race Results
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The 41st annual Scarsdale 15K and 4-mile run took place on a Sunday April 11. The race is conducted by the Scarsdale Recreation Department and co-sponsored by the Scarsdale Antiques Running Club. It is the longest running race in Westchester County, and the course winds through Greenacres and Fox Meadow. The weather was crisp and clear and runners came out in force. Free coffee was provided by Lange’s Deli. A list of the top finishers can be found below and all the results are on the village website.
Scarsdale resident Alan Lowenfels and his son Ted ran the 4 mile race, both wearing “barefoot” Vibram 5 fingers running shoes that look more like latex gloves for the feet than shoes. Lowenfels said, “I’ve run this race many times, even in the 70s with Abe Simon and the Scarsdale Antiques Running Club, but this year was a totally different experience. Not only was I joined by the next generation, my son Teddy made his debut, but we both ran in our new “barefoot” shoes… the Vibram 5 Fingers. What a great experience.... you feel the road and it's great for your body.”
Lowenfels added, “the 4-mile race starts at Scarsdale High School, heads north through Greenacres and then turns left up the Kingston hill, that always seems steeper when you're running. Then we head back through Fox Meadow. With all the trees coming into bloom and the feeling of exhilaration in my new running shoes it couldn't have been a better day. 178 runners finished the 4-mile run and 129 completed the 15K. My son Ted led in the 20-29 age group. Family and friends came to cheer at the finish line and we all felt like winners.”
15K Overall Winners:
Jonathan Sumpter: 55:37
Emmy Stocker: 1:08:06
15K Scarsdale First Finishers:
Justin Harris: 56:17
Elizabeth Thompson: 1:10:57
4-Mile Run Winners:
Matthew Morel: 23:52
Cara Roberts: 27:12
Calling All Girl Scouts
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The Girl Scouts of Scarsdale and Edgemont have begun forming new first and second grade troops to begin meeting in Fall, 2010. This scouting community encompasses the seven Scarsdale schools, the three Edgemont schools and the IHM School. More than 800 girls participate in 65 troops. In addition 30 leader volunteers work at the community level to provide programming and support for the troops and their leaders.
All parents whose girls are interested in being a Daisy (in the first grade) or Brownie ( in the 2nd grade) can learn more and register on the website segirlscouts.org.
In order for a troop to form at least two adult volunteers must be certified as leaders. To learn more about being a troop leader refer to the group’s website. Leadership training is free, easy to complete and very useful.
The organization asks that registrations be submitted by April 24th so that new leaders may train this spring. In addition, girls of any age ( 1st-12th grade) are welcomed to join an existing troop and can register their interest also on the website. For further questions please contact Marylou Green at 725-4683 or email coopergree@aol.com, or Carmela Crawford , Administrative Director, Scarsdale/Edgemont Girl Scouts (914) 472-7842, ccrawford@tia-cref.org
Carnival Time
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The Scarsdale High School Carnival is on this weekend on Friday night April 16 from 6 to 10 pm and on Saturday April 17 from 1 to 10 pm. According to Neil Ginsberg, school government advisor, “the best thing about the carnival is that members of the entire Scarsdale community come out to stroll and observe, enjoy the activities and go on the rides.” Profits from the carnival support charities and in the past funds have been contributed to worthy causes including My Sister’s Place, Girls Learn International, Mercy Corps and Harvest for Hope.
This year tickets can be purchased online at newtonshows.com. Tickets purchased in advance are $22.99 and those purchased at the carnival are $30.00. If you purchase a ticket online bring your confirmation receipt and ID to the carnival ticket booth to receive a bracelet. If one or both days are completely rained out, the rain date is Sunday April 18.
Mock Trial of Abraham at Kol Ami in White Plains
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U.S. District court Judge Jed. S. Rakoff will step away from his usual courtroom in the Southern District of New York, to preside over the Trial of the Centuries—People v. Abraham at Congregation Kol Ami in White Plains on Friday, April 16 at 8 p.m. Judge Rakoff was appointed to the federal bench in 1966 by President Bill Clinton. His earlier career includes practice as a federal prosecutor and as a defense attorney in white-collar crime cases.
The mock trial of the Biblical patriarch for the attempted murder of his son, Isaac, more than 4,000 years ago, will be a highlight of Synaplex, a series of monthly Friday night events that explore the Jewish experience. “People think the Bible is too holy to wrestle with, but Jews have always wrestled with the text of the Torah,” said Rabbi Shira Milgrom of Congregation Kol Ami. “Sometimes it can be hard to reconcile our beliefs with the texts, so we jump into the ring and wrestle with them.” The Synaplex mock trial is very much in that tradition, she noted.
"We are honored to have as our presiding judge the Hon. Jed Rakoff, who has served with distinction since 1996 as a federal court judge in the Southern District of New York A graduate of Swarthmore College, Oxford University (M. Philosophy) and Harvard Law School, Judge Rakoff has experienced both public service-- as a federal prosecutor in New York, where he was the Chief of the Business and Securities Fraud Unit-- and private practice-- as a partner in two prominent Wall street law firms, specializing in white collar criminal defense. Judge Rakoff has been featured prominently in the news, most recently for his role in the SEC/Bank of America case involving the public disclosures made and not made concerning the Merrill Lunch bonuses in 2008, and for his decision in 2002 (later overturned) declaring the federal death penalty stature unconstitutional".
Representing Abraham will be Michael P. Zweig, litigation partner at Loeb & Loeb, and Ami G. Zweig, an attorney extern at the New York Legal Aid Society. The prosecution team includes Scott D. Musoff, litigation partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meager & Flom, and Leslye B. Davidson, a partner at Davidson, Davidson and Kappel. The witnesses (as Sarah, Abraham, the servant, and Isaac respectively) will be Dr. Ellen Umansky, professor of Judaic Studies at Fairfield University, attorney Richard L. Veron, Ron Cole, a businessman and amateur actor, and David Bach, a junior at Ardsley High School. A six-person jury will hear arguments. A 1-hour New York Continuing Legal Education Credit will be offered.
Synaplex’s flexible format includes music, dance, spiritual exploration, children's programming, films, and other activities. The evening’s schedule opens at 5:00 pm with a choice of events. Explorations in Music with Cantor Mo Glazman and special guest Galit Dadoun will take place in the Main Sanctuary. A children’s crafts program will be held in the synagogue’s main building. In addition, there also will be a Shabbat service for families with young children at 5:30 pm., and a wine-and-cheese get together in Kol Ami’s main building following these activities.
At the heart of Synaplex™ at Kol Ami are the Friday night religious services ushering in the Sabbath. They will be in the main sanctuary are at 6:15 pm. Religious services are followed by teen, family, young-professional, and adults-only dinners at 7:30 p.m. After dinner, while adults attend the trial, young children have a choice of making sandwiches and snacks for a local homeless shelter, Supervised Sports and Games with Coach Stone, and/or attending the evenings Main Event, if age appropriate.
Synaplex™ events are open to both temple members and non-members. All events are free with the exception of the dinner, which costs $25 for adults and $15 for teens and $10 for children. Reservations are necessary for dinner. For more information or to make a dinner reservation, please call Ilene Miller at 949-4717 ext. 111.
