Assembly at EHS Highlights Lack of Access for Girls to Higher Education Around the Globe
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- Written by: Wendy MacMillan
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Since 2011, the United Nations has worked “to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world” by declaring October 11th as International Day of the Girl. According to their website, “The International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.”
Though many of us may have missed the opportunity to celebrate the important day this past October 11th, one student at Edgemont High School made sure the day didn’t go unnoticed by her peers. In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of the right for girls all over the world to be able to access an education, junior Eleni Piniros created and delivered an informative assembly that demonstrated how in many parts of the world, girls are prohibited from going to school and getting an education beyond the elementary grades.
Piniros said she was honored to have Dr. Barbara Kapetanakes, a founding member of the NYS Psychological Association LGBTQ Task Force and past president of the Westchester Psychological Association, join her presentation to talk “about girl empowerment, the importance of an education, and how having an education affects female earning power and the ability to make choices and have more options throughout life.”
In a recent interview Piniros detailed the highlights of her assembly and why she feels it is so important that we all take action.
Q: What important issues does your assembly call attention to?
A: The assembly was held on October 11th which was International Day of the Girl which I felt would be a perfect day to speak about the importance of the right for girls all over the world to be able to access an education.
Important Points:
I spoke about the Malala Fund which is a non-profit organization and how it advocates for girls to be able to go to secondary school so that they can get an education. In many parts of the world, girls are not able to go to school beyond the 6th grade.
My PowerPoint presentation included information regarding geography and statistics about countries which don’t allow girls to have an education.
Dr. Kapetanakes presented the history of Women’s Rights and how these rights are still not guaranteed in the 21st century. Dr. Kapetanakes also talked about the psychological standpoint when it comes to girls having an education and about the importance of an education giving girls the ability to live a better life and be more independent by being able to make life choices.
Q: What do you hope other students will take away from the assembly?
A: I wanted my classmates to be made aware that this conflict exists in many parts of the world and it’s not fair. I wanted them to understand that we are extremely privileged living where we are able to attend school every day. I feel that it is easy to be unaware concerning this conflict happening right now. During the assembly I asked, “Can you imagine that right now, we girls would not be allowed to be at Edgemont HS?”
Also, at the beginning of the assembly, I said there would be a trivia contest at the end. Then at the end of the presentation, I showed slides with questions and I gave the first student to raise their hand and answer correctly a bracelet that our group made. It was fun and it helped to keep the students’ attention during the assembly.
Q: What actionable steps can students/people take to help girls gain more access to education?
A: Students can become educated on the conflict. And at Edgemont HS, students can join my school club, Beads for Malala, where as a group we make bracelets and sell them in addition to bake sales to raise money to donate to the Malala Fund.
Q: What inspired you to create this assembly?
A: I was inspired to create this assembly because I’m one of the founders of my school club which I started last year and I wanted to expand my efforts to increase awareness for this important issue to my high school community and hopefully beyond. I think it is a very important cause since many people do not realize that girls are still not allowed to attend school in parts of the world. Though it's true that in some countries there simply isn't enough money to build schools and supply students with the learning materials they need, it is important for people to understand that this isn't the only barrier to education that many girls face. In places like Afghanistan, it is against the law for females to even attend school.
Q: Is the assembly online for others to watch?
A: The assembly was not recorded and unfortunately is not online however, I’m hoping to be able to present again soon and have that recorded to share with other communities in Westchester and possibly beyond. Although when we presented on October 11th, it was Day of the Girl, this is an issue that girls are facing every day so the subject matter is relevant all throughout the year so I think we might be able to make this happen.
See here for more information about International Day of the Girl.
Football Players and Baby2BabyClub Lend a Hand at Community Kitchen
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- Written by: Jennifer Pappalardo
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Senior Football Captains: Ryan Gilligan, Nicky Ebner-Borst, Seniors: Anders Burrows, Micheal Walsh, Logan Mancusi, Juniors: Joey Pappalardo, Colin Brennan, Stevie Rosenberg, Vanessa Karp. Sophomores Ava Pappalardo, Zoe BrettschneiderOn Sunday November 10, members of the Scarsdale Varsity Football team partnered with the Scarsdale High School Baby2Baby Club to prepare and serve meals to over 60 neighbors in need.
As one of its many initiatives, The SHS Baby2Baby Club volunteers monthly for Art's Community Kitchen at St. Bart's in White Plains, bridging a critical gap on weekends when other soup kitchens are closed.
The Scarsdale Varsity Football team's season concluded on Friday night. Their playoff journey ended in a narrow semi-final loss to rival Mamaroneck, breaking a nine-year streak. Reaching the playoffs was a victory for the team, and despite the disappointment, they recognized their historic and unifying season.
Joey Pappalardo invited his teammates to join the club and serve this Sunday, continuing the spirit of brotherhood cultivated throughout the season and make a positive impact in the community.
Over 60 individuals and families that rely on the kitchen were treated this week to pulled pork sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, green beans, sauteed broccoli, salad, and homemade desserts. St. Bartholomew's many patrons and volunteers enjoyed having the boys in their Scarsdale gear smiling, greeting everyone, and hearing about their season.
Joey Pappalardo and Anders Burrows
Stevie Rosenberg, Vanessa Karp, Colin Brennan
Service
Job well done!
Varsity Football Players: Joey Pappalardo, Nicky Ebner-Borst, Colin Brennan, Anders Burrows, Logan Mancusi, Micheal Walsh, Ryan Gilligan
Letter to the Editor Regarding the Renovation of the Scarsdale Pool
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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The following letter was submitted by Susan Levine:
To Scarsdale Residents and Scarsdale Pool Lovers:
Your comments about the proposed Scarsdale Pool Project should be sent to [email protected] before December 1.
As a resident who has been a long time member of the Scarsdale Pool Complex I would like to urge the Mayor and Board of Trustees to choose to keep the four pools that we have enjoyed for 56 years in the same spaces that they now occupy. Doing that should save 6 million dollars in costs according to the pool consultants. (41 million is proposed now.)
New building codes will be applied as required. A total renovation with new heaters and filtration systems and pumps and pipes and whatever else is needed
is not questioned. But changing the shape and size and location of the four pools seems arbitrary and not necessarily better. The original concept was intelligent and served us well.
The pool consultants are not aware of that aspect of the proposed renovation. They have no affection for the Scarsdale Pool complex as do those of us who have been summer members and they have not seen how well it functions as it does now.
Changing the pools just for the sake of change does not make sense to me and adds unnecessary expense.
Adding a splash pad for youngsters would be just fine. Renovating the building with showers and changing rooms seems necessary. A new restaurant? Not so much...Saxon Woods has one nearby. Our snack bar is wonderful in every way and deserves to remain as it is.
I worry that many residents have No Idea about this proposed pool renovation and the huge expense involved, especially if we leave the consultants' proposals as they are. A bond will be paid for by all residents for 20 years. 41 million is quite a number. 35 million is less. Still a lot but better.
And restoring the pool to its original glory is a good idea...with some enhancements that make sense.
Those residents who have summer homes or their own pools or enjoy country clubs will never join the pool. Nothing will change that fact. Those who do join the pool and who love the pool need to speak up now.
Please send your comments to [email protected]..
Thank you.
Susan Levine
Scarsdale Pool Member
Application to Develop 80 Garden Road is "Adjourned" After Planning Board Declares Intention to Mandate an Enviornmental Review
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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Is the application for a subdivision in a wetlands on Garden Road tabled or dead? That’s the question now that the Village Planning Board declared it’s intention to give the proposed 9-lot subdivision a “Positive Declaration,” meaning that the Planning Board determined that the project as proposed could have significant adverse impacts.
Following years of hearings, beginning in 2013, the applicant has sought permission to subdivide a wet area adjacent to the water tower on Garden Road. Due to the high water table they proposed to truck in 30,000 cubic yards of landfill in1,600 truckloads to raise the ground level and permit the construction of homes with full basements and swimming pools. The project would have required the removal of 437 mature, regulated trees.
After an exhaustive review by many experts retained by both the applicants and the village, on September 19, 2024 the Planning Board expressed its intent to issue a “Positive Declaration” finding the project may result in one or more significant adverse environmental impacts requiring the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement.
Following this directive, Village Planner Kellan Cantrell drafted a resolution for the Planning Board to approve at their October 23, 2024 meeting.
The Positive Declaration says the following:
The Applicant is proposing a 9-lot subdivision of7.6 acres with eight (8) new single-family dwellings, a new private roadway, and associated improvements. The current conditions reflect 3 separate tax lots with a single-family dwelling on each lot. The proposal seeks to demolish two (2) of the existing single-family residences and subdivide the premises into 9 lots, consisting of eight (8) new lots for the construction of eight (8) proposed single-family dwellings and one (1) reconfigured lot where the existing 90 Garden Road home will remain.
Potential environmental impacts associated with the Proposed Action have been identified by the Planning Board based upon a review of the Full Environmental Assessment Form Parts 1 and 2. These impacts, which may be reasonably expected to result from the Project, have been compared to the criteria for determining significance identified in 6 NYCRR§617.7(c)(1)and in accordance with 6NYCRR§617.7(c)(2)and(3).
The Planning Board finds that the proposed project may have a significant adverse impact on the following resources for the reasons more fully set forth in the EAF Part 3 (the list below is not intended to be all inclusive):
-Impacts to protected wetland
-Impacts related to stormwater runoff in a sensitive drainage area
-Impacts to the Sheldrake watershed
-Impacts to groundwater
-Impacts related to the importation of extensive fill
-Impacts to water supply resulting from on-site wells Impacts resulting from extensive tree removal
-Traffic and roadway impacts during construction
The items resolution was placed on the Planning Board’s agenda for their 10/23/24 meeting.
On October 10, the applicant’s attorney’s Cuddy and Feder sent an additional plea asking the board to refrain from declaring a Positive Declaration. The lengthy letter contends that “that not only will the Proposed Action not have any significant environmental impacts but will result in substantial environmental benefits.”
However, the resolution remained on the agenda until the day of the meeting when the applicants adjourned their application. The letter from Cuddy and Feder says, “The Applicants are considering design updates and as such, respectfully requests that the Planning Board adjourn the above referenced applications from the October 23, 2024 agenda.”
If the developers plans to make a new application --and what they will propose are unknown for now – and at least for the present, neighbors appear to have warded off this risk to their already fragile environment.
Walking Tour Spans Centuries in Scarsdale
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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Did you know that the Harwood Building in Scarsdale Village originally had bowling alleys, billiard and table tennis tables, chess and checkers, a piano, a radio and davenports?
That’s just one of the interesting nuggets shared by Village Historian Jordan Copeland with a group of 19 Scarsdale seniors who enjoyed on a walking tour of Scarsdale Village on Monday October, 21, 2024. Several of the seniors on the tour not only raised their own families here over the past 50 years but grew up in Scarsdale themselves and had their own memories of Scarsdale as it was.
Copeland discussed how the arrival of the railroad in the mid 1840s connected Scarsdale to New York City. In 1844, steam powered service began in the Bronx River Valley -- but skipped Scarsdale. The nearest stop was “Hart’s Corners,” now known as Hartsdale. However, because the railroad passed through the Popham family’s land, they arranged that trains would halt on a signal from a member of the Popham family at “Popham Gate.”
Some wealthy New York City residents began to build estates, and by 1877, train service became regularly scheduled. The Pophams persuaded the railroad to build a platform, and later a wooden station.
Before the current train station was built, the train tracks crossed Popham Road and a flagman was employed to warn people of approaching trains. In 1902 the Tudor revival train station was built in stucco, half timbered with Spanish tile and likely established the architectural style for the rest of the Village.
Turning to Garth Road, Copeland explained that it was the site of the Village’s original business center. The current Florence Building was first built in 1903 as a one story commercial building, and later raised to three floors. It housed Angell & Co. Real Estate, O’Farrell’s Drugstore, the Flagge & Hooley Grocery Store, Luikert Meat Market, the plumbing firm of Curran & Curran, and contractor Frank Bracalello.
Here's more:
-The Bronx River parkway (1925) increased Scarsdale’s connection to New York City, and was surrounded by a linear park, aimed at preserving rural beauty rather than encouraging speed. 
-The 1920’s were the time of substantial growth in Scarsdale as a whole and downtown. In the 1920’s the population of NYC grew 21%, Westchester by 51% and Scarsdale by 176%. Commuting was easier, and people were fleeing the political, social, and economic disorder of New York City.
-In 1920, local businessman formed a bank, and soon a real estate development company to develop the current downtown bounded by East Parkway and Chase Road, and to protect Scarsdale and build a higher quality, well thought out commercial center than out-of-town speculators would have built.
-When the Scarsdale National Bank and Trust opened in 1920, the original staff consisted of the president, a cashier, a bookkeeper and a stenographer. There was no custodian, so the responsibilities of this position were shared by the four.
-In 1923, there was no residential mail delivery in Scarsdale, so residents had to come down to the post office to collect their mail. When mail delivery was proposed, local merchants objected, because they wanted potential customers to have to come downtown. Luckily home mail delivery began September 2, 1924,
-The Harwood Building originally had bowling alleys, billiard and table tennis tables, chess and checkers, piano, a radio, davenports and chairs in the basement from 1930 until about 1947 when they were leased by Robison for storage.
As a finale to the tour, the group descended into the World War Two memorial at Boniface Circle which even some long-time residents noted that they hadn’t seen it up close before. A total of 2,142 Scarsdalians served in the war, and 81 are recorded as dying or missing in action, including three sets of brothers, and one woman.
About the Senior Club:
All Scarsdale residents, 60 years of age and older are welcome to become a member of the Scarsdale Senior Club. The fee is $15 for residents. Former residents of 20+ years, or parents of children who live in Scarsdale, even if they live outside of Scarsdale, are welcome to join the group for $20.
Benefits Include:
-One-way taxi service transportation, up to $25, to local medical and dental appointments for current Village of Scarsdale residents only
-Exercise classes via Zoom and in-person on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
-Special membership rates for luncheons, trips and programs
-Pool admittance on Thursday afternoons during summer pool season
-Aqua Aerobics at the pool complex
How to Join:
-Join online at www.scarsdale.gov
-Come to the Scarsdale Parks, Recreation & Conservation office at 244 Heathcote Rd to register in person. Checks are to be made payable to the Village of Scarsdale.
-Call Maida Silver, Senior Coordinator, at (914) 722-1162 for assistance.
