A Celebration of Food from Around the World at the JCCMW Spring Benefit
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Guest speakers Danielle Colen, Liz Rueven, Leah Koenig, Beejhy Barhany, and Shannon Sarna.The JCC Mid-Westchester (JCCMW) celebrated Jewish foods and traditions from around the world at their annual Spring Benefit on Wednesday, May 22. Westchester chef and writer, Danielle Rehfeld Colen, introduced Beejhy Barhany, owner/chef of Ethiopian-Jewish Tsion Café, Leah Koenig, chef and author of Portico: Cooking and Feasting in Rome’s Jewish Kitchen, and Liz Reuven, founder/editor of Kosher Like Me. The chefs/authors discussed their passion for food and their culinary journeys with the host of the evening, Shannon Sarna, cookbook author and founding editor of The Nosher. Attendees then enjoyed a specially curated dinner comprised of a tasting menu inspired by each of the evening’s guest chefs.
JCCMW CEO, Elise Dowell, with teen honorees Ethan Klein, Lexie Klein, and Bailey Goldberg.
The JCCMW honored three teen leaders—Bailey Goldberg, Ethan Klein, and Lexie Klein— recognizing their hard work and dedication to projects and efforts that helped strengthen the Westchester community and the organization’s mission. “Bailey, Ethan, and Lexie are the light our community needs right now. They are our future and each has made our community richer,” said Elise Dowell, CEO of JCCMW. “They represent the very best of Westchester and the Jewish community and it gives us great pleasure to celebrate them this year.”
Bailey Goldberg serves as the volunteer coordinator of the JCCMW Sunday Funday program. Her exceptional leadership skills have helped to ensure that all children have an equal opportunity to develop relationships and social skills.
Ethan Klein, in addition to volunteering with the Sunday Funday program, developed a new, inclusive program, FUNdamentals of Golf, where he worked with elementary school children of all abilities to improve their coordination, critical thinking, communication, self-control, and confidence—all while learning the foundations of golf.
Lexie Klein is a JCCMW gymnastics coach and mentor who has positively impacted many young gymnasts. Her love of the JCC is contagious, her passion for the sport has been inspirational, and her dedication has served to strengthen the program on many levels.
JCCMW Senior Director of Jewish Engagement and Care Services, Rabbi Dahlia Bernstein
The JCCMW Spring Benefit was an evening of community, appreciation, and celebration attended by many friends, partners, government representatives, and organizations who support the JCC’s mission and the important work they do. If you were unable to attend, but would like to support the work of the JCC, simply visit jccmw.org/donate. If you would like to learn more about the JCCMW, visit jccmw.org.
Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins, County Executive George Latimer, and WJC CEO Elliot Forchheimer with JCC Board President Rachel Moseley and Elise Dowell
The JCC Mid-Westchester is a nonprofit organization that supports the community by offering outstanding recreational, cultural, educational, and human services programming to all people regardless of age, background, religion, gender identification, or sexual orientation. Programs are grounded in Jewish values and are open to all! The JCCMW enriches families, connects friends, strengthens community, and helps people lead joyful lives.
Spring Benefit Guests
New Downtown Scarsdale Film Premieres at Library, Now Available to Stream Online
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Taxi sign: Peter Blier of Central Taxi with the company’s vintage business sign c. 1960’s.The Scarsdale Historical Society premiered its newest documentary, The Village: A History of Downtown Scarsdale, with two screenings at the Scarsdale Public Library on Tuesday, May 14th. This half-hour film explores how Scarsdale’s business district grew from a train depot and a few wooden buildings into today’s iconic Tudor Revival-style commercial center. The film is now available to stream online here.
People of all ages and backgrounds were united by their passion for village history, and were interested to learn more about the development of Scarsdale’s iconic downtown center. Each screening was followed by a Q&A session, allowing the audience to share thoughts and ask the film participants questions.
Panelist Peter Blier, the General Manager of Central Taxi who has worked there for 45 years, delighted the audience with some of his best taxi ride stories. His appearance in the film is also a highlight, with his knack for storytelling and passion for Central Taxi’s history. The company, among downtown Scarsdale’s oldest businesses, dates back to the horse and buggy days of 1912. It began in White Plains and has been in its current location since 1925.
This is the tenth film created by the Scarsdale Historical Society with filmmaker Lesley Topping. The premiere events have drawn such crowds that they hosted two back-to-back screenings to accommodate the attendees. The full series of films on the history and neighborhoods of Scarsdale can be viewed here.
The event was co-sponsored by the Scarsdale Historical Society, the Scarsdale Public Library and the Scarsdale Business Alliance.
About the Scarsdale Historical Society
The Scarsdale Historical Society exists to discover, preserve and disseminate historical information, as well as inspire others to learn about and contribute to the history of Scarsdale and the Central Mid-Westchester Region. The Scarsdale Historical Society accepts grant applications for projects that meet its mission, particularly those that will inspire others to learn about the history of Scarsdale and the surrounding communities. Learn more at www.scarsdalehistoricalsociety.org.
Q&A session: The film screening’s Q&A panel with (Left to right) Randy Guggenheimer (President, Scarsdale Historical Society), Peter Blier from Central Taxi, Lesley Topping (filmmaker), Leslie Chang (Associate Village Historian) and Jordan Copeland (Village Historian).
Scarsdale Softball Plays For Pink at Croton-Harmon High School
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To see more game photos and/or download photos, please visit here.
Anna Henry of Scarsdale celebrates after she made a great catch in center field
Starting pitcher Emily Baron (5) of Scarsdale delivers a pitch in the first inning. She was the winning pitcher and pitched all 7 innings.
Laura Chesnut (25), the Scarsdale shortstop fields a tough grounder and throws out the runner.
Scarsdale’s Jordan Kefer makes a nice catch in right field.
Scarsdale’s Olivia Unis (15) hits a long drive to right field.
Scarsdale’s Leah Im (17) races back to try and catch a long drive to left field.
Jordan Kefer of Scarsdale High lays down a successful sacrifice bunt.
Scarsdale’s McKinley Conlan lines a hit to the outfield.
Sammy Fenigstein (9) of Scarsdale attempts to tag out a Croton-Harmon runner on a pick-off throw.
Scarsdale’s Emily Levine admires her deep drive.
First baseman Sammy Fenigstein (9) is all smiles after catching a popup.New Choral Society Ends 30th Season With Magical Performance of Elijah
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The New Choral Society Chorus and Orchestra perform at Hitchcock Presbyterian Church (Photo Credit: Tony Allen Photography)On Sunday afternoon May 5 the New Choral Society (NCS), under the professional direction of Dr. John T. King, Artistic Director and Conductor, concluded its 30th anniversary season with an “over the top performance” of Felix Mendelssohn’s Elijah. 
Dr. John T. King with soloists Katherine Whyte, Rebecca Ringle Kamarei, Jonghyun Park, and Kenneth OvertonYou couldn’t have been better served had you been at the Metropolitan Opera or Carnegie Hall in New York City. But you didn’t need to be because the professional music performed was right there in your own neighborhood or nearby from a short distance from a Westchester town.
It was rainy and damp outside as the audience took their seats inside for the 4 p.m. performance in the Sanctuary of the Hitchcock Presbyterian Church on Greenacres Avenue in Scarsdale. Once inside, they warmed-up quickly to the spectacular, magical and highly professional performance of Elijah.
There wasn’t an empty seat in a sellout as even the balcony was jammed with NCS’ music devotees.
A Cohesive Performance
Everybody played an important musical and stand-up role in this cohesive performance: Dr. King, the soloists, choral singers numbering 43, a larger orchestra of 26 players than typical, and Eleanora LaSalle, a 12-year-old seventh grader at the Edgemont Junior and Senior High School in Scarsdale and youth soloist from the Westchester Children’s Chorus, who came out of the audience from her first pew seat with her father and brother, to shine in her first performance ever with the pros from the Metropolitan Opera and other such important and highly recognized musical houses around the world.
Not to be undone, Emera LaSalle, a soprano and Eleanora’s mother, and Giselle Vagnini, an alto, came out of their singing positions to join soloists Katherine Whyte, a soprano, and Rebecca Ringle Kamarei, a mezzo-soprano, up front for a quartet rendition of “Holy Is God.”
All the fantastic soloists never missed a beat, and were poised, and excellent, including baritone Kenneth Overton as Elijah, who performed without music several times while using hand-and-arm motions to help make a point during his solos, and eventually drew the most applause, and tenor Jonghyun Park, who appeared courtesy of the Metropolitan Opera.
Soloists Eleanora and Emera LaSalle with Conductor Dr. John T. King
NCS’ 31st Season Starts in October
The NCS’s 31st season will open on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 at 4 p.m. with renditions of W.A. Mozart’s Solemn Vespers, and J.S. Bach’s Magnificat.
Tickets will be available in the summer. Dr. King will be starting his 31st year as the director and conductor.
Purchase Tickets for the Scarsdale Music Festival on June 1
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Tickets are on sale for the 4th Annual Scarsdale Music Festival (SMF), presented by Morgan Stanley. This exceptional, family-friendly community event will take place on Saturday, June 1st, rain or shine, in Scarsdale Village from 12-6pm, and will benefit Daniel’s Music Foundation. Join us for a festive day full of live music, food, drinks, and family fun activities for people of all ages.
SMF is designed to bring the community together by celebrating its love of music with local bands and musicians who love to perform. This year’s incredible talent line-up includes Artie Tobia, Conversing with Oceans, Daniel & Gerry, The Del Bocas, Euphoria, George Dennehy, Hunter Road, Iolanta Mamatkazina, Jake Nielsen, Lauren Minear, Rennie Pincus & Friends, Saturday Saints, Skyfactor, Trinity, and Zac Hoina Trio. These spectacular bands will be performing on three live stages, presented by Advocate Brokerage with Pure Insurance, Houlihan Lawrence, and Pepe Auto Group.
SMF will feature a selection of savory and sweet offerings from Baked in Color, Bango Bowls, Chill Hawaiian Shave Ice, Crumbl Cookies, Longford’s Ice Cream, One Rare Italian Steakhouse, Pizza Vitale Truck, Poke Motion Food Truck, PopoJito, Scarsdale Uniformed Firefighters Association, Tipsy Taco Truck, and Wing King Truck.
Guests can wash down all that delicious food with a cool drink! Attendees 21+ can enjoy great beer and wine by the glass, available for purchase at two main bars. The Grand Tasting Village, presented by Amici dei Vini, will feature a selection of fine wines from around the world, spirit cocktails, craft beer, and food pairings from premier local restaurants. Guests will have the chance to taste, talk, and learn from industry experts in this uniquely curated tasting event. It is a VIP experience with prime stage viewing not to be missed. Participating vendors include Amici dei Vini, Dobbs & Bishop Fine Cheese, Meritage, Micheline, Miles the Prince, M.S. Walker, PopoJito, and Simple Motive Brewing Co.
This year’s enhanced Family Fun Zone will feature carnival games, face painters, arts and crafts, musical demonstrations, DIY and STEAM activities, sports, inflatables, and more! Participating vendors and community partners include Bach to Rock, Camp Hillard, Carnival Parties, Community of Play, Faces by Wells, GameTruck, Hoff-Barthelson Music School, JCC Mid-Westchester, Love 2 Learn NY, Pink Princess Nails, Rotary Club of Scarsdale, Scarsdale Forum, Scarsdale Public Library & Friends of the Scarsdale Library, School of Rock White Plains, SPCA Westchester, and Yellow Acorn Montessori. Fan favorite Scarsdale Police and Fire vehicles will also be present along with the Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps for safety tips, tours and more!
We are thrilled to continue our ongoing support of the Scarsdale Music Festival, an annual event our colleagues and thousands of people from Westchester and across the region have loved attending for the past four years,” said Sandra L. Richards, Head of Global Sports & Entertainment and Segment Sales & Engagement at Morgan Stanley. “This year’s exceptional lineup of musicians and artists will again highlight our collective love of music, food, and the arts, celebrating and bringing together our diverse community.”
Scarsdale Music Festival will be donating a portion of the proceeds to Daniel’s Music Foundation. Our donation will help provide access to free in-person and online music programs for deserving individuals with disabilities throughout the country.
“We are honored to have been selected as the 2024 beneficiary for The Scarsdale Music Festival,” said Daniel Trush Co-Founder and President at Daniel’s Music Foundation. “When we were first approached with the opportunity, it was obvious that there was great synergy between our organizations in our shared passion for using music to build community. Being able to showcase the talent of some of the artists from our record label, Just Call Me By My Name®, solidified that this was going to be a wonderful partnership,” echoed Ken Trush, Co-Founder and Managing Director of the Foundation.
TICKETS: There is a suggested donation of $20 per adult. Kids’ activity tickets are available for purchase to participate in most of the Family Fun Zone activities (one for $5, with discounted packages available). In order to consume alcohol, you must show ID to prove that you are over 21. Beer ($8) and wine ($10) will be available for purchase by the glass. Entrance to the Grand Tasting Tent requires a designated wristband ($35 on-site). All food and non-alcoholic beverages are pay-as-you-go.
This year’s SMF raffle features sought after guitars from Rudy’s Music and Martin Guitar, as well as gift cards for shopping and dining, certificates redeemable for health, beauty and wellness services as well as select tangible items. Raffle tickets may be purchased in advance or on-site (individually for $10 or packages of six for $50).
Donation Tickets, Kids’ Activity Tickets, Grand Tasting Village Wristbands, and Raffle Tickets are now on sale: scarsdalemusicfestival.com. Purchase tickets in advance online for discounted deals. Tickets will also be available for purchase on-site at the Festival by cash or credit card.
FREE PARKING is available in the Freightway Garage and adjacent outdoor parking lot (72 Freightway) as well as the lower two levels of the Christie Place.
For event information and tickets: www.scarsdalemusicfestival.com and follow us on Instagram @scarsdalemusicfestival. For sponsorship opportunities: info@scarsdalebusinessalliance.com.
For information about the Scarsdale Business Alliance: www.scarsdalebusinessalliance.com and follow us on Instagram @scarsdalebusiness.
To learn more about Daniel’s Music Foundation: danielsmusic.org.
