Sharing the Wealth in Westchester
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You don’t need to travel to New Orleans, Mississippi or Haiti to help house the needy. It turns out that Habitat for Humanity is at work right here in Scarsdale. We caught up with Jim Killoran, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Westchester when he was dining with 20 visiting college students at an Indian restaurant in New Rochelle on February 20. During Washington’s Birthday week, Killoran was hosting a group of Canadian students who were in town to help salvage elements from two soon-to-be-demolished homes in Scarsdale. Killoran invites students from the world over to visit our area and houses them in a church in Yonkers. He puts them to work salvaging cabinetry, materials, and fixtures from high-priced homes and then recycles these goods for affordable homes under construction in nearby White Plains, New Rochelle and Somers.
We asked if we could stop by to see his work the following day and he welcomed us to a pricey home in Quaker Ridge that is due to be demolished. Killoran and the volunteers were busy removing carpeting, molding, bathroom fixtures, radiators and cabinetry that were destined for use in new homes to be built by Habitat or for their “Re-Stores” in New Rochelle and Mt. Vernon. These stores sell used and surplus furniture, home goods and materials for a fraction of the retail price. Killoran explained that in addition to helping to fund Habitat’s projects, the “Re-Stores” are an efficient way to recycle . Rather than demolish homes with cabinetry, fixtures and moldings intact, Habitat supplies the manpower to remove valuable materials and recycle them for the benefit of the less fortunate.
This spring, Killoran expect 300 students to visit from Boston College, Wake Forest, University of Miami, Beloit, St. Josephs College Maine, and the University of Minnesota to name a few. Habitat for Humanity will salvage a fraction of the 160 billion tons of construction materials that are thrown away in the U.S. each year. In addition to these visitors, Killoran reports that students at local temples are helping out as part of their mitzvah projects and students from SHS raise funds for the group via the Habitat for Humanity club.
The Westchester branch of Habitat for Humanity receives no government grants but manages to sustain a professional construction staff of eight workers. Killoran is highly resourceful and described how he recently salvaged a model home that was constructed at a television studio of the Regis and Kellie show and was able to sell the home for $80,000 and reuse many of the materials, valued at another $75,000.
Killoran is a frequent speaker at area temples, churches and schools and welcomes the opportunity to share his story.
There are many ways you can participate in these efforts –volunteer your time for manual labor, raise money to fund their efforts, donate furniture or fixtures from your home or work at the ReStore in Mont Vernon, which is a large warehouse filled with everything imaginable.
To learn more, go to http://habitatwc.org or contact Jim Killoran by phone or email.
Jim Killoran
Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Westchester
524 Main StreetNew Rochelle, NY
Jim@habitatwc.org
Office: 914-636-8335x101
Critter Comforts Moves to Mamaroneck
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After 18 years in business in Scarsdale, Critter Comforts of Weaver Street has exchanged their Scarsdale location for Mamaroneck. According to owner Paula Graber, rising rents and economic woes caused her to look elsewhere for a more reasonably priced location.
The store was a favorite among area pet owners, and pet buyers who relied on Graber’s expertise when selecting a family pet and caring for it. Children were always welcome to stop by and pet the adorable puppies in the store that Graber sought out from trusted breeders. The store stocked purebreds and hybrids including yorkies, retrievers, and bulldogs as well as cavapoos, puggles 
and golden doodles and offered pet grooming services as well.
In addition to the dogs, Critter Comforts is also a source for kittens, hamsters, reptiles, and fish and carries a full line of pet food and supplies.
Graber is thrilled with their new location at 822 Mamaroneck Avenue near Calico Corners, Mavis Tires and the A&P and invites all of the stores Scarsdale’s friends to stop by and visit. You’ll find the same reliable source for your pet needs just a little further down Mamaroneck Road.
Critter Comforts
822 Mamaroneck Avenue
Mamaroneck, New York 10543
(914) 472-5407
Open Seven Days a Week
Monday – Friday: 9:30 am – 7 pm
Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm
Free parking behind the store
Scholarship Aid Available to Scarsdale Students
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Students who graduated from Scarsdale High School and/or live in Scarsdale and who have completed their first, second, or third years of college are invited to apply to the Scarsdale Foundation for tuition assistance. For the 2010-2011 academic year, $76,000 was awarded to 24 students attending private and state-supported colleges in their second, third, and fourth years.
Applications should be submitted online on the Scarsdale Foundation’s website, scarsdalefoundation.org (click on the College Scholarships link). Completed applications must be submitted by Friday, June 3, 2011. Late applications will not be accepted. Inquiries regarding scholarship applications should be directed to Susie Rush, at srush76@gmail.com or call 472-7797.
The Scarsdale Foundation is the presenter of the Scarsdale Bowl Award, given annually to a citizen(s) who has contributed outstanding voluntary service. Emily Sherwood, former president of the Board of Education and exemplary community volunteer, will receive this year’s award at a dinner to be held at the Lake Isle Country Club on Wednesday, April 6. All members of the community are invited to attend.
The Foundation welcomes contributions from the community to augment the funds available for distribution each year. Contributions may also be donated to a specially earmarked scholarship fund of the Scarsdale Foundation, with monies to be used for 2011-2012 recipients, allowing the Foundation to carry on the Scarsdale tradition of helping our students in need to pursue a college education. Donations may be made online by visiting the Foundation’s website, scarsdalefoundation.org , or mailed to the Foundation at P.O. Box 542, Scarsdale, NY 10583.
The Scarsdale Foundation was established in 1923 to raise funds for the family of a slain Scarsdale police officer. Since that time it has grown and expanded activities as a nonprofit community trust.
In addition to the granting of college scholarships, the Foundation provides aid to Scarsdale families who may need assistance in sending their children to the Scarsdale Rec Camp and also funds scholarships for children from Mt. Vernon to attend the same day camp program.
In past years, the Foundation has granted project assistance and seed money for other community organizations, including the Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corp., the Scarsdale-Edgemont Family Counseling Service, Scarsdale Citizens for Senior Housing, the Scarsdale Public Library, the Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol, Partners in Youth, Scarsdale Student Transfer Education Plan (STEP), the Scarsdale Historical Society, Friends of Music and the Arts, the League of Women Voters, the Tercentenary Celebration Committee, and Hoff-Barthelson Music School. The Foundation also helped to fund the "University of Scarsdale" program held by the Scarsdale-Edgemont Family Counseling Service and the WESTHAB "Make a House a Home" project that refurbished the former Village Hall Annex building on Post Road for continued occupancy as a residence for a homeless family.
The Foundation administers several funds, including the Luella B. Slaner Scholarship Fund, the Scarsdale School Personnel and Family Assistance Fund, the Kathy Froelich Memorial Scholarship Fund, the Stefan E. Corbin Fund, the Robert Delany Memorial Scholarship Fund, the Frank J. and Ruth P. Galvin Fund and the Billy Safian Humanitarian Fund.
For more information regarding the work of the Foundation, please contact Foundation President Jacqueline Irwin at 472-2311 or visit the website, scarsdalefoundation.org .
Come to the Kabaret
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Greenacres resident Nancie Schnur has been delighting children with her songs for 23 years in Scarsdale. She performs her “Kiddie Kabaret” at birthday parties, in schools, libraries and wherever young children can be found. She is a local legend and here is her story:
When did you first start singing and learn to play the guitar?
I have been singing my whole life though I am not trained nor do I read music. I write all my songs by singing the tunes into a tape recorder and writing down the lyrics as I go along. I learn everything by ear. (I did play guitar in college but don't anymore.)
What is your educational background?
I graduated from SHS and I have a BA from Sarah Lawrence College.
How long have you lived in Scarsdale?
I moved to Scarsdale from New Rochelle in 1968.
When did you start singing for children?
I started singing for young children when my kids were in nursery school. That was almost 23 years ago. My previous career was as a product and package designer for Avon Products and Sigma Marketing systems. I switched to children's entertainment so I could work my schedule around my kid's schedule and spend more time with them.
Do you write original songs or sing the classics?
I do both. I have many original songs and I also add verses and write music for old nursery rhymes that are in the public domain. Many of these appear on my album, Kiddie Kabaret. I also perform the classic kid's songs that we all grew up with like Old MacDonald, however, I like to give them a little lyrical twist or a more contemporary arrangement.
What are some of the favorites for kids?
Young children all seem to enjoy a song I wrote called "Four Luckie Duckies" where I wear puppets on my hands and feet. They love songs where they can participate too. I have another original song called "Nobody Sings a song about their Elbows" where we point to all the things about us that never get a song (elbows, knees, noses, sneezes, etc.) and they get a kick out of that. Of course, by the time we finish the song we actually DO sing about all those things!
Describe the parties you offer:
I perform Kiddie Kabaret at public libraries, schools and private events like birthday parties. The show generally runs 30 - 40 minutes depending on the age of the kids. I use lots of fun, colorful props to make the songs I sing come alive. These include hand puppets, finger puppets, puppets on sticks, puppets made out of gloves where each finger is a different character and many other whimsical objects. I make many of these props myself, especially when they accompany songs I have written.
Have children changed with the advent of new technologies?
Kids really have not changed in the two plus decades I have been doing this but technology has. I started out using cassette tapes and have moved onto CDS for playing the music that I sing to. Since my hands are busy using puppets, etc. I cannot also play an instrument so I sing live, and the music, which has been fully orchestrated in a studio, is recorded and played on a CD to back up all of our voices. The most fun is when all the adults who accompany the kids join in as that makes for a big intergenerational sing-along!
Where can Scarsdale kids find you?
I have been performing Kiddie Kabaret in The Scott Room at Scarsdale library for the past 22 years. The program is offered once a month from October through June at 10:30 AM usually on Tuesday mornings. Check the library schedule for upcoming dates if you'd like to join in the fun!
Anything else you would like to add?
I have a CD for sale that has 19 songs on it and gives a good taste of what the show is like. It is called Kiddie Kabaret with Nancie Schnur and can be purchased from me or at The Scarsdale Women's Exchange for $15. I offer a special discount on CDs when they are bought for favors in conjunction with a party.
Where can readers find you?
I can be reached at 914-723-2510 or at nanciejane@optonline.net
Here Today Gone Tomorrow
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Reading, Writing and Wrapping is finally history. The store has been winding down operations for several years and is now officially closed. The bookstore served Scarsdale since 1939, first on Garth Road and then moving to East Parkway in 1990. Competition from big retail chains, online sellers and the introduction of e-books undoubtedly contributed to the store’s demise. Readers who favor traditional books have lost another place to buy them, and the Village is left with two more empty retail spaces in a very prominent location. Hopefully the Village’s new relaxed parking requirements will help the landlord to attract a restaurant to downtown Scarsdale.
Also gone is the Citgo station at the Heathcote Five Corners. The gas pumps and tanks have been removed to make way for construction of the large retail building planned for the site. The identity of the tenant for the new space is being kept under wraps, but our bet is that a drug store is soon to open there.
However, there is also positive real estate news for Scarsdale where Patisserie Salzburg of Rye plans to open in the Christie Place complex, pending approval from the Planning Board. The Viennese pastry shop in Rye sells sumptuous croissants, pain au chocolat, strudel, baguettes, breads, pastries, tarts and cakes all freshly baked. There’s a good selection of coffees, and sandwiches and salads are sold at lunchtime. For breakfast, lunch or a snack, there will be ample seating inside and out when the weather allows. Par Shakiban who recently opened Eclisse Meditteraneo Cucina on East Post Road in White Plains owns the bakery.
In Hartsdale, Bosphorus Mediterranean Cuisine has submitted an application to open a restaurant on East Hartsdale Avenue at the site of the defunct Hartsdale Cheesery. Bosphorus will join Vega, Frankie and Fanuccis, Masala Kraft, Hunan Village II, Harry’s, Azuma and Jamba Juice, making East Hartsdale Avenue a virtual restaurant row. According to Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner, the application for Bosphorus will require a special permit and a parking variance from the Town Board. Feiner promises to speed the process along to make way for their opening.
In White Plains, Dick’s Sporting Goods has leased the first floor of the space once occupied by Fortunoffs. Dick’s sells clothing and gear for a wide variety of sports in addition to exercise equipment and camping supplies. They are sure to put the heat on the Sports Authority across the street.
