Reduce Your Energy Usage During the Heat Wave
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Scarsdale resident and volunteer firefighter Jon Thaler is asking residents to monitor their power usage during the heat wave. He reports that the Scarsdale Fire and Police Departments are "responding to electrical problems related to high usage – including power wires in flames, exploding transformers and downed power lines. "
He are his suggestions for how you can be more "green" and reduce your energy usage:
- Lower usage of air conditioners – especially when you are not at home
- Usw fans rather than air conditioners
- Unplug chargers when they are not in use
- Shut off lights and appliances
- Use large appliances at night rather than during the day
- Run the dishwasher only when it is full
- Using LED or fluorescent light bulbs
These measures will decrease the burden on the power grid and hopefully diminish the risk of additional power outages.
WRT and Scarsdale Synagogue Welcome New Leaders
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Westchester Reform Temple (WRT) welcomes two new members to the administrative and clergy teams this summer. Alan Halpern is the new Executive Director and Sara Abrams will assume the role of Assistant Rabbi working alongside Senior Rabbi Jonathan E. Blake, Assistant Rabbi David E. Levy, Senior Cantor Jill Abramson and Associate Cantor Mia Fram Davidson.
"Westchester Reform Temple is now entering its 60th year, and continues to embrace innovation and tradition side-by-side. I am thrilled to welcome two outstanding new members of our staff who will strengthen our synagogue and extend our reach within our congregational membership and wider community."" said Rabbi Blake.
The community will have their first opportunity to meet the new WRT team members during Shabbat Evening Services this Friday, July 12, at 6:15 pm. Rabbi Abrams will deliver the sermon for the evening and Alan Halpern will be on hand during our reception following the service. "This is a wonderful and informal way to meet Rabbi Abrams and Alan," said temple president, Helene Gray. "They bring experience, energy and warmth to WRT. We are excited to have them be part of our community."
Sara Abrams comes to WRT from Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles where she has served as a rabbinic intern at Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills and as a chaplain at St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica. Rabbi Abrams's educational background encompasses her passion for teaching, learning, inquiry, and spirituality. In addition to her rabbinical ordination, Rabbi Abrams holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Hebrew (University of Wisconsin-Madison), a Master of Science in Education (Hunter College) and a Master of Arts in Religious Studies (University of Colorado) and is also a certified yoga teacher. Through Judaism, a love of God, Torah, and Israel, Rabbi Abrams seeks to assist others in nurturing a clearer and calmer approach to daily life and in fostering a deeper connection to the Divine. She is thrilled to be a part of the WRT community.
Alan comes to WRT from Temple Israel in Dayton, Ohio where he served for 11 years as executive director and sh'liach tzibbur (prayer leader and cantorial soloist), providing both administrative and musical leadership for the congregation. Alan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University and a Masters in Business Administration from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. He has worked as a management consultant in strategy, marketing and operations and led the business development and marketing functions of for-profit companies. Alan's wife, Julie, will join him here in New York in 2014 after their younger son graduates from high school. Their older son is a sophomore cello performance major at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University.
Westchester Reform Temple is located at 255 Mamaroneck Road, in Scarsdale, N.Y. For more information: call 914-723-7727, email office@wrtemple.org, or visit www.wrtemple.org.
Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanu-El (SSTTE) has appointed Rabbi Wendy D. Pein as its first Director of Congregational Learning. In this newly created position, Rabbi Pein's responsibilities will encompass both managerial and hands-on leadership of the synagogue's religious school, and also work closely with Senior Rabbi Jeffrey C. Brown on programs designed to educate congregants of all ages on the Torah, and the rituals, history and traditions of Reform Judaism. As head of the synagogue's religious school, Rabbi Pein succeeds Rebecca Schubert, who recently retired after 27 years.
"We are fortunate to have someone of Rabbi Pein's stature and background become part of our synagogue's outstanding professional staff, and we are grateful to Debbie Finn and Ellen Miller-Wachtel, who chaired our search task force, for attracting her to our congregation," said Ellen Baken, SSTTE's president. "Her deep experience, along with her energetic and passionate approach to teaching, is focused on communicating the relevance of Jewish thought and practices, providing our community with a valuable perspective as we meet the challenges of life in the 21st century."
In welcoming Rabbi Pein, Rabbi Brown said: "The overriding goal of our synagogue is to help ensure that our congregants, their children and our wider Jewish community are able to learn about and practice the customs, ideas and insights of our faith in ways that are exciting and enduring. Given her background and capabilities, I am confident Rabbi Pein will prove a great colleague for Cantor Becker and me, and to the rest of the synagogue's professional staff. Working together, our team will be better able to foster the innovation and continuity necessary to teach our children well, and better engage their parents and other adults in our community."
Immediately prior to joining SSTTE's professional staff, Rabbi Pein served as the Westchester coordinator and educator for Chai Mitzvah, a countywide initiative that re-engages Jews in synagogue and Jewish communal life. As a member of the Westchester Board of Rabbis, she also helped develop five "Introduction to Judaism" courses now offered throughout the area by rabbis from Reform, Conservative, Orthodox and Reconstructionist congregations.
Rabbi Pein – who holds a bachelor of arts degree from Stanford University and was ordained a rabbi by Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in New York – began her career in 1997 as an assistant rabbi at Temple Israel of New Rochelle. Following that, she became an instructor at the headquarters of the Union for Reform Judaism and simultaneously served as visiting rabbi at Temple Beth Israel in her hometown of Scottsdale, AZ. For the following five years she served as associate rabbi at Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester in Rye, NY, before moving to Texas to become senior rabbi of Congregation Adat Chaverim, a 150-family synagogue in Plano. Married with two children, Rabbi Pein now lives in Harrison, NY.
Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanu-El is a Reform Jewish congregation committed to creating, with and for its 500 member families, a covenant community of shared lives and real relationships. For further information, contact: Gary Katz, Executive Director, at (914) 725-5175 or by email at GaryKatz@sstte.org.
Scarsdale Faculty Honored at Retirement and Recognition Ceremony
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Teachers and faculty from bus drivers to librarians and psychologists were honored and thanked at the 28th Annual Retirement and Recognition Ceremony in the courtyard of Scarsdale High School on June 4. Michael McGill gave a humorous opening by congratulating the groupon completing "what seemed to be the longest school year in human history."
"This is a building made up of very different people that all have significance in the development of our children," said School Board member Jill Spieler. Board of Education President Liz Guggeinheimer said, "This ceremony is a celebration of the faculties' spirit and commitment to children and the community. Whether it is a patient smile from a bus driver in the morning or an inspirational word from a teacher or the listening ear of a guidance counselor, whatever you do really makes a difference in the lives of Scarsdale students." This faculty has "imparted the strength and curiosity to students that they need to grow and thrive," she added, and although the ceremony did "not recognize everyone as an individual, we all know that everyone adds individual value, ethics and kindness that makes this place something we are proud of." All of the faculty has "earned the admiration and respect that we feel towards them" and "on behalf of the administration, Board of Education, the community and all the children you've influenced, we thank you," said Jill Spieler.
It was a touching ceremony, with heartfelt speeches given by Superintendent Michael McGill and Board of Education members Liz Guggenhiemer, Jill Spieler, Mary Beth Gose and Suzanne Seiden, each of whom thanked different groups of faculty, ordered by their length of employment in Scarsdale.
The first group to be recognized was 13 employees who have been with the district for 20 years. They ranged across many professional areas in the district. There was a psychologist, a computer aid, accounting clerks, custodians, a bus driver and many teachers, all of whom, according to Spieler, "made a great impact shaping today's world as we know it here in Scarsdale schools." These faculty members "worked in a professional manner, helped students understand the ever changing world around them and provided valuable mentorship to newer colleagues." Each of them has "been a leader of schools for the last 20 years and helped facilitate the children's ability to learn, each in their own way. The work they do is priceless and cannot be measured." The 13 honorees are Kathy Basso, Carmela Guerney, Sharon DeLorenzo, Dina Hofstetter, Peter McKenna, Kimberly Papatrista, Anthony Smith, Andrea Tripodi, and Kathy Weixen who were each called up and thanked.
The next group, introduced by Board of Education member Mary Beth Gose, has worked 25 years in the district. "This group of 14 includes teachers, a custodian, secretaries, a principal and an assistant principal. "Through passion, strength, wisdom and experience you have served as role models to generations of students," said Gose. Each of them "has been a critical part in the development of thousands of students." Each day, by ensuring their health and safety while teaching and guiding them, this group "has helped each child to develop their full potential." Gose noted that we are "deeply appreciative of their service" and thanked Steven Boyer, Ronnie Braun, John Dean, Joan Farella, Georgia Geyozzi, Barbara Hatcher, Catherine Inello, Rene Lund, Michael McDermott, Helen Pasternack, Sue Peppers, Oksana Slywka, Dominque Starpoli and Patricia Wessel for their dedication, commitment and service to this district and our community.
Susanne Seiden, Vice President of the Board of Education, was given "great pleasure to honor the "small but exceptional staff who has served our children for 30 years." Together, this group has devoted 120 years to the students of Scarsdale. They have imparted "pearls of wisdom to our children" and we "appreciate the lunch periods you spent in book clubs and the smiles you give the students in the hallways of our schools." On behalf of the board members, Susanne expressed her gratitude to Patricia Marwell, Anita Occhiuto, Otilli Blateri and Michael Quinton for their "dedication to students, schools and this community."
Liz Guggenhiemer spoke again on behalf of those who have served Scarsdale Schools for 35 years. In 1978, this group of 5 "had become an essential part of the Scarsdale fabric." Everyone in this group "continued to work to make sure that there was vitality, inspiration and learning in schools, offices and programs." All of them have "integrated new technology in to their work and navigated a number of challenges that face schools such as mandates, globalized learning and local opinion." They brought "compassion, professionalism, energy and dedication" and "the children are better off because of them." They make somebody proud to say that they are from Scarsdale. Congratulations to Barbara Capulli, Catherine D'Orazio, Bruce Henry, Lucil Manganiello and Howard Rodstein, each of whom is celebrating his/her 35-year milestone:
"When we get to 40 years, we get a little more personal with achievements," noted Spieler. Usually, not that many people are here for 40 years and "we are excited and proud that someone would want to stay with our district for so long," said Liz. There are two people in this category: Special Education teacher Bob Caie, and Social Studies teacher Gwen Johnson. Joe Vaughn, while not present, shared a fitting tribute to Bob. In his words, "When Bob began teaching in Scarsdale, he was a business teacher, but then decided to go back to school to earn a masters degree in Special Education. Bob chose Special Education to work with students who are in the most need of help, an area that Bob excelled in providing. Always constant. Always supportive, Bob knew exactly when a kid needed a push or a comforting hand on his shoulder. Bob has been the guiding light that has allowed so many students to be successful in the challenging environment of high school. " Although his time of service to Scarsdale is at an end, "Bob's commitment to the well being of others, as exemplified by charity work in the high school and wider world will continue," said Guggenheimer. Next, John Harrison, Chair of Social Studies Department lauded Johnson saying, "Gwen has been a tremendous force in the Social Studies department ever since she arrived. The most remarkable act in her early career was leading a student's field trip to Washington D.C. to watch the Watergate trials. Having taught less than a year in the high school, Gwen led the trip so students could watch history in the making. She brought an undying energy, passion and a commitment to getting students out of the classroom and in to world. She brought students to China, Japan and Cambodia. And this year, after graduation, Gwen will again lead a group of 23 SHS students to Cambodia. She is a tireless promoter of world history and has spearheaded efforts to widen the Social Studies curriculum. She is always looking for ways to have students see history from multiple perspectives. Gwen is the embodiment of the committed educator and has left an indelible mark on SHS. Throughout the last 40 years, Bob and Gwen have demonstrated their commitment to teaching, love of children, commitment to colleagues and dedication to Scarsdale's community of learning."
Superintendent Michael McGill shared some of his own thoughts on a few retiring educators:
On Maureen Ball- "In an age of technology, the work of human hands still reveals and animates the soul. To share that understanding with the young is a gift to them and the giver."
On Diane Celentano- "Passionate and articulate about work. Her warmth, intelligence and generosity were palpable, always."
On Karen Cook- "Plant seeds in the dark earth and water them. You nurture them and give them love. They grow taller and stronger towards the sun. That is a kindergartener."
On Catherine D'Orazio- "A school treasure and the best ambassador to the community a principal could ask for. High praise indeed for a most praiseworthy person."
On Phillis DiBianco- "A champion of education for tomorrow. She fiercely defended a vision of old and new technologies blended in an integrated learning environment. "
On Cora Five- "A consummate professional, deeply knowledgeable about craft and pupil. She is a teacher, a teacher of teachers, an author and a national education leader."
On Neil Ginsberg- "His good cheer, endless energy and critical intelligence have been the soul of SHS for 39 years. He enlarged pupils' minds, their worlds and their lives."
On Jeanette Johnson- "Her warmth, nurturing personality and deep sensitivity to developmental needs of young children have made her a model kindergarten teacher. And all this with a good cheer and a smile."
On Leonard Kerson- "Every school needs a somewhat acerbic curmudgeon. He adds seasoning to the human stew. But blend to the spice with genuine care and lasting relationships, and you have a nourishing dish."
On Mary Anne Kingston- "A book is the axe for the frozen sea inside us. And for many years, your work has been to find an axe to fit the hand of every student. No small task, no small accomplishment."
On Mark Krauss- "A man of faith in human goodness. Your patience and hard work have certainly paid off for your students."
On Beverley Lorie- "The film The King's Speech portrayed the inner pain and outer struggles of a man who had no words. Like Lionel Logue, you give voice and hope and strength to the disempowered."
On Michael Mendelson- "He brings exceptional mastery to what may be the most difficult job in the district. He may be paddling like hell beneath the surface, but what we see is geniality, style and accomplishment."
On Adrienne Meyer- "The theatre is a place of mystery, magic and imagination. You open that world to your pupils, but more importantly you give them insight in to themselves."
On Zulmira Muzzio- "You bring warmth, generosity and the openness of native Brazil to everything. Your pupils become more able scholars but your shared humanity helps them to become fuller human beings."
On Helen Pasternack- "A fellow child of the 1960's but much younger than I am. Passionate, political and deeply engaged in the creative arts. Most of all, a humanist and an authentic person with a vibrant presence in your pupil's lives."
On Marilyn Peak- "Reserved and quiet by nature, you've capably and unassumingly transported Scarsdale's children to and from their appointed places. We rightly applaud you for providing this vital service to our children."
On MariEmmi Pozzouli- "Known widely as the kindest and happiest teacher on the Edgewood faculty, she is a gentle source of support for students, a valued colleague and a selfless mainstay of the Edgewood family."
On Dawn Rivellini- "Food nourishes both the physical being and soul. Your work has been to cultivate the school garden, but in so even more, your students' bodies, spirits and minds."
On Lorraine Rocco- "Nobody knows who was responsible for the burnt popcorn incident that emptied the high school. What I will say is that if anyone needs a reliable, sincere, kind and friendly co-worker I can offer Loraine as a reference."
On Pam Sparks- "She came late to teaching, bringing with her a maturity, wisdom and ferocious work ethic that informs all she does. Her shared sense of fun has livened the school and her dedication has deeply enriched her students."
On John Voss- "Music heals us. It tells us how we feel. It lifts us up to higher ground. He has built a program that has given two generations of students that gift. We thank him."
Superintendent Michael McGill then shared some closing words: "Education is about the mind and spirit. It is the work of cultivating full human beings. We are here to celebrate that work. You have left what you came to better than you found it. You have given your best effort down to the last moment. It is said that a teacher affects eternity. Those things you have imagined live on in the students you have touched. Teachers are eternal."
He continued, "Thank you to Joan Weber and the entire event committee for putting this ceremony together. Also thanks to the Scarsdale High School Jazz Band, directed by Jason Noble, for performing. But most of all, thank you to the newly retired teachers and faculty who combined have dedicated centuries to Scarsdale Schools, and in doing so helped thousands of students develop and realize their potential."
You can watch the ceremony on the Scarsdale Cable Channel by clicking here.
Scarsdale in the News: Sanderlin and Spierer
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Andrea Sanderlin, who put Scarsdale in the national spotlight in May, was freed from prison on Monday July 1 when she posted a $500,000 bond as bail. Sanderlin was arrested in May after officers from the DEA discovered she was running a large pot-growing business and selling the plants. However, according to news reports, the $500,000 bond she posted as bail was backed by a group of acquaintances who she barely knew, including a train engineer, a secretary and two workers at a hair salon.
Sanderlin was indicted on two charges; manufacturing and possessing marijuana with intent to distribute and maintaining a drug-involved premises. She pleaded not guilty and will return to court in mid-July.
Sanderlin lived in a rented home on Saxon Woods Road in Scarsdale, ostensibly paying $10,000 per month. The house is now back on the market for $13,500 per month and the landlord is seeking a new tenant for the large home that was built in 2009. Though no one knows where she will relocate with her two daughters, Sanerlin's connection to Scarsdale could soon be severed when she moves out of the home.
The parents of Lauren Spierer a 20 year-old Edgemont girl who has been missing since June, 2011, have filed a lawsuit claiming that the three students
who last saw their daughter contributed to her "disappearance, injury and death." The complaint names Corey Rossman, Jay Rosenbaum and Michael Beth and alleges that they were negligent in supplying her with alcohol and failing to see her home, leading to her injury and likely death. According to the suit, "Spierer's abandonment in an intoxicated and disoriented state in the early morning hours of June 3, 2011 in an area known for criminal acts contributed to her disappearance, and presumed injuries and death." The suit was filed in Monroe Circuit Court, a federal court in Indiana, the state where the Indiana University student went missing.
This is a civil suit that seeks compensation for damage. The three men have not been named as suspects in the case; however they have not been forthcoming about what happened that night and Spiere's parents, Robert and Charlene Spierer, hope that the suit will pressure the men to shed some light on what may have happened to their daughter.
June 3, 2013 marked two years since Spierer vanished. Intensive and widespread efforts to find her have been unsuccessful.
Community Lauds Retiring Faculty
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The past few weeks have been a hectic time for the Scarsdale Board of Education. Following the defeat of the first school budget and Dr. Michael McGill's announcement that he will step down as Superintendent of Scarsdale Schools next year, the Board of Education has been dealing with some difficult, almost unprecedented issues.
For nearly one month, since the first budget was defeated on May 21st, the Board of Education has been working tirelessly to structure a new budget that in Dr. McGill's words "is mindful of this community's commitment to excellence while gauging where the community is in terms of fiscal restraint."
The Board seems to have fulfilled both of these conditions, as the revised budget maintains class sizes, extra curricular activities and core educational programs, all while reducing costs by over $1,300,000.
On the night before the second vote, June 17, the Board of Education paused from financial discussions to recognize the retirements of esteemed teachers and faculty.
Here is a list of the newly retired staff (effective July 1st, 2013) and their respective positions:
- MaryAnn Kingston: Librarian at Heathcote School
- MariEmmi Pozzouli: Elementary Classroom Teacher at Edgewood School
- Helen Pasternack: Art Teacher at Edgewood School
- Cora Five: Elementary Classroom Teacher at Edgewood School
- Diane Celentano: Kindergarten Dance/LCI Coordinator
- Phyllis DiBianco: Librarian
- Neil Ginsberg: Social Studies Teacher
- Leonard Kerson: Librarian
- Mar Krauss: Psychologist
- Michael Mendelson: Director of Special Education
- Amy Schandler: Special Education CSE/CPSE
Among these 11 teachers, Diane Celentano, Phyllis DiBianco, Neil Ginsberg and Michael Mendelson were in attendance at Tuesday's Board Meeting and received special commemorations replete with heartfelt speeches from Scarsdale Assistant Superintendent for Personnel Joan Weber, Superintendent Michael McGill, SHS Principal Kenneth Bonamo, Dr. Robert DiYanni, and other members of the Scarsdale community.
"Vivacious, animated, spirited and enthusiastic." Those are the words Joan Weber used to describe Diane Celentano. Diane first came to Quaker Ridge as a classroom teacher "with a range of admirable skills." She "had an exceptional capacity as a leader" and "made both her students and colleagues feel valued and respected" said Weber. Dr. Robert DiYanni, Director of Art and Aesthetic Education said Diane "consistently evokes the love of her students, appreciation of parents and respect and admiration of Scarsdale colleagues." Diane was always "characterized by her vitality and passion for the arts." She had "a strong interest in arts and dance," which led to her participation with the district's early collaboration with the Lincoln Center Institute. She ultimately "gave rise to kindergarten dance program" and eventually "became the Kindergarten Dance and Lincoln Center Institute Coordinator." According to Dr. DiYanni, it was Diane who made the "resurgence of the Lincoln center program possible." In short, Diane was "a major inspiration to her students and colleagues."
According to former Assistant Principal Fred Goldberg, "Every school should have a Neil Ginsberg, but two would certainly be too many." Joan Weber described Neil as "a force of nature." He is an "iconic figure" and "has been the life and soul of Scarsdale High School for the past 39 years," said Principal Kenneth Bonamo. Neil is "a precious resource" says Eric Rothschild. "He is a teacher of exceptional qualities and his relationships are superior. He is the person students talk to for any issue." He is invariably positive to everyone and there is "no one more skilled at giving students and colleagues a warm and encouraging word," said Ken Bonamo. Neil's exceptional interpersonal skills are just one of the attributes that make him "a blessing for one's school." "It is also the enthusiasm he has for the place." Neil "glows with enthusiasm undiminished by the passage of time," said Ken Bonaomo. Judy Fox wrote, "Keeping up with Neil is as challenging as following a game of racquetball. His ideas are fast and exciting and he uses the whole court. He exhausts the spectator." Neil's contributions to Scarsdale Schools have been "extensive and exhaustive." Neil was part of the group that founded the Civ-Ed program and was a leader in the Senior Options program. He played an integral role as student government advisor and student activities advisor. Not to mention, he brought the carnival to Scarsdale High School. There is "not a piece of the SHS curriculum that doesn't bear the fingerprint of Ginsberg," said Ken Bonamo.
Phyllis DiBianco "is a librarian who maintained her status as a visionary," said Ken Bonamo. Phyllis came to Scarsdale in 1997 with "a wealth of experience as a media specialist." She "opened online resources to hundreds of students and staff." "The library has been her kingdom and she has reigned wisely," said Joan Weber. "Drawing on an unlimited source of energy, Phyllis prepares thoroughly to help students and colleagues access the treasure drawer of information she carefully curates for them," says Ken Bonamo. She "is mannered with students, both caring and firm." She has been very involved in SHS affairs, serving on nearly every school committee and has been "a pleasure to work with on many collaborations" said Weber. She is an "advocate and expert in the use of technology and "all have grown from her advocacy, art, and craft." "Scarsdale offered Phyllis "the opportunity to question, explore and grow. ...The Board wishes her the best as she pursues the next chapter with her grandchildren abroad and in the states."
Joan Weber recalls Dr. Mendelson's initial interview. "He walked in with a slow, confident demeanor, all sun tanned and relaxed in his loafers. The year was 2000, Mendelson and the millennium had arrived." Mike had come to work as the Director of Special Education. "Dr. Michael Mendelson's job may be the toughest in district," said Superintendent Michael McGill. "The work is to provide an education that is appropriate and of high quality for kids who really struggle. That by itself is immensely difficult. In addition, the work involves counseling, advising, supporting and hearing parents who are themselves in distress because of problems that they are wrestling with as a family. Mike does a superior job of balancing all those different forces. He does the finest job of any special education director I have ever worked with. He is a combination of professional competence and personal grace," said McGill. Now, 13 years later, "Mike leaves a bit more pale of complexion and somewhat more intense, but still with characteristic wit and mischievous smile," said Joan Weber. "He took on the complex empire of special education." He helped hundreds of students grow into the people they are supposed to be. "His intelligence is very rare in this kind of job and we are going to have a very difficult time replacing him," said Weber.
"Compassion, caring and bonds with students have become the hallmark of Scarsdale education," said SHS PTA President Jaqui Walter. Scarsdale High School parents would like to thank these educators "who have had such a profound impact on our children." "They are the heart, soul and brain of the environment to which we send our kids everyday."
