Scarsdale’s Finest
- Details
- Hits: 7353
I’ve always been fascinated with law enforcement. And, it goes beyond my obsession with every Law and Order series, and my current favorite show, Unforgettable. I have a real appreciation and reverence for our men and women in blue. I’m talking about Scarsdale’s very own police force. Every week, I pay attention to our police blotter and see our officers out on the streets. However, that’s about all the interaction I typically have with Scarsdale’s finest.
Okay, I’m not taking into account the tickets I’ve received for talking on my cell phone or the one I received for not wearing my seatbelt. I know. Don’t say it. It was years ago, and I was slowly rolling through the village. I didn’t think. Trust me, I learned my lesson.
Anyway, I really wanted to know a different side to what we, civilians, see from afar. A more personal, behind-the-scenes view, if you will. So, after getting clearance from our Chief of Police, Chief Brogan, and our Lieutenant Altizio, who is the Commanding Officer of the Investigations and Support Services Sections, my “ride-along” dream became a reality.
Last Wednesday, February 29, 2012, I prepared for my adventure. Camera, check. Pens, check. Notepad, check. Print-out of the Scarsdale Police Department’s website information, double check.
Off I went. After signing some forms and deciding to bring the bulletproof vest along “just in-case,” I could hardly contain my excitement. I knew I was smiling from ear-to-ear, but still tried to maintain some level of professionalism. You know, channel my inner Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay, Law and Order SVU). Well, I doubt Olivia would have brought her camera along to take pictures of herself in front of a patrol car, but hey, I couldn’t resist.
My day began with a tour of the newly renovated station house. It’s gorgeous, yet still maintains some pieces of important 
historical value. For example, the holding cells are still original to the circa 1950 -1952 police station. Only the windows and stainless steel plumbing fixtures were upgraded.
Throughout Lieutenant Altizio’s guided tour, I was able to learn a lot about our police department. We have 42 officers on the force, and one officer at the Academy in training right now. Many of those officers come from the NYPD.
And, I bet you can’t guess what Scarsdale’s number one crime problem is to date. Nope, it’s not our current burglary situation, which happens to be on the decline. In 2011 we had a total of 18 burglaries, while 2010 experienced a total of 43. Our police force must be doing something right.
Anyway, back to the criminal activity, currently ranking number one in our town. It’s identity theft. I know. I was surprised too. Lieutenant Altizio said, “We see this a lot with ATM skimming. Devices are used to clone your ATM card, immediately after you use them.” So, be careful at the ATM machines people.
The Lieutenant also made me aware that Scarsdale, which spans a 7.5mile radius, has a higher visibility rate, on the road, during each shift, than other larger towns. “We average 4 to 6 cars on the road at any given time,” Lieutenant Altizio informed me.
As we finished up our tour and conversation, Officer Dinis Castro took over and had me accompany him on the last hour of his day shift. Officer Castro has been with Scarsdale for about a year and a half, and previously spent about two years with the NYPD in Times Square.
The first thing I noticed as I got into the passenger side was that there wasn’t that much leg-room on my side. Of course, when I took a look in the back, I saw that the “cage” was directly behind my seat. Immediately, I didn’t mind my leg space. I mean, clearly, it’s a whole lot better to be sitting upfront than in the back.
Next, I learned that every police vehicle comes equipped with a computer, where all calls come through, a shotgun, a rifle, first-aid equipment, an oxygen tank, and a life-hammer (which might be used if a child gets locked in a car, for instance). That’s a lot of stuff.
Our first call came over the radio. I thought to myself, here we go. We were responding to an “aided call,” which meant that somebody was in need of assistance. Do you like how I keep saying “we”? Never mind I wasn’t allowed to leave the vehicle, I still felt like “we” were responding.
I asked Officer Castro, “Are you going to put the siren on?”
“No. Only, if there’s traffic at an intersection, I’ll use it just to get people to move,” he answered.
I saw a little siren action. And, you know what? People did move right away.
We arrived on the scene in no time, and thankfully, everyone was okay. Once again, we were off to patrol the streets. While happily patrolling, I asked Officer Castro, “This is a big change from Times Square, so how do you feel being here?”
“I love Scarsdale. It’s a pleasure to come to work,” he immediately answered.
I was very quiet, which, as you can imagine, is a rarity for me. Although, when Sgt. Spagna wanted to know if there were any questions, I couldn’t contain myself. I made a slight move to sort of raise my hand, and said, “What’s a wink?”
“Warrant inquiry,” he quickly replied.
I’d love to be able to use that in some cocktail party conversation. You know, something like, “I was reading about the latest suspect in a series of burglaries, and apparently there’s a wink on him.” How’s that for picking up some cool police lingo?
Roll call was over. I was then heading out with Officer Jessica Knatz for the first hour in her evening shift. Officer Knatz is one of three female officers on our force. We have two female patrol officers and one female detective.
She’s been with the Scarsdale Police Department for five years, and was with the 23rd Precinct in Spanish Harlem for four years prior to joining the SPD. We talked a lot about the differences between the two. I asked Officer Knatz what she thought was one of the main differences.
She pondered it for a moment and then offered, “A lot of us come from the city, so we view Scarsdale as a really nice place to work. And, it’s a very selective process here. Every officer has been hand selected to ensure a good fit. In a smaller town, especially a town like Scarsdale, you can be more selective, which is a good thing.”
And, that’s what really struck me the most as my “ride along” came to an end. Our police force is comprised of dedicated, experienced and truly nice men and women. There’s no doubt that we have the finest keeping us safe here in Scarsdale.
However, I wasn’t finished. There was just one more thing I had to find out. My Facebook community wanted to know the truth about cops and their donuts. So, I’m here to dispel the myth once and for all.
Apparently, the stereotype that police love to eat donuts is just “not true. It’s really a matter of personal preference,” according to Officer Castro. Officer Knatz agrees. She also added, “I’ll take a cookie over a donut any day. Coffee, on the other hand, we like, a lot.”
So, when you see our officers around town, offer a “thank you” for protecting us, and our children, and possibly a cup of coffee, just hold the donuts.
Contributor Sharon Lippmann, writes about her "so called suburban life," as a proud resident of Scarsdale, NY. She is a writer, blogger, mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend and one sassy chick. She loves exploring the interesting, strange, perplexing, vexing, ridiculous and funny that life offers up frequently. Enjoying more of what she has to say about nothing, and, well, everything at mydailypill.com.
People Search
- Details
- Hits: 4259
Help us find these folks: A local filmmaker is looking for a subject for her latest project, Scarsdale and Edgemont Family Counseling seeks seniors (65+) for intergenerational program and Bobby Flay is looking for food entrepreneurs. Here are the details:
Looking for the September 11 Lady at the Hartsdale Bagel Store
Does anyone remember the story of the lady who missed her train on September 11 because she was arguing with the man in the Hartsdale Bagel store about the size of her coffee? As a result, she missed her train, was late for work and was not in her office at the World trade Center when the towers went down.
Does anyone remember her name or know how to get in touch with her? A local filmmaker would like to interview her for a video. If you know the woman’s name or have leads about her whereabouts, please contact Amy Stern at 914-723-7011 or amy.stern10@gmail.com.
Seniors Wanted for Intergenerational Program
The Older Adult Services program of Scarsdale and Edgemont Family Counseling Service will once again be sponsoring an intergenerational program with Scarsdale Middle School. Last years successful program matched older adults from the community with enthusiastic 6th graders who interviewed the seniors over 4 days and then wrote their biographies. The project, known as “Earth’s Elders” is a curriculum based on the book of the same name written by Jerry Friedman a photojournalist who traveled the world interviewing “Supercentenarians” –individuals over 100 years of age. Earth’s Elders Foundation was formed as an educational project to raise children’s awareness of older adults in the community. This year they are again looking for volunteers, 65 and over, who will participate in the project. The dates are May 9th, 16th, 23rd and May 30th. Transportation will be provided from the Girl Scout House at 9:30 AM to the Middle School. Return time is approximately 11AM.
For more information please call JD Sullivan at (914)-723-3281 or email at: jdsullivan@SFCSinc.org
Food Network Casting Call
The Food Network Show starring Bobby Flay is looking for talented, outgoing and dynamic food entrepreneurs who are 
opening a business between March and June of 2012.
In this exciting new series, critically acclaimed chef Bobby Flay will be mentoring lucky entrepreneurs in the days leading up to their eatery opening. Those chosen will receive culinary business coaching from a major celebrity chef and restaurateur, as well as nationwide publicity!
If you or someone you know would be interested in applying, visit www.bobbyflayprojectcasting.com for more details. Casting is taking place in the next few weeks so apply soon.
One Sweet Lady
- Details
- Hits: 7558
I don’t think there’s a day that goes by when I’m not in the Scarsdale Village. And, I believe I know just about everyone working in the Village too, including all the officers responsible for my numerous parking tickets. I’m not going to get started on the 90-minute meter-parking limit, or the fact that they hover until the second it starts flashing that “0.”
I’m writing to express my love of patronage for those village stores. However, I really miss all the ones that have left us. Michael’s, where I used to play Seinfeld trivia with Jason; gone. The Stationary Arcade, where we all headed for our school supplies back in the day; gone. Vaccaro is no more. The UPS center is now a candy store. And, my beloved “Book Lady,” Wallace, closed shop.
All of these stores were important to our village, but it’s the people behind the counter who made, and continue to make, our village a home.
No one embodies that more than Emily Hirsch, proud proprietor of Candy ‘n Cards for 45 years. Throughout the various stages of my life, school age girl to mother of two, Emily has been sitting at that counter and waving to me whenever I pass. She is a comforting constant, who never misses an opportunity to ask me about my parents or my kids.
Now it was my turn. I went into Candy ‘n Cards today for some birthday cards, oddly enough, and we started talking.
Emily and her husband Morris, “Big Mo,” bought the store in 1967, after her son and daughter went off to college. In addition to her two children, she has four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
And, nobody wants the store. “Who wants to go into retail today? Only someone nuts, like me,” Emily deadpanned.
“Your right. Retail is tough,” I agreed.
“My son Jeffrey, a lawyer, is retired and I’m still working. Crazy,” Emily said as we laughed together.
Working is an understatement. She’s in that store six days a week. Daniel is there to help her, whom she calls her “right hand man and a sweetheart.” But, it’s all her.
I couldn’t get enough of Emily. A quick wit and inherent wisdom are a potent combination, and she has it in spades. She also has some incredible genes.
Emily looks exactly the same as she did when I was a little girl, just a little shorter. So, I had to ask her, “How old are you?”
“I’m 95 years old and I’m still vertical,” she answered with a chuckle. “Amazing,” I said.
Emily continued, “My original customers still come in, if they’re still alive…and they come in with their children and their children’s children.”
I happen to be one of those children. We reminisced about how she used to watch me push Sam in his stroller, as I passed her store. Nice memories.
There is no doubt that Emily has seen it all in her 45 years, sitting behind that counter. So, I asked, “How do you feel about the changes going on in the Village today?”
“You can quote me on this; the bridge is a disaster. I think they built the G.W. in less time,” she stated, with a wide grin, followed by a chuckle or two. She went on to say, “The internet is killing me. You can buy everything online now.”
“Yes, but nothing can compare to a store-bought greeting card. There’s nothing like pen-to-paper,” I insisted.
“True,” she replied, while nodding.
And, here’s another truth; being a loyal customer has many rewards. Getting to know and see Emily Hirsch almost every day has been a precious one.
After all, it’s the people who make Scarsdale the special place that it is, especially our town’s shopkeepers. Their long-standing friendship is what gives our roughly 18,000 person village, that small town America feel. And, I love it.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to send my sister her birthday card, so she gets it in time.
Contributor Sharon Lippmann, writes about her "so called suburban life," as a proud resident of Scarsdale, NY. She is a writer, blogger, mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend and one sassy chick. She loves exploring the interesting, strange, perplexing, vexing, ridiculous and funny that life offers up frequently. Enjoying more of what she has to say about nothing, and, well, everything at mydailypill.com .
Cancer Support Team to Honor Josh Glantz of Scarsdale
- Details
- Hits: 7612
The non-profit Cancer Support Team, fully licensed by the New York State Department of Health, provides services to southern Westchester cancer patients at any stage of disease, free of charge and without regard to insurance coverage. Services include nursing care management, social work counseling, education, advocacy, information about community resources, transportation and financial assistance.
Two prestigious awards will be presented at the Gala. Josh Glantz of Scarsdale will receive The Wald-Lee Vision Award for his volunteer efforts on behalf of Swim Across America, a generous supporter of cancer research and services. Josh Glantz was one of the founders of the Long Island Sound Swim twenty years ago. Along with his twin brother Jeremy, Josh started the swim as a fundraiser for cancer research in memory of Larchmont resident, Kathy Webers. “When I started the swim, Kathy Webers was probably the first person I knew well who had to fight against cancer,” said Glantz. “Now I hear about new battles all too often. Cancer Support Team is so unique in how it puts patients and their families at ease so they can focus on their individual fight. That’s why I continue to swim and will continue to raise money for this cause.”
Jack Wheaton of Fairfield, Connecticut, Mildred Wheaton of Jupiter, Florida, Christie Philbrick-Wheaton and Dede Philbrick-Wheaton, both of Larchmont, will all receive The Barbara Melamed Memorial Award for their ongoing support of CST’s nursing services, thereby providing direct assistance to people with cancer in lower Westchester County. In 2008, the Wheaton family established the Barbara Philbrick Memorial Fund at CST in memory of Jack Wheaton’s wife, Barbara Philbrick, who died that year from cancer. The Fund supports CST’s program of in-home nursing assistance. “We understand what an emotional toll it takes on a family when a loved one is battling cancer,” Jack Wheaton said. “Through our support of Cancer Support Team, we not only honor Barbara, but also help those families who on their own may not be able to obtain proper care and counseling.” For more information about Cancer Support Team’s services, the 2012 Benefit, volunteering or providing financial support, go to www.cancersupportteam.org or call 914-777-2777.
Developer Dupes Village
- Details
- Hits: 6811
Here is a letter from Richard Hanna of Saxon Woods Road about the construction of a house on a neighboring lot: To the Editor: These days it seems anyone can buy, demolish and build a house for sale in Scarsdale despite the Village insistence that they discourage developers from doing just that. A case in point is 140 Saxon Woods Road. For months in 2011 the Village Board of Appeals, the Board of Architectural Review and the Building Department all agreed to the variances and requests from a developer to build a house at 140 Saxon Woods Road despite protests from neighbors that it would block the natural water course flowing across the property, the proposed “McMansion” was too tall and unsightly on such a small property and the owner is a developer who was building the house to sell for profit.
This deal had a certain aroma from the beginning that only increased as time passed. In fact at the first Board of Appeals meetings when asked, the developer stated that he was building the house for his family live in when in fact, as it now appears, he planned to sell it all along.
This became evident last week when the uncompleted house was listed for sale at $1.389m. I am appalled that such duplicitous behavior is not only tolerated but also rewarded with hundreds of thousands of dollars in profit for the developer.
Of course one could argue that he in fact did initially intend to take up residence in Scarsdale, but as soon as excavation commenced the water situation became quite clear. Although it must be pointed out that he purchased 140 Saxon Woods Rd with full knowledge of the severe ponding phenomena in the yard and that the former home had suffered for some 30 years of flooding (ever since 144 Saxon Woods Rd was built in 1980, on top of a pond and stream and with higher property grade elevations.
The storm water management plan has not successfully addressed the necessary drainage in the area. Due to the high water table level and a rock shelf it may not be possible to install the cultex tanks/drywell. While excavating the site he was unable to dig to the desired drainage grade level due to water and shelf/ledge.
The developer has in fact built a dam significantly altering the 140 Saxon Woods Rd lot terrain obstructing the natural drainage pattern in the area and interrupting a natural watercourse.
As a result of the excavation at 140 Saxon Woods Road one foot from the property line, part of the backyard property of 138 Saxon Woods Rd sunk. The west to east slope of the Saxon Woods Rd neighborhood has now gone up-hill at 138-140 SW Rd, following the several feet of backfill elevating the grade, resulting in ponding in our yard when it rains.
It appears the developer may very well get his profit and leave behind a compromised neighborhood and an environment prone to flooding. It demonstrates reckless behavior with destructive consequences for Scarsdale residents, with the sole intent of the opportunity to earn easy money.
I kindly request the Village to be more scrupulous in their future considerations of variances requested from developers to build an oversized house on a small property. Scarsdale is not a borough in a city where houses are side by side. We would like to retain the integrity of the Village.
Thank you and best regards,
Richard F. Hanna,
138 Saxon Woods Road, Scarsdale.
