Community Shares the Love at the 2025 Scarsdale Bowl Dinner

Jill Serling and Andrew SereyskyThere were all the elements of a great party on Thursday night April 23, 2025 when the people of Scarsdale threw themselves a bash in Mamaroneck. Contributing to the mix was a balmy night, a colorful sunset, a large terrace over Long Island Sound, an upbeat band, a spirited gathering of Scarsdale’s leaders and most important, a wonderful reason to celebrate.

What was the occasion? The annual Scarsdale Bowl Dinner, established in 1944 to honor volunteer service and civic commitment. Through the years, the Scarsdale Bowl has been awarded to former Mayors, Village Trustees, School Board and Library Board members – but this year, the honoree was a beloved Greenacres man who had not served in any of those roles, but made a mark in his own way by building a sense of community, friendship and belonging that impacted so many friends and neighbors in his orbit. Andrew Sereysky, aka “Andre de Greenacres”, was the man at center stage and he illuminated the room.

As a longtime President of the Greenacres Neighborhood Association, Sereysky set the standard for what a neighborhood association should be. He hosted pancake breakfasts, outdoor movie nights and an annual July 4th celebration with games, fire trucks, politicians and patriotism. His work on the Village’s Technology and Communications Committees furthered his mission of facilitating the sharing of information and in turn, furthering community. Even more impressive, when it was time to pass the mantle of neighborhood association leadership, he successfully recruited a whole new generation of young residents who have successfully led the charge – and adore Andrew for his leadership and legacy.

The Spotlight Award, granted to an individual or group who make a meaningful contribution to a single cause, went to the Scarsdale Adult School. This award drew another group of supporters Cynthia and Marc Samwickto the dinner, including the staff of the Scarsdale Adult School, teachers and loyal students who enjoy the school’s deep breadth of courses. Representing the school, Executive Director Jill Serling sought to share the spotlight with her team and the community, but it was impossible to underestimate the importance of her leadership and enthusiasm in the group’s success.

The combination of neighborhood friends, lifelong learners, and hundreds of spirited volunteers gave off a great vibe in the room. Casting an eye around the crowd, you couldn’t help but realize how fortunate you were to live in a place where people care so much.

The gala was co-chaired by former Mayor Marc Samwick and Cynthia Samwick, who did a brilliant job as co-hosts. They kept the evening light, fun and well-timed. Without a hitch, they relinquished their seats at the dinner table to two late-arriving politicians and sat at a small table set up for the silver awards on the stage.

Anne LyonsThey welcomed and gave credit to “the true heart of Scarsdale—all of you—our civic-minded, engaged, and passionate neighbors.” They said, “We are a village in a park, but more importantly, we are a village of people who show up—a community that gives, gathers, and grows together. This evening is a testament to our big tent: there is room for all, and together, we make Scarsdale an extraordinary place to live, work, and raise our children.”

Each year the Scarsdale Foundation names the Bowl Committee who runs the event. Founded almost a century ago, the foundation provides scholarships and grants to students and organizations in need.

This year’s President, Anne Lyons said, “Yes, Scarsdale has a charming Village, great schools, beautiful landscaping, and we were just recognized as a tree city USA, but it is the people that makes Scarsdale special. The Foundation and this bowl dinner are beloved Scarsdale traditions because they reflect the best parts of our community, all of you.”

Lyons explained, “For over 100 years, the Scarsdale Foundation has quietly helped families and organizations in times of need. Many families move to Scarsdale for the exceptional schools, clearly our community values education. Yet, the rising costs of college can be challenging for some. Life happens, and families are faced with tough decisions. The Scarsdale Foundation steps in to give these families a boost ensuring that no child has to forgo their dreams due to financial hardship.”Samwicks and Serling

Accepting the Spotlight Award for the Scarsdale Adult School, Jill Serling said, “Did you know that Ben Franklin brought lifelong learning to the United States? Franklin was a strong advocate and practitioner of lifelong learning. He believed in continuous self-improvement and dedicated a significant portion of his time to learning new things. He famously used his "five-hour rule" to dedicate an hour each weekday to deliberate learning…. Ben Franklin lived a long life – till 84. SO, if you haven’t dived deep into lifelong learning, now is the time! Join us for a class or two – you won’t regret it!”

“Like we tell our kids when they are writing their college essays, sometimes it’s okay to brag. And tonight, I think it’s okay to brag about SAS! This year, we are so humbled to receive the Spotlight Award from the Scarsdale Foundation.”

Samwicks and Sereysky“I truly believe it takes a village to run and support a program like SAS. Without our students who return to our classrooms each semester for their fill of lifelong learning, we wouldn’t exist. I know many of you in this room are our students and to you we are very grateful. Our instructors are the backbone of our program and again without you we wouldn’t exist. Our board and advisory committee of past and present have been the stewards of this program for 87 years and without you we wouldn’t exist. And finally, the present staff of SAS, a remarkable group of kind, patient, smart and accomplished women– Amy Bitterman, Andi Goldstein, Komal Choksi, Diane Baylor, and Stephanie Sklar – you make this program run. Without you, we wouldn’t exist. Cheers to SAS! We build community through lifelong learning.”

Introducing Scarsdale Bowl winner Andrew Sereysky, Marc Samwick said, “Andrew Sereysky is, simply put, one of the kindest, most genuine people you will ever meet. He’s been described — quite fittingly — as a big teddy bear. And anyone who knows Andrew knows that behind that ever-present smile is a heart that beats for Scarsdale.

Scarsdale Foundation BoardAndrew doesn't just live here — he loves it here. Since settling in Greenacres in 1994, he has poured his time, his talents, and his whole self into strengthening the very fabric of this community.  And he’s done it with grace, humility, and a deep sense of purpose. Andrew is the friendly face at community events, the calm voice in the room when things get tough, and the ultimate team player. Andrew, your decades of service, your warmth, and your unwavering commitment to Scarsdale have left an indelible mark. You have lifted up this community in ways big and small — and tonight, we lift you up in return.”

Scarsdale Bowl Committee
Coming to the podium to accept the treasured Bowl, Sereysky said, “Many people may not realize just how much volunteerism fuels this town. Scarsdale has over 15 boards and councils. And that’s in addition to over 50 community organizations that strengthen our town. There are literally hundreds upon hundreds of volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to making Scarsdale thrive. …Beyond the infrastructure and governance, at its core, it is the volunteers who bring this town to life.”

Scarsdale Adult School Staff….Often, people ask me, “How does it all work?” And my answer is simple: it works because people step up. So tonight, I challenge each of you—whether you’re waiting for the train, watching a sports game, or simply out and about in town—to introduce yourself to someone new. Encourage them to get involved. You never know how a simple conversation can plant the seed for someone’s future in community service. Maybe even the next Scarsdale Bowl honoree, just waiting for that nudge in the right direction.

Scarsdale Adult School Board membersLastly, I want to acknowledge my family— my wife Joan, daughter Brett and her husband Joe and daughter-in-law Jessica not to mention my three grandchildren—who have supported me on this journey. And in the face of the unimaginable death of our son Jedd, who passed away 7 years ago at the age of 34 from Leukemia, I wake up every morning feeling his presence, his encouragement, and, as a surgeon, his unwavering belief in making a difference. That belief drives me forward, inspiring me to do more, to serve more, and to elevate what is possible in this incredible town we call home.

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The Scarsdale Historical Society provided two videos with the history of the Scarsdale Bowl which you can see here and here.

Some of Andrew’s younger neighbors presented him with an Acrostic. It says it all, so here is it for you:

A.N.D.R.E.W.Greenacres Neighborhood Association
A – Altruistic
Andrew’s dedication to Scarsdale is rooted in selflessness. He has spent decades giving his time, energy, and expertise to improve the community without seeking recognition.
N – Neighborly
As a longtime Greenacres resident, Andrew fosters a sense of connection and support among residents, always ready to lend a hand or a listening ear.
D – Dedicated
With nearly 30 years of service across multiple organizations, Andrew’s unwavering commitment has shaped Scarsdale’s civic life.
R – Reliable
His leadership roles—including serving as President of the Greenacres Neighborhood Association and Chair of the Cable Television Commission—showcase his dependability. The community trusts him to take action and follow through.
E – EngagedLauren Easton, Andrew Sereysky and Kristen Cipriano
Andrew is deeply involved in every aspect of village life, from governance to mentoring future volunteers. His enthusiasm and participation ensure that Scarsdale remains a vibrant, well-connected community.
W - Wholehearted – Andrew puts his full passion and energy into every role he takes on, whether leading an organization, advising on committees, or strengthening Scarsdale’s sense of community.

A tireless force, with heart so true,
Nurturing Scarsdale in all that you do.
Devoted to service, year after year,
Raising up voices, making change clear.
Ever a leader, steadfast and wise,
We celebrate you with honor and pride!

Kudos to the Bowl Committee and the Foundation Board, members listed below, for another successful and memorable night.

Bowl Committee

Cynthia and Marc Samwick, Co-Chairs
Amy Cooper, Secretary
Isable Finegold, Treasurer
Penny Bauersfeld
Randi Culang
Elise Flagg
Lori Kaplan
Tracy Lazarus
Toby Milstein Schulman
Danielle Retelny
Alli Seiden
Ryan Spicer
Stephaie Stern
Claudia Uribe-Galeano
Julie Zhu

Foundation Board

Anne Lyons, President
Marc Greenwald, Vice President
Jon Leslie, Treasurer
Tracy Tang, Asst. Treasurer
Wendy MacMIllan, Secretary
Isable Finegold
Seema Jaggi
Erika Rublin
Suzanne Seiden
Andrew Sereysky
Janice Starr

Photos by Andi Schrieber Photograhy @andischreiberpix on Instagram.