Scarsdale In Light for the Holiday Season
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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The streets of the Village were aglow with holiday cheer for the annual tree lighting on December 1. There were Christmas carolers, free hot chocolate and pretzels courtesy of the Scarsdale Police and Fire Departments, gifts and activities from the Recreation Department and SVAC, seed planting from the Weinberg Nature Center and information from the Scarsdale Library.
There were inflatables and characters greeting the guests. Westchester Reform Temple provided a large menorah which is also on display next to the tree.
Boniface Circle and Chase Road were closed to permit everyone to walk the streets without traffic and to clear the way for Santa Claus who arrived in a fire truck. He sat in his sleigh and welcomed children who lined up to give him their holiday gift wish list.
The Mayor had the honor of lighting Scarsdale’s magnificent evergreen in Boniface Circle. Before doing the honors he made the following statement:
I’m Justin Arest, your Mayor and I’m thrilled to be joined this evening by Trustees Brew, Ahuja, and Gruenberg as well as Acting Manager Alex Marshall. First and foremost, I want to thank Brian Gray and Bob Kaczmarek and the entire PRC team for putting together what has to be the best light the dale yet. I’m appreciative of all of you for coming out in impressive numbers despite the inclement weather. Special thanks also go to our DPW, Police, and Fire Departments as well as SVAC, for making this event possible. I also want to thank and mention our Library that is also represented in Boniface Circle where there are some great offerings. Please check all of the tents out.
In this season of celebration, I'd like to reflect on a profound symbol that unites us all: light.
Light, in every culture, symbolizes hope, guidance, and warmth. As we light candles and adorn our homes with lights, we embrace not just a tradition but a universal message of optimism and resilience.
Therefore, in the spirit of the season, let's pledge to be sources of light and joy throughout the year. May this holiday bring joy to your hearts and homes, and inspire us to continue spreading light and kindness.
Happy holidays to everyone, and may your new year be bright and hopeful.
Sadly the weather did not cooperate and a steady rain deterred many from coming down to see Scarsdale in lights for the holiday season.
Zero Otto Nove -- Fine Dining In Tuckahoe
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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There are so many Italian restaurants, pizza places and take-out options in our area that I failed to distinguish between restaurants that provide weeknight delivery of chicken parm with gourmet Italian cooking that’s also nearby.
It turns out there is a real difference.
That’s what I learned at a recent dinner at Zero Otto Nove in Tuckahoe, brought to us by the same people who run the famed Roberto’s Italian restaurant on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx.
The restaurant, which is located across the street from the Tuckahoe Train Station, is larger than it appears from the street. We entered into a pub style room that features a long bar, where you can stop in for a drink and strike up a conversation with the person on the next bar stool. Behind that is a high-ceilinged dining room centered on a massive fireplace – giving it a more formal feel. We then realized that another 10 tables were available in the mezzanine above the dining room. And then were taken downstairs to find a large private dining room in a wine cellar with seating for up to 30 people.
We settled in next to the fireplace and asked the restaurant manager Clyde to guide us through the best that Zero Otto Nove (which was Roberto's zip code in Italy) has to offer.
He explained that all the ingredients of our dinner had been purchased from Arthur Avenue or made fresh on site, so it was no accident that every dish was a cut above. Using fresh mozzarella, fish from Cosenza’s Fish Market and smoked meats and cheeses from Teitel Brothers, the chefs at Zero Otto Nove crafted antipasti, salads, meat and fish dishes that were both expertly produced and unique.
Polenta with meatballs in spicy tomato sauce.
After perusing an extensive list of wines and cocktails, we selected our first glasses and then turned to the menu. In the meantime, Clyde brought out a dozen oysters – which were fresh and delicious. I’ll be back for more of those soon.
The restaurant is known for their Mafalde in Cartoccio, or pasta cooked in tin foil, so we tried that first. What arrived were radiattore, which we learned were made in the pasta machine downstairs, which was baked with porcini mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and breadcrumbs and topped with shaved parmigiano cheese. Our waiter opened the steaming sealed packet at our table, releasing a wonderful aroma. It was delicious as you can see from the photo below.
Also not to be missed was the “Parmiagiana di Melazane e Zuccinine.” This was not your usual eggplant parmesan. Here, thinly sliced pieces of eggplant and zucchini are lightly fried and layered with a light tomato sauce, topped with creamy fresh mozzarella, and baked accompanied by fresh basil leaves. Highly recommended for both vegetarians and omnivores.
Mafalde in CartoccioNext we tried something completely different: Polenta e Caprino. We were served thick triangles of polenta, bathed in a spicy tomato sauce with small meatballs and goat cheese. Another interesting surprise.
Special that night was truffle fettuccini with parmesan and cream. That was rich.
At that point it was time for the “Secondi Piatti.” Did we want to try the “Brasato alla Peroni”,” short ribs braised in beer sauce with cherry peppers and gorgonzola or the Bistecca alla Salernitana -- grilled hanger steak with marinated eggplant, sweet cherry pepper, arugula and shaved pecorino? We were tempted but too full of our “Primi Piatti” so instead we ordered the Branzino Acquapazzo, another highly recommended dish. This was a fresh fish filet baked with cherry tomatoes, parsley and garlic – light and flavorful.
On the menu for our next visit is a veal scallopoini with zucchini, sundried peppers, speck prosciutto and fontina in white wine sauce and Pollo Scarpariello, spicy chicken on the bone (dark meat) sautéed with sausage, peppers and white wine.
On display near the kitchen is a large glass refrigerator featuring a rack of tomahawk steaks. That would also make a great dish to share.
Everything we sampled was delectable. The staff was friendly and the servers were well trained in the art of eating. The restaurant is spacious and welcoming and we’ll be back soon for another fine dining experience at Zero Otto Nove – either in Tuckahoe, Armonk, the Bronx or New York City.
Buon Appetito!
The wine cellar and private dining room.
Zero Otto Nove
16 Depot Square
Tuckahoe, NY
(914) 337-6941
Open Tuesday – Sunday
https://zeroottonove.com/tuckahoe/
Reservations available on Open Table.
They've Got Talent! Halloween Window Painters at Work
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Though temperatures were nippy, the sun finally came out on Sunday October 15, to allow Scarsdale’s young artists to participate in the annual Halloween Window Painting Contest. We found kids in the Village, on Palmer Avenue and in the Golden Horseshow painting colorful and amusing window paintings with some creating masterpieces on the windows of Scarsdale’s store windows.
Some were themed to go with their local such as “Get Your Spooktacular Nails Done,” at the nail salon or “The Grossery Market” on the window of De Ciccos and Trick or Chopt Treat at Chopt in the Golden Horseshoe. Others referred to pop culture including Taylor Swift and Barbie, and some had a political references including Peace. There were skeletons, witches and pumpkins and some very impressive work by skilled painters.
Check out our gallery of Scarsdale’s artists at work here --- and add your photo to the gallery by emailing your image to scarsdalecomments@gmail.com.
The MAD Lab: Where Creativity Meets Connection
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- Written by Wendy MacMillan
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Designed and created on the 3D printer.Come and get inspired at the MAD Lab, a place where creativity meets connection! The Mad Lab (MAD for Make A Difference), is a brand new maker’s space at the Scarsdale Public Library where a variety of workshops are led by older kids teaching younger kids within the community.
According to Christine Boyer, retired Heathcote teacher and one of the founders of the MAD Lab, “The new maker’s space is sponsored in part by Scarsdale Action for Youth (SAY) and is designed to instill a sense of agency and pride in both the young teachers and their students while also boosting self-esteem and curiosity, all through a design lens and hands-on, highly engaging activities.” Ms. Boyer adds, “We've had students on our team from day one and while we are just getting started, we know this program has the potential to make a huge positive impact on the youth in the Scarsdale community.”
Hanging on a wall in the MAD Lab is a promotional sign that reminds visitors that:
-The arts can help to develop real-world skills like critical thinking, problem-solving. Motor skills, hand-eye coordination, spatial recognition, and communication.
-Creating something as a group develops personal connections while engaging minds in thought-provoking ways. It also promotes cooperation with others and sharing, which are necessary life skills.
-The arts “mingle” with feelings, emotions, and creativity. They can open a window to different people and cultures. They provide one of the most intensive ways to show human experience in an understandable way. Participating in the arts is an ideal way to build empathy and understanding, which can bring us together in a completely different way.
On a recent visit to the MAD Lab, all of these amazing attributes were on full display as Scarsdale High School Senior, Grant Lieberman taught a room full of young learners (including elementary, middle school, and high school students) how to make their very own 3-D printed creations and stop-motion animation. Mr. Lieberman engaged the students with an ease of an experienced professor but made room for the young learners to explore and create whatever their hearts desired.
All MAD Lab programming is brought to you in partnership with Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Services (SEFSC), Scarsdale Action Youth (SAY), the Scarsdale Public Library, and Design Education 4 Resilience. For more information on any Mad Lab workshop, contact Christine at MADLab.spl@gmail.com
To find out more about the MAD Lab or to sign up for one of their exciting workshops check out the Scarsdale Public Library’s website here.Scarsdale Public Library’s website here.
Getting set up for stop motion animation.
SHS Senior Grant Lieberman taught the class.
I Am More Scarsdale Announces Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraising Campaign
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I Am More Scarsdale is excited to announce its 7th Annual "Breast Cancer Awareness" fundraising campaign, scheduled to run throughout the entire month of October. In partnership with White Plains Hospital, I Am More is dedicated to raising funds to provide mammograms and associated services to uninsured and underserved women in Westchester County.
The stark statistics reveal that 1 in 8 women in the United States will confront breast cancer during her lifetime. Recognizing cancer risks, adhering to regular screenings, and adopting a healthy lifestyle are essential measures women can take to mitigate their vulnerability.
Disparities in screening mammography and barriers to accessing breast cancer screening are most prevalent among racial/ethnic minority and low-income women. Consequently, due to delayed screening, these women face a higher risk of being diagnosed with advanced-stage breast cancer compared to the general population, leading to increased breast cancer mortality rates. One significant barrier to early detection is the financial burden associated with mammographic screening.
I Am More Scarsdale is committed to assisting women in Westchester County in obtaining screening mammograms to detect breast cancer at an early, treatable stage. Co-Founder Marcy Berman-Goldstein, a board certified Radiologist with specialized training in breast imaging underwent a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery in 2018 due to suspicious pathology. Speaking about her motivation for this cause, she said, "Given my medical background, personal experience, and strong family history, I believe knowledge is the most powerful tool we can possess to help ourselves and others. We are thrilled to support White Plains Hospital to ensure that more women have access to screening mammograms."
Here's how you can contribute to this vital cause:
Visit I Am More Scarsdale (6 Spencer Place) throughout the month of October. With a $20 donation, you can "Spin the Wheel" for a chance to win two $250 gift cards and additional prizes throughout the month. Additionally, you will receive a scratch-off card for 10-30% off one regular-priced clothing item.
Please consider making an additional tax-deductible donation toward the below patient needs:
$50 – will help provide reliable transportation to cancer care appointments.
$100 – will offset the cost of a mammogram for a woman in need.
$250 – will provide a wig to a cancer patient undergoing active treatment.
Transportation: Many women lack access to reliable transportation, which often leads to rescheduled or missed appointments and deferred care, which results in poor prognosis and an inferior quality of life. Therefore, transportation assistance is vital in ensuring that these women can access essential treatments. Average cost: $50
Mammograms have been a cornerstone in the fight against breast cancer, contributing to a nearly 40% reduction in breast cancer mortality in the U.S. since 1990. Mammograms save lives! Average cost = $100
Wigs provide crucial support by helping cancer patients regain a sense of normalcy, confidence, and control over their appearance during a difficult period of treatment, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life. Average cost: $250
DONATE NOW: https://www.wphospital.org/iammore/
About I Am More Scarsdale:
I Am More Scarsdale, a women’s boutique in Scarsdale Village, is celebrating its six-year anniversary. I Am More’s mission is to empower women to make them feel confident, to support up-and-coming and women-owned businesses and designers, and to give back to local and women’s philanthropic organizations. I Am More operates as a philanthropic organization, with ownership foregoing a salary to donate profits to the organizations it supports. I Am More has been a recipient of the Best of Westchester awards for Best Women’s Empowerment Shopping, and owners, Marcy Berman-Goldstein and Abbey Solomon, have been recognized by the Westchester County Business Journal as powerful women leaders in 2018, 2019 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. www.iammorescarsdale.com.
About White Plains Hospital:
White Plains Hospital is a proud member of the Montefiore Health System, serving as its tertiary hub of advanced care in the Hudson Valley. The Hospital is a 292-bed not-for-profit health care organization with the primary mission of providing exceptional acute and preventive medical care to all people who live in, work in or visit Westchester County and its surrounding areas. White Plains Hospital has outpatient medical facilities across Westchester, including multispecialty practices in Armonk, Larchmont, New Rochelle, Rye Brook, Somers and Yorktown Heights; and Scarsdale Medical Group locations in Harrison and Scarsdale.
The Hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission and in 2022, White Plains Hospital received a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) — the highest distinction offered by that federal agency. In addition, the Hospital received its third Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a distinction held by only two percent of hospitals in the country. White Plains Hospital has consistently received the Outstanding Patient Experience Award from Healthgrades®, and in 2022 became the only Hospital in Westchester to be awarded with an A Safety Grade from the Leapfrog Group for the 8th time.
https://www.wphospital.org/
