TAP Unveils "Buy Local" Campaign for Scarsdale
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On Monday, June 16th, local consumers, businesses, and government officials gathered at the Scarsdale Library to attend the final presentation of The Acceleration Project (TAP)'s Buy Local Study. In collaboration with the Scarsdale Chamber of Commerce, TAP launched the Buy Local Study to promote the vibrancy of Scarsdale's commercial hubs and to educate community stakeholders on the importance of actively supporting local businesses. TAP, a nonprofit organization that deploys local professionals to assist local small businesses, assembled a team of 19 consultants, collectively donating over 2,400 hours to the project.
TAP Co-Founders/Co-CEOs Lisa Tretler and Jane Veron provided specific business recommendations to accommodate consumers' changing needs and unveiled a new marketing campaign to encourage patronage of local businesses. Tretler and Veron shared detailed findings from a widely circulated consumer and business online survey and reviewed insights gleaned from in-person interviews, focus groups, and a national best practices analysis. TAP consultant Tracy Ullman introduced the key components of the marketing campaign including a memorable "Shop the 'Dale" logo and messaging. TAP also offered a comprehensive list of proposed marketing tactics and a Buy Local public service announcement video created by SHS student Andreas Larsen. Said Tretler, "When consumers choose to spend their time right here in Scarsdale, they actively improve the value, vibrancy, and desirability of our beautiful town."
Watch the Buy Local video, or Public Service announcement, here:
TAP recruited twelve block captains, business owners from Scarsdale's five retail hubs, to help lead the implementation of the campaign. Block captain Michelle Anderson, owner of La Dentelliere, commented, "I spoke to a few people after the presentation, and it was all positive energy. Businesses were all thrilled to have been there." TAP noted that they were also invited to share Study data with Scarsdale government officials.
Sponsors' donations helped to defray some of the costs of conducting the Study. Buy Local Study sponsors included: Christie-Spencer Corporation/Scarsdale Improvement Corporation/Wilgrin Realty Corporation, BlueMountain Capital Management, Houlihan Lawrence, Country Bank, Julia B. Fee/Sotheby's, Platinum Drive Realty, and Lange's of Scarsdale.
According to Veron, "The Buy Local study elevates the success of businesses and Scarsdale overall, preserves our sense of community, and ensures that local businesses remain vital for our convenience." The details of the final report and associated marketing collateral including the logo and messaging can be found on the Scarsdale Chamber of Commerce website at www.ScarsdaleChamber.org. A ribbon cutting ceremony to officially kick of the Shop the'Dale campaign will take place this coming September.
(Pictured at top:) TAP Buy Local Team, from left to right: Amanda Hack, Tracy Ullman, Nanette Koryn, Claire Brennan, Lisa Tretler (Co-Founder and Co-CEO, TAP), Carol Fitzgerald (CEO Buzzback Market Research), Deb Pekarek (Scarsdale Village Trustee), Andreas Larsen, Jane Veron (Co-Founder and Co-CEO, TAP), Carolyn Stevens (Executive Director, Chamber of Commerce), Emily Feldstein, Julia Feldstein, Mary Blum. Not pictured: Richard Effman, Janette Gee, Joan Hendell, Michaela Hendell, Tracy Jaffe, Kim Meyers, Pam Rubin, Rhonda Schnipper
Friends Ride to Honor Michael Ludwig
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Friends of the Ludwig family showed up on wheels on the Bronx River Parkway on Sunday June 8th for the 7th annual bikeathon for the Michael Ludwig Foundation. The bikeathon is held in memory of Michael Ludwig, who died from an undetected congenital heart condition at 9 years of age. Many of Michael's friends and their families came out to remember Michael and enjoy a special ride.
The Foundations' mission is to enhance awareness, detection, and treatment of congenital heart conditions especially among young athletes. Most recently it has been funding medical research involving coronary anomalies. Learn more at www.michaelludwigfoundation.org
Arlene Katz Nominated to Run for Family Court Judge
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The Westchester Democratic County Committee has nominated Scarsdale Acting Justice Arlene Katz to run for Westchester County Family Court Judge on the ballot in November, 2014
Judge Katz has been a practitioner in the Family Court for over 20 years and has been the part time Scarsdale Village Justice for nineteen years. Speaking for the party, Mark Lewis said, "Arlene understands the needs of children and families and does her best to ensure that they get the best representation possible. This is the type of person we want sitting on the Family Court bench. Judge Katz has complete control of her court and makes sure defendants understand their rights. If they do not, she takes the time to explain before proceeding on. She cares about the people who come before her and tries to make them feel that they will be heard and get a fair trial."
Judge Arlene Katz lives in Scarsdale, is married and has two children who have gone through the Scarsdale School system.
Croton-On-Hudson Acting Village Court Judge Anne Minihan was nominated for Westchester County, County Court Judge. She is the Principal Law Clerk to J. Emmett Murphy, Supreme Court. Ann has worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Westchester County where she prosecuted criminals to the fullest extent of the law.
Judge Minihan has presided over thousands of criminal, vehicular, civil and landlord/tenant matters. Judge Anne Minihan is married and has two children.
Lemonaid: Helping those in need one glass at a time
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On Saturday May 31 more than 100 families across Scarsdale set up old-fashioned lemonade stands to help New Yorkers living in poverty. Sponsored by Robin Hood – New York's largest poverty-fighting organization – Scarsdale children and their parents raised more than $75,000 to help their neighbors in need, one glass of lemonade at a time.
Lemonaid is a great way for parents to introduce their children to the importance of giving back at a very young age and it demonstrates how even the smallest efforts can make a huge difference in someone's life. Every penny raised from Lemonaid will go directly to food pantries, soup kitchens, job training programs, schools, and medical services that help the neediest New Yorkers get back on their feet.
Families in Greenwich, CT, also participated in Lemonaid this weekend, and the Hamptons will be hosting Lemonaid stands over the Labor Day weekend. If you would like to participate next year, e-mail Caroline Page at Robin Hood (page@robinhood.org).
JCC of Mid-Westchester Gala Celebrates Special Needs Services
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Stilt-walkers, a magician and a juggler entertained the crowd at the JCC of Mid-Westchester's carnival-themed Gala, celebrating 20 years of excellence in providing special needs programming and education. Board Treasurer Roger Kahn garnered kudos for his dedication to the JCC, and Alison Singer, president and co-founder of the Autism Science Foundation, received the JCC's Community Service Award for her work on behalf of families and children in the special needs community. Susan Rozin of New Rochelle, Helen Samuels of NYC, and Rachel Moseley of Scarsdale, served as Gala Co-Chairs with honorary chairman Robert Arnow of Scarsdale.
More than 200 guests, including local dignitaries, UJA-Federation of New York executives, business leaders, and patrons gathered at the Renaissance Westchester Hotel in West Harrison, NY, to pay tribute to the staff and teachers of the JCC's Special Needs Services and Enrichment programs, celebrating 20 years since the JCC began special needs programming and education. Toward Tomorrow Pre-School, evaluations for school services, speech therapy, occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT) and/or counseling services, integrated summer programming, as well as enrichment programs, such as social skills, Tai Chi, gymnastics, theater, art, music, sports are among the many special needs services and programs offered at the JCC.
As Alison Singer accepted the JCC's Community Service Award, she spoke movingly of her experiences when her daughter was a preschooler in the JCC's highly-regarded Toward Tomorrow Pre-School, licensed by the New York State Department of Education. The celebration extended through Sunday, May 4, with a Family Festival and Carnival at the JCC open to everyone in the community. Children enjoyed carnival game booths and prizes, jumping in bounce houses, and sliding down the Big Slide. Pet Rescue was also present with dogs for adoption. Proceeds from the festival and gala will support the programming and services of the JCC Special Needs department, as well as scholarships for children in various programs at the JCC. Donations still being accepted at www.jccmw.org.
