Arlene Katz Nominated to Run for Family Court Judge
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 14274
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.
JCC of Mid-Westchester Gala Celebrates Special Needs Services
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 5550
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.
Edgemont Aid- Friday May 9
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 5298
Music, food and fun activities will all be in the mix at Edgemont Aid, scheduled for 4 PM - 9 PM at Edgemont High School on Friday, May 9. The event features hours of musical performances and is open to all members of the community.
High school club will run booths and local groups, individual musicians and the Edgemont Vocal Group, who won first place at the Berklee College Music Festival in February will perform. The booths will have a variety of events, including Dance Dance Revolution, Fish Pong, a crepe stand, a hotdog eating contest and more.
Tee shirts can be bought for $20 dollars and tickets can be bought either before the event for $5 and at the door for $7. All proceeds will benefit Gilda's Club. Gilda's Club Westchester is an organization that provides a welcoming community through events and outreach programs for people either living with cancer or people who are affected by someone living with cancer. Each year, Edgemont Aid provides local music and entertainment for the community.
Students will be able to buy tickets from G.O representatives at Edgemont or at the door before the event.
Here is the list of performers. Order is to be determined.
1. Edgemont Vocal Jazz Group
2. Samie Feig
3. Sardines- Mina Lee and friends
4. 9th Period
5. Will Schultz
6. Nicole Conte and Brandon
7. Slam poetry group. Between acts
8. Gentlemans Brawal-Henry Vanvurren. and friends
9. Eric Last Band.
10. Isaac Schuchat Band.
11. Chris Gacinski
12. Saya Santaquilani
13. Edgemont Jazz Band
Check them out here:
USTA Eastern, Backyard Sports Cares and Sound Shore Indoor Tennis Launch Program for Underserved Youth
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 7258
STA Eastern and Backyard Sports Cares, a Westchester-based non-profit that provides quality team oriented sports programs for both underserved and special needs children, launched a six week evening community tennis program at Sound Shore Indoor Tennis in Port Chester last Friday, May 9th.
The program provides more than 60 underserved youth (ages 6-16) from White Plains and Port Chester the opportunity to learn tennis in a modern tennis facility. Additionally, they will receive quality skill instruction from tennis professionals and high school tennis enthusiasts trained as peer mentors from the area.
"The goal is to instill a love of the game, but also much more," said Sandy Hoffman, USTA Eastern's Tennis Service Representative from the Southern Region. "The full circle of community involvement with kids from different towns and backgrounds playing the game together truly resonates."
Danny Bernstein, Executive Director for Backyard Sports Cares, believes that it is a unique model for private and non-profit enterprises coming together to benefit the community. "It is a privilege to be working with Sound Shore Indoor Tennis. Angela Stevens has a heart larger than an oversized racquet," he said. "This project would never have gotten off the ground without her unconditional support."
Most of the participants are from longstanding Backyard Sports Cares community partners, the Carver Center in Port Chester and the White Plains Youth Bureau. The program beganlast Friday, May 9 and ends June 20, meeting every Friday night (excluding Memorial Day weekend) from 5:30-7:30pm.
The USTA Eastern Section, based in White Plains, New York, is a not-for-profit community service organization whose mission is to promote and develop the growth of tennis. The section encompasses all of New York State, Northern New Jersey and Greenwich, Connecticut. It is one of 17 geographic sections of the United States Tennis Association, the governing body of tennis in the United States, and supports more than 49,000 members. The section also establishes and maintains rules of fair play, high standards of sportsmanship and represents, in its jurisdiction, the programs and policies of the USTA. More information about the USTA Eastern section is available by visiting: www.eastern.usta.com.
Backyard Sports Cares (BYSC) is the non-profit (501c3) division of Backyard Sports, the leading provider of community team sports programs for kids of all ages in Westchester County. Established in 2005, Backyard Sports is committed to replacing today's "win at all costs" mentality of youth sports with an approach that promotes increased self-confidence and a lifetime love of sports while maximizing the athletic potential of each participant. Backyard Sports Cares was created to bring these ideals to children who have limited access to traditional youth sports programs, including children with special needs. Please visit www.byardsportscares.org, or call 914-304-4052.
For more information, contact:
Abby Lerner, Senior Manager, Sales & Marketing, 914-697-2383; [email protected]
Linda White-Banta, Backyard Sports Cares, 914.584.8626; [email protected]
Danny Bernstein, Backyard Sports Cares, 914.304.4052; [email protected]
Westchester Children's Museum to Honor Beverly McAllister at May 9 Gala
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 6217
The Westchester Children's Museum has announced that Beverly McAllister, Director of the Westchester Children's Museum "Museum Without Walls" Education Program, is the 2014 recipient of the prestigious Milton A. Williams, Jr. Scholars in Education Award. Ms. McAllister will be honored on Friday, May 9 from 7 to 10 pm at the Westchester Children's Museum's annual benefit gala – the first to be held on site in the Museum's future home at the Playland Bathhouse in Rye, NY.
The Milton A. Williams, Jr. Scholars in Education Award recognizes the invaluable role that teachers play in the lives of children and honors recipients for their positive impact on education. The award was created in partnership with Helen Williams in memory of her late husband Milton Williams, Jr., father of Westchester resident actress and performer Vanessa Williams, who serves on WCM's Advisory Board. Mr. Williams was a beloved music teacher and administrator for 43 years at the Alice E. Grady Elementary School in Elmsford. The award honors Mr. William's legacy as an educator and encourages others in the field to grow in their teachings and continue learning along the way.
"Milton was a mentor of not only music, but of life. Aside from teaching, he was a Boy Scout Troop Leader, a Millwood Fire Commissioner, and member of the Elmsford Rotary Club, among other things," said Helen, herself a former educator in the Ossining school district for 37 years. "Milton had an insatiable thirst for learning and for sharing his knowledge with others. He was dedicated to teaching whenever he had the opportunity and was truly passionate about education in all its forms."
"Bev McAllister has a long and vibrant career in the education field in Westchester County," continued Ms. Williams. "Her record of leadership and mentoring other professionals, development of dynamic programs for young children, and experience leading a team of educators in developing and delivering museum related programs to diverse communities makes her an outstanding honoree to carry on Milton's legacy of lifelong learning."
Beverly McAllister, an educator and education administrator in Westchester for over 30 years, is currently the Program Coordinator of the Museum Without Walls, the highly successful interactive education program developed by the Westchester Children's Museum to fulfill its educational mission until the bricks and mortar museum opens its doors in 2015. Previously, Ms. McAllister was Executive Director of Kids' B.A.S.E. & The Little School in Scarsdale; Director of the Reformed Church Nursery School in Broxville; Director of Ridgway Nursery School & Kindergarten in White Plains; and a classroom teacher for many years prior.
Many from Scarsdale are involved with the museum. Event Chair Stacey Schutzer is a Scarsdale mom of three, WCM Boardmember, and member of the Founding Family Society. Others from Scarsdale on the Benefit Committee include: Randi and Brian Culang, Alison and Greg Gordon, Francoise and Steven Kosson, Lauren and James Fields, Stacey and Richard Schutzer, Stephanie and David Simon, Kim Sparber, Marin and Brad Weinberg and Jayne and Joshua Weisbrod
The Museum Without Walls provides interactive art and science programs to elementary school age children primarily in communities that need it most. Under the leadership of Ms. McAllister, the Museum Without Walls, launched in mid 2010, has reached more than 11,000 students in more than 40 community organizations across the region, including the Carver Center of Port Chester; the Boys & girls Clubs of New Rochelle, Greenwich and Northern Westchester; YMCAs in White Plains, Rye, and Tarrytown; Lois Bronz Children's Center, and Lanza Learning Center. Ms. McAllister coordinates the programming for the partner organizations with a team of nearly 20 educators and career professionals in the arts, sciences, and early childhood education.
Museum Without Walls programs are funded by corporate, foundation, and individual donations. Leadership support from Wells Fargo as well as Rye, NY's Nan and Lear Beyer, a Managing Director of Wells Fargo, enabled the program to get off the ground and continue to grow. Other support comes from Con Edison; Entergy, Junior Leagues of Greenwich, Pelham and Westchester on the Sound; the Lego Children's Fund; the York Children's Foundation; and the TD Charitable Foundation.
Set to open in 2015, the Westchester Children's Museum will offer exhibits that are designed to encourage imagination, play, and interactive learning. Exhibit design professionals have been hard at work creating a unique learning space, one that reflects the particular interests of our children and our community. The Campaign for the Westchester Children's Museum is in the midst of a $10 million capital campaign to get the museum's doors open in the next 24 months. The architectural and exhibit design phases are complete, and construction documents are ready to go out for bid. With architectural and engineering teams are in place, all that remains is to raise the necessary funds to begin construction.
To purchase tickets, click here. For further information, contact: Corinne Zola, President, Westchester Children's Museum 914-834-0110 or Julie Sootin, Development Director, 914-421-5050, [email protected].
