Local Honorees: UJA and Eagle Scouts
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Karen and Edward Friedman Honored by UJA: Nearly 500 guests joined UJA-Federation of New York's Westchester Region as it honored Karen and Edward Friedman of Scarsdale and Ellen and Michael Brown of Purchase. During this event — Westchester Celebration 2013 — special tribute also was paid to Rabbi Lester Bronstein of Bet Am Shalom Synagogue in White Plains.
The celebration took place on Thursday, May 30, 2013, at Brae Burn Country Club in Purchase, where guests came together as a community to pay tribute to the honorees for their enduring leadership in the Westchester Jewish community and to support UJA-Federation and its network of nearly 100 local and global agencies. The event raised nearly $350,000.
"As Jews we are also called upon to do something. Being, yes, but also doing. Being, but also giving," said Rabbi Bronstein. "We like to say 'If not now, when.' The 'when' is rhetorical, you know. Yes, the answer is in our hands, but only for the briefest moment. The 'when' is now — and then it is past."
Scarsdale residents Karen and Edward Friedman are dedicated to helping Jews in need around the world, as well as finding ways to support the community at large. Karen Friedman serves on UJA-Federation's Executive Committee and Board of Directors and is chair of Women's Philanthropy. She also is a member of its Caring Commission Cabinet and the Commission on the Jewish People's Task Force on Engaging Interfaith Families. Previously, she was on the Nominating Committee for Officers and the Nominating Committee for Directors. In addition, Karen recently was appointed to the National Women's Philanthropy Board of Jewish Federations of North America. Edward Friedman is a founding partner of the law firm Friedman, Kaplan, Seiler & Adelman LLP, and serves on the Board of Trustees at Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale.
A treasured leader of the Westchester Jewish community, Rabbi Lester Bronstein of White Plains has served Bet Am Shalom Synagogue in White Plains as its religious leader since 1989. Currently Westchester's rabbinic chair of SYNERGY: UJA-Federation of New York and Synagogues Together, he is a past president of the Westchester Board of Rabbis and UJA-Federation's Westchester Rabbinic Roundtable. He has long engaged in interfaith work through the White Plains Religious Leaders Association and the Westchester Interfaith Clergy Network. A proud participant in the study circle of White Plains rabbis from four streams of Judaism, Rabbi Bronstein is a board member of Hillels of Westchester.
Eagle Scouts Named in Scarsdale: Scarsdale Boy Scouts Troop 2, based at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Scarsdale recently conferred five of its boy scouts with the Eagle Scout badge. They include Anthony Carella, Keith and Kevin Hernandez, Casey Lutz and Michael Siciliano.
The boys are among a distinguished group of 158 boy scouts from across Westchester and Putnam counties to attain the rank of Eagle Scout this year.
They were also recognized June 5 by the Westchester-Putnam Council of the Boy Scouts of America during a special event held at the CV Rich Mansion in White Plains.
Eagle Scouts must fulfill specific requirements before gaining the prestigious badge. To qualify they must earn a total of 21 merit badges, complete a service project, take on a number of leadership roles within their troops and complete additional requirements.
Athletes Honored at Maroon and White Picnic
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Students, parents, faculty and coaches gathered to recognize the athletic and academic achievements of student athletes at the annual Maroon and White Spring Picnic on Tuesday, June 5. The event was sponsored by Maroon and White, the parent booster organization that supports and encourages athletics at Scarsdale High School. The night kicked off with a delectable feast on the main lawn of SHS's Brewster entrance. Student athletes and their families gathered together to take pictures and reminisce about fond past sports seasons, all while enjoying the extensive spread of hamburgers, hot dogs, Caesar salad, caprese salad, tortellini pasta and baked goods, and plenty of refreshments.
Following the meal, students and families were ushered inside the auditorium for the award ceremony. First to speak was SHS Principal Kenneth Bonamo. He showed strong support for the Scarsdale Athletic Program and all four hundred and twenty athletes that played on one of the eighteen different teams this spring. Those teams, ranging from freshman to varsity, included: Baseball, Softball, Boys' Lacrosse, Girls' Lacrosse, Boys' Tennis, Track, Golf and Crew. Principal Bonamo "saluted all of these athletes for their hard work" and "thanked the coaches for their commitment and dedication."
Next to take the stage were Maroon and White Co-Presidents Liz Whitney and Charlotte Carr, who expressed their sincerest gratitude to the following 
individuals that made this event possible: Beth and Danny Bernstein for "donating the hamburgers and hot dogs for the picnic," Keith and Teresa Goldberg for "donating the paper to make the Raiders Sports Journal over the years," Greg Leone for his "valuable help to the sports journal" and Bob Syracuse and his staff, who has "made sure that athletic teams and athletes maintain high standards expected at Scarsdale." They thanked them for their thorough generosity and dedication to the Scarsdale Athletics Program as a whole.
Last, but certainly not least, came the awards. Maroon and White recognizes student athletes for their excellence and dedication both on and off the field. The selected students must not only excel in their sport, lead and support their teammates and demonstrate excellent sportsmanship, but they must also be dedicated to their academics and perform honorably in the classroom. These standards are rigorous, and the five award winners were credited with excellence on the field and in the classroom.
See our photo gallery with pictures taken by SHS senior and photographer Becky Schwartz:
Here are the 2013 award recipients:
Peppers Award: The Peppers family award is a leadership and spirit award given to one male and female senior athlete. Assistant Principal Sue Peppers and her husband Jerry, for whom the award was named, were there to give the award. The female recipient of the Peppers Award was Christina Del Orto. Christina, captain of the Swim and Golf Team, "has excelled academically and integrated classroom skills with athletic ability to become a respected student athlete" says her coaches. She is a "role model" with undying "perseverance" that showed when she swam across the Hudson River to raise money for cancer research. She has displayed "leadership and sportsmanship" on the field, along with "a contagious enthusiasm" that is an "inspiration to her coaches and teammates." Jacob Cannon, varsity football captain and SHS Student Body President, was the male recipient of the Peppers Award. Jacob was described by his coach as "the type of player you wish you could clone." He is not just "big and strong" but also "has an amazing work ethic" says his coach. He "works hard in the weight room, on the practice field and has a rigorous academic course load." That work ethic is a big reason why Jacob was voted first team all league, won the David Buchanan Award, attended the senior all star game and will be playing college football at Princeton next year.
The Nina F. Mooney Memorial Award is presented to honor a female varsity player who exemplifies spirit, dedication, hard work and passion. Nina had a special place in her heart for female athletes who didn't receive enough credit for their passion. Amanda Reed of the volleyball team was the winner of this year's award. Amanda "brought the team together on and off the court and was a true role model for younger players." She "left a legacy for future volleyball players to look up to," said her coaches.
The Nonie Knopp Memorial Award is presented to a senior male varsity player who has demonstrated passion, and this year's recipient "exemplifies that attribute." Matt Mccan, a member of both the Track and Football teams, received the award for his "dedication, commitment, concern for others, spirit, enthusiasm, positive work ethic and leadership with an emphasis on leadership." When the coach was late, "Matt was the one to get warm ups started." As shot put league champion, Matt helped to "teach his teammates the fine art of throwing."
The Elizabeth Timberger Memorial Award honors a senior who helps a team, not as a player, but through some other form such as a manager, audiovisual specialist or a fan. Elizabeth was an avid fan and enthusiastic rooter on the sidelines, and this award honors her spirit. This year's recipient was Brittany Gerstein, who chose not to compete as a cheerleader, but to remain a part of the team of the manager. She attended every game, practice and competition. Her coaches "can't even describe how much of a help she has been." She "can be trusted with responsibilities inside and outside of practice." Brittney has "truly dedicated herself to the program" and is the rightful recipient of the Elizabeth Timberger Memorial Award.
Baseball
Coaches: David "DOC" Scholl, Dave Paquette
Record: 7-15
All League: Grant Goodman, Kurt Shuster
All League Honorable Mention: Raj Palekar
All Section Honorable Mention: Jacob Aboodi
Comeback Player of the Year: Raj Palekar
Softball
Coaches: Dave Scagnelli, Kevin Carrigan
Record: 7-13
All League: Greta Bodine, Dana Goldstein
Boy's Tennis
Coach: Jennifer Roane
Record: 10-5
All League: Jonny Dorf, Sam Gray, Anito Inirio-Akuetey, Zach Shulman, Richard Bennett
All Section: Jonny Dorf, Sam Gray
Boy's Lacrosse
Coaches: Tim Weir, Brendan Curran
Record: 1-14
Girl's Lacrosse
Coaches: Cece Berger, Genette Zonghetti
Record: 12-4-2, Section 1 Class A Semifinalists
All League: Lindsey Repp, Dannah Strauss, Julia Ross, Sarah Mehlman, Abigail Stone, Lindsay Root, Lauren Farfel
All Section: Lindsey Repp, Danna Strauss
All Section Honorable Mention: Julia Ross
Track and Field:
Coaches: Rich Clark, Devin Hoover, Patrick Healy, Chris Mullen
Record: Boys 2nd in League IIB and Girls 3rd in League IIB
All League: Patrick Clark, Robert Plummer, Maggie DesRosiers, Helen Clapp, Laura Cutlip, Christina Hebner, Matt McCann
All County: Patrick Clarke, Robert Plummer
All Section: Patrick Clarke, Robert Plummer
Crew:
Coach: Alex Greenberg
Melanie Norman and Olivia Garcia qualified for Nationals with the PCRA. They raced in the Girls Lightweight 8 Boat, which also won Gold at States.
Chris Martin won Gold at states for the PCRA Boy Novice 8
Boy's Golf
Coach: Andy Verboys
Record: 16-0, League Champions
All League: James Nicolas, Ethan Bunzel, Josh Goldenberg, Jacob Lenchner, Scott Solomon, Jonny Emmerman, Anthony Scarcella, Nikhil Sodhi
All Section: Josh Goldenberg, Anthony Scarcella, Ethan Bunzel
State Qualifiers: Josh Goldenberg, Anthony Scarcella
Girl's Golf
Coach: Barney Foltman
Record: 5-7
All League: Christina Dell'Orto, Alison Whitney
Conservation Advisory Council Wants Your Thoughts On Trees
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The Scarsdale Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) has asked Scarsdale10583 to post a link to their survey about trees and the laws that govern them in Scarsdale. They are seeking the input of Village residents and ask that you take a few minutes to complete their survey.
The CAC is an advisory body to the Village Board of Trustees. The Council studies issues affecting the local environment and maintenance of the Village's "natural" character. This year the CAC has been reviewing Scarsdale's tree ordinance, which was adopted in 2009.
In the wake of large storms that have occurred here since 2009 resulting in tree-related blackouts and damage, and the continual redevelopment of the Village's housing stock the CAC has compiled this survey to collect your views. In a community that cherishes and yet sometimes has a fraught relationship with its trees, it is vitally important that residents' voices be heard, particularly when changes to the law are being considered. The survey is short and should take less than two minutes. Click here to access the survey.
Scarsdale's Jeff Koslowsky Honored by the Greyston Foundation
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Jeff Koslowsky, Managing Member of Indigo Asset Management and Chief Financial Officer of Advocate Brokerage in Scarsdale, was honored for his work as the former chairman of the Greyston Foundation in Yonkers at a benefit held on May 22 at X20 Xaviar's on the Hudson.
As chairman, Jeff led Greyston through a financial restructuring that has transformed the organization and enabled it to grow and invest in the Yonkers Community. In addition to delicious and plentiful hors d'ouevres, guests enjoyed brownies made at the Greyston Bakery, which thanks to Jeff's efforts, now generates $10 million annually.
Joining Jeff was his wife, Denise, sons Sam and Kyle, his sister Jill, mother Rhoda and step-father Stan, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Glenn and Kelly, and his in-laws, Roz and Ron Binday, founders of Advocate Brokerage.
Bernie Glassman, founder of the Greyston Bakery, Deputy Mayor Susan Gerry and long-time friend of Jeff and Denise, Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore, were also present.
Advocate Brokerage works closely with Chubb Insurance, which contributed $10,000 to Greyston. Audrey Brenya, Kathleen 
McDonough, Elyse Shapiro, Robert Molitoris, Lance Sputo, and Jody Rollins attended from Chubb. The evening raised $455,000 for the Greyston Foundation. The money will support a wide array of programs and services including affordable housing, a nationally-accredited child care center, HIV health services, job training and placement and a vibrant community gardens program.
In his acceptance speech, Jeff credited his parents with instilling in him the desire to give back to the community. "I have been blessed with a wonderful family and a great career. When I was called upon to help Greyston, I knew that I had to help this wonderful organization that so many people depend upon," he said.
Mr. Koslowsky also announced the kick-off of a new Scholarship Fund for Greyston's Child Care Center. Named after Greyston's long-time director Sarah Brown, who recently retired from the board, the fund will provide critically needed support for hard-working parents who can't afford child care. Thanks to the generosity of the Gary Saltz Foundation, all pledges made at the benefit will be matched dollar for dollar.
In a letter published in the evening's journal, Gov. Andrew Cuomo congratulated Jeff and other honorees. "Their efforts demonstrate all that can be accomplished when you give of yourself for the advancement of a grateful society."
Walk or Bike to Help a Wounded Resident
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On Sunday May 19, 2013, the H.E.L.P. Animals Club will sponsor a walk/bike-a-thon from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM to support The Tower of Hope. The goal of the Club is to raise $22,000 to train a service dog for a severely wounded veteran.
The Tower of Hope was established in 2006 in order to raise money to fund the extensive training regimen required of service dogs, and to pair those dogs with disabled veterans and others in need of physical and psychological support. After "graduation" from an approved training facility, these service dogs are provided free of charge to individuals whose lives can greatly benefit from having these amazing animals help them day in and day out. With these highly trained dogs at their sides, individuals who have suffered traumatic injuries, or have chronic or debilitating illnesses or conditions, can return to lives of greater independence and fulfillment.
The Tower of Hope rose from the determination of Cathy Carilli to memorialize the death of her husband, Tom Sinton who was killed on September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center. Cathy wanted The Tower of Hope to play a major role in helping those seriously wounded in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to lead more independent lives by being paired with service dogs.
The route will begin at the Scarsdale High School, Brewster Road entrance, will continue on public road ways to the Westchester County bike path entrance near the Hitchcock Church and continue to The Rising 9/11 Monument at the Kensico Dam in Valhalla. The Rising commemorates the September 11 attacks remembering in particular the 109 Westchester County residents who were victims of those attacks. The memorial also includes the names of ten former residents of Westchester. Participants will then return to the High School using the same route in reverse. The round-trip distance is approximately 12 miles. Since the Bronx River Parkway will be closed from Scarsdale Road to the County Center from 10am to 2pm for Bicycle Sunday May 19 (weather permitting), participants may prefer to follow the Parkway until the County Center and then follow the bike path to the Kensico Dam. The event will be held rain or shine.
To sponsor one of the H.E.L.P. Animals Club members or to make a donation, please contact Laura Bell, H.E.L.P. Animals Club advisor via email at [email protected] or by phone at (914) 721-2558. Please make checks payable to: The Tower of Hope. Proceeds are tax decutible.
