Heat Stroke Victims Fall at Scarsdale High School Graduation
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Stifling temperatures and humidity caused six people to pass out at the Scarsdale High School graduation on Friday, June 22 – and another 15-20 to be treated for heat-related symptoms.
Fortunately, Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps came prepared. Due to the weather forecast and reports of heat-related problems at a graduation in New Britain, CT earlier in the week, David Raizen, President of SCARVAC, put plans in place to deal with heat stroke. But even with his extensive preparations, firemen and police had to be brought in to assist when so many started to pass out.
After getting panicked calls for help, SCARVAC workers went into the stands with stretchers to remove those who were stricken. According to Raizen, it took four SCARVAC workers to lift each affected person – and once the numbers grew, he quickly realized that the 12 SCARVAC workers already on the scene would need more help. So, in addition to the ten EMT’s and two paramedics, eight firefighters and seven policemen came to the school including Chiefs Brogan and Cain.
The passed out guests were brought to two tents erected on the side of Dean Field and some were put into the ambulances that were also parked in the lot. These ambulances were air conditioned and worked as cooling stations. Those who could walk were placed under a sprinkler and drenched in cool water to restore their body temperatures. In total, six were unconscious including five older people and one young lady in her twenties. Two of the six were taken to the hospital but later released.
Raizen had come prepared with 100 pounds of ice, donated by Fenway Golf Club and 1,200 cups of water and Gatorade which were distributed to guests as they entered the field. He brought fans fitted above ice water that could cool down the overheated and stretchers to move those collapsed from heat stroke. He had pre-arranged with the Police and Fire Chief to send in reinforcements if more fell than his staff could handle – and fortunately emergency staff arrived quickly.
Though the chaos in the stands was not evident to those in front, guests who were in the bleachers saw other collapse and watched as they were taken away during the ceremony. Some complained that there was not sufficient seating and therefore many stood, exacerbating the risks.
Raizen, an EMT for 35 years, says lessons were learned from the experience. In the future, he plans to move the tents and ambulances right onto the field, and also thinks that it would be better to have graduation in the afternoon, when the entire field is in the shade.
Police Chief Brogan credits Raizen and his crew with “excellent planning.” He said they “anticipated the problem and took appropriate measures before it even arose.”
“When the problem began, they were ready for it and had all the pieces in place for a desirable resolution.”
(Pictured at left: EMT's treat victims of heat stroke in tent at Dean Field)
See our coverage of graduation and a photo gallery of the ceremony here:
Gabriel Mineard Wins Sportsmanship Award
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Scarsdale Little League held a ceremony Tuesday 6/19 at Edgewood to award a 4th grade Little League baseball player the Michael Ludwig Sportsmanship Award. The award was created by the League three years ago to celebrate the life of Michael Ludwig, the son of Lisa Nelson Ludwig and Ed Ludwig who “lived for little league baseball”. The award is given to an individual who combines the mix of outstanding teamwork and sportsmanship, excellent skills and a passion for the game. The award this year was given to fourth grade Hot Rods player Gabriel Mineard. 4th Grade Little League coordinator Larry Medvinsky presided over the ceremony and paraphrased from the nomination by Gabriel’s coaches (Michael Heffner and Lou Mancini):
"Gabriel Mineard was chosen for the Michael Ludwig Sportsmanship Award for his tireless support of his fellow teammates. Gabe was always the first to leave the dugout to congratulate batters, first to give the pitchers an “attaboy”, first to shout out to players on the field who make big plays and first to try to cheer up ball players who achieve less than they expect of themselves. Gabriel’s work ethic and passion for baseball has shown in his development as a batter, his dependability as a fielder and, in one of his biggest achievements, as a starting pitcher - striking out 2 with no earned runs. Gabe's teammates rally around him and his coaches. His current and former coaches have unanimously said, "You could not find a better kid or one who is more deserving of this award. Gabe unifies."
(Photo right to left: Hayley Mineard, Coach Michael Heffner, Gabriel Mineard, 4th Grade Coordinator Larry Medvinsky, Ed Ludwig)
Photo and article contributed by Hyun Heffner
Project Grad Bag Seeks Used Dorm Room Items
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Recently, Scarsdale's Tara Tyberg was moving her daughter out of college and watched kids tossing their dorm room and apartment furnishings into dumpsters. Lamps, sheets, towels, rugs, fans and hangers in good condition, were just a few of the items she saw in the trash. At the same time, Tyberg and Liz Gruber, another Scarsdale mom, were thinking about what Scarsdale's STEP students would need to go off to college. They thought about all the items that were tossed rather than recycled and came up with the concept of Project Grad Bag.
They realized that there are a lot of dorm room items that college kids have no use for once they've graduated but are in fine workable condition. They decided to collect these things and distribute them to entering college students who don't have the means to buy them on their own. They like the environmental aspect of reusing and recycling while providing necessary “stuff” for students.
They have reached out to our friends..... parents of recent college graduates who have collected things in their basements and to people who have college seniors to alert them to bring their home their unwanted things instead of throwing them away.
The two found a partner in Let’s Get Ready (LGR) who anticipates that 100 students will soon “graduate” from their college preparation program and be off to start their college careers in the fall. LGR is running a day-long orientation program for these students in August at Barnard College. Let’s Get Ready proposed that as part of this orientation day, the students would be offered the selection of items that Tyberg and Gruber collect. They would like to publicize this initiative to the Scarsdale community so that they can amass a volume and a variety of goods to offer the students.
Once they determine the value of the program the two hope to coordinate with colleges. They have done some research at schools in the area and found that some have systems in place to donate dorm items to local communities. But others might not. They are connsidering placing a collection site near senior student's living quarters where they can donate lamps, comforters, extra-long sheets, small rugs, storage containers, blankets, laundry bags, window fans, etc., and Project Grad Bag could arrange to pick up, sort and redistribute.
Here are the items they need:
- XL twin bed sheet sets
- Blankets or comforters or duvet covers
- Desk lamps
- Small rugs
- Surge protector strips/ extension cords
- Window fans
- Bed lifts
- Shower caddy
- Over the door hooks/over the door towel rods
- Laundry bags/ hampers
- Alarm clocks
- Plastic storage boxes/ under bed storage
- Bed study pillows
- Plastic hangers
- Bulletin Boards
If you have any of the above in good condition, please consider donating them to Project Grad Bag. You can drop the items off or request a pick up. Contact Liz Gruber or Tara Tyberg to make arrangements:
Liz Gruber: [email protected]
Tara Tyberg: [email protected]
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Setting Up a Local Fundraiser?
Consider holiding it at Athleta in Scarsdale:
At Athleta, commitment to our community is a major part of who we are. We are happy to offer the opportunity for local organizations to use our store to host meetings, private shopping events, classes and workshops. If you are interested in holding an event in our Scarsdale store or would like more information, please contact Martha Kaplan at 914-723-0961 or [email protected].
Maggie Dunne: She's Not Afraid to Ask
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This spring, SHS Alumni Maggie Dunne was honored by Glamour Magazine who named her the winner of the grand prize of $20,000 in the magazine’s competition for the Top 10 College Women for 2012. She was selected for her work on behalf of the Lakota Pine Ridge Indians in South Dakota who she has helped via the Lakota Pine Ridge Children’s Enrichment Program which she launched. Now a student at Colgate University, Dunne didn’t stop and rest when she won the grand prize …. instead she leveraged the $20,000 to find two additional matching gifts – raising even more money for the Lakota.
An inspiration to children and adults, Dunne has worked tirelessly to address Native American poverty. Dunne agreed to an interview for Scarsdale10583. Here is what she shared about growing up in Scarsdale and becoming an activist for those less fortunate:
What are the roots of your volunteerism? What were some of your earliest philanthropic activities as a student in Scarsdale?
From the age of 4 years old I was involved with a very active Girl Scout troop that placed a large emphasis on community service. My family moved to Scarsdale when I was in third grade and I remained active in my old troop, which did a lot of service throughout the school year, ranging from singing at senior facilities to hosting after school cubs. I began figure skating in Middle School and proposed that the rink offer free group lessons to girls with juvenile diabetes, which I taught for a few years. In eighth grade I became one of the founding members of the Youth Action Committee, Founded by Reverend Frances Grenley at the Scarsdale Congregational Church, and which is still going strong and does service activities throughout the school year. Through YAC, in turn, I became a frequent participant in the Midnight Run, which was one of my favorite activities. In my sophomore year, two seniors wanted to do something meaningful for spring break and asked Frances Grenley if she would consider putting together a service trip, and that trip was to the Pine Ridge Reservation (my first trip to the reservation). At SHS I was also Co-President of the “Make it Green” club and we raised awareness about ways for students to be more eco-friendly, and organized a program to sell eco-friendly school supplies packages to Scarsdale students.
Who influenced you to advocate for those who are less fortunate?
The primary influences have been the women around me. My little sister is low functioning autistic and has experienced discrimination in many aspects of her life. Her condition and our close relationship has had a tremendous impact on my ability to connect to those less fortunate and, also, to put the problems of daily life into perspective. My girl scout leader juggled a demanding career and always made time for service, running a troop of 17 girls with 17 working mothers and about 12 service activities every year. When I returned from my first trip to Pine Ridge I felt a need to do more than just volunteer but the problems on the reservation seemed so overwhelming that I did not know where to begin. I brainstormed with Frances Grenley, who encouraged me to take action and helped me narrow my focus so that I could act on my passion. A local attorney followed my progress and offered to create the corporation that I now run to help the children of Pine Ridge. Of course, my mom is always there for me and my family is incredibly supportive! We are a great team!
Are there any teachers at SHS or SMS who helped you along the way – or people you met in the community?
The most supportive influences at SHS were Chris Renino, who was my Senior Options mentor for a fundraiser that brought representatives from Pine Ridge to Scarsdale and raised over $4000. He was always extremely supportive of my projects and a great mentor. He has continued to be an occasional box filler and hauler for the Scarsdale shipments. Mr. Klemme always encouraged me to follow through with my outreach efforts and to follow my heart. He was my reference for an internship at the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh the summer after I graduated from High School.
Tell us something about your visits to South Dakota:
It is hard to get there from NY! It takes about 10 hours, two flights, and then a 2 ½ hour drive. There are only two motels that I know of on the Reservation, which is roughly the size of Connecticut. I often stay at Re-Member, an outreach group on the Reservation, where we sleep in triple bunk beds and sleeping bags. I bring a group of students from my university every spring break to volunteer on the reservation.
What have your learned at Colgate about community organizing and fundraising?
Before attending Colgate, I learned from the Scarsdale community not to be afraid to ask people for help -- our community has risen to the challenge every time I have asked for help; the response to every drive and fundraiser has been overwhelmingly positive!
Working with the support of Colgate University has been amazing. Before entering Colgate I attended their Outreach orientation and learned how the process worked and also got involved in local charities. Last spring I was employed by the Center for Outreach, Volunteerism and Education. The college environment has presented endless opportunities for me to expand my reach, through the school newspaper, clubs, community outreach and fundraisers. Over the years I have developed a network of people who help with most of my efforts. Through my various commitments on-campus I have really grown as a leader and learned how to fundraise and organize successfully. Our current VP is Kelsey John, an education major at Colgate. Kelsey is committed to education reform and to providing Native American children with the tools they need to succeed in education and also pursue higher education.
How many hours a week do you spend on your fundraising – is it difficult to balance this with your school work?
It really varies but the last two years I spent about 20-40 hours per week, and often more. This past spring was very difficult because I travelled a lot, due in part, to the recognition I received for my outreach efforts. It has been exciting to see the response from the public and it has become extremely important to build a team that has a strong work ethic.
What are your goals for the future for the Lakota?
My goal is to support their goals. So far I have concentrated on helping the children and supporting families and schools. I would also like to do more to help make culturally sensitive and appropriate mental health services available to the community.
Describe the Glamour Magazine award and how you leveraged it to receive a matching gift:
I was notified at a three- day event in New York City that I was receiving the Grand Prize of $20,000. About a week later Richard Branson was scheduled to speak at Colgate University and as a member of the entrepreneur club, Thought Into Action, I was invited to a closed question and answer session. I raised my hand, Richard Branson called on me and I gave my 60 second pitch on Lakota Children’s Enrichment, told him about the Glamour Award, held up the big pink check and said that I was going to donate the money to my nonprofit. Then I said: “So my question to you is: do you know of a potential celebrity, philanthropist or humanitarian who might be willing to match my own contribution?” He laughed and said that if I could get a Colgate Alumnus to give me $20,000, so would Virgin Unite, his nonprofit company.
Any advice to younger students who want to follow your path?
Go for it now. You do not have to wait until you are 30, 40 or 50 to make a difference in the world and follow your passions. Young people across the country have taken part in our drives and have done amazing things. Edgewood School is mobilized and helping – just last month 10 fourth grade girls raised over $900 and the classes all filled backpacks for children on the Reservation.
What can readers do to help?
We are trying to raise an additional $20,000 via our online Razoo fundraising platform to aid the Lakota. To participate, click here :
UJA Event, AFYA Appeal and ARC of Westchester
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Here's some of the good work that is going on in Scarsdale. Read how residents are helping others and learn how you can get involved:
UJA Honors Four Scarsdale Women:
On Wednesday morning May 23, over 150 women gathered at Westchester Reform Temple to do a community service project and to honor Scarsdale’s Caryl Orlando, Linda Plattus, Nina Ross, and Suzanne Seiden for their work to fund a local food pantry. The four raised $75,000 to provide a refrigerator/freezer system and shelving at the Bronx Jewish Community Council’s food pantry’s new space in the Bronx.
In addition the women organized the group to highlight the needs of the vulnerable by collecting and packaging 
toiletries and making sandwiches for the hungry. BJCC’s food pantry, which operates on a walk-in basis and serves anyone in need, is the third largest in the borough and the only one open five days per week. Food is distributed to more than 2,400 people each month with demand increasing each year.
For further information contact Dana Asher at 1.914.761.5100 ext. 103 (work), 1.914.262.5091 (cell), or [email protected].
AFYA Launches Mothers Saving Mothers Campaign
AFYA has just launched the Mothers Saving Mothers campaign to help mothers-in-need in Liberia and Guatemala with home births. They are seeking supplies including blankets, beanies, hand sanitizer, newborn diapers and soap, to send overseas to Liberia and Guatemala to support the work of rural midwives. Learn more about AFYA at afyafoundation.org .
To donate these items bring them to:
The Afya Foundation
140 Saw Mill River Road
Yonkers, NY 10701
914-920-5081
ARC of Westchester
Middle School student Sabrina Wirth is working to help ARC of Westchester provide assistance to over 2,000 people living in Westchester County with developmental disabilities. ARC helps those with autism and other disabilities by providing support and residences where they can live independently. As part of her project Sabrina is working with Alex, an ARC resident who is also a very talented artist. See her video about her work here and help her to meet her goals.
