Good Work

Details: Published: 18 May 2011; Created: 18 May 2011; Last Updated: 19 May 2011; Hits: 7306

lgr1 On May 3rd nearly 500 guests attended the 5th annual Let’s Get Ready Gala event held at Capitale in New York City. The evening honored Eugene Lang, Founder of the I Have a Dream Foundation, and Nancy Katz and Linda Ortwein, Co-Chairs of LGR’s Adult Mentoring Program. Founded by Nancy and Linda in 2010, the Adult Mentoring Program matches high school seniors in Let’s Get Ready with adults trained to assist in the college application process (covering everything from searching for schools to writing college essays). The event raised $750,000.

This year Let’s Get Ready is on track to provide more than 2,500 low-income and first generation college-bound students with SAT tutoring and college admissions guidance. The program has grown from Mount Vernon (where it was founded by Jeannie Lang Rosenthal of Scarsdale) to sites throughout the northeast, from Philadelphia, PA to Portland, ME. And 93% of LGR’s students have gone directly to college after high school.

The gala event was made possible by a number of Scarsdalians, including Chairs Steve and Nancy Karotkin, Barbara and Gil Kemp, and Dan

Linnae Boyer, Margie Arsham, Jane Buck

and Paula Reingold. Vice Chairs Priscilla Natkins and Seth Novatt and Ann and David Yaspan, as well as Committee Chair Alison Greene, also led the way. Other local Committee Members included Nancy Rubini-Aks, Margie Arsham, Linnae Boyer, Jane Buck, Charlotte Carr, Anna Decker, Gina Duncanson, Debbie Eisenberg-Lever, Suzi Eisman, Susan Friedman, Barbara Gewirtz, Liz Gordon, and Lisa Rodman. And the room was filled with even more Scarsdale representatives, including Flo Wiener and Nancy and John Alderman.

Right now many of these Scarsdale residents are leading an online charge for Let’s Get Ready – voting for the organization in the Chase Community Giving Campaign on Facebook. To help LGR win up to $500,000, please click this link and vote: http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/

Sam, Liza and Steve Karotkin

lgrboard

Leah Peskin, Dan Reingold, Alison Greene, Marty Gardner, Ann Yaspan, Gil Kemp, Liz Gordon, Linnae Boyer, Andrea Stewart, David Eckert, Jeannie Rosenthal, Priscilla Natkins, Jeff Waters, Jane Buck

Pictured at top: Janibell Monegro, Nancy Rubini-Aks, Nancy Katz, Linda Ortwein

Photos by (c) 2011 Leslie Barbaro

Details: Published: 10 May 2011; Created: 10 May 2011; Last Updated: 11 May 2011; Hits: 6105

carqr1 Scarsdale elementary schools were graced with perfect weather for the elementary school carnivals on Saturday May 7th. A tradition in Scarsdale, the carnivals seem to get bigger and better every year, as the parents who run these events benefit from their predecessors experience and add their own ideas to mark the day.

At Quaker Ridge, it was a day of school spirit, and kids were encouraged to dress up in their

School spirit at Quaker Ridge

most-spirited outfits. Activities included a chalk drawing exhibition, hula hoop contest, freeze dance, spin art and spirited games run by Danny and Backyard Sports.

Andrew Cohen and Dylan Canell

At Heathcote, the theme was the beloved board game Candyland. Kids climbed the Gumdrop Mountain, ran around in the Lollipop Woods, bounced in the Candy Castle and dunked in the Molasses Swamp. At the arts and crafts table and the hair and makeup table kids got all glammed up.

Dylan Wasserberger and Jack Mintzer

Fox Meadow Jumping Castle

In Fox Meadow, the backdrop was Hollywood, and students had the chance to walk the red carpet. The theme “a star is born,” conveyed the idea that every Fox Meadow child, is a "star" in his or her own right. Coincidentally, the fair theme was synergistic with this year’s Staff Appreciation Luncheon, which was an Academy Award theme, uniting the 2010-11 school year.

Fox Meadow Climbing Wall

Edgewood Pie Eating Contest

At Edgewood the theme was Surf’s Up – and students enjoyed a beach party with five amusement attractions and the Ultimate Survivor, which included a suspension bridge and two zip lines. Coach Steve, lead the children in games of dodge ball, relay and potato sack races from 1-3 p.m. Children had great fun with all the art activities and games. In addition, three different groups of very entrepreneurial Edgewood students ran their own charities, raising money for Japan, for mosquito nets to protect from Malaria, and an animal shelter. The Edgewood fair food court sold tasty Indian, Greek, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican and American fare.

Edgewood Tug of War

Karen Ceske and Stephanie Carroll at Greenacres

In Greenacres, the entire community came out to enjoy “An Old Time Carnival” fun with a blow-up slide, jumping castle, rides, dunk tank, photo booth, cotton candy, fried dough plus games, prizes and fun. Kindergartners through fifth graders participated in a talent show showing off their singing, dancing and acting skills.

Kelly Rainer and friends at Greenacres

Sheryl Braun and daughter at Greenacres

Greenacres Carnival Chair Ann Bohjalian

Thanks to Angela Manson, Lindsay LeBoyer, Lauren Mintzer, Tracy McCarthy and Valerie Shulman for photos and carnival coverage. See more carnival photos in the photo module on the home page of Scarsdale10583.

Details: Published: 05 May 2011; Created: 05 May 2011; Last Updated: 05 May 2011; Hits: 5618

galaxyaranow The Gourmet Galaxy at the Westchester Country Club showcased a dazzling array of area food purveyors and honored the late Rita Aranow, who provided a lifetime of support for Scarsdale and Edgemont Family Counseling and helped to launch a new initiative for Scarsdale seniors. Also sharing the Open Door Award was the Louis and Anne Abrons Foundation that was honored for their contributions.

This year’s Galaxy was held on Wednesday May 4th and it was the event’s eighteenth year. The night included a substantial silent auction with splendid gifts from many area retailers and professionals. Available for bids was Judith Ripka jewelry, tickets to sporting events, restaurant gift certificates, wines, flowers, beauty services and more.

Food was provided by many of the areas leading restaurants, named below. Sushi, pasta, seared tuna, sliders and

Geraldine Greene

spanikopita were just a few of the delectable dishes available. Desserts abounded with yodels from Lulu’s, the famous Renaissance cake and handcrafted chocolates donated by Margaret Smith of Odyssey Chocolate.

A large crew of volunteers took on this ambitious project, contacting restaurants, retailers and community friends to produce this successful event.

Galaxy Chairperson Marie Posthumus remembered Aranow as “charming” and “interesting” and credited her with being the woman behind the initiative to launch “At Home in Scarsdale” in 2010. She thanked the entire event committee, including Penny Bauersfeld, Anne Moretti, and Monica Rafajac as well as the entire staff of Scarsdale and Edgemont Family Counseling for their efforts.

Amy Paulin

Geraldine Greene, SFCS Executive Director thanked the restaurants for their “movable feast” and also alerted the group to SFCS’s new van and driver that will ferry Scarsdale seniors to meetings and medical appointments. The van was provided by Aranow’s family who has vowed to continue their support in the future. Saying that “we live forever in the institutions we create”, Greene said that Aranow “lives on through her generosity.”

Rita Aranow’s daughter Vicki accepted the award in her mother’s name, and choking back tears she told the group that she missed her mother who was shy and would have avoided public recognition. Crediting her with a life of “quiet dedication” she said her mother would be happy to know that her gifts are allowing people to age at home in Scarsdale.

Thanks to these restaurants, caterers and bakeries for their support:

Melissa Fastov/Mindy White

An American Bistro
Anna Maria’s Restaurant
Benjamin Steakhouse
Bistro 88
Caffe Azzurri
Captain Lawrence Brewing Co.
Chat American Grill
Chat 19
CRAVE Bar and Grill

Al Gatta/Miriam Flisser
Don Coqui
Eastchester Fish Gourmet
Il Castello
La Panetiere
La Renaissance
Lulu Cake boutique
Lusardi’s
Martine’s Fine Bake Shoppe
Moscato
Niko’s Greek Taverna
Odyssey Chocolates

Dawn Knief
Rainwater Grill
Route 100 Wine Bar and Grill
Seth Greenberg’s Just Desserts
Tango Grill
Turkish Meze
Za Za Restaurant
Kirari
Haiku
Sakanaya Sushi

Jon Mark/B.K.Munghia

Liz Whitney/Connie Vaughn

Details: Published: 30 April 2011; Created: 30 April 2011; Last Updated: 30 April 2011; Hits: 4329

chefshat The gala annual Gourmet Galaxy is scheduled for Wednesday, May 4th at the Westchester Country Club, and you don't want to miss it! Starting at 6:30 pm, you will be able to sample delightful wines provided by Frederick Wildman and Sons and beer from Captain Lawrence Brewing Company. There will be culinary surprises from An American Bistro of Tuckahoe, Anna Maria's, Chat 19 and Lusardi’s of Larchmont, Caffe Azzurri of Hartsdale, Il Castello and Turkish Meze of Mamaroneck, and more. Some local favorites like Eastchester Fish Gourmet, Chat American Grill, Bistro 808, and Moscato will add some delicious offerings. Other returning favorites include Don Coqui, Niko’s Greek Taverna, La Panetiere, Route 100 and Tango Grill. Benjamin Steakhouse, Crave Bar and Grill, and Rainwater Grill and ZaZa have also joined in this year!

As usual, the night will begin with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at 6:30 with the opening of the exciting silent auction that includes many unique items to bid on. Cocktail hour will include sushi from the new Haiku and Kirari in Scarsdale, and Sakanaya Sushi in Hartsdale. And at 8pm the doors to the ballroom will open and guests will be treated to a variety of specialties from the participating restaurants.

And there's more. Those with a sweet tooth will marvel at the selections from Lulu Cake Boutique, La Renaissance Patisserie, Martine’s Fine Bake Shoppe and Odyssey Chocolates to have with their evening coffee.

Scarsdale/Edgemont Family Counseling will present the Open Door Award for outstanding community involvement. This year, Rita Abrons Aranow, a very generous, gracious and loyal benefactor of SFCS and a Scarsdale resident for over 60 years will be honored. This is the principal fundraiser for SFCS, serving the community for almost 90 years. Tickets are $200.00 ($150.00 for first time attendees). For information and tickets, call 723-3281 or check our website at www.sfcsinc.org or reserve a spot by email at [email protected] .

Details: Published: 28 April 2011; Created: 28 April 2011; Last Updated: 28 April 2011; Hits: 3958

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