Celebrating Scarsdale's Parent Volunteers
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- Written by Wendy MacMillan
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Oftentimes the hard work of our PTA volunteers doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. For some parents, such as each of our PTA presidents, their volunteer roles are essentially a full-time job as they oversee programming, after school clubs, author visits, fundraising events and so much more! While these good folks (and a countless number of other dedicated volunteers) don’t spend hours toiling and organizing to support our students and school communities for any sort of fame and glory, they sure do deserve it!
Jeanette Rosen and Leah Dembitzer
To celebrate their efforts, a PTC Appreciation Luncheon was held on Wednesday May 22nd, and was attended by administrators, faculty, and BOE members alike.
Superintendent Dr. Drew Patrick extended his deep gratitude for our PTC volunteers, both on a personal level as he mingled and chatted with all of those gathered, and in a speech in which he expressed:
“Your thoughtful, timely, student- and community-focused programming elevates our collective engagement on issues and topics that matter. You consistently identify relevant priorities and design activities, events, presentations, and learning opportunities that both broaden and deepen learning. It might even be said that this year’s opportunities Eclipsed last years. Together with multicultural events, school fairs, author visits, wellness opportunities, and myriad other programs, your work lifts the experience for our students and families.”
Board of Education President Ron Schulhof was also there to show his appreciation for members of the PTC. Mr. Schulhof began his speech by saying:
Meryl Satler and Erica German“I am grateful to have the opportunity to speak today and express on behalf of the Board our heartfelt thanks for all that the PTCouncil and each of the seven PTAs do for the District’s students and our schools.
The partnership of the PTC and PTAs is a key part of what makes Scarsdale Schools such a special place as we seek to support and enrich each of our students around the district.”
PTC President Leah Dembitzer gave a heartfelt speech thanking each member of her executive committee, Meryl Satler, Jeanette Rosen, and Rokaya Hassaballa, and drew attention to their kindness, thoughtfulness, and knowledge.
In addition to thanking administrators, BOE members, and STA representatives for their partnership, Dembitzer expressed her gratitude for each of this year’s PTC Chairs:
After School Clubs - Michele Dalton and Courtney Allen
Debbie Bhatt and Royaka Hassaballa
Budget Study - Irena Turner and Ranjana Saini
Community Calendar - Dana Wiczyk and Rohini Sahni
CHILD - Jessica Freede and Nicole Warren
DEI/Belonging - Diksha Mudbhary, Lauren Grossberg and Laura Liu
Directory/Membership - Matt Chesler
Website - Amanda Glattstein
Technology: Jill Casal and Brian Rosenthal
5th Grade Activities - Rachel Krisbergh and Lauren Rubino
Legislative Advocacy - Rachana Singh and Josh Mitts
Programming - Wendy MacMillan and Emily Hira
Health & Wellness - Kelsa DeBrabant, Wendy MacMillan and Malu Gonzalez
Sustainability: Michelle Sterling and Vicki Tse
Sports Swap - Sara Farnsworth and Molly Pease
STEAM/Tinker Events: Steven Greene
Melissa Feinberg, Trish Iasiellow, Sharon De Lorenzo and Meghan TroyYWW - Amanda Glattstein, Lauren Rubino, Lara Chassin and Sharon Chesler
PTC Nominating Committee – Chaired by Attiya Malik
Dembitzer shared, “In my experience, one of the most special aspects of Scarsdale is that the school community is so expansive – it includes everyone – students, teachers, faculty and staff, administrators, families of all of those listed, the larger community of residents – so many people moving forward, innovating, educating our children. That is what drew me into PTA work. We are so fortunate to have so many people in our community who are dedicated to our schools – parents and faculty with diverse and extensive expertise and interests. We all care and want to make life and learning a special experience for the student community.”
During her speech, Dembitzer also introduced two new members of the PTC Executive Committee, Erica German who is the incoming PTC President-Elect and Shilpa Spencer who will be the PTC Treasurer. In addition, she introduced the incoming PTA Presidents at each of our seven schools:
SHS PTA President-Elect Cindy Yau
Laura Liu, Amber Yusuf, Cindy Yau and Tina Lin
SMS PTA President-Elect Emily Hira
Edgewood PTA President-Elect Katie Garvey
Edgewood PTA President-Elect Jessy Li
Fox Meadow PTA President-Elect Katy Goldman
Fox Meadow PTA President-Elect Eul Hui
Greenacres PTA President-Elect Tulika Khemani
Heathcote PTA President-Elect Andrea Burinescu
Quaker Ridge PTA President-Elect Lindsay Forschner
And to the nine out-going PTA presidents:
Jeanette Rosen, Erica German, Meryl Satler and Shilpa SpencerBeth Cukier - SHS
Tina Lin - SMS
Ammr Vandal and Jeanine Cole - EW
Jeannie Adashek and Leena Gyftopoulos - FM
Jen Galeon - GA
Debbie Bhatt - HE
Erica German - QR
Dembitzer expressed, “We’ve had a chance to learn and grow together and I feel proud of what we’ve accomplished and the ongoing work that we continue to move forward as we pass the torch to the incoming Executive Committee. Thank YOU, all of you. I’ve really enjoyed meeting you, spending time with you, and becoming a team.”
Molly Pease, Sarah Farnsworth and Kelsa DeBrabant
A Multicultural Celebration: Passover Seder Unites Scarsdale Seniors
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- Written by Maida Silver
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On April 18, 2024, the Scarsdale Parks, Recreation and Conservation Senior Club, in collaboration with Scarsdale/Edgemont Family Counseling and the Scarsdale Library, hosted a memorable Passover Seder for nearly 50 seniors from diverse backgrounds. This special event not only celebrated the rich traditions of Passover but also highlighted the unity and inclusivity within the Scarsdale Senior community.
The Passover Seder is a significant Jewish ritual that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. It is marked by a ceremonial meal that includes symbolic foods, prayers, storytelling and song. This year's Seder was made even more meaningful as it welcomed seniors from various ethnic and religious backgrounds, reflecting the spirit of togetherness and understanding.
One of the remarkable aspects of this Seder was its inclusivity. Recognizing the linguistic diversity among attendees, the Seder was translated into Mandarin for the Chinese seniors. This gesture ensured that everyone could fully participate and engage in the traditions of the Seder, regardless of their native language.
The traditional Seder plate, featuring symbolic foods such as matzo, bitter herbs, and charoset, was prominently displayed, inviting participants to explore the deeper meanings behind each item. Many thanks to Seasons Scarsdale in the Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center for donating all the charoset.
The atmosphere was filled with a sense of reverence and camaraderie, as the messages of freedom, resilience and community were shared by all, and there was a palpable sense of gratitude and camaraderie for the opportunity to participate in such a meaningful experience.
Contributed by Maida Silver, Senior Services Coordinator for the Village of Scarsdale Parks, Recreation & Conservation.
Post Tributes to Your Grads in the Scarsdale10583 Graduation Edition
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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This year, Scarsdale10583 will produce a special graduation issue covering all end of year activities: including prom, academic awards, senior transition day, moving up ceremonies from the five elementary schools and of course, the Scarsdale High School Graduation. We invite you to be a part of it by posting a tribute to your graduate - whether they are moving up from fifth grade, graduating from high school, college or graduate school. Details are below: To book your space and get answers to your questions, contact Sharon Higgins at [email protected] or call her at 914-261-8668. She can also help you with your artwork.
We look forward to covering all these wonderful events and making you a part of the celebration!
Photo Opps from Westchester Reform Temple's 70th and the Scarsdale Library
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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On Thursday, May 9th over 500 congregants came together at Westchester Reform Temple for their 70th year anniversary celebration! There were broadway songs, reflections on the history of the congregation and the clergy and food and drink for all.
Check out these photos:
Art Exhibit at the Scarsdale Public Library
Don’t stop by the library if you’re hungry this month. Why? Because there’s a tempting display of paintings of donuts, ice cream sundaes, oreos and cheesecake both inside and outside the Scott Room that will make your stomach growl. The delectable show of the work of Beverly Shipko is up from now until May 22 and it’s not to be missed.
We asked Shipko for some insight into her work and here is what she shared: “Food tells a story - about our culture, our socioeconomic class, and often our identities. We gather around food for meals, for social interaction, to celebrate and to connect to our community and spirituality. Art centering around food does the same thing. It tells a story. What we see or eat is as important as what we don’t eat. You know the phrase: you are what you eat? Well, you also are what you paint.”
Shipko said she draws inspiration from Dutch still life life and contemporary painters, especially Wayne Thiebaud who painted food for decades and of course, Andy Warhol.”
See more of her work at the library and buy your own at www.beverlyshipko.com.
Scarsdale Lax Now at 6-5 After Defeating White Plains
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The SHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse team started the season with high hopes for matching their record for the past two years when they secured the regional titles. But for now, this year’s results are mixed and time will tell how the season ends up. On Wednesday, May 1 they added another win to their 5-5-record when they met the White Plains Tigers at home.
The team’s dominant players include Senior Captain, #25 Rhett Needleman who is one of the best scorers on the team. Additionally, #24 Tommy Iasiello is one of the most versatile players who can both score, assist, and take faceoffs.
The first quarter began with a back-and-forth battle between the two teams. White Plains was first to score, but Needleman quickly made the score 1 to 1. This same situation repeated itself when White Plains scored and Needleman tied it up once again. However, the tables turned when the Tigers scored two consecutive goals. While goalie #30 Nick Ebner-Borst had some great saves, the Tigers had too many opportunities and ended the quarter leading the Raiders 4 to 2.
The mistakes of the first quarter were clearly recognized by the players and coaches and in the second quarter, the Raiders began to take control. Midfielder, #23 Harry Wolf was able to shorten the Tiger’s lead with a goal and Needleman achieved a hat-trick to tie the game. White Plains then regained the lead toward the end of the second quarter, but the Raiders were quick to respond. Face-off taker, Tommy Iasiello evened up the score once again and then sophomore, #22 Colin Brennan scored and gave the Raiders the lead.
The half ended with a score of 6-6 due to a later goal by White Plains. At this point, it seemed that the teams were evenly matched and it was going to come down to who wanted the win more. The question was who was going to rise to the occasion.
Scarsdale was in absolute control during the third quarter on both sides. Defensively, Ebner-Borst had multiple clutch saves to prevent White Plains from scoring any goals. Additionally, the defenders and midfielders did a great job of making sure the Tigers didn’t get too far on offense. On the offense end, the Raiders were led by Senior Captain, #15 Trevor Knopp who had three straight goals to put the Raiders up 9-6. This was the turning point where it was clear that Scarsdale was the more dominant team.
Like the third, the fourth quarter consisted of control by the Raiders. Senior Attacker, #5 Jared Hoffman scored two consecutive goals to make the score 11-6. While White Plains scored their first goal of the half in the fourth, it was too little too late and Iasiello was able to quickly score right after the Tigers. Therefore, the final score was a victory for the Raiders: 12-7.
It’s also worth mentioning some of the other game stats. Specifically, Knopp, Hoffman, Iasiello, and Midfielder, #9 Anders Burrows each had 2 assists. Additionally, Needleman and Midfielder, #2 Leo Wetzstein each had 1 assist. Ebner-Borst had a total of 12 saves throughout the game and Iasiello won 12 out of the 20 faceoffs he attempted.
The Raiders are now 6-5 and will continue to play at home against Rye on May 7th at 4:30 pm.
