Students Cheer As 1,426 Cereal Boxes Tumble Sequentially
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350 students watched 1,426 cereal boxes fall like dominos in the Greenacres Learning Commons on Thursday May 8, 2025.
The 1,426 boxes were collected by Greenacres kids and assembled in an enormous maze early Thursday morning, by teachers and staff who arrived as early as 6:45 am to set up the display. They centered the maze on a large pyramid of cereal boxes. 
Kristen Mateja knocked down the first box, setting the sequence in motion.The entire school assembled to line the walls of the room and to watch the boxes topple sequentially at 9 am. After a countdown, the toppling began while students cheered. It went according to plan as everyone watched in awe.
The cereal will be donated to the Kol Ami Food Pantry. Parent volunteers worked with fourth and fifth graders to load the boxes into cars for delivery to the synagogue.
This was just one event in a celebration of Math Week from May 5th to 9th, highlighting the school-wide commitment to fostering a vibrant math community. Teachers participated in a professional development course through the Scarsdale Teachers Institute, focused on "Building a Math Community at Greenacres" led by Shoshana Cooper, fourth-grade teacher and Sharon De Lorenzo, Assistant Principal. The week kicked off with an all-school assembly where students shared the many ways their families use math in everyday life. Throughout the week, students engaged in a variety of math activities, including solving problems displayed around the building, making predictions at the Estimation Station, and tackling a daily math riddle.
The week will culminate in a school-wide Math Day on Friday, where each grade level takes part in a series of fun and challenging math activities.
Math Week is a favorite among students and staff and serves as a meaningful way to combine math, collaboration, and community service.
Students tracked the collection of boxes on a large thermometer.
Assistant Principal Sharon DeLorenzo led the event.
An Earth Day Celebration in Scarsdale
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Emily Giovanni encourages food composting.Our environment is under attack in so many ways – climate change, flooding, the tree canopy, water pollution, gas emissions and the unsustainable use of plastic to name a few.
Here in Scarsdale, we’re taking steps to address these issues, though each of us can only make a tiny dent in stopping the damage. It takes a Village.
And lots is being done, as displayed at Scarsdale’s first Earth Day Expo at Scarsdale Library on Tuesday April 22, 2025. The event was organized by Richard Cantor who explained, "The idea to form a new organization, the Environmental Coalition, grew out of my experiences as the Chairman of the Rotary Club's Environment Committee and as a member of the Forum's Sustainability Committee and my feeling that in light of the environmental challenges we face, we were not doing nearly enough. Moreover, as a resident, I realized that there were a number of other organizations in Scarsdale that were also focused on environmental issues, but they were not coordinating their efforts, they were not being nearly as effective as they could be, and that they were not substantially expanding their memberships due to a lack of marketing coupled with various restrictions on membership.
But since the earth is home to all of us, there should be an organization open to everyone without restrictions in order to coordinate and expand efforts to help protect life on our planet. That is why I founded the Environment Coalition. It welcomes everyone from the youngest to the oldest with the goals of educating everyone about environmental issues and teaching them what they can do individually and collectively to help protect it. It also welcomes participation of all environmentally focused organizations without them having to alter anything they are already doing.
It is out of this background that I decided to put together an Earth Day Expo whose message would be "Hope for the Future" and to invite as many exhibitors as possible within the capacity of the Library's Scott Room. The Expos purpose was to build bridges between organizations and between the private and public sectors, so citizens would work collectively and in partnership with their elected representatives. The intent was to be uplifting and empowering, inspiring and motivational, and welcoming to a far larger number of people who are not yet actively involved in environmental protection.
I was particularly pleased with how successful the event was with such little time to plan it. Of particular note was the wide range of exhibitors and attendees. There were 21 exhibitors and approximately 200 attendees of all ages. There were more than 20 high school students from four different high schools – Scarsdale, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, and Ursuline - all of whom had exhibits covering plastics, transportation, insects, electronic waste, electric vehicles, and legislation. And there were also many pre-school and elementary aged children who attended the Expo with their parents in tow.
Many political leaders and political action groups were there as well, including Congressman George Latimer, Mayor Justin Arest, Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg, Assistant Village Manager Emily Giovanni, Fire Chief Christopher Mytych, members of various Boards, and members of groups that have political engagement, such as the Citizens Climate Lobby, the Forum, the FOSP, the Vine Cutters, and the Weinberg Nature Center - not to mention State Senator Shelley Mayer, Assemblyperson Amy Paulin and Assemblyman Steve Otis would have attended the Expo had they not been called back to Albany on Tuesday to finish budget negotiations.
There were twenty exhibitors from around the county, all with valuable messaging. Here are just a few of them:
We chatted with Sam Weinstock from the Weinberg Nature Center who was giving out kale seeds and potting soil to sprout some kale in your garden.
A group of students from Mamaroneck High School was formed to analyze the economics of EV transportation. Though they contend that EV’s are better for the environment then gas powered vehicles, they argue that the disposal of batteries is problematic and have found that the best transportation solution is mass EV transit, or simpler means such as walking or riding a bike.
Sam from the Weinberg Nature Center
Scarsdale Assistant Village Manager Emily Giovanni was on hand, to promote the Scarsdale food scrap program and to encourage people to get their own green pail and start collecting and composting food scraps.
Don't always believe food expiration dates.Lisa Owen set up a display about reducing food waste. She contends that the expiration dates on many food products do not reflect the products full shelf life and cause disposal of edible food. She encouraged people to look and smell food before throwing it away due to the expiration date.
Cynthia Roberts from the Friends of the Scarsdale Parks displayed the benefits of trees for air quality and water absorption. She highlighted the risks of spotted lantern flies that infest trees and invasive vines that choke trees.
The Girl Scouts advocated to minimize e-waste from products and batteries.
They suggest we do the following:
-Repair, don’t replace
-Take used electronics to a trustworthy recycler
-implement mindful spending habits
-Advocate for e-waste management legislation that take public health into consideration.
-Educate others.
The spotted lantern fly and invasive vines pose risks to trees.
Darlene LeFrancois Haber highlighted a report from the Scarsdale Forum about the environmental and health risks of artificial turf.
Courtney Williams, founder of Westchester Alliance for Sustainable Solutions was on hand to discuss their mission to move Westchester to Zero Waste and to close Peekskill’s Wheelabrator plant, a 37- year-old incinerator that spews toxins into the air.
Courtney Williams of WASSAlso on hand was County Executive George Latimer who remembered the first Earth Day in 1970 when he was a senior in high school. He said, “We have to change if we want to help the earth over the long haul.”
A Fire in a Clandestine Drug Lab at the Marriott, Underage Sting Operation and Firearm Seizure from the New Rochelle Police
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Here are three reports from the New Rochelle Police:
New Rochelle Police Respond to Suspicious Fire and Uncovers Clandestine Drug Lab
On April 6, 2025, at approximately 9:19pm, New Rochelle Police responded at the request of the New Rochelle Fire Department to a report of a suspicious fire at the Marriott Residence Inn at New Roc City, located at 35 LeCount Place. Upon arrival, police discovered that the hotel’s fire suppression system had activated, successfully controlling a blaze originating in a room on the 7th floor. However, the activation of the system resulted in significant flooding across the entire floor.
During the initial investigation, officers found evidence inside the room indicating the presence of a clandestine drug laboratory. Among the items recovered were quantities of cocaine, along with materials consistent with the processing of cocaine into crack cocaine. The discovery prompted the immediate recall of New Rochelle Detectives, who began working diligently to identify and locate the individual responsible.
Following a swift investigation, detectives developed leads that directed them to a hospital in Queens, where they located a suspect receiving treatment for burns sustained during the incident. The suspect, Pedro Marte, 47 years of age, of New York, NY, had suffered injuries to his right arm, torso, and foot. He was subsequently transferred to another medical facility, where he remains in stable condition under medical care.
The suspect is currently under arrest and being held in custody at a New York City hospital. Upon his release from the hospital, he will be booked on local charges related to the operation of the drug lab and possession of controlled substances. It is believed the fire was likely sparked by the suspect’s illicit activities within the hotel room, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the New Rochelle Police Department encourages anyone with information related to this case to their non-emergency line at (914) 654-2300 or anonymously at 914-632-COPS.
ARRESTED:
Pedro Marte, 47 years of age, of New York, NY.
PENDING CHARGES:
New York State Penal Law Sections:
220.16 (2 Counts) Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree – B Felony 150.05 Arson 4th Degree – E Felony
120.25 Reckless Endangerment 1st Degree – D Felony
145.00 Criminal Mischief 4th Degree – A Misdemeanor
New Rochelle Police Arrest Suspect in Sting Operation Involving Minor
On Saturday, April 5, 2025, at about 12:00pm, New Rochelle Police received a report from a 15- year-old female who disclosed that she had been involved in an ongoing intimate relationship with a 21-year-old male. Recognizing the seriousness of the allegations, the department immediately recalled detectives to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
As part of their investigation, detectives initiated contact with the suspect by posing as the minor victim. During these communications, the suspect expressed his intent to visit the victim’s residence for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. Leveraging this information, detectives devised a carefully coordinated sting operation to apprehend the individual and ensure the safety of the minor.
Detectives positioned themselves in the vicinity of the victim’s residence, maintaining surveillance as the suspect approached. Upon his arrival, the suspect was taken into custody without incident.
The New Rochelle Police Department commends the courage of the young victim for coming forward and encourages anyone with information related to this case or similar incidents to contact their tip line at 914-654-2300, or anonymously at 914-632-COPS. The department remains dedicated to investigating crimes against minors and holding perpetrators accountable.
ARRESTED:
Alejandro Choflet, 21 years of age, of New Rochelle, NY.
CHARGES:
New York State Penal Law Section:
130.25 Rape 3rd Degree – E Felony
110/130.25 Attempted Rape 3rd Degree – A Misdemeanor
New Rochelle Police Conduct Traffic Stop Leading to Arrest and Seizure of Drugs and Firearms
On April 6, 2025, at approximately 6:35pm, officers from the New Rochelle Police Department, while conducting routine patrol, observed a vehicle traveling southbound on Memorial Highway with windows tinted beyond legal limits. Officers initiated a traffic stop to address the violation and made contact with the driver and sole occupant, identified as Mr. Aldo Nunez, 44 years of age, of the Bronx.
During the interaction, officers noticed what appeared to be the handle of a revolver protruding from beneath a bag on the floor of the vehicle’s back seat. For their safety and to investigate further, officers directed Mr. Nunez to exit the vehicle, which he did without incident, and he was detained. A subsequent inspection confirmed the firearm to be a loaded Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum revolver containing six rounds.
A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered additional evidence of illegal activity, including approximately 95 grams of suspected cocaine, approximately 26 grams of suspected MDMA pills, a loaded Ruger magazine containing 10 rounds of .40 S&W ammunition, multiple portable digital scales, large packages of small plastic baggies commonly used for drug distribution, and two boxes of .44 Magnum bullets.
Mr. Nunez was arrested and charged with multiple offenses under New York State Penal Law. He is currently being held pending his arraignment scheduled for the morning of April 7, 2025.
ARRESTED:
Aldo Nunez, 44 years of age, of the Bronx, NY.
CHARGES:
New York State Penal Law Sections:
220.18 (2 Counts) Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 2nd Degree – A-II Felony
It Ends with Us – A Film Discussion: Exploring the Portrayal of Abuse
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The Scarsdale SAFE Coalition and its partners invite you to join us for our spring program entitled It Ends With Us: A Film Discussion. Led by SFCS’s own Youth Outreach Workers, this program will explore the film’s depiction of domestic violence and examine whether it gives the audience an accurate illustration of the complexities surrounding this topic. The program will be held at the Scarsdale Public Library on Wednesday, April 30th at 7pm and will be live streamed for community members who are unable to attend in person. Information regarding registration is included below.
As an anti-violence coalition, we are committed to educating our community about the various forms of violence, both overt and covert. Through our annual fall and spring programming, we strive to foster awareness and promote a deeper understanding of these critical issues. We take great pride in addressing these topics with integrity and respect, recognizing the responsibility we hold in representing such sensitive matters. This sense of duty is the driving force behind our current program.
The film It Ends with Us, based on Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel brings the sensitive issue of domestic violence into the spotlight, reaching audiences well beyond the movie screen and resonating particularly with teenage viewers. Given the film's widespread popularity, our coalition feels it is imperative to not only highlight the accurate portrayals of domestic violence but also to critically examine the aspects of the film that may have been sensationalized or romanticized for dramatic effect. Through this discussion, we aim to encourage a more informed and nuanced understanding of this important issue.
Our program facilitators, who are trained mental health professionals, will focus primarily on five key elements present in the movie - the abuse cycle, generational abuse, toxic masculinity, ending abusive relationships, the lasting psychological effects associated with these issues. Through carefully selected film clips, the presentation will offer concrete examples of how each theme is represented. Although watching the film is not required, we highly encourage community members to view it beforehand to gain a deeper understanding and develop their own insights.
All Scarsdale community residents ages 13 and up are invited to attend. Community members who cannot attend the program in person are also invited to join us virtually and will have the opportunity to be a part of the conversation through the Q&A function of the webinar. Click here to register.
We hope you will join us for this exciting and interactive program. Joining us will be Sushi, the Scarsdale Police Department facility dog. Sushi, a white Labrador Retriever, is 18 months old and proudly serves as the newest member of the police force. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Scarsdale Police Department for their partnership and collaboration in this important event. We would also like to express our gratitude to our partners at the Scarsdale Public Library and the Junior League of Central Westchester (JCLW) for their continued support and collaboration in bringing this event to fruition.
For more information, please contact SAFE Coalition Coordinator Milagros “Millie” Chatelain, LMHC at [email protected].
Shuttering the Institute of Museum and Library Services Could Undermine the Existence of Libraries, Free Access to Information and Democracy
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Along with a blitz of executive orders, on Friday March 14, 2025 President Trump signed an order to close the Institute of Museum and Library Services. How will this affect libraries in New York State and Scarsdale?
We received this statement from the Westchester Library System in Elmsford, explaining the role of the institute and how it impacts local libraries.
Read their statement below:
Federal Funding for Libraries is at Risk
The New York State Library relies on $8.1 million in federal funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through its Grants to States Program. This funding is crucial for supporting New York’s 7,000 libraries, 72 library systems, and the NYS Library itself. Notably, 55 of the NYS Library’s 84 positions are funded by these federal dollars. The anticipated loss of this funding will severely undermine the NYS Library and jeopardize essential services for communities across the state.
Critical Services at Stake
Administration of State-Level Services for Public Libraries and Library Systems
Every action of the State Library is driven by our mission to empower libraries. As they face numerous challenges, the State Library is committed to designing policies that ensure their resilience and success.
• Distributing $104.6 million in State Aid to Libraries: Ensuring timely and efficient distribution of aid to all types of libraries, with oversight to guarantee that funding benefits local communities.
• Managing $45 million in Public Library Construction Aid: Reviewing and improving applications to help all libraries, especially small and rural ones, meet rigorous state standards and receive important aid.
• Administering Discretionary Grant Programs: Including initiatives like Conservation and Preservation Grants for libraries and cultural institutions and priorities of the legislature, such as Dolly Parton Imagination Library Participation
Grants
• Processing Public Librarian Certification and Overseeing Trustee Education: Enabling job placements of recent graduates and ensuring library boards receive necessary trustee training to fulfill their responsibilities.
• Providing Technical Assistance: Supporting 762 public libraries with guidance on library chartering, funding, governance, and accountability, ensuring every New Yorker has access to a public library.
Stewardship of the New York State Library’s Research Library and Special Collections
Threats to this institution are a threat to the State’s history and the fundamental principles of democracy, which rely on an informed public and the free access to information.
• Operating a Historic Institution: The New York State Library, established in 1818 is renowned for its extensive collections.
• Caring for the 20 Million Library Items: Our collections document the history of New York and the nation, including treasures like George Washington’s original draft of his Farewell Address and the handwritten draft of Abraham Lincoln’s Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.
• Providing Expert Research Assistance: Through digitization efforts and reference services, we provide access to a wealth of information for researchers worldwide.
Support Services for Libraries and Communities Across the State
The landscape of library services is continuously evolving. The State Library provides the leadership and resources necessary to meet these changing needs. Even state-funded initiatives rely on federal funding for effective administration.
• Ready to Read at New York’s Libraries: Leading early literacy initiatives to ensure that every child has access to evidence-based learning opportunities in their local library.
• Social Work and Libraries: Addressing the needs of vulnerable community members by convening library workers to develop effective support strategies.
• Summer Reading at New York Libraries: A cherished tradition that fun learning opportunities for children year-long, entirely funded by federal support.
• Administration of the New York Electronic Virtual Library (NOVELny): Offering essential research databases to schools and libraries, ensuring equitable access to information literacy skills for all students, regardless of their district’s wealth.
• Documentary Heritage and Preservation Services for New York (DHPSNY): Supporting libraries and cultural institutions in preserving documents that safeguard New York’s community histories.
• Professional Development and Training: Providing continuing education opportunities for librarians, trustees, and educators to enhance their skills, ensuring that New York’s libraries can thrive.
And More
Without the State Library, there is no organization to establish the policies and priorities that guide our libraries, leaving them exposed to threats that could undermine their very existence. Libraries are not merely symbols of equity, access, and opportunity; they are the driving force behind those values in every community across our state. The State Library is unwavering in its commitment to this mission, diligently supporting libraries through every facet of its work—whether through essential administrative functions or ambitious statewide initiatives.
