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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 27 August 2014

Created: 27 August 2014

Last Updated: 28 August 2014

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While many Scarsdalians have tickets to attend the U.S. Open at Billie Jean King Tennis Center in Flushing Meadow, only one person from Scarsdale will be on the court at the event. Katrine Steffensen, an 18 year-old players from the Dale will be playing both singles and doubles in the juniors on Sunday August 31 and Monday September 1. Currently ranked 51 in the world, Steffensen has already played in the Australian Open, French Open and at Wimbledon this year. We caught up with her pounding balls at Crossway one morning this week and noticed that she was no ordinary player. She strikes the ball with determination and speed.

We asked Steffensen to tell us a bit about herself and here is what she shared:

When did your first pick up a racquet and when did you begin to play tournaments?

I started playing when I was four years old and I have enjoyed it ever since! I would even beg my parents to bring me to tennis. At age six I started to play local 10-and-under tournaments and by the time I was eight, I was #1 in my section. Then I started to play national tournaments (as well as sectionals) in the 12's, 14's, 16's, and eventually international tournaments in the 18's.

When did you start to travel and who went with you?

The last three years, I started to travel more to compete in international tournaments. For example, I've been to several countries in South America, Europe, and Asia. I usually traveled with my mom, but I also traveled with my coach to a few tournaments and with a group with one coach other times. This past year, I went by myself to London to play in Roehampton and junior Wimbledon, and that was a great experience for me!

How often do you train?

I usually play 3 hours a day and do an hour and a half of fitness from Monday to Saturday.

Were you able to complete high school while competing?

I was enrolled in a distance learning program called Laurel Springs School that was based in Ojai, California so I actually didn't attend Scarsdale High School (but I went to SMS all three years). I had more flexibility but it was definitely still difficult to balance tennis and school.

is this your first Grand Slam tournament?

Three years ago, I played in the qualifying of the US Open Juniors, but unfortunately didn't qualify. The first time I was in the main draw of a Grand Slam was this year at the Australian Open Juniors (where I won my first round in both singles and doubles). I also played the main draws of the French Open and Wimbledon this year. All of these tournaments were really great experiences and it felt absolutely amazing to be playing on the same courts as the top pros in the world.

What is your ranking?

My current ranking is approximately 51, but my highest was 33.

What do you like better; singles or doubles?

I really enjoy both singles and doubles! They are so different, but both are so fun and exciting.

Who is your doubles partner?

I don't have a set doubles partner but I usually rotate among a few girls that I met from tournaments and then just contact them via Facebook or text message.

At what age will you move out of the juniors?

I am playing in the juniors at the U.S. Open. I am not really sure what the age limit is for juniors, however I know there is a 15-year-old playing in the main draw this year!

What will you do next year?

I will attend Princeton University where I'll be on the university team so during the year I'll be playing for them, but in the summers I am hoping to play some pro tournaments for myself.

As far as you know, are you the first person from Scarsdale to play in the US Open or have there been others?

Yes, I am the first person in Scarsdale to play (as far as I know)!

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Written by Adrienne Fishman

Published: 09 September 2014

Created: 09 September 2014

Last Updated: 09 September 2014

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The League of Women Voters drew an uncommonly large crowd to its meeting on Monday, September 8 when the new school Superintendent Thomas Hagerman as well as Board President Mary Beth Gose and Assistant Schools Superintendent Linda Purvis were invited to discuss priorities and answer questions.

Hagerman addressed the group and explained his process for getting to know Scarsdale and to assess the views of school administrators, students and their parents. He explained that since starting the job in July he has been engaging with the constituents, doing formal data gathering and incorporating feedback into future agendas. He also announced that the format of Board of Education meetings would change. All meetings will be held in rooms 170-172 of the high school so that they can be televised and watched live. In addition, each Board meeting will begin with a study session from 6:30 – 7:30 followed by a reception where the community will be given time to interact with the Board and administration. Upcoming work sessions at future board meetings will include discussion of personnel, insurance, special education, regulatory requirements and the bond issue.

The conversation then turned to the question of the bond issue. Mary Beth Evans asked whether or not the Board had time over the summer to communicate with the building level committees at each school to discuss questions about the project list. Diane Baylor suggested that the public might not realize that even after the bond issue was approved (if it is), construction details and project elements could still be altered depending on unknowns and new information.

Renee Baylor said she hoped that technology alone was not driving the project list saying, "The moguls are imposing their views on public education." Both Superintendent Hagerman and Ms. Gose assured her that human interaction was key to a successful education program. Gose said, "The most important part of education is human interaction. Collaboration is important – people work in teams – office structures are different than they were. We are not forgetting human interaction."

Hagerman agreed, saying, "Liberal arts, math, science, fine arts and technology are all important components of education. It's not about discreet facts – it is how to think deeply about issues, problem solve and use resources to solve problems."

Purvis said that she was hopeful that the Board would make some decisions at the meeting that night with a final decision at the meeting on October 6th. If approved by the Board, the bond referendum would be held in early December.

Nan Berke asked about the upcoming school budget saying that she noticed that pension costs were projected to go up by 7%. Gose said, "We are very concerned with the numbers. The official numbers have not come out yet for ERS (employee retirement system) and TRS (teacher retirement system). I am hopeful that we will have a good sense by December. Referring to Dr. Hagerman, Purvis said, "We have a fresh set of eyes. Everything is up for grabs and we will look carefully at the budget."

Mary Beth Evans asked a question about the health care reserve fund that was dissolved last year when the auditor ruled that the district could not maintain a reserve for the self-insured health plan. The group learned that though the State Senate and State Assembly had both voted to allow Scarsdale to maintain the reserve, the bill has not yet been signed by Governor Cuomo. League President Susie Rush told the group that the Governor's counsel is now looking at the bill and asking questions. It is not known whether or not Cuomo will sign it.

Board member Bill Natbony who was in attendance at the meeting said that a proposed new gift policy is on the Village's website. It does not distinguish between the foundation and other groups that could be formed. Under the new policy, the board would not abdicate its responsibility to decide what programs should run and could decide about disparities between schools.

Susie Rush asked Assistant Superintendent Linda Purvis if she had reconsidered her plans to retire and Purvis said, "No, I plan to retire March 7th though there could be some flexibility. I have a new grandchild and look forward to a new phase of my life."

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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 19 August 2014

Created: 19 August 2014

Last Updated: 19 August 2014

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The diving pool at the Scarsdale Pool Complex will be the setting for the filming of an underwater scene for the popular TV series Boardwalk Empire next week. Bootleg Productions will be in town during the week of August 18th to film a scene in Scarsdale. Stop by the pool to see the production team and actors in action.

Scarsdale has not been the only Westchester venue for the filming of television series. According to the County Executive's office, many television shows filmed in Westchester have received Emmy nominations. The 66th Annual Emmy Awards Show will be aired on August 25, 2014.

Clare Kelly, a communications intern in the County Executive's office shared this information about where some of the Emmy-nominated shows were filmed this year:

Girls: Filmed in Peekskill at the Inn on the Hudson

Orange is the New Black: Filmed in areas of downtown White

Boardwalk Empire: Filmed in Alder Mansion, Yonkers; used Lenoir Preserve as a blue screen backdrop.

Blacklist : Filmed at a private jet provider at Westchester County Airport; along the rocky shores of Glen Island Park

The Americans: Night scene filmed in parking area at Saxon Woods Park

The Good Wife: Filmed at the courthouse in downtown White Plains