Scarsdale Welcomes a New Library Director
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Welcome Elizabeth Bermel, the new Director of the Scarsdale Public Library. Elizabeth joins us from the nearby Ossining Public Library and here are her comments on the new post:
Please tell our readers about your background: I am originally from the Buffalo, NY area. I went to Hamilton College, and while there, spent a semester abroad in Ecuador. After college, I received my master's degree in Library Science from the University of Texas at Austin. I had my first professional librarian job at the Jackson Heights Branch of the Queens Borough Public Library. Then, the San Antonio Public Library was recruiting librarians to work in their new Central Library. I started there as an entry-level librarian in the Reference Department and worked my way up through the library system. I became an assistant manager at a small branch library, then the manager, then moved to a larger branch, and eventually became the Central Library Administrator. After 12 years in San Antonio, I started investigating other possibilities. A friend of mine sent me the job description for the Ossining Public Library Director position in late 2006 and one thing led to another, and I took that job in May 2007 and moved to Westchester.
Why did you decide to make the move to the Scarsdale Library? I am always looking for ways to vary my experience. I have never served a community like Scarsdale and when the opportunity arose, I took it.
What is working well at the library now? I would say most things are working well, and a lot of that has to do with the staff. Their sense of teamwork is uncanny. I am very fortunate to have inherited employees who work so cooperatively. They are responsive to the community, appreciate the public and are professionals. They really know library services.
What could be improved? What changes would you like to make? I am talking one-on-one with the staff to get an idea of the changes they would like to see. Many of them have been here a long time and know our patrons very well. I see a need for some technological advancement and they are very open to that. I would like to update our website and try some of the latest trends in public libraries. I also see a need for more programs for adults, so we will work on that too. One change that is in the planning stages that I need to see through is the remodeling of the Teen Space. I want to make sure that we are giving Scarsdale teens what they want from the library and that we create a space just for them, in which they want to spend time.
What challenges do you face in your new role? Learning a new community and new processes are the most immediate challenges. I am also getting ready to create next year's budget, so there is a lot to learn in a short time. Of course, this isn't the best time budget-wise. I would also like to get the community involved in a strategic plan, so we can continue to meet the needs of the residents of Scarsdale.
Is library usage up in Westchester County due to the recession? Yes, library usage is up countywide as well as nationwide. You've probably seen a lot in the press lately about people turning to libraries for job searching and computer use, plus people are being thriftier about buying books and DVDs. They are also turning to the library for free programs for all ages.
How will the advent of digital publishing affect library operations? I think libraries cannot ignore the importance of digital publishing. Right now, our options are limited due to licensing, but I think that will change. In Westchester, we are fortunate that the IT department of the Westchester Library System (a consortium to which the Scarsdale Library belongs) is keeping track of these trends. In addition, I am the chair of a Technology Committee made up of several Westchester Library directors. We discuss ways the libraries can improve technologically and what trends we think we should follow.
Are there any upcoming speakers or programs you would like to note? The next big event in the Friends of the Library Author series is Andrew Sorkin, who will talk about his book, Too Big to Fail. I would encourage the community to check the library's online calendar for book discussions (all ages), programs for young people and adult programs. http://www.scarsdalelibrary.org/events/index.html
What is happening with the Library Express book machine at the Scarsdale Train station? We hope that all the technological issues we were having have been solved. We are testing the equipment now, and hope to add the inventory to the online catalog and to the machine very soon. It is our hope to have it functioning by December 1st. Stay tuned--we will add information to our website soon. That will include a list of what's available in Library Express and some Frequently Asked Questions. Many people have asked us if it is a book drop. It is not--just materials that have been checked out from Library Express can be returned there. We will give people the opportunity to provide feedback on what kind of books they'd like to have available to them at the train station.
Anything else you would like to add? I would like the Scarsdale community to know that I am very excited to be working here. I think the Scarsdale Library has the good fortune to have supportive patrons who really appreciate their library. The staff and I look forward to working closely with our patrons to make sure we are giving them what they want and need from us.
EHS Senior Cody Fisher Prompts CPR Training
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Last summer, while he was a counselor at a sleep away camp Nock-a-Mixon, Edgemont High School Senior, Cody Fisher, nearly died of a sudden cardiac arrest. It was the camp staff’s quick response with CPR and the use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) that helped save his life. He was diagnosed with, and treated surgically for, Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. Since that harrowing experience,Cody has become affiliated with the American Heart Association and recently shared his story at the Edgemont Board of Education meeting, urging all faculty, not just those associated with sports, to be trained in both CPR and use of the AED device.
“You really never know when something could happen, and it’s not always around a physical activity.” Cody said.
District Superintendent, Nancy Taddiken, and Edgemont faculty received his request with enthusiasm and took action. At the Superintendent’s Conference on Wednesday November 11th, 24 members of the Edgemont faculty completed a three-hour workshop to become certified in CPR and use of an AED, and 14 others were recertified. By law, medical and sports staffs are trained in both.
“I was so proud of Cody and his compelling plea. He turned what had happened to him into something that could benefit others.” Taddiken said.
His experience peeked the interest of more than just the local community. On November 16th Fox 5 will air a feature segment about Cody’s story. He was recently interviewed, in his home, by Fox anchor, Ernie Anastos. FOX cameramen also filmed his follow up surgery, which confirmed that he was free from the life-threatening condition.
Cody, like many high school seniors, has just completed his college applications and is anxiously awaiting responses. Thanks to the trained staff at camp, Cody not only has college to look forward to, but also has made a life-long commitment to encouraging others to be fully certified in use of these life-saving protocols.
Watch the video of Cody’s story on Fox 5 now: http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/local_news/091116-Teens-Heart-Stops-But-Lives
Betsy Cadel is the mother of a Seely Place 4th grader, freelance writer and frequent contributor to Scarsdale10583.com.
The Tipping Point
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‘Tis the season…to whip out your wallet and give tips. And while we all are feeling the effects of the recession, chances are those who are servicing you and your family are feeling it even more. So, this week remember to set aside a special envelope for all the people who make your life just a little bit easier.
Our tips on who, and how much, to tip:
Regular Saturday Night Sitter: A small gift, or gift card, plus an average evening’s pay.
Au Pair or Nanny: A week’s pay and a small gift.
Day Care: A gift or $25 per staffer.
Teachers: A gift ($20-$25 value) or a gift card of the same value.
Housekeeper: One week’s pay plus a small gift.
Hairdresser: Unless your stylist is the owner give double your regular tip, be sure to get all the support staff as well (hair washer, blow out person, colorist).
Mail Carrier: The Postal Service rule is a non cash gift up to $20 is acceptable.
Manicure/Pedicure: Double your usual tip.
Newspaper Carrier: $10-$30 dollars or small gift.
Pet Walker/Sitter: Up to a week’s pay or a gift.
Garbage Collectors: $20 per collector (tape a clearly marked envelope to the top of the trash can).
Child's Extra-curricular Teachers (music, art, sports, etc.) A small gift or $20 for instructor, $10 per extra staff if there are any helpers
Others who you want to acknowledge this time of year: Dry Cleaner, pharmacy delivery man, crossing guard, or anyone who helps you out on a regular basis: A token gift of a $5 gift card to Starbucks, Panera or Dunkin Donuts is a really nice way to show your appreciation.
Note: I eat breakfast at Paneras about three times a week. There is a cashier who knows what I like (a small coffee and a toasted, scooped out whole grain bagel with low fat cream cheese) and gets it ready for me as soon as she sees me walk through the door. They don’t accept tips, so to show her that I really appreciate her extra effort I gave her a $15 gift card to Annie Sez.
Did we forget anyone, or suggest too little or too much? Add your comments on tipping below.
Betsy Cadel is an Edgemont resident, freelance writer, and morning fixture at Paneras Café on Central Ave.
Community Explores a New Concept for An Indoor Pool
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Proponents of an indoor pool for Scarsdale are back. Undeterred by objections from the community about the placement of the facility, and the current economic climate, the Board of the Scarsdale Community Center (SCC) is working on another proposal, this time to build the indoor pool facility at the site of the current outdoor pool on Mamaroneck Road. In 2008 the group studied the construction of the facility at Harwood Park near the Scarsdale Library but met with considerable opposition from Fox Meadow residents who feared additional traffic as well as preservationists who objected to the destruction of trees and wetlands in the area.
Earlier this year, SCC board member and advising architect, Bart Hamlin A.I.A., identified a recently opened indoor pool facility at the nearby College of New Rochelle that integrated the building into the landscape. The design in New Rochelle demonstrated how a pool could be built underground without having an adverse impact on site aesthetics. Subsequent visits to the New Rochelle facility by SCC, community and Village Board members impressed many not only with the attractiveness of the design there, but also by its effective use of a sloped site as well as green roof technology to reduce the perceived size of the building and integrate the building into the landscape. The SCC and Village agreed to engage the architects of the New Rochelle facility, ikon.5 architects, to create a similar conceptual design of a facility at the Scarsdale outdoor pool site.
ikon.5 architects presented a concept design showing how an indoor facility can be built at the outdoor pool site in a public meeting on October 29 at Village Hall. The study starts with the landscape. The study goes through several possible options to maintain and enhance the green sloping hillside beyond the diving pool. The indoor pool built underground would have natural daylight through skylights and benefit from the insulation of the surrounding earth. The facility would include an eight lane competition pool, a therapeutic pool, locker rooms, a multi-purpose room, a fitness center and a small childcare facility. The current one story bath house would be extended towards the existing mechanical equipment location to create additional space and the mechanical operations would be moved below grade.
Among the benefits of the concept are expanding the use of the outdoor facility to allow residents to swim throughout the year, preserving the outdoor site and enhancing it’s beauty. In addition, the proposed facility would be a model of sustainable architecture. No cost estimate could be given at this time as the idea is only in concept phase. The next piece of the study would be to examine specifics and formulate a budget.
To learn more, view the video of the entire presentation and audience comments by clicking here.
The SCC is gathering community response to the new proposal and welcomes comments to info@scarsdalecommunitycenter.org . Meetings to further discuss this proposal and refine additional aspects will be planned shortly.
Neighborhood Associations Meet to Review Village Business
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The Scarsdale Neighborhood Association Presidents (SNAP) met on the evening of December 7th at Village Hall and covered lots of ground. The first order of business was a report from Lynne Clark on housing seniors in Scarsdale. A group called “Aging at Home in Scarsdale” has been formed and is sponsored by the Scarsdale and Edgemont Family Counseling Service and the Scarsdale Citizens for Senior Housing. With start-up expenses funded by a grant from a generous local family, the group sent out a survey to households with seniors age 60 and over. Responses were received from 30% of the recipients, or 576 households.
Their responses indicated that many of the residents want to remain in their home, but require services to make this feasible. Help is needed with household repairs; snow shoveling, vetted repair providers, transportation and social services.
Committees are being formed and volunteers are needed to help make this possible. Among the committees in the works are “Helping Hands” to create a list of vetted service providers: “Club 60” to organize cultural events, social activities and transportation if needed, “Marketing” to publicize the service and “Volunteers” to help with home repairs, driving, and to man phone calls.
Mayor Carolyn Stevens then gave a report on the Village budget and other Village business. In an update on the budget, she relayed that revenues from several sources are lower than expected; including interest income and mortgage taxes. However revenues from sales tax, parking permits and building department fees are up.
Construction on the Popham Road Bridge is due to begin in February and there will be a community-wide meeting in January to discuss how the project will be staged and to review related road closings. The foundation is in on the new Public Safety Building though the project is slightly behind schedule and the Farmer’s Market has moved inside to Christie Place and is doing well.
A discussion ensued on developments and traffic on Weaver Street. Janet Bell commented that the concrete wall bordering the new Heathcote Manner project has been built very close to the edge of the road and may cause hazardous driving. The placement of the wall has eliminated any room for a sidewalk. Melanie Spivack noted that Con Edison is now doing work on Weaver Street between Haverford and Stratton, causing the closure of one of the lanes during peak traffic times. The opening of the new Homes on Hillandale in addition to the construction of Heathcote Manner is already snarling traffic on Weaver Street. A new traffic study is being done to examine traffic from Quaker Ridge Road to the Heathcote Bypass and the Traffic Committee is exploring many creative solutions to improve the flow of traffic on Weaver Street.
In other business, SNAP President Linda Lieberman investigated the SNAP resolution to determine whether there was a rule to prevent Neighborhood Associations from endorsing selected candidates for the Citizen’s Nominating Committee, and found that the resolution did not preclude this. However she encouraged the group to take steps to get out the vote and increase participation rather than lobby for preferred candidates.
Diane Hirschberg reported that a group has been formed to make recommendations to improve the parking options at Scarsdale High School where there is apparently a shortage of about 100 spots. Under consideration are two-hour parking signs on Sherbrooke Road, parking at the Korean church, and an extension of the gravel parking lot along Brewster Road.
In a discussion of the affordable housing settlement and a revaluation of properties in Scarsdale, Mayor Stevens reported that she had recently attended a meeting of Westchester Municipal Officers. At that meeting, in discussing the settlement, newly elected County Executive RobAstorino stated that “he would not force anyone to build anything” and that as yet, no implementation plan has been presented. In addition, she learned that property tax revaluations have been done in Pelham, the City of Rye and Bronxville and Mamaroneck is looking into doing one. The County Board of Legislators favors it but it is an expensive undertaking.
