On Your Walk Today: Reader Photo Gallery
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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As the seasons change there’s always something to see as you navigate Scarsdale. Whether you’re walking, biking or even driving in your car, you’re bound to notice flora and fauna, animal life, flooding, azure skies or sunsets and man made additions to the landscape.
This week we’re launching a new column, "On Your Walk Today," where we will publish user photos. We welcome your contributions. Notice something? Take a photo and email it to scarsdalecomments@gmail.com.
Here are are the first two photos: One of the Sukkah at Westchester Reform Temple and another of a scenic sky over the Heathcote Five Corners.
Send us your photos of local scenery at scarsdalecomments@gmail.com.
Scarsdale Boys’ Soccer Snaps Seasonal Curse Posting Wins Against White Plains and Edgemont
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- Written by Adam Katcher
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For the past few years – as long as the seniors on the team can remember – there has been a reputation surrounding Scarsdale Soccer built on how “Scarsdale always starts seasons slowly.” This year, an early-season skid was not a worry, even with a disappointing 0-0 opening-day draw against Mahopac.
The Raiders had to wait two weeks from their first match, which was an impressive performance only hindered by goal-scoring woes, to rally the troops and try to pick up their first win of the season. After losing access to Butler Field due to a small hazard on the sideline, the Raiders were able to get to winning ways.
Simply stated, the pitch at Quaker Ridge is not as “nice” as the turf, with real grass and mud leading to a less-slick surface. The match itself is pretty similar to how it would be if played at the preferred venue, but the difference is notable nonetheless. However, safety is the priority, and Quaker Ridge does not have an injury-threatening spot as Butler Field currently does.
White Plains showed up to Scarsdale Boys’ Soccer’s temporary home on 9-17 not knowing exactly what to expect. After all, they only had one Scarsdale game on which to base their scouting. The Tigers soon learned their neighbors are more than just a force to be reckoned with.
The match turned into a Scarsdale scoring and possession clinic. Co-captain Luke Peltz calmly tucked away a penalty in a dominant first half to give the Raiders a 1-0 lead heading into halftime. Even though complacency could have seeped in, an applaudable first-half performance was built upon in the second period of play.
Eli Gelblum slotted away a composed finish to double Scarsdale’s lead. The build-up play was phenomenal, with Zach Ruback brushing by a defender on the right-wing with intricate footwork before playing it to Nico Galeano who fed the ball to the well-positioned Gelblum. Co-captain Kian Batliwalla scored soon after from close range to put the game well out of the visitor’s reach. After putting extra emphasis in training on finishing for two weeks straight, the rewards for the efforts were there for all to see.
Less than 24 hours after the resounding victory which sent waves throughout the section, on 9-18 the Raiders made the short trip to Edgemont. Once more, Scarsdale dominated possession, though Edgemont defended in a deeper block than White Plains did. At first, Edgemont’s deep-lying tactics frustrated the visitors.
Scarsdale nonetheless controlled the tempo of play in the first half. However, that is not to say Edgemont did not have a fantastic chance to score. From the edge of the 18-yard-box, the Panther’s free-kick was driven low and around the wall and was destined for the back of the net. Co-captain Rowan Haffner had other ideas, getting down low to make a fantastic diving save to preserve Scarsdale’s perfect defensive start to the season.
At halftime, coach Marcos Monteagudo, alongside assistant coaches Andrew Nagel and Carlos Vazquez, made a tactical adjustment to better break down Edgemont’s deep-lying defense unit. Indeed, the subtle tactical tweak was exactly what Scarsdale needed to put enough pressure to lead to a defensive crack. Even though the match’s only goal came from a dead-ball play, it was clear the wise tactical change – one of many potential adjustments up Monteagudo and Co’s sleeves - was working as hoped for.
A Peltz throw-in led to the moment of magic the Raiders were looking for to pick up their first away win of the season. Peltz’s signature long throw found its way through a sea of bodies to Matthew Choe who made no mistake from close range.
After the first three matches of the 2021 campaign, the Scarsdale Raiders Boys’ Soccer Team have already built up a tremendous head of steam. Both the team’s veterans and the rookies have played a key role in the team’s engine. Even if derailed this season, there is no doubting that this team will be able to get themselves back on track as soon as possible.
The strong start to the season cannot be ignored. The Raiders and rivals alike will all have taken note of the breaking of the Scarsdale-slow-start-to-season curse.
Scarsdale Pool Completes Successful 2021 Season
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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The Scarsdale Pool closed their 2021 season on Sunday September 12. Though the staff had to deal with COVID and the pool’s antiquated mechanicals, many residents enjoyed swimming and diving in the facilities four pools.
According to Brian Gray, Superintendent of the Scarsdale Recreation Department, 1,854 permits were sold to residents, and another 128 to non-residents who were invited to enjoy the pool for the first time this year.
About the season, Gray said, “The 2021 Pool Season was challenging with the understanding we continue to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am very proud of facility staff in how they professionally continued to offer the services at the Scarsdale Municipal Pool Complex during these challenging times.
Operating a 50+ year old seasonal aquatic facility brings it challenges. We did not experience any multi-day shutdowns due to major mechanical issues like we have experienced in the past. We did however experience numerous issues throughout the season that created closures until remedied, as expected.
The pool staff worked tirelessly to offer an enjoyable and safe aquatic experience to our guests. The employee shortage many businesses are experiencing throughout our country affected us as well. Additionally, Hurricane Ida created a multi-day outage due to dirt and debris in all 4 pools necessitating days of vacuuming and backwashing until the water was clear and safe for swim patrons.”
Closing day photos from Michelle Lichtenberg
Mt. Vernon Man Jailed After Attempt to Assault Scarsdale Police Officers
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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A 34 year-old Mt. Vernon man is now in custody after he attempted to assault Scarsdale Police officers with a 3-4 foot long metal pipe at around 1:30 am on Thursday September 16, 2021.
Police found Raeshone J. Foote in the parking lot of the Scarsdale Pool where he was attempting to change a flat tire on a gray BMW 528. The trunk of the car was open and the passenger side rear tire was flat. Police tried to help Foote to contact a tow company to assist but were unable to get one to come to the scene.
When Foote became “rude and combative,” police noticed that he smelled of alcohol and had glassy and bloodshot eyes. They looked up the car and found that it was unregistered and equipped with Connecticut plates which were registered to a 2005 Ford with a different owner. Foote claimed he would register the car the next day.
When police told Foote that the car would be impounded, his mood changed and another officer was called to the scene. Foote attempted to grab a three to four foot long white metal pipe from the trunk. When police told him not to touch the pipe he disregarded them. A sergeant was able to put his foot on the pipe and another officer grabbed it and threw it. The officers then restrained Foote and put him in handcuffs. He continued to actively resist and had to be carried to the police car where he continued to yell and scream and attempted to break the glass in the car by pressing his back up against the door glass and slamming the edges of the handcuffs multiple times.
At the police station, Foot continued to make threats on the lives of the officers and repeatedly kicked the door of the holding cell so hard that he broke the lock and bent the cell wall.
Police had to remove the holding cell lock so that Foote could be moved to a jail cell before being send to Westchester County Jail in lieu of $5000 bail.
He was charged with driving an unregistered vehicle, operating the car with improper plates, disorderly conduct, obstruction, menacing with a weapon, criminal mischief, assault with intention to cause physical injury to an officer, and driving while intoxicated.
Fall Fashion for Teens: Pairing Vintage Finds with New Buys
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- Written by Sydney Piccoli
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September is only a few days away and you can feel it in the air. Drive by Scarsdale High School and you’ll see that the campus has come to life with athletes running on the track and dribbling soccer balls as they enjoy a long-awaited pre-season. On Central Avenue Staples is packed and spiral notebooks are going quickly. But the biggest question is, what to wear? After spending a majority of last school year wearing pajamas on Zoom, high school students are in need of a wardrobe update to go back to school. And if you no longer know what’s in, here’s a list of current trends for teens and where to find them for back to school shopping:
1. In the fashion world, colors seem to take turns. This year, people are opting for more earth tones, such as brown and beige. Grab a brown graphic tee from Brandy Melville, PacSun, or Urban Outfitters and you’ll be sure to stay on trend. The best part is it will go with anything from a distressed denim jacket to beige vintage pants.
2. Another trend that is coming back is vintage button-down shirts from the 70s with prints, patterns, and designs; they tend to be more statement pieces than anything else. Many teens can be found wearing them unbuttoned with a graphic tee underneath or buttoned up with a basic pair of denim jeans. These can be found at a local thrift store or Etsy or purchased new from Madewell or Zara. I’d recommend checking out both the mens and women’s sections.
3. Sweater vests are also making a comeback, and will serve as one of your wardrobe’s most versatile pieces. At the beginning of September when the weather’s warmer, a sweater vest can be paired with denim jeans for a cute look. As it becomes colder, you can throw a solid colored sweater vest over a pattern t-shirt for an interesting layered look. Sweater vests are in stock at many stores, but I found the most affordable ones at American Eagle or Target. After all, a trend’s only in for so long, so it’s good to be aware of how much you are spending on one article of clothing. Another fashion staple are oversized polo shirts which are now back in style. If you stop by Ralph Lauren or the men’s section of a thrift store, you are guaranteed to find a polo that can be worn as an oversized shirt or dress.
4. As far as jeans, the ones dominating the fashion world now seem to be “mom jeans,” high-waisted with flare, and the sometimes controversial low rise. Sticking with bottoms, maxi skirts, both low-waist and regular, are gaining traction. When paired with a mini-cardigan that’s a solid color, maxi skirts are an ode to 90s fashion. Definitely look toward thrift stores, Levi’s, Urban Outfitters, and Gap for jeans that hold up well. Sweatpants, leggings, and the whole idea of “lounge wear,” for one, seem to be fading quickly out of the picture. Maybe after Zoom work and school everybody is tired of them!
5. There is a clear resurgence of 90’s fashion some of which fit under the aesthetic “grunge.” Think bomber jackets, slip dresses, baby tees, plaid flannel shirts, overalls, horizontal striped sweaters, bike shorts, plaid wide pants, old band tees/tanks, and leather coats—basically anything that will make your parents question what year you were born in. As far as pop culture goes, look to Friends, Gilmore Girls, Dawson’s Creek, 90210, Boy Meets World, and Full House for a reminder of 90’s fashion. Once again check out thrift stores, Dickies, PacSun, Tilly’s, and Urban Outfitters for some good finds.
6. Oversized is another look that’s definitely in. If you check out American Eagle or Cotton:On, you will see a lot of their t-shirts now fit the oversized style. Grab one that’s your style, pair it with solid black biker shorts, and some Nikes and you have an outfit that’s both hip and comfortable. On the other end, teen influencers are also sporting baggy jeans; check them out at Zara or H&M.
7. Teens seem to be wearing jewelry that’s rather eccentric. Many teens, no matter their gender, can be found with rings on all fingers and crafty earrings in their ears. I think the most unique jewelry can be purchased from small businesses on Etsy, Instagram, and TikTok.
8. As far as tank tops, teens are pairing 90’s style white tanks with jewelry and layering tank tops and printed long sleeves. Think about what young Selena Gomez or Hilary Duff would wear on the red carpet. Speaking of which, lace and scallop crop trim tank tops are definitely on display at most any clothing store.
9. In shoes, trends seem to be less prevalent. Classics like Nikes, Reeboks, Vans, and Converses never go out of style. One pair of shoes that have entered the Gen Z fashion world once again are Doc Martens, especially the oxford style pair of shoes and make sure to check out their vegan line! If you are looking for a more trendy pair of shoes brown and sage Converses are popular.
When it comes to clothes, the most important thing is that you enter the school year feeling both confident and happy. If you are stuck trying to find your own style, stroll the streets of Scarsdale Village and check out the store windows, roam Pinterest, follow social media influencers and break out of the clothing section that matches your gender identify.
After all, clothes have no gender and the only barriers that appear in the fashion world are the ones you set 
for yourself. Also, remember to be sustainable while shopping for back to school clothes. A great option is thrifting because it allows you to better the environment while experimenting with various aesthetics at a low cost.
Happy shopping Scarsdale residents!
(Photo Credit: Urban Outfitters)
