An Annual Tradition: Cocoa for a Cause at All Good Things
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When Evan Greenberg was five, he was a big fan of hot cocoa – not drinking it - but giving it to people who were cold. What started as a hot cocoa stand in his garage to support his elementary school's hunger project, has now become an annual event that has raised over $15,000 for various causes, primarily the Pediatric Cancer Foundation.
The tradition began with a bunch of boxes from holiday gifts, some hastily made baked goods and a few hours of work during a winter weekend. Now in it's ninth year, the enterprise has grown into a major endeavor. This year's event, the 9th annual Evan and Joshua's Hot Cocoa Stand for Pediatric Cancer Foundation, will be held at All Good Things in Scarsdale on March 7th from 11-5 and March 8th from 12-6. In addition to cocoa donated by Chocolations in Scarsdale, cups and sugar donated by the Nautilus Diner in Mamaroneck and baked goods from the Mittman family and others, it also features raffles of both sports and non-sports raffles. 
Evan, now 13 and his brother Josh, 11, are big sports fans and the idea of asking sports teams and players to donate items started early. "Evan first asked Ike Davis of the Mets to come to his Hot Cocoa stand, when we met him at a Citibank store opening" said his father, Ken, also the CCO (Chief Cocoa Officer). "When he heard that Jason Bay moved into town, he left a flier in his mailbox and then had the idea to write to many players". While the players did not write back, the teams did and what started as some nice items from the Mets has expanded into tickets and memorabilia from the Mets, Rangers, Yankees, Knicks, Giants, Jets, Nets and Devils. Evan has even started to contact players once again. "Over the summer, I go to lots of Mets games so started waiting afterwards to see if the players would donate something to the Hot Cocoa Stand. Some of the players told me to contact them on Twitter or email their agents. David Wright asked me for my email address. A few days later, the Mets equipment manager emailed me and asked for my home address. About a week later, I received a big box with two bats...one signed by David Wright for the Hot Cocoa Stand and the other for me with the words, "Evan, Keep Up the Good Work". The Rangers have also donated a hockey team with signatures from the team.
Local stores have donated gift certificates for the non-sports raffle. Sponsors include All Good Things, Neil's Sports, Beginnings, Cheers Wine, Standing Room Only, Cheryl's Closet, Infinity and more are expected to donate before the event.
In a winter where hot cocoa was so desperately needed, it's nice to see it warming kids hearts in other ways as well. Do your part to warm some hearts at Evan and Joshua Greenberg's 9TH Annual Hot Cocoa stand while they raise money to support Pediatric Cancer Foundation. The event will take place at All Good Things in the Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center in Scarsdale on Saturday March 7, from 11:0am-5pm and Sunday March 8, 12:00pm-6pm.
Author Marilyn Johnson to Lead Community Reading Experience
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"Lives in Ruins: Archaeologists and the Seductive Lure of Human Rubble," the New York Times bestseller by Marilyn Johnson, is the inaugural selection in the Scarsdale Public Library's What Scarsdale Is Reading community reading experience.
Johnson will discuss her book at the library on, Monday, March 9, at 7:00 p.m. A wine and cheese reception and book signing will follow. The program is free and open to the public.
What Scarsdale Is Reading engages residents in a communal literary experience. Four times a year, a committee of volunteers will choose a book they believe reflects the interests of the community. The library will make the book available in multiple formats, provide discussion questions, and hold an author reading or special event around the book.
Chosen for its intriguing subject matter and witty narrative, "Lives in Ruins" invites the reader to join Johnson as
she accompanies archaeologists from the Mediterranean to Machu Picchu, and even more locally in Fishkill, NY, as they uncover clues of civilizations' past. Her entertaining account digs into what drives those with a passion for human rubble.
"Community read programs have elevated the literary dialogue in towns and cities across the country," says Library Director Elizabeth Bermel. "What Scarsdale Is Reading is a natural fit for a well-read community like Scarsdale."
Michelle Lichtenberg, President of the Scarsdale Library Board of Trustees, notes, "What Scarsdale Is Reading offers an opportunity for neighbors and friends to read a special book, and then gather together at the library for a lively discussion. We encourage members of the many book groups in town to participate in this community event."
Copies of "Lives in Ruins" are available through the library in e-book, hardcover, and audio versions. Discussion questions for book groups and individuals can be found on the library website (www.scarsdalelibrary.org) or at the What Scarsdale Is Reading display table in the library.
To reserve a copy of the book, go to the library website or call the Reference Desk at 914-722-1302.
Register Now for the Young Writers' Workshop
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Registration is open now for the 20th Annual Scarsdale Young Writers' Workshop. This community event for third to fifth graders is scheduled for Saturday, March 21, from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, at Scarsdale Middle School. This special anniversary will be celebrated by hundreds of students gaining real writing experience through workshops taught by local communications professionals.
The event will begin with a keynote presentation from Chris Grabenstein, a former improvisational comedian and the author of The New York Times best seller, Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library. He also is the co-author (with James Patterson) of the number-one best sellers House of Robots, I Funny, I Even Funnier and Treasure Hunters. Grabenstein will start the morning by telling students about his journey from being a kid with a big imagination to a highly successful author, and all the fun stops in between.
He then will teach two interactive "master workshops" following his keynote address. Grabenstein will be joined by 33 talented, local professionals from the worlds of book publishing, journalism, technology, advertising, politics, art and more who'll share their expertise with students.
Registration takes place online here from now through February 28. Registrations after February 28 will be assessed a $10 late fee and are subject to workshop availability. (Registrations will not be accepted after March 6.)
Giving Back:
As in past years, students will have the opportunity to give back to local communities by donating books when they arrive at the workshop. The books will benefit Why We Read, a new organization that encourages a love of reading among underprivileged elementary age children. The YWW donations will help fill a library at the YMCA Camps of Greater New York.
Enjoy a Winterbrew at Winterfest
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The Scarsdale Forum will host its seventh annual membership party, Winterfest 2015 on Saturday, February 7 at the Scarsdale Woman's Club, 37 Drake Road from 7 to 11 PM. The snow date is Sunday, February 8, 4 to 7 PM if necessary.
Members of the Forum and their guests can look forward to an evening of lively conversation and fine food and drink to chase away the winter weather blues. One of the evening's highlights will be the home-brewed beers of Forum member Bruce Wells. Wells promises eight to ten varieties for the discerning beer drinker.
Jazz pianist Angelo DiLoreto will get the party started in the music room during cocktails followed by several member pianists during the dinner hour. Diners will enjoy a delicious buffet dinner prepared by Jensina Olson and as a final treat, the home baked desserts of member bakers beautifully displayed in the smaller dining room.
Several gift certificates donated by several local cafes and restaurants will be given as door prizes throughout the evening.
Join the Forum and come to the best block party in town! Admission is $30 per person and limited to members and their guests. Due to the popularity of this event, advance reservations are encouraged.
Advanced reservations, membership renewal and joining the Forum for the first time can be done online at: www.scarsdaleforum.com or by mailing a check to Scarsdale Forum Inc., 24 East Parkway, P.O. Box 86, Scarsdale, NY 10583. For additional information regarding the event, please contact the Forum office at 914-723-2829 or office@scarsdaleforum.com.
UJA Examines Family Relationship/Jansen Hospice Hosts Evening of Remembrance
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UJA-Federation of New York's Westchester Women's Philanthropy explored the complexity of family relationships with Rabbi Lori Koffman at a private home in Larchmont on Thursday, January 22, 2015. Nearly 50 women came together to learn the Jewish perspective on the joys and challenges of being both parents and children. Event chairs included Rickie Broff of Scarsdale, Caren Osten Gerszberg of Larchmont, Nancy Kanterman of Mamaroneck, Susie Schnall of Purchase, Allison Spitalny of Scarsdale, and Amy Tanenbaum of Harrison.
"We have something in common: We share the same values and concerns," said Susie Schnall. "We're Jewish women who care about our families and want to understand and elevate those relationships. And we're here today, coming together under the auspices of UJA-Federation of New York, which means that we also share values that are common to the Jewish community – caring for those in need, ensuring that there is a Jewish community tomorrow, and finding meaning in our heritage and legacy."
Hospice Hosts Evening of Remembrance:
This past December, Jansen Hospice and Palliative Care welcomed family members with a personal connection to Jansen to their annual Celebration of Lights ceremony. It was an evening of remembrance and restoration for all those grieving the loss of loved ones.
The poignant, non-denominational service was hosted at the Reformed Church of Bronxville, and officiated by local clergy members, including Father Gus Badgley of Saint Joseph's Church in Bronxville, Nehemiah Luckett of Asbury Methodist Church in Crestwood, Reverend Cari Patterson of the Reformed Church in Bronxville, and Chaplain Suzanne Graham of Jansen Hospice in Scarsdale. Mr. Luckett performed Jonathan Larson's "Seasons of Love", a song with lyrics that invite retrospection and call for the celebration of life. Reverend Patterson extended comforting sentiments in a heartwarming homily that drew on her background as hospital and nursing home chaplain, as well as her personal experience coping with death and loss. She referred to hospice care in a special way, calling it "a gift" that alleviates worry so friends and family can devote themselves to their beloved and have "meaningful conversation" - something invaluable as hospice patients near the end of their lives, and so often offer advice that "illuminates a path" and "shines light" on how to move forward once they are gone. Towards the end of her homily, Reverend Patterson said, "Though your husband, your wife, your mom, your dad, your grandparent, your co-worker, your friend, maybe even your child—is no longer with you in bodily form, their flame has not gone out, nor has their spirit." This idea was a perfect segway into the candle lighting sequence in which family members lit candles in celebration of the person they loved and lost, with reassurance that their spirit would shine forth forevermore. It was a beautiful end to the night.
After the ceremony, family members enjoyed refreshments and mingled. The chatter among the crowd echoed feelings of thanks to Jansen Hospice for the exceptional care they offer patients, and for continued bereavement services after an emotionally devastating loss. It was a therapeutic experience for many who attended, and the night's theme of looking forward and celebrating life offered encouragement, hope, and healing.
