JCC of Mid-Westchester Plans A Day of Chesed (kindness), Service and Remembrance for September 15
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The JCC of Mid-Westchester will welcome members of the community on Sunday, September 15, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., as part of the National Day of Service and Remembrance to mark the 12th anniversary of the 9/11 attack. This is a county-wide event and all members of the community are invited to come out and donate items for these drives and/or participate in numerous charitable activities taking place that day for people of all ages and interests.
A number of activities that will benefit more than 20 local agencies will take place; a bone marrow drive with the Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation, a pet adoption and pet toys collection with PetRescue, a microwaveable meal/snack drive for AnySoldier, which sends packages to troops, hair donations for Locks of Love, a blood drive to benefit the blood bank at White Plains Hospital, a Sukkot Holiday Package program (DOROT Westchester), a children's clothing drive by Kids Kloset, a teen clothing/suitcase drive to benefit the Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services (JBFCS), school- and art-supply collection to aid Jewish Child Care Association (JCCA), a pasta/cereal collection for Bronx Jewish Community Council, a canned tuna collection to benefit Hope Community Services, which provides meals for the hungry in New Rochelle, and new pillow donations for Life Haven Shelter.
As a day of service for families with children of all ages, there will be service activities for the youngest set, including Child-Friendly Tzedakah Art Projects, Chanukah Dinner Favor Making for Bronx Jewish Community Council Clients, Sukkot Decoration Making for Hebrew Home Residents, Caring Quilt project to create a "square of care" for a paper quilt for Ronald McDonald House, and Tzedekah Box Decorating.
The event is FREE of charge and begins at 10 a.m. At 12:30 p.m., there will be a community ribbon-cutting for the new Karen Spar Kasner Play Center for the JCC's Nursery School. A remembrance program will take place at 1:00 p.m., featuring elected officials and community leaders. There will also be intergenerational activities, which include organized sports activities from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., a family swim in the JCC pool from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., and a concert by Westchester Klezmer Group from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. In addition to the age-appropriate art activities for young children, there will be teen service projects 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Jewish Community Center of Mid-Westchester, a proud beneficiary of UJA-Federation of New York, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the community by providing cultural, social, educational and recreational/fitness programs, human services and Jewish identity-building opportunities to people of all ages and backgrounds without regard to race or religion. Visit www.jccmw.org for more information about the JCC of Mid-Westchester and class schedules.
Scarsdale Adult School Fall Registration Opens Monday, August 5th
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Scarsdale Adult School online registration for the fall semester is opening Monday! Catalog subscribers and residents of zip codes 10583, 10530, 10605, and 10804 may expect to receive their printed catalogs in the mail shortly after August 9th. Extra copies will be available at both the Scarsdale Public Library and Scarsdale Village Hall.
SAS continues to offer a wide range of history, culture, religion, film, literature, foreign languages, art appreciation, music, finance, fitness and dance, games, photography, arts and crafts, cooking, wine, garden, skill enhancement, health/wellness, and self-improvement classes. Expanded computer and technology offerings are sure to be a hit with even more courses specific to mobile devices and cloud-based apps. SAT preparation classes for high school students are back as well.
SAS has also planned a series of special events commemorating its 75th anniversary. Take a look back at the year 1938, when SAS was born, in one of several new classes.
Be sure to subscribe to the SAS monthly newsletter for the latest updates by going to the SAS website and clicking on the yellow and green "Subscribe to Newsletter" icon.
With staggered start dates throughout the semester and both day and evening classes, SAS has something to fit everyone's schedule. To enroll for classes and view all SAS offerings, visit the adult school website at www.ScarsdaleAdultSchool.org or call (914) 723-2325 with any questions.
Scarsdale Sidewalk Sale July 25 -27
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Scarsdale's annual Sidewalk Sale is planned for Thursday July 25th through Saturday, July 27th from 10am to 6pm. This year's roster of participating merchants include Cat Assistance, Country Bank, Fastrackids, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Geico, Imagine Candy, Key Real Estate Services, Lange's of Scarsdale, LF Stores, Pamela Robbins, Petticoat Lane, Rothman's, Spencer Pharmacy, Shaarei Tikvah, The Jewelry Bar, and Venture Photography.
Shoppers will be entertained by DJ Dave from Summit Entertainment on Saturday. Also on Saturday, Scott Kazan the Balloon Man and his Amazing Animal Balloons will make an appearance in Boniface Circle. Refreshments will be available for sale along the shopping route to keep shoppers energized.
The sale is sponsored by the Scarsdale Chamber of Commerce which was incorporated in 1937 to organize, develop and foster commercial and civic activities of the Village through the efforts of merchants, service providers, and professional members. The Sidewalk Sale is one of many activities developed and facilitated by the Chamber.
Parking can be found in the Christie Place Garage on Scarsdale Avenue and on the Freightway Garage roof. Parking will be free on Saturday in the Frieghtway Garage as well as on the lower two levels of the Christie Place Garage.
For more information contact Lewis Arlt at 914-723-8877 x 222 or Caroline Stevens at 914-953-1195.
August Specialty Camps and Stress Reduction at JCC of Mid-Westchester
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As local day camps and sleep-away camps draw to a close, what's a mother to do? One option is to sign the youngsters up for an End-of-Summer Specialty camp at the JCC of Mid-Westchester.
For the week of August 12th to 16th, parents can enroll their children in one of three specialty camps: baseball, cheer-tumbling or drama-dance, all of which are held in the JCC's air-conditioned, well-equipped facilities.
The 3-up 3-down Baseball Program will teach kids the fundamentals of fielding and hitting, using batting cages and baseball diamonds at Scarsdale's Supply Field. Snacks and a dip in the JCC pool will round out each camp day, which run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m, August 12th to 16th. There will also be a surprise celebrity guest on the final day of camp, bringing the week's festivities to a close. The camp is for children ages 6 to 12 years, and the activities are grouped by age and ability. Cost is $400 for the week. For more information, contact Roy Emlet at 914-472-3300 x254.
The Cheer-Tumbling camp, for pre-teens ages 7-12, is great for those who want to learn to tumble for their school's cheerleading squad or an All-Star team. Cartwheels, round-offs, back handsprings, and back tucks are some of the skills taught with proper progression, as well as jumps and conditioning. This specialty camp runs from 9:00 am to 1:00pm, August 12th to 16th. Cost is $300 for the week. For additional information, contact Chon Smith at 914-472-3300 x324.
At the Drama Dance Mini Camp, children ages 4 to 7 years will gain confidence by acting and dancing with their peers in a safe, supportive environment. Professional acting instructor Kerri LuBell encourages cooperation, coordination, imagination and fun! The program runs from 9:00am to 12:00 noon, August 12th to 16th. For details, contact Jayne Santoro at 914- 472-3300 x320.
These specialty camps are not the only happening at the JCC this summer. On July 30th, the JCC of Mid-Westchester will host Juna Bobby, M.D. and founder of MindBodySpace. Dr. Bobby will present a lecture on improving children's emotional and mental health through stress relief.
The lecture will include an explanation of "good" stress versus "bad" stress, the physical and cognitive effects of stress overload, and how such overload can affect academic performance. Focusing on "Stress Reduction for Your Child's Peak Performance," Dr. Bobby will discuss the unique challenges and everyday stresses that children face today, and she will introduce the Extra Edge program for students, which is adapted from a program created by the Benson Henry Institute's Education Initiative at Harvard Medical School. In addition, Dr. Bobby will teach how to elicit the Relaxation Response -- an antidote to the stress response – through experiential exercises derived from cutting-edge scientific research in the field known as Mind-Body Medicine. Mind-Body Medicine is based on the concept that we can improve health and well being through self-care or "mind-body" techniques, such as meditation, guided imagery and deep breathing exercises.
Dr. Bobby, a graduate of the NYU Medical School, is a Board Certified radiologist. She also trained at Montefiore Medical Center, at St. Vincent's Hospital in New York, and at the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital Psychiatry Academy continuing education programs for Mind Body Medicine and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Her expertise lies in teaching positive thinking skills and tools to break cycles of stress and promote health and inner well being. Her program website is www.mindbodyspace.com.
This event will run from at 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM on Tuesday, July 30th at the JCC of Mid-Westchester, which is located at 999 Wilmot Road in Scarsdale. The cost for this event is $25, payable at the JCC in Scarsdale. For more information, contact Academic Center Director Lisa Itzkowitz via phone at 914-472-3300 ext.275 or via email at itzkowitzl@jccmw.org.
Where to See the Fireworks
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If you are in Scarsdale for July 4th weekend, I'll bet you and most of your friends plan on heading down to the Scarsdale Pool to see the breathtaking phenomena that has forever defined Independence Day: fireworks. Crackling sounds and a web of vibrant colors lighting up the sky. Yep, fireworks are pretty awesome. And while Scarsdale undoubtedly does a great show, for my taste it is getting slightly repetitive. Don't get me wrong, the Scarsdale Pool's fireworks are first rate (and conveniently close) but if you are getting a little bored of the same venue or just want to try something new, there are an abundance of places close by that offer their own unique Fourth of July Festivities...all with lots of fireworks.
July 3rd 6:00 PM-10:00 PM at Kensico Damn Plaza in Valhalla
On Wednesday July 3rd, head to the Kensico Damn Plaza in Valhalla to celebrate our country's Independence Day with some patriotic music and a spectacular fireworks display. The festivities will start at 6 PM with pre-concert entertainment; followed by the Bensen-Scott Big Band at 8 PM. Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. Admission and parking are free, though carpooling is suggested, as parking spots are limited. Concert-goers should bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. The Kensico Dam Plaza is located at the north end of the Bronx River Parkway in Valhalla. For more information, go to westchestergov.com/parks or call (914) 864-PARK.
July 3rd 9:15 PM at the Scarsdale Pool Complex
On Wednesday July 3rd, Scarsdale will hold its annual Fireworks Spectacular. This display is open for all residents and is held at the Scarsdale Municipal Pool. For non-pool members and anyone arriving after 5 PM, there will be an entrance fee of $2. Non-pool members cannot enter the pool complex before 5:00 PM. Scarsdale Pool members should come back the next day, July 4th, for Carnival Day! From 11:00 AM-4:00 PM when there will be pool games, swim races, face painting, inflatable's, sandcastle building and other water games that kids love. The Scarsdale Pool's address is 311 Mamaroneck Road in Scarsdale. For more information about either the firework show or carnival day, contact the Scarsdale Pool office at (914) 722-1292.
July 4th 8:00 PM at the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in Katonah
For those who prefer some jazz music with their fireworks, head north to Katonah on July 4th where the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts will be holding their "Pops, Patriots and Fireworks" concert. The concert will feature hits from Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn and the Harlem Jazz Craze, all performed by the Westchester Jazz Orchestra led by conductor Michael Barrett. Vocalists and Ellington experts Darius de Hass and Janis Siegel will sing and scat their way through the Ellington Songbook, while Jamie Bernstein fills in the historical background with little-known stories about Harlem's golden age of jazz. The concert will begin promptly at 8:00 PM in the Venetian Theatre. After the concert, prepare to be blasted by a thunderous firework show. Tickets range from $30 to $70 and are available at https://tickets.caramoor.org/public/show.asp or by calling (914) 232-5035. Children under 18 receive half price! The address is 149 Girdle Ridge Road in Katonah. For more information, call (914) 232-5035 or visit their website www.caramoor.org.
July 4th 9:00 PM at Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck
This July 4th, head over to Mamaroneck for the Annual Firemen's Fireworks Spectacular at Harbor Island Park. What better way to celebrate our independence than by watching a ton of fireworks explode over the Long Island Sound? Apparently there aren't many, as Westchester Magazine included the Harbor Island Park Firework Show in their 2013 Bucket List. Oh, and from the waterfront you'll also be able to see Rye Playland's firework show! Not to mention it is free. That's two firework shows for the price of none. The evening will begin at 7:00 PM with The Annual Firemen's Carnival. The carnival will have a Ferris wheel, spaceship ride, a funhouse, a dunk tank and a variety of food vendors. All of this will be followed by a dazzling display of fireworks starting at 9:00 PM. The address is Mamaroneck Avenue South and East Boston Post Road in Mamaroneck. For more information, visit townofmamaroneck.org or call (914) 777-7784.
July 4th 9:30 PM at the New Rochelle Waterfront
For those look for a true firework extravaganza, head down to the New Rochelle Waterfront on July 4th for a viewing of New Rochelle's annual "Spark the Sound." This grand fireworks display, produced and sponsored by the famous Grucci family, will start at 9:30 PM rain or shine. For those unenlightened, here is some quick background info on the Grucci family: The Gruccis were responsible for the firework programs for seven presidential inaugurations; the Lake Placid Olympics in 1981; the Los Angeles Olympics in 1985; the Salt Lake City Olympics in 2002; the Athens Olympics in 2004; and the world's largest fireworks program ever produced for the grand opening of Dubai's Palm Jumeirah and the Atlantis Palm Resort. Clearly, these guys know what they are doing when it comes to fireworks, and anyone that went to last year's show (or watched the Olympics recently) can attest to that. Optimum viewing locations include Hudson (1 Hudson Park Road), Five Islands Parks (1 Lefevre Lane) and certain waterfront restaurants. Admission is free. For more information, call (914) 654-2087.
July 4th 9:20 PM in New York City
This year, for the first time ever, Macy's has joined forces with a superstar artist, Usher, to develop and present Macy's 37th annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular. This firework display is the largest in America; with approximately 40,000 shells exploding at a rate of 1,500 per minute, all synchronized to a 25 minute, hand picked score. Reaching heights of 1000 feet in the air, the fireworks will be launched from six barges positioned between West 24th and West 50th Streets on the Hudson River. The fireworks can be seen from any unobstructed view of the sky above the Hudson River, but for the best spots, head to 12th avenue below 59th street at the following access points along 11th avenue: 24th, 26th, 27th, 29th, 33rd, 34th, 40th, 42nd, 44th, 50th, 52nd, 54th, 56th and 57th street. Can't make it down to NYC? No problem. Starting at 8 PM, NBC is broadcasting Macy's entire show, hosted by Nick Cannon complete with performances from artists Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Tim McGraw and Mariah Carey. The theme for 2013 is "It begins with a Spark." Admission is free. Parking will not be available in the area, so Macy's recommends leaving cars at home and using NYC transit, which will run an increased subway service during this time. For more information, visit www.macys.com/fireworks.
July 4th 9:30 PM at Rye Playland
Celebrate your July 4th at Rye Playland with a fireworks spectacular choreographed to music. The fireworks will start at 9:30 PM on the Rye Playland pier. Parking is $10 Fireworks also every Wednesday and Friday in July and August at 9:15 PM (parking is $5 for these dates.) The address is 1 Playland Parkway in Rye. For more information, call 914-813-7000 or visit their website http://ryeplayland.org.
