Pajama Party at the Scarsdale Library Brings in Over $13K for Community Programs
- Details
- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 1669
(The following was submitted by the Friends of Scarsdale Library)
The Scarsdale Public Library was transformed into a cozy haven of storytelling, crafts, and community spirit during its first ever Pajama Party on June 29, 2025— a sold-out event that raised more than $13,000 to support the Library’s programs and services.
Hosted by the Friends of the Scarsdale Library, the event drew dozens of pajama-clad families for a night filled with imaginative fun. Kids enjoyed craft stations, snacks, a Daniel Tiger- themed trolley ride, and a memorable storytime with special guest Alexandra Schwartz, Emmy-winning writer/producer of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Wonderoos. Schwartz read a Daniel Tiger story and screening of Netflix’ Wonderoos episode. The interactive and creative PJ Party-themed craft stations were hosted by Happy Place Creative Studio, iCamp, Shake it Off, Vivvi, Wee Care Nanny Agency, and Wise Owl.
The evening highlighted what makes the Scarsdale Public Library a beloved fixture in the community: creativity, inclusivity, and a shared love of learning.
“We were thrilled to see so many smiling faces. The joy and energy in the room reminded us why we do what we do,” said Daniela Retelny and Toby Milstein Schulman, Co-Presidents of Friends of the Scarsdale Library. “It was a magical night for everyone involved.”
In addition to the evening’s programming, attendees went home with thoughtfully curated gift bags, including a signed copy of Schwartz’s new bedtime book, The Book You Can Only Read in Bed, courtesy of Community of Play. Families also got a chance to meet sleep expert Liza from Rock-a-bye Baby Sleep, who offered helpful tips to parents.
Supporting the Library’s Vision
All proceeds from the event will directly support the Scarsdale Library’s community programming. The event also spotlighted the Library’s Library in the Park Campaign—a transformative initiative to reimagine the two-acre campus surrounding the library into a welcoming, multi-use outdoor space for all ages. Supporters can donate or purchase personalized pavers to become a lasting part of the new Library Green.
Sponsors Make It Possible
The event’s success was made possible by generous local sponsors, including the Daniel Tiger sponsors:
The Angela Retelny Team at Compass – A refined, results-driven real estate team, tailored to helping clients’ find their dream homes in Westchester.
Community of Play – A nurturing, expert-led play space for children — and the grown-ups who love them! Make sure to check out the Summer and Fall schedule for amazing children and adult classes!
JustinTime Baseball, which is the premier baseball coaching program in Westchester.
Mark Jessamy Photography – An incredible photographer who exquisitely captures life’s best moments and generously captured the event.
Nestig – The most beautiful nursery furniture designed for growing families. We hope your kids got a chance to enjoy their new mini chairs that were around the room at the event, they are so cozy!
NewYork-Presbyterian – A leading hospital bringing us world-class care closer to home at their new White Plains campus, The One, which is opening on September 9th.
The Toby & Judah Schulman Family, who are proud and generous supporters of our library and community.
Wee Care Nanny Agency – which helps modern families find trusted childcare professionals.
Additional thanks go to Wonderoo sponsors: Daniela Retelny & Andrew Blum, Honest Art, Mohawk Day Camp, Vivvi, and Wise Owl.
The Friends also extended their appreciation to all of the sponsors, Scarsdale Library staff, and dedicated volunteers, whose efforts brought the evening to life.
Get Involved
Those who enjoyed the evening—or who want to support the Library’s mission—are encouraged to become a Friend of the Library. Memberships start at $50 and directly support events like the Pajama Party, author talks, educational programming, Library improvements, and more. Learn more or donate at: https://www.scarsdalelibrary.org/connect/friends.
Until next time, Scarsdale—keep reading, keep imagining, and thank you for being part of this vibrant library community and becoming a friend.
Houlihan Lawrence Congratulates Their Graduates
- Details
- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 1250
Post Tributes to Your Grads in the Scarsdale10583 Graduation Issue
- Details
- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 1789
This year, Scarsdale10583 will produce a special graduation issue covering all end of year activities: including prom, academic awards, senior transition day, moving up ceremonies from the five elementary schools and of course, the Scarsdale High School Graduation. We invite you to be a part of it by posting a tribute to your graduate - whether they are moving up from fifth grade, graduating from high school, college or graduate school. Details are below: To book your space and get answers to your questions, contact Sharon Higgins at sharonshiggins@gmail.com or call her at 914-261-8668. She can also help you with your artwork. See examples below.
We look forward to covering all these wonderful events and making you a part of the celebration!
Scarsdale Troop 4 Scouts Earned over 55 Merit Badges and Over 30 Rank Advancements
- Details
- Written by: Mayra Kirkendall Rodriguez
- Hits: 1995
Newly Elected Officers: Tiago, Christian, Stella, and DelfinaThirty-three Scarsdale Troop 4 scouts celebrated a Court of Honor last Sunday. The Court of Honor is a formal recognition ceremony in Scouting where Scouts are officially recognized for advancements in rank (except for Eagle) and merit badges.
Collectively, Troop 4 scouts earned over fifty-five merit badges, and thirty-three scouts advanced in rank. Scouts earned badges in a wide range of categories such as academics, art, civics, life skills, sports, and STEM. Additionally, Harper Mazza earned the National Outdoor Award ; Landon Hernandez received The Complete Angler Recognition Award for completing three fishing-related merit badges.
The scouts who earned merit badges, advanced in rank, or in many cases both, are: Finley Baird, Jonah Balking, Zachary Balkin, Stella Bowman, Isaac J Cohen, Aidan M Copeland, Tian Dong, Landon P Hernandez, Lucas J Houpt, William C Houpt, Jonathan Hunker, Andrew Li, Christian Kirkendall-Rodríguez, Delfina Kirkendall-Rodríguez, Robert F Kolb, Oliver Lieto, Vaed Machineni, Estelle Maddison, Ibrahim Mansouri, Harper Mazza, Ayden Ostermiller, Dylan Ostermiller, Ellie Paek, Mila Paek, Ashton Radom, Jason Ren, Steven Ren, Tiago Rodríguez, Julia Ruiz Fraile, Elizabeth Schaible, William Schaible, Harry Zheng, and Troy Wong.
Scarsdale Troop 4
Troop 4 thanks Aidan Copeland and Jason Ren for completing their term as Senior Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, respectively. The Troop had elections yesterday; Adult Scout Leaders thank all the scouts who ran for all four positions. We are very proud that our scouts are learning to exercise their leadership skills and about civic engagement. All candidates gave speeches to scouts and parents; everyone learned a lot about the candidates’ participation in scouts and their vision for future scout activities. The Troop’s newly elected leaders are Senior Patrol Leader Christian Kirkendall-Rodríguez, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Tiago Rodríguez, Assistant Patrol Leader for Community Service and Fundraising Delfina Kirkendall-Rodríguez, and Troop Guide Stella Bowman. Congratulations to the new leaders.
Anyone wanting to learn more about Scarsdale Troop 4 may write us here.
Scarsdale Students Take Home Awards from All-Girls Chess Championship
- Details
- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 2967
Audrey Zhou, Tanishqa Balasubramanian and Nikki Chan with Coach Matan Prilleltensky.Scarsdale students demonstrated their chess prowess at the 20th Annual All-Girls National Chess Championships held April 4-6 in Chicago, Illinois. The event which was presented by The Kasparov Chess Foundation and Chicago's Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation, attracted a record-breaking 546 players from 33 states, Washington, DC, and US Virgin Islands, as well as Canada and the United Kingdom.
Chess champion Garry Kasparov attended the event and expressed enthusiasm about the growing popularity and engagement of girls in the chess community.
Coach Matan Prilleltensky, Alexandra Wang, Allison Zhou (leading scorer), and Amelia Chen
Under the guidance of National Scholastic Chess Foundation Executive Director Matan Prilleltensky, local students achieved great results across multiple age divisions.
Greenacres Makes National Debut
The Greenacres Chess Team competed in the Under 8 section, marking their first appearance as a full team in a national competition. The young squad—featuring Alexandra Wang, Allison Zhou (leading scorer), and Amelia Chen, and Brooke Gao (not shown) —secured the sixth place team trophy with a strong finish.
Edgemont Claims National Runner-Up Status
In the Under 14 section, the Edgemont Chess Team placed second in the nation—the school's best team result at a national championship in many years. Notably, Edgemont was the only non-New York City school to place in the top 3 across all six competition sections. The team comprised Audrey Zhou, Tanishqa Balasubramanian, and Nikki Chan.
Edgemont students Alice Shi (Under 16) and Leah Chan (Under 18) also posted solid results as individual competitors.
Individual Championships for Zhou and Liang
Audrey Zhou claimed the individual national championship title in the Girls Under 14 division, scoring an impressive 5.5 out of 6 points. With this achievement, Audrey joins National Master William Graif and Max Li on the exclusive list of students who have won individual National Championships while attending Edgemont High School.
Melanie Liang, Girls Under 10 National Chess Champion.Another stellar performance was achieved by Melanie Liang, a Scarsdale resident who is a fourth grader at Rye Country Day School. Melanie, who is coached by NSCF Founding Director Sunil Weeramantry, scored a perfect 6 points to become the Girls Under 10 National Chess Champion.
All these students have taken classes and participated in tournaments organized by the National Scholastic Chess Foundation. Young chess enthusiasts can look forward to the organization's next tournament, scheduled for Saturday, May 17, at Bronxville School. The event is open to competitors in grades K through 12. For more information or to register, visit the NSCF website at nscfchess.org.
Audrey Zhou, Girls Under 14 National Chess Champion.
