Maroon and White Celebrates a Stellar Fall
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Fall 2015 was a stellar few months for Raiders Athletics. Both team and individual accomplishments studded each sport's season. However, like the Mets, many of the teams could not carry their momentum when it counted most and fell short Sectionals. Nonetheless, there were highlights and memories to be recounted as the teams congregated one last time at the Fall Awards Dinner hosted by the Maroon and White.
The Varsity football team had their sights set on a Section Championship heading into the season and the squad was tested with one of the toughest schedules in school history. While they could not quite capitalize on their winning momentum in the postseason, Senior Captain Michael Rolfe considers the season a success. He says, "We made it to the Class AA semi-finals. This was the first appearance in the semis for Scarsdale football ever. This team made history and will be recognized as one of the top teams in Scarsdale football history." The boys finished 6-3, ending their season with a tough defeat by New Rochelle.
Raiders Field Hockey, better known as "flockey," finished 12-6. Senior Eliza Brosgol says, "the biggest factors that contributed to our team's success were our determination and our positive attitudes. The combination allowed for a motivated and supportive team." Another key contributor to their success this season was learning to work on communication skills. That came with having a close-knit team, on and off the field. Brosgol says, "I think it's really important that the
team became close off the field. We were a team of mostly returning players so it was easy for us to reconnect after a year apart. It's a great group of girls and I think that our closeness helped us trust each other on the field. Plus, it's fun when you like who you are playing with." The Raiders went out with a bang, pressing hard and giving Horace Greeley a close game in the Section Semi-Finals. "Of course it would have been nice to make it to the section finals, but we fought hard and gave it our all in a double OT and a shoot-out."
Even though cross-country is an individual sport, the Raiders made every practice and every competition a team effort. The team's success is a product of individual tenacious work ethics. Senior Charlie Musoff says, "Some of our workouts can be brutal, but every day we buckle down and run hard... Without your teammates to push you, it is a much more difficult mental game to push through that last mile or even maintain a steady pace." One highlight of the season was when the Boys' Varsity, JV, and Freshman teams swept the League Meet. The team boasted 8 All-League runners, and everyone loves watching their teammates succeed. Musoff notes that the team dynamic was strong this fall. "You cannot rely on anyone else to run your race for you. As Coach Clark likes to say, we 'run as one'... I may have a good race, but if the team as a whole runs poorly, I am not successful."
The Girls' Swim team's passion and school spirit was perhaps best displayed when they wore towel capes and goggles to school the day of a meet. Even though the team did not pull together as many wins as they would have liked, they were able to enjoy the season regardless through new friendships and a sense of unity. The Raiders will send three competitors off to the next level: Swimmers Scottie Berridge and Tanvi Pabby and Diver Samantha Ho will compete at States.
The Girls' Soccer season flew by as the Raiders reveled in a hot streak. They went undefeated for 13 games straight, and had a five game shutout streak in the final weeks of the season. Unfortunately, like several sports teams, the Raiders could not carry over their penchant for victory into November. They finished 13-3-2 after being edged out of Sectional competition by a pressing New Rochelle team 2-1 in Quarterfinals. It was difficult for everyone to see the season slip through their fingers on a low note, but there was much to be proud of. The Raiders beat rivals Mamaroneck and Ursuline twice to clinch the League title as undefeated 
Champions. Senior Goalkeeper Carly Glickenhaus, Senior Defender Zoe Epstein, Junior Defender Sophia Mohlulis, and Senior Defender Eryn McDonald, the Raiders core back line, were named All-Section, and star midfielder Kate Donovan was All-Section Honorable Mention. The girls were closer than ever this year; everyone from Seniors to Freshmen had a positive attitude about branching out, and thanks to team bonding activities the girls developed a sense of trust that played out in the high pressure situations of a match.
The Boys' Soccer team finished 15-3-1. 
Unlike the girls, boys were not allowed to compete on both Varsity and their respective club and Academy teams, so many were faced with a difficult decision. At the awards dinner, Senior Captain Fazl Shaikh shared that he was happy with his decision to play for the Raiders. Many players have found that the camaraderie and school spirit on Scarsdale teams is unparalleled. A strong team dynamic can be a source of fun, but it is also a breeding ground for success. Shaikh says, "Team chemistry is vital because without that the team will never go far. In playoffs games it is all about grinding out the win and you can only do that if you have team chemistry." The team had its ups and downs this season, and many were disappointed they did not have the opportunity to make a run on States. Nonetheless, they have winning streaks and upsets to be proud of. Shaikh adds, "For our team success of winning the league, being ranked the 3rd seed in Section 1, and ending with a solid record, that all had to do with how much we worked in preseason and throughout the season."
Fall athletes mourn the conclusion of their seasons and the concomitant loss of their first quarter gym exemptions. Blissful fall afternoons on the pitch will be replaced by cold afternoons where there is no excuse for delaying homework. Instead of wearing jerseys and Raider apparel two to three times a week on game days, the girls' soccer team laments that they will have to return to their wardrobes and start picking clothes again. Amongst this nostalgia, however, the Varsity volleyball team is still killing their game. The girls won Section 1 this past weekend and will play at John Jay Cross River at 11 on Saturday November 14 with hopes of bringing home a Regional Victory and a ticket to the State Competition. This sliver of fall sports mania persists as the winter sports teams gear up for their season.
Article by Carly Glickenhaus, Photos by Hannah Glickenhaus
Halloween Fun at Scarsdale Elementary Schools
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The Friday before Halloween brought sunny skies to Scarsdale. It was a perfect day for Halloween parades and celebrations at the elementary schools.
At Heathcote the theme was Emoji's – and Principal Maria Stile and her staff led the parade wearing bright yellow smiley faces. It was hard to tell if the teachers and staff or the kids were having more fun. Parents lined the circle in front of the school to take photos of their children parading around and to wave. Check out photos of the Heathcote Parade below:
At Greenacres, it's tradition for the kindergartners to wear costumes and parade around the school and for the fifth graders to have a Halloween assembly and concert. Greenacres Music Teacher Maggie Hoffee led the fifth graders in a selection of songs prepared for the annual Halloween assembly where the ghost made a special appearance.
See pictures here of Mrs. Quirk's class in Halloween costumes and the Halloween concert in the auditorium.
At Fox Meadow everyone got involved in the Halloween Parade. Check out photos below:
Kids in Edgemont were dressed to the nines: Check out a few at Greenville Elementary School here:
StoryCorps CEO Robin Sparkman to Visit Scarsdale Library
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Robin Sparkman, CEO of StoryCorps, will give a multimedia presentation on Thursday, November 12 at 7:30pm at the Scarsdale Library. An NPR favorite and 2015 TED Prize Winner, StoryCorps' mission is "to provide people of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to record, share and preserve the stories of our lives." From humble beginnings in a small booth in Grand Central Station, StoryCorps has grown into the largest single collection of human voices ever recorded.
In conjunction with this program, eighth graders at Scarsdale Middle School and students at Scarsdale High School will be participating in "The Great Thanksgiving Listen," a national initiative to have students interview their elders over the Thanksgiving holiday using the StoryCorps App. Students will be able to conduct interviews following StoryCorps' guidelines, record them on their mobile devices, and save a copy in the Library of Congress.
"We are excited that the schools have chosen to participate in The Great Thanksgiving Listen," said Library Director, Elizabeth Bermel. "Ms. Sparkman's visit will be an excellent introduction to the initiative and an opportunity for parents and students alike to gain a greater understanding of the value of such an assignment. Everyone has an interesting story to tell, if we just take the time to listen."
The November 12 event is free and open to the public. To register, visit www.scarsdalelibrary.org or call the Reference Desk at 914-722-1302.
Halloween Parade In Scarsdale Village
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Unseasonably chilly temperatures did not deter Scarsdale's youngest from coming out in costume for the Halloween Parade on Sunday October 18th. Adorable kids in colorful costumes proudly posed for the camera before lining up to parade down Spencer Place and show off their Halloween garb.
An enthusiastic team from the Scarsdale Recreation Department handed out donuts and led the parade, dressed in wonderful costumes themselves.
See our photo gallery of Scarsdale kids in costume below:
Great Places to Pick Apples, Pumpkins, Grapes, Peppers, Eggplants, Tomatoes, Zucchini, and more!
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Now is the perfect time to take the family to one of the many apple orchards in our area, all within an easy drive from Scarsdale. Make sure you call ahead to confirm hours, availability and attractions or special events. Leave your pets at home; they aren't allowed at most farms. If you are thinking of bringing a picnic, call ahead to make sure the farm allows you to bring your own food.
Apple picking season started around Labor Day and lasts through October. Go soon to get the best apples. Also, the apples on the lower branches, which are easier for smaller children to reach, generally get picked first.
Pumpkin picking season starts around October 1. The best pumpkins go fast and Halloween is coming soon!
When you arrive home with your apples, keep them in a cool spot (root cellar, crisper, etc.) to extend their freshness so you can enjoy them longer.
Westchester County
Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard – North Salem, 914-485-1210
130 Hardscrabble Road; http://www.harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com/about.html
Formerly Outhouse Orchards, this family-run farm allows visitors to pick their own apples daily throughout the season. Easy drive up I-684 and good choice for young children. Fall festival with lots of activities for the family every weekend. Also enjoy wine tasting for the adults. Afterward, stop off at Muscoot Farm (free admission) to visit a working farm (muscootfarm.org) or walk around charming Katonah.
Stuart's Farm – Granite Springs, 914-245-2784
62 Granite Springs Road; http://www.stuartsfarm.com/
The Stuart family farm, the oldest in Westchester, offers nine types of apples. Also, pick your own pumpkins from the vine through November. Enjoy hayrides with the family.
Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm – Yorktown Heights, 914-245-5111
1335 White Hill Road; www.wilkensfarm.com/
Apple picking began the first week of September and there are dozens of varieties. Wilkens offers pumpkin picking beginning October 15 and cut-your-own Christmas trees starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Dutchess County
Fishkill Farms – Hopewell Junction, 845 897-4377
9 Fishkill Farm Road; http://fishkillfarms.com
Historic apple orchard run by the same family for more than 100 years. The farm's store stocks pies, donuts, pasture-raised eggs, locally produced ice cream, maple syrup and more. Apple varieties grown on the farm include Cortland, Spartan, Empire, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Mutsu, Jonagold, Idared, and Stayman Winesap.
Mead Orchards – Tivoli, 845-756-5641
15 Scism Road, off Rte. 9; www.meadorchards.com
Mead Orchards is a 185-acre fruit orchard and vegetable farm. Its orchards produce Fortune, Northern Spy, Senshu, Suncrisp, Cameo, Crimson Crisp and Ruby Frost, among others.
Orange County
Pennings Orchard – Warwick, 845-986-5959
Route 94 & Warwick Turnpike; http://penningsfarmmarket.com
Offers 15 varieties. Probably the biggest and one of the best orchards around. The trees tend to be low to the ground, so you don't need a pole to pick them. Good for small children. Adults can enjoy the hops garden and relax at the outdoor bar, which offers craft beer, wine, hard cider, live music, picnic table seating and lawn games.
Apple Ridge Orchards – Warwick, 845-987-7717
101 Jessup Road; www.appleridgeorchards.com
Located in the picturesque Warwick Valley, the views are worth the trip, plus you can pick pumpkins right off the vine. This is a great place for kids, as they have dwarf apple trees. An added attraction is the glass honey bee observation hive, where you can watch honey bees at work and learn about pollination. There are also hayrides, farm animals and fresh pressed apple cider and delicious homemade hot apple cider donuts.
Slate Hill Orchards – Slate Hill, 845-355-4493
2580 US Route 6; www.slatehillorchards.com
Every weekend starting the third week in September, you can pick apples, pumpkins and, a treat we don't usually see in our area as pick-your-own, grapes. All organic – no herbicides, pesticides or fungicides. Enjoy the hayrides and hay maze.
Rockland County
Dr. Davies Farm – Congers, 845-268-7020
306 Route 304
This historic 35-acre orchard is home to 4,000 trees and is open for picking daily. One of the oldest continually working farms in the area.
Long Island
The Milk Pail - Water Mill, NY, 631-537-2565
50 Horsemill Lane, Watermill, NY.
Choose from twenty apple varieties. This orchard has dwarf apples trees, which are the perfect height for all ages. Select your own pumpkins, squash and gourds in many sizes, shapes and colors.
Nearby New Jersey
Riamede Farm - Chester, NJ 908-879-5353
122 Oakdale Road. www.riamede.com
Bring your own scissors and snip a pumpkin right off the vine starting September 28! The farm offers a complimentary hayride to the picking field on weekends and Columbus Day. You can also pick your own apples in several varieties including heirlooms.
Connecticut
Silverman's Farm – Easton, CT 203-261-3306
451 Sport Hill Road. http://www.silvermansfarm.com
Pick your own apples and pumpkins. Animal farm/petting zoo with many animals, including buffalo, llamas, alpacas, sheep, goats, fallow deer, emus, long-horn cattle, and exotic birds.
Candee Farm – Easton, CT (203) 268-5623
456 Morehouse Rd
Candee Farm is a great stop just down the road from Silverman's Farm. You can pick your own fruits and vegetables throughout the spring and fall. They are currently offering peppers, eggplants, tomatoes, zucchini, and more, all at low prices.
Easy drive - located 45 minutes up the Merritt Parkway.
