One Year Later: The Lauren Spierer Case
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June 3 marks one year since Lauren Spierer disappeared. The 20-year-old Edgemont resident and Indiana University student was last seen in Bloomington, Indiana around 4:30am after a night out partying with friends. She was last seen wearing black pants, a white tank top and shirt. According to those with her that evening, Lauren was separated from her shoes and her phone at some point during the night.
It’s been a year without birthdays, holidays, family and friends for Lauren and a painful void for her family and friends.
The Bloomington Police Department say they have received over 2,600 tips on Lauren’s case. FBI, Indiana State Police, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (Team Adam) as well as civilian volunteers have all assisted in the search for Lauren. The Sycamore Ridge Landfill, which serves the Bloomington area, was checked for evidence between August 16th-26th.
According to Joseph Quartlers, the Bloomington Police captain who has been the press point of contact on the case, “The case of Lauren’s disappearance is still considered to be a very active investigation. Detectives remain assigned to the case with it being classified a “priority” case for them as it has since Lauren was reported missing. On average, two to three credible tips come in on a weekly basis and they can require extensive follow up by the investigators. “Credible” tips are determined by information that has obvious relevance or correlation to information already known to investigators.
In a statement sent out late last week timed with the one-year mark, Bloomington Police say:
The Bloomington Police Department continues to make inquiries on a variety of circumstances occurring in other jurisdictions. Inquiries have been made on approximately ten (10) unidentified bodies that have come to the attention of BPD over the course of the last year. Some of those bodies have been found in Indiana or in a contiguous state. Inquiries have been made on other missing person cases being investigated by other law enforcement agencies and on suspects arrested for serious violent crimes. Several individuals have been brought to our attention by other law enforcement agencies that may be familiar with the criminal tendencies of those in their communities who could be responsible for this type of incident. Inquiries such as those described will continue to be made if it appears that there is any potential to further this ongoing investigation. Hundreds of primary and secondary interviews have been conducted and investigators continue to make progress on many fronts.
As was stated in a previous release marking six months since Lauren disappeared, much has been done on this case and much continues to be done. That statement still holds true today. Some place significance on the date marking one year since Lauren disappeared, but the passing of time has not deterred the effort or commitment on the part of the Bloomington Police Department to provide answers to Lauren’s family and the Bloomington community.
The Bloomington police have looked into connections between Lauren’s case and the Michaela Shunick case. In that situation, 22-year-old Louisiana University college student “Mickey” Shunick went missing in the early morning hours of May 19th in Lafayette, Louisiana. Both women are blond and petite. According to Bloomington PD, “It should be noted that nothing of significance to the Spierer investigation came from the discussion held with police investigators in Louisiana.”
Police also looked into a possible link to Clyde Gibson, who has been arrested for two murders in New Albany, Indiana. At this time, officials say none of the information developed relates to Lauren’s disappearance.
This past Sunday, the Spierer family took to social media putting out a statement on the Facebook they made after Lauren disappeared called The Official Lauren Spierer Updates from Her Family. They wrote:
How to begin. A year ago, Lauren left Smallwood, walked a short distance to a friend’s apartment and as we all tragically know, the rest is history. Lauren’s story could be any young adult’s story on any college campus. We hope Lauren’s ending is never repeated. Here we are, one year after Lauren’s disappearance, knowing in this very instant, there are people who know where Lauren is. The cruelty is almost unbearable. Think about it….think about someone who means the world to you… .consider how you would feel if suddenly that person disappeared seemingly off the face of the earth. Think about how it would feel to wake up every single day knowing there is someone who could help you, give you answers and yet inexplicably refuses to do so. It is beyond comprehension. It is beyond “self preservation,” it is the conscious decision of someone, to destroy a family, every second of every minute of every hour of every day, over and over again for an indeterminate amount of time. It truly is, almost unbearable. I say almost, because we have an undying love for Lauren. Lauren is like a breath of fresh air, she is the bright spot in the day of those who know her. Lauren would never give up, she would fight for answers, she would be the loudest voice. We will never give up, we will fight for answers, and we will be her voice.
Sincerely,
Rob, Charlene and Rebecca Spierer
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Bloomington Police Department at 812-339-4477 or by email at policetips@bloomington.in.gov
Jen is a freelance journalist who has covered the economy and markets for over a decade at a major financial news outlet. She lives in Scarsdale with her husband and 2 children. Jen has yet to bake a successful batch of cookies.
Athletes Lauded at Spring Maroon and White Barbeque
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Scarsdale athletes were honored at the spring 2012 Maroon and White Spring Awards picnic on Tuesday June 5th. Under changeable skies parents barbequed and served dinner supplied by DeCicco’s. In the course of an hour the unsettled weather brought rain, sun and clouds but dinner was served outside before athletes, coaches, parents and friends convened in the SHS auditorium for the awards ceremony.
The coveted annual awards are given to senior students to recognize their overall athletic careers during their four years at SHS. The award winners are nominated by coaches, administrators, and others involved with interscholastic sports and submitted to Athletic Director Bob Siracuse. They are presented to the athletes by members of the Board of Maroon and White.
Ben Newman was given the Elizabeth Timberger award. Newman played varsity lacrosse, ran cross country and covered Scarsdale High School sports for the Scarsdale Inquirer for the past two years. This award honors an outstanding senior who helps a team or the athletic program not as a player but through other forms of participation.
The Nonie Knopp memorial award which is given to a senior male varsity player went to Tim Leone who plays varsity lacrosse and football. He
This year there were two recipients for the Nina F. Mooney Award – which goes to female athletes.
Liz Felix who plays both Varsity Soccer and Varsity Lacrosse was called determined, and aggressive and enthusiastic. She radiates positive energy and never gives less than 110%.
Libby Gross who plays three varsity sports and also won the 2011 Legacy Award was credited for her “infectious exuberance, self sacrifice and athletic prowess.” She earned varsity letter for Indoor Track and Field, Varsity Softball and Varsity Volleyball.
Eric Dobosh, with 9 varsity letters was the male winner. Announcing the award, his coach told the group that Eric was the “best all around student athlete that he has every coached,” and said he was a “leader” who won “all league honors”, was a member of Signifer a Civ-Ed advisor and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity.”
(Picutured at top: Ben Newman: Elizabeth Timberger Award)
Below find photos of the graduating seniors for each of Scarsdale’s spring sports teams:
Scarsdale Pool To Open Saturday - Get Your Pool Permit Today
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The Scarsdale Pool at 311 Mamaroneck Road will open this Saturday, May 26th for the summer season. Now in its 43rd year, the Scarsdale Pool Complex continues to be the social center of the community during the summer months.
This season the Scarsdale Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department has added many new aquatic programs and special events to take place at the Pool Complex. New programs include an improved Learn to Swim program which will start with Mommy and Me classes called Aqua Tots for children 6 months to 18 months and Tiny Bobbers for children 18 months to 3 years old. Pre School Paddlers, for 3 and 4 year olds, is designed to provide a positive, developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience.
For the first time at the Pool Complex we will be offering a minicamp program called “Splash N Play” camp. This 
will be offered after the Scarsdale Day Camp is over the week of August 6th from 9:30AM to 12:30 PM. The program is for children entering grades two through five. The program will offer swim lessons, free swim, sports, crafts and other special activities.
Special event programs will be held all summer at the Pool Complex and include live music, activities, and family events. Here is a list of already scheduled events with more to come:
Saturday, June 23 – Caribbean Beach Party – 12 Noon to 5PM: Kick off the summer with a beach themed party at the Scarsdale Pool Complex. There will be live music, food, crafts and activities including a family sand castle contest.
Tuesday, July 3rd - Fireworks Spectacular – 9:15PM: Come enjoy the annual fireworks display at the Scarsdale Pool Complex. Open to all residents starting at 5pm. There will be a $2 entrance fee after 5pm.
July 4th – Carnival Day – 11am to 4PM: Pack up the family and head to head to the pool complex for a July 4th celebration. Enjoy a day full or picnicking, carnival attractions, music and aquatic activities.
August 5th – Family Luau Party – 12 noon to 5pm: Enjoy a fun filled family day at the Pool Luau party. Games, music, food, and activities will be scheduled throughout the day. Don’t miss out on the final Pool Complex special event of the season.
A pool permit is required to enter the Pool Complex. Pool Memberships are sold through the Scarsdale Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department online at http://reconline.scarsdale.com , at the Pool Complex, or at the Recreation Department office in Village Hall.
Scholarship Funds Available for Scarsdale College Students
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Students who graduated from Scarsdale High School and/or live in Scarsdale and who have completed their first, second, or third years of college may to apply to the Scarsdale Foundation for tuition assistance.
Applications must be submitted online on the Scarsdale Foundation’s website, scarsdalefoundation.org (click on the College Scholarships link) by Friday, June 1, 2012. Late applications will not be accepted. Inquiries regarding scholarship applications should be directed to Susie Rush, srush76@gmail.com or 472-7797.
For the 2011-2012 academic year, $85,000 was awarded to 24 students attending private and state-supported colleges in their second, third, and fourth years.
The Scarsdale Foundation is the presenter of the Scarsdale Bowl award, given annually to a citizen(s) who has contributed outstanding voluntary service. Florie Wachtenheim, former president of the Board of Education and exemplary community volunteer, received this year’s award.
The Foundation welcomes contributions from the community to augment the funds available for distribution each year. Contributions may also be donated to a specially earmarked scholarship fund of the Scarsdale Foundation, with monies to be used for 2012-2013 recipients. Donations may be made online by visiting the Foundation’s website, scarsdalefoundation.org , or mailed to the Foundation at P.O. Box 542, Scarsdale, NY 10583.
Hoff-Barthelson Instills a Life-Long Love of Music in Young Children
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Hoff-Barthelson Music School invites parents of children from 4 months to five years to attend an Open House for its Preschool Music Programs on Tuesday, June 12 from 10 am – noon at the Music School, 25 School Lane, Scarsdale. This is an excellent opportunity to meet with Hoff-Barthelson’s extraordinary early childhood faculty, parents of current youngsters, and parents of students who have moved on from the Preschool Programs to music lessons and classes at the School.
The Journey of Musical Growth begins at an early age at Hoff-Barthelson Music School, a premier community music school that has been one of Westchester’s most cherished cultural resources since 1944. The faculty strives to instill a life-long love of music in their young students. HBMS preschools acquire a diversity of skills through music: the ability to focus and concentrate, to listen and observe keenly, and to become interested in watching and taking turns with their peers. Nurturing teachers develop their skills in music-making and help children to learn to love and appreciate music.
The HBMS preschool classes are designed to introduce young children to the elements of music in preparation for more formal study. Classes range from parent(or caregiver)/child classes for infants, toddlers, two and three year olds to Getting to Know You: Exploring the Instruments for kindergarteners and recorder and Suzuki lessons and classes for 5-6 year olds.
The Hoff-Barthelson Preschool for three and four year olds provides a safe, nurturing environment which promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children. Experienced teachers meet each child's developmental needs and build toward readiness for kindergarten. Children are involved through play in a full curriculum, with a special emphasis on music and art, which introduces numbers and language arts, science and nature, and dramatic play, cooking, sand and water play, and outdoor play. The children attend twice weekly music and movement classes in Dalcroze eurhythmics.
For more information about the Open House and/or Preschool Programs; Jocelyn Kenner, 914-723-1169 and jkenner@hbms.org.
