Cub Scouts Welcome Event
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Scarsdale Cub Scout Pack 440 is having its annual “Klondike” kick-off event welcoming new boys and existing cubs from all Scarsdale and nearby elementary schools in grades 1 - 5. Build a campfire, participate in team-building activities, meet parent leaders and learn about this year’s exciting activities. The event is on September 25 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Hitchcock Church (6 Greenacres Avenue – entrance near parking lot). Newcomers please come 15 minutes early. Cub Scouting is non-sectarian --- all are welcome. More information: call Tod Cooperman (722-0116) or click here :
Pictured at top: Scarsdale’s George Primoff (left) and Noah Cooperman (right). At a June Boy Scouts camp out.
Class Size Update
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After many heated discussions last Spring about a potential change in policy regarding class size, some of you may be wondering just how many children enrolled in Scarsdale’s elementary schools this fall. Last March, scores of parents attended the Scarsdale Board of Education meeting to press the Board to maintain class size caps of 22 students in grades K-3 and 24 students in grades 4-5. Though the Board had not discussed lifting the caps, they were considering allowing one or two additional students beyond the capped number to join elementary school classes if additional students moved in during the summer. The Board anticipated that having this flexibility would prevent them from having to hire an additional teacher to accommodate one or two children. Parents objected loudly and ultimately the Board opted to maintain their current policy.
So, now that it’s September, where does the District stand? Did we have to hire additional teachers to accommodate enrollment? Apparently not. According to School Superintendant Michael McGill, the District did not need to “use all the (teaching) positions we had budgeted and we are two sections below the maximum (number of classes) we planned on. (The district) budgeted 108 (elementary school) sections and we have 107. This is fairly typical. We agonize in May, then find out things are different from what we thought they'd be.”
However, the big bump in enrollment was projected to be at Scarsdale High School, where 13 teaching positions were eliminated through attrition. Scarsdale10583 does not have any information as yet about class sizes for the older students which some feared could be as high as 30 students in some sections.
Directory of Preschool, After-School and Adult Programs too!
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Fall is in the air and that means it’s time to sign yourself and your kids up for pre-school and after-school activities as well as classes in art, music, sports, enrichment and more. We invited the directors of area programs to send us their program descriptions and here is what they shared. To add your program to the directory, contact us at scarsdalecomments@gmail.com.
Preschool Programs:
Creative Playtime at Grace Lutheran Church provides morning and afternoon programs for children ages 2 to 5 years old, with several extended day options. Creative Playtime's curriculum is developmental and age-appropriate. It is designed to foster children's growth by stimulating their curiosity. We promote language and social skills and the building of self-esteem, while respecting each child's uniqueness as individuals. Their development is enriched through books, music, cooking and dramatic play. Kindergarten readiness is achieved in a playful and nurturing setting. Creative Playtime is staffed with highly qualified, caring and dedicated teachers committed to providing a quality program for the children. Extended day options include: Lunch Bunch, Extended Day #1 (12:15pm-2:45pm), and Extended Day #2 (2:45pm-5:15pm). Extended Day #2 is available as a stand-alone drop off afternoon program. Both Extended Day programs have an emphasis on science covering such themes as testing hypotheses, the five senses, rocks and fossils, insects and animals, objects in motion, mixing and measuring, and making solutions.
For more information, please contact Director Gigi Aronoff. 59 Grand Boulevard, Scarsdale, visit www.creativeplaytimescarsdale.org , email: info@creativeplaytimescarsdale.org or call 914-472-4777
Hoff-Barthelson Music School is one of Westchester County’s most cherished and active cultural resources and has achieved national recognition as a premier community music school for its unsurpassed leadership in education, performance and outreach.
Music exerts a profound impact on children’s lives! Young Children being their music education at Hoff-Barthelson helped and encouraged by experienced, dedicated teachers. Our Music Programs for Young Children offer a range of choices for preschoolers, all of which help them acquire many skills through music and music activities. Children learn to focus, observe keenly, concentrate and learn to watch and take turns with their peers. Music and Movement Classes; Recorder Classes; Suzuki Instruction. HBMS also offers a full Preschool for 3 and 4 year-olds.
The School’s educational approach for older students centers on quality individualized instruction, a comprehensive, broad musicianship program, and numerous performance opportunities for students. Hoff-Barthelson Music School, 25 School Lane, Scarsdale, NY. Call 914-723-1169, email: hb@hbms.org, or visit us at www.hbms.org
Welcome to the Early Childhood Center at the JCC of Mid-Westchester. We offer infant/toddler parenting programs for ages 6 months to 2 years where you and your child can enjoy art, music, baby and me, and mommy and me classes all led by early childhood professionals. Our preschool offers programs for children ages 2-5 years. Two, three, and five day programs are available, as well as early drop off (8am) and late pick up (6pm), extended day enrichment and our popular "lunch bunch" lunch program. Our staff will help you create the perfect day for your child by linking your child's preschool program with one of the many exciting classes that the JCC offers such as swim, gymnastics, dance and more. To learn about these programs and more, please visit our website at www.jccmw.org or call 914-472-7095.
Great Play of Scarsdale is a kids’ gym for children ages six months through fifth grade that uses its unique curriculum to help kids build confidence and competence in motor skills. Classes are conducted in a patented Interactive Arena™ that uses computer technology, image projection and directional sound to bring the space to life. The concept has been recognized as one of the most innovative youth programs in the world by the IHRSA (International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association), the global trade association for the fitness industry. Great Play offers four fantastic, age-appropriate programs, each built on the same underlying philosophy and structure for making youth physical development fun and effective! Classes are high energy and interactive and tap into the key developmental windows that open at each stage of a child's growth. They use a broad-based approach to help ensure that each child develops to his or her physical potential -- starting from a broad foundation of introductory motor skills for the younger Players, all the way through complex sport skills for fifth graders. They also offer birthday parties and events such as Parents’ Night Out.
For more information on classes, events and birthday parties, visit: www.greatplay.com/scarsdale , email: scarsdale@greatplay.com or call at (914) 713-3470.
Music:
Please join us for the fall 2011 semester of Music Together, when we'll be singing and dancing to the Bongos collection! Beginning the week of Saturday, September 24 we're offering a number of classes each week for children from birth through age 7. Most classes are mixed-age classes—for children from birth through kindergarten age with a parent or other adult caregiver—but we also have several specifically for babies 6 months of age or younger. And we're also offering—for the first time ever—the Music Together Big Kids program. Big Kids is for 5- to 7-year-olds with or without an adult caregiver and is the next step for children who have attained basic music competence and who now need fun, developmentally appropriate activities to help them master these skills and attain basic music literacy. Finally, the adult guitar class is back after its summer hiatus! Guitar for Grownups is being offered again in Chappaqua and Scarsdale and is open to all families who register children in one or more of our classes. To register or for more information about each of these types of class, as well as tuition fees, please go http://www.overthemoonmusicandmore.com or call 914-722-2025.
The Music Conservatory of Westchester provides high-quality music programs for students of all ages and abilities from pre-school through adult. Our teachers are expert professional musicians and experienced educators who enjoy working with all types of students. Introduce your young child to the joys and benefits of music in a Music Skills class, where children learn music fundamentals through rhythm games, creative movement, songs, stories and improvisation. Introductory group instrumental classes use a Suzuki approach that engages the child in the learning process at an age-appropriate level.
Youth ages 8 to 12 will find lots to do at MCW. Private instrumental lessons build a solid foundation while offering each child an individualized approach to learning. Supplement the lesson with a Theory Basics class, or participate in one of our performing ensembles such as Youth Chorus or Junior Strings. Young thespians will find a home in our Junior Musical Theatre and Creative Dramatics Workshops. For teens, the Conservatory is the perfect place to meet like-minded peers while developing high level musical skills. Music Conservatory of Westchester, 216 Central Ave., White Plains, NY 10606, 914.761.3900, http://www.musicconservatory.org/
Art Classes:
RAD Art School offers art classes for children starting at eight years old, high school students, and adults. The program is designed to teach drawing and painting in all mediums. We also offer a college portfolio program. For a schedule of class times please contact Ava DeVries at 914-723-3131 or email avadevries@yahoo.com. We are located at 217 E. Hartsdale Ave., Hartsdale, NY.
Enrichment:
Chinese Language Program (CLP) was developed by two moms who were searching for a fun and engaging way for their own children to learn Mandarin Chinese. Today, CLP supports families of all backgrounds in teaching this important global language to their children.CLP offers "mommy & me", after school classes, and a summer immersion camp to children from birth to 11 years of age. Find out more about our program at www.clpchildren.com, 51 Popham Road, Scarsdale, NY, email: chineselanguageprogram@gmail.com, or call 914.907.6075.
Little Linguists offers Immersion and Native Spanish classes for children 4-10 years old, taught by certified native teachers. In our Total Immersion Program, children acquire the language through class interaction, games, songs, storytelling and role-play. Our Native Spanish Program is for kids raised in Spanish-speaking households who want to broaden their knowledge of the language by mastering conversation, reading and writing. We welcome you to our World in Spanish and look forward to helping your children learn the language of the present and the future! For more information, please write us to info@littlelinguistsny.com, call us at (914) 488-4330/4363 or visit us at www.littlelinguistsny.com . We are located at 1 Heathcote Rd, Scarsdale, NY.
For nearly 30 years, Gtec Kids' after school, creative arts and sciences program, has been captivating inquisitive 2nd to 5th graders with a curriculum that ranges from prehistoric times to the year 3000. At Gtec, children are exposed to hands-on, real life experiences that enhance their ability to create, design, invent, and perform. As a sampling, their students create animated movies, simulate an archaeological dig, build a model lung, and design and direct TV commercials. Their facility offers equipment for each student such as digital and video cameras, weaving looms, dissection materials, drafting tables, illuminated animation boards, Smartboard technology, and more! G·tec Kids offers programs to children in grades 2-5. Its small class size of six students affords semi-private instruction. Students meet once a week for 1 ½ hours after school for 30 weeks. Visit http://www.gteckids.com/ , call 914 636 0888, or email astix@optonline.net for more information. The director, Dr. Stix, is always available to answer your questions.
Westchester Math Lab is a math enrichment program for children in grades K-8. Founded in 2009, Westchester Math Lab helps students achieve a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and offers advanced math courses to students who are looking for more challenge. The program aims to strengthen and advance math skills, teaches how to analyze and solve mathematical and logical problems and builds confidence. The courses are based on a Singapore Math curriculum and are supplemented with a wide variety of other material such as Word Problems, Math Olympiads, Brain Teasers, Puzzles and Math Drills. Westchester Math Lab is a registered center for Math Kangaroo in USA, NFP, Inc. There are currently two locations: Dobbs Ferry NY and Scarsdale NY. To learn more about the program or register for the Fall 2011 semester, please visit http://www.westmathlab.com/ or email: info@westmathlab.com or call 1-866-956-3804.
Social Skills:
Sociable Kidz provides social skills for children ages 4-15. Small groups ensure individualized attention. Lessons include: communication skills, problems solving, sharing, taking turns, self-esteem, play skills with Legos and bullying techniques. We also offer Expressive Art. We learn about different artists and do art projects while utilizing our social skills. Our newest class is called SK Table Tennis. Kids learn how to play table tennis while practicing their conversational skills. Visit us at www.sociablekidz.com or call 914-502-3295 for more information.
Sports:
Backyard Sports is Westchester's leading provider of afterschool and weekend sports programming. Our outstanding lineup of professional teacher/coaches provides exceptional technical training for children of all levels of ability. For registration information please visit our website at www.byardsports.com or call Danny Bernstein at 914-304-4052.
Kinderkickers introduces soccer to boys and girls ages 3, 4, 5 and 6. Soccer is taught in such a way that children will develop a love for the game and have fun. The program is instructional. Emphasis is on individual skills, dribbling, passing, ball control, and shooting. Each session culminates with a small-sided game. The program features and outstanding instructional staff, snacks and T-shirts and a weekly game. Fall progam dates in Scarsdale are Saturdays from 9am-10 am on September 10, 17, 24, October 1, 8, 15, and 22. The program is held at St. Pius School, 85 Palmer Avenue in Scarsdale. From information, contact Kinderkickers at (914) 833-2024 or visit http://summitsoccer.net/kinderkickers.html
After 35 years of sharing our unique philosophy and training world-wide, Seido Karate opened its newest location in Elmsford. Our traditional Japanese karate style was founded by world-renowned ninth degree black belt, Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura, and incorporates the development of the mind, body and spirit. Our school or dojo provides high quality adult and children’s programs that develop strength, flexibility and aerobic capacity but also aim to develop individuals of the highest moral character. We are happy to announce that we also added a Mommy/Daddy and Me class for families that would like to train together.
World Seido Karate - Johshin Honzan, 1 Parkway Plaza (Exit 21 off the Saw Mill River Parkway), Elmsford (914) 909-5000 General Inquiries: honzan@seido.com, or visit: http://www.seido.com/
Yoga Station: No matter what our age, a consistent yoga practice can help us learn to breathe through life’s more trying times, whether we are navigating the playground or studying for finals. For the young athlete, the benefits of yoga are increased flexibility and strength, while cultivating a quiet peaceful mind. Yoga helps the young artist get out of her head and into her body, which translates to a freer and more confident performance. At Yoga Station, our kids’ classes are filled with laughter. We are a judgement-free zone, which allows us to have fun and not take ourselves too seriously, while focussing on the fundamentals of yoga.
Classes are available for Toddlers – ages 1-3, Preschoolers ages 3-5, Kindergarten to third graders, fourth to seventh graders, teens and adults. To learn more, visit our website at www.theyogastation.com , call (914) 874-6295 or stop by the studio at 221 East Hartsdale Avenue, Suite D in Hartsdale, a few steps from the train station. Classes begin September 10th.
Adults:
Hoff Barthelson Dalcroze Eurhythmics is an approach to music and movement that encourages learning through active participation. Exercises and games, originally designed for young children, but of equal value for adults, involve singing, movement and improvisation in a relaxed setting, often with the fun and excitement engendered by the use of small percussion instruments, hoops, balls and scarves. This approach to learning music concepts through movement has been extended into an original offering at Hoff-Barthelson: ElderRhythmics: Dalcroze for the Older Adult. More information is available at www.hbms.org . Information and registration for ElderRhythmics: 914-723-1169, or email: hb@hbms.org
Scarsdale Adult School: At more than ten convenient local venues, new and returning faculty will be teaching enriching day and evening courses 
to adults seeking to satisfy their intellectual curiosity, learn new skills, and enjoy scholarly rapport with other members of the community.
This semester at SAS includes a wide range of humanities classes on art, architecture, film, history, literature and music. The adult school offers recreation classes in dance, fitness, golf and card games. To satisfy increased demand, SAS has added more computer classes to its skill enhancement course selection. Other skills classes of interest pertain to arts and crafts, cooking, gardening, photography, foreign languages, music, finance, and self-improvement. Health and wellness courses on nutrition, spirituality, and stress reduction round out the curriculum. To sign up for classes and view all SAS offerings, visit www.ScarsdaleAdultSchool.org . Call (914) 723-2325 with any questions.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants
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Where can you take small children out to eat without leaving in shame? On several occasions our two little ones made such a mess in a restaurant that we felt obliged to leave a 50% tip. However there are some kid-friendly restaurants in our area where you can have a decent meal too. If your electricity on the fritz or you're still in summer vacation mode, here is a list of places to go where high chairs and strollers are welcome. If you have restaurants you frequent with young children, share your favorites in the comments section below:
Old Reliables
The Scarsdale Metro Restaurant: 878 Scarsdale Avenue, Scarsdale 914-713-0309
Scarsdale Metro Deli: 4 Palmer Ave, Scarsdale 914-472-4760
For many families in Scarsdale the Metro Diners are a staple in your diet. In my house we refer to it as the one up-the-hill (Palmer Ave) or the one down-the-hill (Scarsdale Avenue). These places are beyond kid-friendly and the wait staff seems to know your kids and have unending patience with them. They are also incredibly amenable to strange food requests. Where else can you order three silver dollar pancakes with a side of broccoli?
Metro Restaurant has a more varied menu with a bigger selection of salads, wraps and entrees for the grown-ups, while the Deli has a terrific selection of desserts next door so you can entice (bribe) your kids to finish their meals.
Cons: It can get a bit crowded and waiting with a young child can be trying. Also, there are all these kids running around. Oh, wait, they’re yours.
Burgers
Johnny Rockets: 777 White Plains Rd. Scarsdale/Eastchester 914-723-3303
This place is great for the kids. Modeled on a 1950's burger joint, families can feast on burgers, fries and ice cream while the waiters and waitresses dance accompanied by a Doo-Wop soundtrack. Even though the Bee Gee's 'Staying Alive'-- a Johnny Rockets wait staff dance routine staple, wasn’t released until 1977, the atmosphere is fun and keeps the kids amused. The burgers are pretty good too and they have a liquor license so you can have some a grown-up drink while kids enjoy their shakes.
Cons: Do not go if Mommy has a headache. Also, it is quite likely that the caloric intake for one meal is equal to your total daily calorie allowance so look at the counts on the menu.
Five Guys Burger and Fries: 240 Main Street, White Plains, NY 914-422-3483
These burgers are awesome! This fast food chain worked its way up the middle Atlantic and has finally landed in White Plains. The burgers are fresh and made to order. There are free refills on soft drinks and they offer mini-burgers for little mouths or for the diet conscious. Located right next to the City Center shopping center, this could be a good place to go after shopping at Target or Shop-Rite, or after catching a movie.
Cons: If you or your child has even the slightest hint of a nut allergy stay away!!! They use peanut oil for their french fries and have bags of free peanuts to snack on while you wait for your burger. Also, seating is a bit limited.
The Brazen Fox: 175 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains: (914) 358-5911
Burgers don't necessarily mean fast food. This nice, cavernous two-story pub in White Plains is surprisingly kid-friendly. You can watch the game and have a salad, appetizers or entrees while the kids color and eat some noodles, sliders or chicken fingers. The staff seems to know to put large parties with kids away from the regular patrons as well.
Cons: If you go later in the evening it can become a bit more of a bar scene, and you may feel a bit awkward (or even a tad uncool) hanging out with the kids in tow.
Chinese:
Seven Woks: Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center, Scarsdale (914) 472-4774
Seven Woks is a favorite in town partly because it sticks to a traditional Chinese fare, has fast service and a family-friendly attitude. Little kids will be amused by the mirror on the ceiling and noodles on the table. Older kids will look forward to walking over to All Good Things- formerly Last Licks- after dinner.
Cons: Rice can get everywhere and Chinese food may not be every kid's favorite food. If your kids make a scene, you can be sure you will see someone you know.
Mexican:
Tomatillo: 13 Cedar Street, Dobbs Ferry (914) 478-2300
This Mexican restaurant is great for the kids with healthy options, fresh food and friendly service. You will like having your burrito exactly the way you want it and the kids can nosh on chips while you enjoy a beer on tap from one of several small microbreweries.
Cons: Seating can get cramped and the wait can be long. They don’t usually take reservations.
Wings:
Hurricane Grill and Wings:149-151 South Central Park Ave. Hartsdale (914) 397-9464
You may be all hurricaned out by now, but this pub place has solid pub food with a specialty of wings and offers a kids menu from which even the pickiest of eaters will find something they like. If you are having people over to your house, this place also can handle large take out orders.
Cons: Spicy food may not be everyone's thing and it could get messy.
Pizza:
Scarsdale has a big selection of pizza places including Amore, Italian Village, Pizza Station, and Villa Roma. However, a couple of notables are:
California Pizza Kitchen: 365 Central Park Avenue, Scarsdale: (914) 722-0600. This chain has a wide selection of salads and regular dinner fare for the adults and the kids’ meals come with a free drink and dessert.
Serafina: 199 Main Street, White Plains: (914) 288-9300
You'll feel like you're back in the city once you see the yellow awning of this NYC chain. The thin crust pizza and cool atmosphere will remind you a bit of your life before you moved here. Your older kids may even think it's kind of cool too.
Bellizzi: 1272 Boston Post Rd. Larchmont (914) 833-5800
This Larchmont Italian restaurant has lots of space and a game room that will make this top on your kids' favorite restaurant list. Solid food, and a convenient location- next to Trader Joes- may make this one of your favorites as well. They also have a gluten-free menu.
Cons: As with any place with an arcade, the cost runs up as do squabbles between siblings and friends. Plus, if you don't live near Larchmont, it may feel like schlep for some pizza and a video game.
Chop, Chop:
Hibachi can be a big thrill for big and little kids and luckily there are a few hibachi restaurants near Scarsdale.
Fuji Mountain Restaurant: 2375 Boston Post Road., Larchmont (914) 833-3838
Noda: 200 Hamilton Avenue, White Plains (914)949-0990
Banzai Steak House: 95 South Central Avenue, Hartsdale (914)997-7888
The kids will be mesmerized by the slicing, dicing and flames at the hibachi table.. A free dessert is often included in the meal as well (usually ice cream).
Cons: Kids, especially the younger ones, could be tricky. They may love hibachi one time and freak out the next. The flames and knife tossing can be scary. Also, not all children will appreciate the novelty of watching the chef cook dinner.
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.
Spierers Seek Information About Lauren's Disappearance
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It's been 80 days since the search began for Edgemont resident Lauren Spierer. The 20-year-old junior at Indiana University has been the subject of an intense search in and around the Bloomington area, but remains missing today. Lauren's parents have maintained a steady presence in Bloomington since June 3 and continue to be involved in search efforts and following any leads that come in.
Charlene Spierer, Lauren's mother, said "Our energy and our efforts remain undiminished. We get through each day with the love and support of family, friends, acquaintances and people we don't even know. We will find Lauren." Spierer has put out a plea that anyone with information about Lauren please come forward. Lauren's father Rob added, "Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could be of help. Please don't hold back. Anything you know, anything you saw, anyone you spoke to might help us find Lauren."
The Spierers said they know Lauren would be "leading the search" if one of her friends were missing. "She is kind, compassionate and full of life. Please, whoever knows something, remember what she means to you, what she would do for you and please help us," Charlene said.
Lauren is described as 4 feet, 11 inches tall and weighs 90 pounds. She has blonde hair and blue eyes. Any information should be phoned to the tipline at (812) 339-4477; e-mailed to helpfindlauren@gmail.com; or mailed anonymously to Find Lauren, PO Box 1226, Bloomington, IN 47402.
