Board Hears $4.7 mm Proposal to Revamp SHS Auditorium and Asks, Is This The Way To Go?
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The SHS auditorium circa 1980?It’s the project that doesn’t get done. Long in need of renovation or even replacement, the Scarsdale High School auditorium gets shabbier each year. Worn and torn carpets, broken seats and shedding ceiling tiles are the most visible of the issues, but the needs extend far beyond what the audience can see.
Who knew that the original auditorium, built in 1938, was actually “gymnatorium,” which could function both as a gymnasium and a performance space, similar to the facilities at Edgewood and Greenacres Elementary Schools. As it was not primarily a performance space, acoustics, lighting and even sight lines to the stage were not a priority. The audience area is not pitched steeply enought to allow the audience to view the stage from many areas of the room.
But after large gymnasiums were constructed at the school, the auditorium was improved.
In the early 1980’s these renovations included:
The removal of the mezzanine
Installation of ceiling clouds and wood paneling
Expansion of seating to accommodate an audience of 768
In the mid-2000’s more work was done with the installation of the orchestra lift, updates to the sound and lighting systems, replacement of the curtains and rigging system and refinishing of the woodwork.
Finally the 2014 bond project included $1mm for the auditorium to address a host of outstanding issues, but due to cost overruns on other projects, only the water mitigation issue at the school was dealt with at the time. In subsequent budgets, funding has been allocated to address the rigging, lighting, sound system, and electrical systems.
Unfortunately, there is still much to be done. In fact, the current estimate to address the remaining needs is $4.7 mm.
At the school board meeting on Monday November 14, Ken Schupner an architect with BBS presented the findings of the High School Auditorium Committee who has been working to assess needs, look at comparable schools and get community and user feedback.
Proposed improvements to the stage - and proscenium
Among the problems that were identified were:
Acoustics: consultants identified deficiencies in the rooms design and proportions, the proscenium(area in front of the curtain), in the ceiling, the HVAC and found acoustical dead spots. They provided a lengthy analysis of troubles pots that can be seen here:
But that’s just the beginning.
The report documents many more problem spots.
The seating is in disrepair
The wood paneling is deteriorating with section missing and damaged
The carpet is frayed and torn
Access to the auditorium is asymmetrical and lacks optimal function
The catwalk is impractical for student us and potentially safety concern
Tormentor bars are inaccessible to student and adults. (Teasers & tormentors are stage curtains that are placed immediately upstage of the proscenium arch to reduce or reshape the size of the opening.)
Lighting instruments on one side cannot be focused, serviced or used effectively.
There is limited dressing room and costume storage space.
The stage flooring is aging, there is wear and tea, splintering and erosion of the surface that presents safety concerns
Audience sight lines are limited and challenging because the pitch of the seating area is not steep enough to provide clear viewing angles.
Persistent water intrusion remains a problem in the music rooms and backstage area. Due to an aging roof system the leaking prevents full utilization of the backstage storage area.
To help the Board visualize these issues, the committee created a video with a tour of the facility showing where the problems exist and how it limits the student experience.
The video includes SHS Principal Ken Bonamo who says, “Renovating the auditorium has been on our docket for a decade. Now we have the opportunity to do the whole thing at one time.
Investments in facilities have to match investments in education to have performances at the level the community expects. I understand the significance of this investment and I thank you for your support of this project.”
Stairs would be added from the audience area to the stage.Architect Ken Shupner then gave an explanation of the renovation plans which included:
Removal of acoustic clouds
Acoustical wood treatment of interior perimeter walls
Proscenium acoustical modifications
HVAC and duct improvements
New sound system
Refurbishment of the ceiling
Demolition and reconstruction of interior perimeter walls and entry corridor
Replacement of the audience seating
Wood wainscott, horizontal acoustic shelf with crown and Tormentor platforms
Tuning curtains (sidewalls and rear wall)
Venetian curtain repair and clean
Interior painting
Repair, skim and paint concrete floor
Replacement of the carpeting
Installation of new stairs and ramps at the front of the house
Rigging Recommendation:
Relocate the front-of-house truss power and fixtures to catwalk
Modify existing catwalk for additional height and add ladder access to tormentors
Lighting Recommendation:
Remove power and requisite cabling from the front-of-house lighting batten, and move to the catwalk
Backstage Area Recommendation:
Remove the wall dividing the costume storage hallway and the dressing room thereby expanding the usable space for dressing. Divide the single dressing room into two separate and equally-sized spaces, usable by any gender. Installation of an ADA lift in the rear corridor.
Performance Area Recommendation:
Replace the surface of the stage, behind the proscenium arch. Sand, buff and refinish the surface of the stage, in front of the proscenium but behind the orchestra pit.
Audience Sight Lines Recommendation:
New seating should be appropriately staggered. Continue to research performance platforms
Water Mitigation Recommendation:
Include replacement of the Band Room Roof in the 2023-24 school budget Include funds in a future bond to resolve back storage area water instrusion issues.
Here are the estimated costs:
Acoustics $1,902,190
House Area - $1,765,668
Rigging - $497,555
Lighting - $390,389
Backstage Area - $107,166
Performance Area - $71,614
Grand total $4.734,581
Assistant Superintendent Stuart Mattey explained that there are some funds available for this project: $2.825,152 is left over from the 2018 bond and there is also $574,839 remaining from Phase 1 and Phase 2A of the project. Also available is $135,000 in the Debt Service Reserve, bringing the total funds available to $3,534,281.
So the district would only need $1.2 mm to fund this. Mattey proposed two options for raising the funds:
Option 1 would be a one-time tax increase in the 2023-24 tax levy of ¾- to 1%.
Option 2 would be to bond the project. If so he suggested a bond proposition in May 2023 allowing work to be completed by the winter of 2024.
Not everyone was convinced that this is the way to go. Scarsdale School Board member and architect Bob Klein said, “As an architect I am pleased with the quality of the report and 100% in favor of improving the auditorium. But I do have serious concerns. Do the bones of the room and the DNA allow you to do what you want to do? We are trying to convert a gymnatorium into a state of the art auditorium. The price tag shocked me. It’s a lot of money to get something we really don’t want. Is this the right investment to give to the performance arts a space they want? I kept hearing we were not getting the ideal; we are able to improve it, but there is compromise after compromise for $4.7 mm. “
He continued, “What would we really want if we were to redo it? Is there a way to deliver that? I think you have solved the problem you were asked to solve – but is that the right problem? Is this really what we want to do today? It concerns me that we are trying to manipulate a space – but I am not convinced. Is this the right solution? It behooves all of us to make sure we are solving the right problem.”
Schupner replied, “We are doing the best we can with what we have.”
Klein said, “I am not sure I buy that. If I were a tax payer I would want to know that our homework was done. Can we switch this around and get what we want? We are forcing this to do what we want it to do.”
Jessica Resnick-Ault thanked everyone saying, “We don’t have to decide on this tonight – we have time to mull on it. I am glad Bob has given us another angle to consider.”
Klein continued, “What would be the right size auditorium for Scarsdale High School? I want to make sure we do the best thing we can do with our resources. It’s an exercise that can be done.”
Susie Hahn Pasciutti said, “It’s near and dear to my heart that the kids have a place to perform. If we did not do this project, where would be spend this money? What are we seeing now in terms of seats? Do we have the right number now?”
Colleen Brown agreed. She said, “This deserves our attention, sooner rather than later.”
Ron Schulhof asked, “What are other needs from the Building Conditions Survey? What is the confidence level that this will correct our issues?
Klein added, “if there was a way to build an auditorium in another part of the school, we could use this one while the other one is being built.”
Superintendent Drew Patrick rephrased Klein’s question. He said, “Have we identified the right questions?”
As the meeting drew to a close, Patrick asked the Board for more funds to allow the architects to do further analysis of the costs for a new auditorium vs. the renonvation and agreed to put this back on the agenda for a future meeting.
Professional News: Veron, Foley and Narayanan
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Scarsdale Mayor Jane Veron and TAP CEO will be honored with a Women in Business Award by Westchester Magazine’s 914INC. at an awards ceremony on Nov. 17th. Veron co-founded TAP 10 years ago to help empower under-resourced small businesses and accelerate their success.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and in these particularly challenging economic times, I’m thrilled to be honored by 914INC. to bring more attention to TAP and the crucial work we do to help local small businesses survive and thrive,“ says Veron. “TAP serves underrepresented small business owners, helping to close income, gender and racial inequality gaps. We repeatedly see that supporting small businesses elevates families and communities, providing jobs and keeping main streets vital”
TAP is a female-founded, female-led nonprofit that is laser focused on creating a more equitable economy by delivering high-caliber and impactful services to under-resourced small businesses. TAP leverages its network of financial institutions, CDFIs, economic development agencies and corporate partners to get to scale and ensure the sustainability of our work. TAP’s innovative model channels underutilized talent into the economy by recruiting and cultivating a diverse consultant team that donates their time, expertise, and mentoring skills to advance TAP’s mission across the U.S.
Jane is mission-driven, seeking to mobilize professionals for economic impact and merges her business acumen with her management, coaching, public sector and nonprofit work. Prior to TAP, Jane spent her career in strategy and marketing, working at Bain & Company and American Express. Jane currently serves on Harvard’s Women’s Leadership Board, Nonprofit Westchester Board, and the Regional Plan Association Board.
TAP helps small businesses in a variety of industries, ranging from those focused on food and beverage; wellness, fitness and beauty; professional services; manufacturing; transportation and more. TAP consultants provide strategic and tactical advice to address each business’s individual financial, marketing, and operational needs.
Scarsdale’s Tim Foley Honored for Commitment to Westchester’s Youth
The Guidance Center of Westchester held its Bash for the Future Benefit on October 19, 2022 at the Davenport Mansion in New Rochelle. Tim Foley, the CEO and Executive Vice President of the Building and Realty Institute (BRI), Dr. Lillian F. Reynolds, a certified NYS teacher and a licensed social worker, and Jasmine Rice, Property Manager for Enclave Equities, were recognized at the event for their dedication in helping Westchester’s youth with career development and employment opportunities.
Foley is only the third Executive Vice President in the 75-year history of the BRI. He holds an additional role as the Director of the Building and Allied Construction Industries of Westchester, the local affiliate for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the New York State Builders Association (NAHB). He serves on the Land Development Committee for NAHB. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation (HVEDC).
Dr. Reynolds is a certified NYS teacher and a licensed social worker in the state of New York. From 2003-2013, she was the Executive Director of the Grace Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools. Dr. Reynolds is also an Ordained Minister and has served at Grace Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon for the past 25 years.
Rice is the Property Manager for Enclave Equities located in Mt. Vernon. Through her employment, she has partnered with the Guidance Center of Westchester’s Center for College and Careers to provide jobs and career advancement opportunities for local youth.
The benefit raised funds for The Center for College & Careers (CCC), which is at the heart of the Center's youth and young adult programs. The CCC transforms the lives of youth and young adults (ages 13-24) so they can pursue post-secondary education or start on a career track. CCC helps participants develop skills and confidence while creating opportunities for them to have successful futures in whatever path they choose. Of particular note, the FutureWorks to FutureCareers is a free vocational training and certifications program for Mount Vernon, Mamaroneck, and New Rochelle residents 16-24 years old. Training includes required certification for construction and related industries, energy auditing, web design, coding, and entrepreneurship.
Ram Narayanan Publishes Scientific Article
Scarsdale resident and senior at Horace Mann School Ram Narayanan recently published his work “Role of Long-Range van der Waals Interaction in the Coefficient of Static Friction,” in the open-access archive, arXiv.org.
We are very familiar with static friction in our everyday life: when you try to slide a heavy sofa on the floor, the resistance from the floor that keeps the sofa in place is static friction. The relative strength of static friction between any two materials, such as ice-on-ice or aluminum-on-wood, is described by a factor called the coefficient of static friction. Selecting materials with low coefficients of static friction is critical in fields like engineering, with 2D van der Waals materials like graphene emerging as top choices for this purpose. Although the coefficient of static friction is a very important quantity in engineering and electronics, currently, there is no theoretical method to predict the coefficient of static friction between two surfaces. In addition, the role of intermolecular forces such as van der Waals forces in the origin of macroscopic static friction is not well-understood.
Ram developed a new model on the premise that the primary forces that contribute to static friction between two 2D van der Waals materials are Casimir forces, which are quantum mechanical van der Waals forces with relativistic contributions. He then went on to calculate the van der Waals forces between two layers of van der Waals materials, with which he derived a theoretical equation for the coefficient of static friction that generally agreed with experimental results. In his work, Ram found that the coefficient of static friction does not depend on the electromagnetic properties of the surfaces, but instead only on how they are shaped. The equation he has derived has a plethora of uses in the fields of nanotechnology and nanoengineering, where scientists are struggling to reduce the static friction between small parts. Whereas scientists and engineers previously had to test the coefficients of static friction for novel materials using experiments, Ram’s results would allow them to predict these coefficients computationally.
Ram worked on the project under the guidance of his mentors, who are the other three authors in his research paper. Most of his work was conducted during his summer stay in Carbondale, Illinois. Prior to the publication, Ram has already presented his work at numerous events including the Southern Illinois University Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Conference, the Horace Mann School SciTech symposium, and the Berkeley Carroll Multischool Research Conference, for which he was his school’s designated keynote speaker. The Terra NYC STEM Fair honored his work by awarding him Third Place in the Physics & Space category.
Outside of physics, Ram is enthusiastic about physics and astronomy, and he particularly enjoys bringing his learning to others. At Horace Mann School, he is the president of the Physics Club as well as the build coordinator and Astronomy competitor for the Science Olympiad team, in both of which he has competed for more than three years. He has been a longtime volunteer science educator at the Hudson River Museum, where he currently mans the solar telescope and spectral tube demonstrations for visitors. In his free time, Ram enjoys ultimate frisbee, violin, and Indian carnatic singing.
Pilobolus: The Big Five-Oh! Tour at the Emelin Theater
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Pilobolus is turning fifty! The remarkable company that secured an iconic place in American culture in the early 1970s is still wowing audiences with its irresistible mix of wit, sensuality, and stunning physical acumen. Now, to celebrate fifty amazing years, the BIG FIVE-OH! tour brings audiences a mix of pieces ranging from the vintage and visionary to the fresh and electrifying. And in the paradoxical Pilobolus tradition of breaking with tradition, the tour presents works dynamically reimagined for a never- before-seen Pilobolus experience.
Attend a performance at the Emelin Theater in Mamaroneck on Saturday October 29 at 8 pm.
In the decades since its inception, Pilobolus has performed on Broadway, at the Oscars, and the Olympic games, and has appeared on television, in movies, in advertisements, and in schools and businesses and created over 120 dance works. The company continues to propel the seeds of expression via human movement to every corner of the world, growing and changing each year while reaching new audiences and exploring new visual and physical planes.
Please visit www.emelin.org for updates
Address: Emelin Theatre for the Performing Arts, 153 Library Lane, Mamaroneck, NY 10543 Email: boxoffice@emelin.org
Phone: 914-698-0098
Web : emelin.org
Box Office in-person Hours: Two hours prior to every event.
Halloween Happenings In and Around Scarsdale
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Halloween is just around the corner and if you are looking for a “thrilling” way to celebrate the spooky day, Scarsdale10583.com has got you covered! From wicked awesome “Zombie Walks” to more family friendly “Trunk or Treats” here is a list of spooktacular events in and around Scarsdale…
Scarsdale’s Annual Halloween Window Painting Contest takes place this Sunday 10/16. The deadline to enter the contest has already passed but perusing the hard work of our village’s budding artists is a great way to get excited for the big day!
The Greenburgh Nature Center Fall Festival – October 22-23
Outdoor fall celebration for families and visitors of all ages featuring live music, crafts and games, a pumpkin and scarecrow walk, apple cider demonstrations and tastings, vendors selling sustainable items, meadow dedication, and more. 10AM-3PM. Learn more here.
Pumpkin Carving with the Scouts: Scarsdale’s Cub Scout Pack 440 and Troop 4 are pleased to invite any and all
K-11th grade girls and boys in Westchester County to a Scouts recruiting event, ‘Pumpkin Carving Party,’ Sunday, October 23rd at 4pm. The event is at Weinberg Nature Center at 455 Mamaroneck Rd, Scarsdale, New York.
Please bring your own pumpkins and carving tools. We will also have some fun games, story-telling, and skits. You are invited to come in costume. Desserts and refreshments will be served, and you are welcome to bring some to share. Please register for the event here.
St. James The Less Haunted Graveyard Tour.
Enjoy a family friendly Halloween Party and tour our graveyard--with re-enactments from its most famous residents!
Sunday ,Oct 30, 2022 at 5:30 PM
10 Church Ln, Scarsdale, NY, 10583
Learn more here
Scarsdale Village Halloween Parade. 
On Friday October 28th, put on your favorite costume and march on down to Chase Park in Scarsdale Village. Music and Refreshments begin at 3:15 and line up for the parade will begin at 4pm. Starting at 4:45 attendees will be treated to a Halloween magic show.
Trunk or Treat! Scarsdale Congregational Church invites all to take part in their Trunk Or Treat celebration. Go from “trunk to trunk” in their parking lot, where hosts share goodies from their decorated cars. There will also be lots of fun family activities.
October 29th 2-4 pm. More here.
Classified Musicians Halloween Concert at the Scarsdale Library. Calling all lovers of classical music! Come to this chamber music concert on Sunday, October 30, 2022 @ 3:30 PM in the Scott Room at Scarsdale Public Library to witness and enjoy the musical talents of local teens and guest performers. This will be one of the series of classical music/holiday music concerts that Classified Musicians will present. Our library offers other fun Halloween activities such as apple cidering, pumpkin painting, and “Not So Spooky” Toddler Time. Unfortunately these programs are sold out or have a waitlist, but be sure to check out their calendar for a host of wonderful upcoming events.
White Plains Zombie Walk. Dress up like a zombie and shuffle through downtown! Enjoy spooky special offers from select stores and restaurants! Freakish photo opportunities! And more for the undead of all ages! Saturday October 22nd. Start gathering at the Galleria Mall at 10:30 am, walk begins promptly at 12pm. More here.
Historic Hudson Valley presents “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” as you’ve never heard it before. Irving’s ‘Legend’ returns reimagined this fall. Performed for the first time ever outdoors under the stars at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, master storyteller Jonathan Kruk will cast a spell with dramatic performances of the classic tale. Live music and an appearance from the Headless Horseman himself make this a spooky spectacular experience for all ages. Weekends through October 31st. Tickets on sale here.
Historic Hudson Valley presents The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
Meander through an 18th-century landscape and discover a breathtaking display of more than 7,000 illuminated jack o’ lanterns—all designed and hand-carved on site by our team of artisans. New for 2022, watch our animated “Jack” Smith Shop in action and keep an eye out for glowing bees.
Van Cortland Manor
Through November 21st
Learn more here.
Scared by the Sound Haunted House. New location but same creepy fun! Come get spooked at FORMER KMART BUILDING/TRIANGLE SHOPPING CENTER 355 Downing Dr, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Every weekend through the end of October. For tickets and more information check out their website:
Halloween Spooktacular at Westchester Children’s Museum -- A Halloween celebration full of surprises! Save the date for a (not) spooky day of art, crafts, science, stories, song, and surprises. Don’t forget to wear your costume!
Saturday, October 29, 2022
10:00 AM 4:00 PM
Museum Address
100 Playland Parkway
Rye, NY, 10580
Details here.
Spooktacular Oktoberfest at Ward Pound Ridge October 29th 2pm
Celebrate Halloween and fall at Trailside Nature Museum's Spooktacular Oktoberfest! Children and adults are invited to wear their Halloween costumes as there will be both children and adult costume contests. Fall snacks, hay rides, crafts and more will be available.
This event will also include access to our Oktoberfest at Bergfied. Enjoy an outdoor beer garden put on by Captain Lawrence, food trucks, live music from All About the Blues, and more. Tickets for this area only are available at a discounted rate for those who are not interested in the Halloween activities.
Tickets must be purchased here for those ages 3+. Free parking; event is rain or shine. For more info or questions, call: (914) 864-7322.
Potion Making at Muskoot Farm
Sat, October 29, 2022, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM EDT
Grab your cauldrons and join our Potions Master to learn about the history and folklore of alchemy while brewing your very own (non-alcoholic) “potions.” Registration is required with tickets at $25 per person, ages 6 and up. All Potions Apprentices will meet at Muscoot’s Blacksmith Shop. Dressing up is encouraged!
Stew Leonard's Halloween Drive Through
Wednesday, September 21 – Sunday, October 31, 2022
11 a.m. – 8 p.m., daily
Starting on September 21, cars can follow a family-friendly Halloween Drive Through at Stew Leonard’s in Yonkers, featuring more than a dozen Halloween-themed scenes using inflatable characters, decorations, and more! Customers can also tune their car’s radio to a special radio station where Clover the Cow’s spooky Halloween soundtrack will delight kids of all ages. This free event is open daily through Halloween. Register here:
Wendy MacMillan is a former teacher and now a proud mom of two, school aged children. With a background in psychology, education, and mindfulness, Wendy has long been passionate about wellness and helping others.
Statement from Robin Stettnisch
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Here is a response from former part time library employee Robin Stettnisch to the statement made by the Scarsdale Public Library Board on Spetember 26, 2022
FAKE NEWS!
1) On 12-15-2017 SPL Director Beth Bermel did indeed give me her word that I would get my job and salary back when the newly renovated library reopened.
And I have texts to prove it.
Lie detector test, shall we Beth?
2) In 2017, before the library closed, I earned $21,156 which averages 9.27 hours per week.
In 2018 the library was open for 6 months and I earned $13,431 which averages 11.77 hours per week.
This is a far cry from the 3.5 hours in the Board statement. And I actually would have loved to work more but seemed to me that employees who were newer and made less money were mostly offered any hours before long time employees who made more money, hmmmm...
3) Why would I formally apply for a job I already had? Beth officially rehired me at the temporary "Loft" quarters in January 2019.
I was one of the chosen few to be offered a job back because we were thought so highly of...
The one caveat, entry level salary at the Loft.
But, I trusted Beth's promise for when the library reopened, so I took it.
4) I was hired at the Chappaqua Library (which I love!) during the SCS library renovation. I worked both at Chappaqua and at the SPL Loft when I was rehired there.
Of course, since I was a new employee of Chappaqua, I had to start at entry level salary.
Which is why my decades of service and salary at Scarsdale is so critical to my family.
Scarsdale forcing long term employees back to entry level salaries is financially devastating in the present and in the future, as retirement earnings are greatly based on "final average salary".
5) SPL Library Board met on 3-14-22 (after 7 months of them still completely ignoring me) and I attended on Zoom. The Library announced they had a $1.8 million dollar surplus and the Board was absolutely ecstatic! They were falling all over themselves congratulating SPL Director Beth Bermel on her wonderful achievement! They were joyously brainstorming ideas about what could be done with all that extra money that Beth saved....
And so, I reminded them that part of the $1.8 million dollar surplus was there because of what was so unethically, immorally and heartlessly done to the staff...
I pointed out that what they saw as "fiscally responsible" was indeed "morally reprehensible".
I pointed out they shouldn't be rejoicing over money saved if it was saved by intentionally hurting long term employees and their families.
That is where the $1.8 million dollar "tongue in cheek" statement came from. And the Board knows that. Just another failed attempt to purposely, deceitfully, mislead the residents of Scarsdale.
As for me, I started out over 1 year ago in August 2021 asking the Library Board, the Mayor, and the Village Board, simply for my job and salary back as promised by Beth.
I simply asked them to stand up and do the right thing.
And they all chose, and still do, to completely ignore me.
Heartless.
