A New Line of Tennis Wear Debuts in Edgemont
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Edgemont resident and self-professed tennis fiend Laura Preskin has just produced her own line of tennis wear. The former VP of Design and Merchandising at Danskin saw a need for stylish tennis wear that could be worn on and off the court. Using her expertise she has designed a line that is flattering but at the same time comfortable while playing.
We asked Preskin for more information about the Yaffa line and here is what she shared:
Why did you feel a new line of tennis attire was needed? How is your line different from what's already out there?
Yaffa is the culmination of a life-long dream, which began for me over twenty years ago when I was the head of merchandising and design for Danskin and running Elie Tahari's private label business. As an avid tennis player, I always had a vision of designing fashionable tennis apparel, made from the finest performing athletic fabrics. I designed Yaffa to combine a cool sophistication that will let women stay in their tennis gear when they leave the court and go for coffee or out with friends. Designed to have street wear appeal, Yaffa is made for the woman who wants the best in tennis clothing on the court, but then wants to stay in her clothes off the courts afterwards--to hang out, go to lunch, socialize with friends and run errands around town.
The contemporary styles are designed to make your body looks its best. The tops have sportswear and swimwear features like shirring and ruching that shows off curves and de-emphasizes the unwanted. The tanks have built in bras with removable pads that enhance bust lines. The bottoms have high-rise 3-inch wide waistbands that add tummy compression and allow for smooth tummy lines. The skirts come in varied lengths and have bike shorts with gussets for maximum comfort.
I spent months searching for the world's most innovative performance fabrics. After a rigorous selection process, I settled on the best fabric I have ever 
felt—imported directly to Yaffa from Italy's finest mills. The stretch jersey fabric combines lightness and breathability, while its silky soft texture provides maximum comfort. The high Lycra content allows for great shape and fits the body perfectly without constraining, allowing for maximum performance for tennis and fitness activities. Yaffa's stretch jersey is also quick drying, has moisture management and UV protection. the fabric has great recovery and the styles maintain their shape after numerous washings.
To create the Yaffa brand, I brought together my team of designers and production experts from Danskin to perfect Yaffa's fit and technical performance features.
What has been the reaction of people who have tried the clothes on?
The reaction has been incredible. I have had some women buy more than five items at a time, ordering several styles and colors. The women who try it on love the fabrics, the silky smooth feeling on their body, and styles that are figure flattering. Demand has been so strong that I will be heading to Milan soon to secure a much larger quantity of Italian fabric than I had originally anticipated. All of my clothes are made from the highest end Italian fabrics, so securing adequate supplies of this ultra premium product is a top priority.
Where can readers purchase Yaffa tennis wear?
This summer, the Yaffa line will be available at retail exclusively at the Scarsdale Golf Club pro shop and at Kimberly's in Westhampton. I am also selling Yaffa through a social selling model, similar to the Pampered Chef. I will eventually set up a commerce website, but for now I am using the direct model selling at parties.
How can readers reach to you find out more about the line?
Please email, yaffa@yaffaactivewear.com I will be happy to send people pictures of the clothing, and even set up private showings.
Spencer Repp: SHS Lacrosse Star Dies in Arizona
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Spencer Repp, just 19 years-old, of the Scarsdale Class of 2012 and a freshman at the University of Arizona, was killed in an accident in Arizona on Friday evening March 30. The accident occurred at about 5:20 pm when his motorcycle crashed and went over a guardrail on Mount Lemmon Highway. According to Tucson News Now Repp was airlifted to a local hospital where they were unable to save him. Pima County Sheriff Deputy Tom Peine said "speed was a factor in the crash."
Repp was a star lacrosse player on the Scarsdale Varsity team. The mom of another player on the team remembered Repp as a gifted player who was "born with a lacrosse stick in his hand." He followed in the footsteps of his father Paul Repp who was All American on the lacrosse team at Penn State. In an interview in the Journal News in April 2012, when Repp was asked why he played lacrosse he answered, "because of my old man....love you dad."
During a scrimmage at the start of the lacrosse season in 2011 when Repp was in his junior year at SHS he tore his ACL. The injury put him on the bench for the entire season. He came back to the team for the spring of his senior year and was a team captain, the lead team scorer, and all section honorable mention.
Scarsdale High School Varsity Coach Tim Weir said Spencer was a "great kid on and off the field. He was very likeable, had lots of 
friends and enjoyed everything he did." Weir also remembers that Repp "always wanted to go to the University of Arizona." Dan Jureller a teammate and classmate of Spencer's said, "Spencer was a tremendous person and a brilliant lacrosse player. Everyone had a high level of respect for his upbeat and supportive personality on and off the field."
Repp apparently bought the motorcycle with his own money and loved to ride it. In an unconfirmed report, friends said that in Repp's last tweet he said "...nothing a little reckless drive and excessive speeding can't make better."
A private memorial service will be held on Saturday April 6 from 1:30- 3:30pm at Scarsdale Golf Club.
Scarsdale Democrats Endorse Mayor Noam Bramson For County Executive
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On Thursday March 21, the Scarsdale Democratic Committee endorsed New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bransom for County Executive. A Democratic County Convention on April 24 will choose among Mayor Bramson, County Legislator Bill Ryan and County Legislature Chair Ken Jenkins to unseat Rob Astorino.
In a closed vote, the well-attended meeting of the Committee strongly endorsed the candidacy of Mayor Bramson. Scarsdale Democratic Chair Alan Goldston, whose Committee decided not to disclose the precise vote out of respect for the other contestants, would indicate only that "the Committee's preference for, and support of Mayor Bramson, was clear and decisive."
Said Goldston: "Our Committee knows these three fine public servants. Any would provide a welcome change from the reckless Astorino Administration. But we believe that Mayor Bramson is both best qualified to be County Executive, and best positioned to win in November. His talent, integrity, and vision have been demonstrated by his record in a city that reflects the diversity of our county. The breadth of his support, the strength of his fundraising and the talent of his organization are extraordinary. The Scarsdale Democratic Committee believes that Noam Bramson is the best candidate for County Executive."
One respected veteran of local government said, "There is a lot at stake in this year's County Executive election. Mr. Astorino's Tea Party agenda diminishes the quality of life in Westchester, stirring up fear and hostility, cutting services to our most vulnerable, attacking child care and healthcare, and endangering the County's financial stability by borrowing to cover operating expenses. Mr. Bramson's good judgment, intelligence and passion will be an effective antidote."
The Food-Immune Connection with Dr. Susan Blum
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Confused about what to eat? Ever wonder whether gluten or another food is a problem for you? Functional Medicine pioneer Dr. Susan Blum will answer these and many more vital health questions at the Scarsdale PT Council Spring Meeting, taking place on April 18th at 9:15am at the Little Theatre at Scarsdale High School.
As an assistant clinical professor in the department of Preventive Medicine at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and the founder and director of Blum Center for Health in Rye Brook, Dr. Blum has been treating, healing and preventing chronic diseases for nearly two decades. She also serves on the Medical Advisory Board for The Dr. Oz Show and the Senior Teaching Faculty at the Center for Mind-Body Medicine in Washington, DC.
Her first book, The Immune System Recovery Plan (April 2013), features her four-step program, which she has used to help thousands of patients reverse the symptoms of autoimmune disease, strengthen their immune systems, and bolster their overall health. On April 18th, she will share details of this plan, as well as her expertise on how consuming certain foods can lead to inflammation in the body, and how this in turn can damage your metabolism and weaken your immune system. She will also suggest at-home tools people can use to test themselves and their kids for different food sensitivities, which might be at the root of health concerns.
Dr. Blum practices what she preaches. More than a decade ago, she was diagnosed with Hashimotos Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease where the body attacks the thyroid as if it were a foreign tissue. By following the same Functional Medicine and lifestyle principles she prescribes to her patients, Dr. Blum cured herself of this serious condition.
For more information, please contact Leesa Suzman (917-796-1836; leesasuzman@verizon.net). This event is sponsored by the Scarsdale PT Council and will be preceded by a brief PT Council meeting.
SBNC Announces Candidates for Scarsdale School Board
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The 2013 SBNC has announced their three candidates for the Scarsdale Board of Education: Lelia Shames Maude, Bill Natbony and Suzanne Seiden. Seiden has been nominated for a second 3-year term while William Natbony and Leila Shames Maude are being nominated for their first 3-year terms to replace Jill Spieler and Elizabeth Guggenheimer who will complete their service this year.
Comprised of 30 voting members and four non-voting members as well as a vice chair and a chair, the SBNC met over seven Sundays to select candidates based "solely on their qualifications to serve the community" as prescribed by the SBNC resolution. According to SBNC Vice Chair Erin Foster, "the SBNC made their selection from a group of very well qualified individuals seeking to devote their time and talents to serving on the Scarsdale Board of Education."
Here's information on the candidates:
Bill Natbony is an attorney and a 21-year resident of Scarsdale. He and his wife Cheryl have four 
children; Josh who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2012 and now works in New York City, Rachel, who attends the University of Delaware and Sam and Emily, both now at Scarsdale High School.
Natbony is a man of many talents and graduated as the valedictorian of the NYC School of Performing Arts in 1976. He was a child actor and member of Actor's Equity and Screen's Actor's Guild. He went on to Princeton University for his BA and then to Georgetown where he earned his law degree. During law school he taught a course in Street Law at a public high school in Washington D.C.
Commenting on his nomination, Natbony said, "I am honored that the Nominating Committee has selected me as a candidate for the Scarsdale Board of Education. If elected, I look forward to collaborating with my fellow Board members, community residents and school representatives in order to preserve and improve our school system, which is one of the most valuable assets of our community."
We asked Natbony why he decided to put himself forth and here is what he shared:
"Public school education has always been an extremely important part of my life. I am the proud product of a public school education, having attended public school in New York City though the 12th grade. Through the Justice Resource Center in New York City and through my extensive pro bono activities relating to education, I have designed and implemented programs that partner corporate and governmental entities with public schools to enhance aspects of public school education. I have four children, each of whom has benefitted greatly from the fine education that Scarsdale's public schools provide, with two children still in the school system. I view our public school system as one of the most important assets, if not the most important asset, of our community. The quality of our schools, along with our outstanding recreational programs and open space and parks, serve to attract families and homebuyers to our community. It was why my family came to Scarsdale over 20 years ago.
As a father, resident and as someone with a deep concern for the youth of our community, the passion for and commitment to maintaining and improving the quality of education we provide run incredibly deep.
Aside from my demonstrated passion for public school education generally, my education and professional and community service experience has provided me with certain tools and lessons that would be of great use as a School Board Member. Having been a litigator and counsel to numerous corporate and not for profit organizations, I have been involved in searches for Chief Executive Officers, attended numerous Board meetings and provided day to day advice on governance, financial and operational issues raised before such Boards. Conflict resolution through listening and understanding the issues, and reaching a fair and reasoned result, has always been a primary goal in my professional work. Collaboration is key.
In Scarsdale, I have served on the Board and as President of Little League, with responsibility for the development of policy, budgeting and programs. As a PRC member, and Chairman for several years, I had the opportunity to deal with budget issues, development of broad policy, and the resolution of numerous issues raised with great emotion by parents, children, and representatives of ISOs. My past positions and community service demonstrate a strong desire to better the lives of our children in this community. I am looking to continue my service to Scarsdale and to the youth of Scarsdale in a significant way. Serving on the School Board would enable me to continue this important service in a meaningful manner.
Lee Shames Maude is "honored and excited" to be selected as a nominee for the Scarsdale School Board and wishes to thank the SBNC for giving her their approval. She has lived in Fox Meadow for twelve years and has a daughter in fifth grade at the Fox Meadow School and a son who is a junior at Scarsdale High School. After a 28-year career as a corporate credit analyst, she turned to volunteer work and has served extensively in the Fox Meadow School and the community.
She is currently on the executive committee of the Fox Meadow PTA and co-chaired the fall benefit, the staff appreciation lunch, pizza day and new families orientation. She serves as the treasurer of the Fox Meadow Neighborhood Association, leads a monthly conversation class for non-native speakers and is also Co-Chair of the Monthly Mitzvah Committee at Westchester Reform Temple.
Shames Maude has a deep appreciation for the Scarsdale Schools and is impressed with their adoption of the Singapore Math Program, the Language Skills Program and the new Center for Innovation. As a member of the Board of Education she hopes to play a constructive role in helping the administration to further it's mission. She has years of experience looking at budgets and forecasts and interviewing management teams. She now hopes to lend her expertise to help the administration meet their goals.
As her daughter moves from elementary school to Scarsdale Middle School, Shames Maude feels that a position on the School Board will be a good next step. She has time to devote and looks forward to delving into the business of the board. She has an undergraduate degree from Union College and an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan.
Board of Education Vice President Suzanne Seiden has been nominated to serve a second three-year term on the School Board. When she was nominated for her initial term in 2010, Seiden was challenged for her seat by Bob Harrison in a rare instance of a contested election for a seat on the school board. Seiden campaigned and prevailed, getting 1773 votes to Harrison's 941. In her first term Seiden has been an active board member and currently serves as Vice President. With children still in the schools and an impressive resume of school volunteer positions she has lent a parent's perspective to board discussions and advocated maintaining class sizes and adequate district staffing.
Here is what we wrote about Seiden in 2010:
Suzanne has been a tireless volunteer at all levels of the Scarsdale school system and in our community. In all her activities, including as president of the Middle School and Quaker Ridge PTAs, Ms. Seiden has continuously demonstrated a passion for the critical issues facing the our school district as well as a capacity to work with others to deliver meaningful results.
Over the past nine years, Ms. Seiden has had numerous leadership roles, starting with her efforts for two years as Co-Chair of the PT Council Young Writers' Conference and as Co-Chair of the Scarsdale Schools Bond Committee in which she helped organize and lead the community's efforts to pass a bond to support necessary construction on the Quaker Ridge School. She subsequently served the Quaker Ridge PTA president-elect and president where, among other efforts, she worked with the other PTAs to change the funding of elementary school playgrounds.
Following her experience at the elementary school level, Ms. Seiden served as the President-elect and then President of the Middle School PTA where she focused on creating a school of empathy and implemented a new fundraising program for the school. She has also had leadership roles on the Scarsdale Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol where she worked with other parents, school administrators, and Village representatives to create and deliver programs and educational material for youth and adults about drugs and alcohol. She also currently serves as the Publicity Chair for the Scarsdale High School Scholarship Fund.
In addition to her activities with our schools, she has volunteered on a number of community organizations including with the UJA Federation, Scarsdale League of Women Voters, and Temple Israel Center.
All three candidates will be on the ballot on Tuesday, May 21, when the community will elect school board members and vote on the 2013-2014 school budget.
