Fife and Kaplan Serve Up State Doubles Crown
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Ben Fife and Austin Kaplan have accomplished a feat no other Scarsdale doubles team has accomplished since 1994 – winning the NY State Public High School boys state title. Fife and Kaplan became the first duo to capture the crown since Jeff Weiser and Jason Beckman were able to do so in ’94. After finishing second in last years state tournament, Fife and Kaplan had the confidence and composure to make it to the finals yet again. This time, however, they were able to beat a very strong Byram Hills team to add a state title to their illustrious and thrilling high school tennis careers.
Emotions were flying for Fife and Kaplan after the match. Extremely jubilant, Kaplan commented, “To play at the National Tennis Center is great, but to win it all – this is truly unbelievable.” The Byram Hills team they faced in the finals, is in fact a very familiar opponent. Jordan Kaufman and Kyle Rosen of Byram Hills beat Kaplan and Fife in the 2010 doubles state tournament. Just days before the state tournament began this year, Fife and Kaplan defeated Kaufman and his new doubles partner, Kyle Berman, to win the section in a hard fought three set match. Fife added, “As tough as it was constantly competing with these guys, it is a shame that this high school tennis rivalry has to end. These have been some of the best matches I have ever played.” As juniors, Fife and Kaplan have next year to do the very same thing if they wish to do so. Unfortunately, Jordan Kaufman and Kyle Berman are graduating and will not be able to compete next year.
One frequently overlooked aspect of high cchool tennis is the influence of the coaches. Coach Jennifer Roane, the Varsity A tennis coach for both boys and girls, has known Fife and Kaplan for some time now. As she saw the first set of the finals slipping away, she knew she had to intervene and speak to her soon-to-be state champions. “Berman and Kaufman came out blazing,” Coach Roane continued, “We looked asleep. We were not coming up to net and we were not being aggressive. I told them they need to have variety with shots in the middle and shots in the alley. It seemed to work pretty well.” It certainly did. After dropping the first set 4-6, Kaplan and Fife were able to pull off the unthinkable, defeating the Byram Hills team in three sets, winning the final two 6-4 and 6-3.
When asked about preparation for next year’s states, Coach Roane responded, “It has already started. Ben is talking about next years states conflicting with the prom.” Regardless, Fife and Kaplan should have an exhilarating year playing high school tennis.”
Pictured at top: The victorious doubles team of Austin Kaplan (left) and Ben Fife (right) with Coach Jennifer Roane
SHS Senior Designs Her Own Prom Dress
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This story was sent to Scarsdale10583 by SHS Senior Chelsea Hoofnagle: As part of my Senior Options I designed and sewed my prom dress. For a couple of years I have been taking pre-college classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology. This semester I took a draping class that inspired me to make my own prom dress. I used my dress form and muslin to drape the bodice and the skirt of my dress. I also referred to several draping and pattern making books. After finishing my practice prom dress, I went to Mood Fabrics in the city to select the fabrics for my real dress. The lace took me about 18 hours to hand sew. I could not use a machine for the lace because the beading would have broken my sewing machine needle. The skirt is made of chiffon. I wanted my dress to be elegant and give off a vintage vibe.Congratulations to the Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class of 5771
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Seventeen special women became Bat Mitzvah at Westchester Reform Temple on Friday night May 23rd. The ceremony concluded three years of the study or Hebrew and torah and was a proud night for the women, their teachers and families. The women who participated missed the chance to have their own Bat Mitzvahs when they were young -- as in many communities women were not offered this opportunity. Shepherding their own children and grandchildren through the process they realized how meaningful becoming a Bat Mitzvah could be.
All seventeen stood at the bima and read from the torah in a moving ceremony. An Oneg to celebrate this rite was held following the service.
The night was even more special as WRT’s Rabbi Jacobs will be moving on to become President of the Union of Reform Judaism and this is the last year he will lead the B’Nai Mitzvah class.
An additional 13 women and one man will become B’Nai Mitzvah on June 17th.
Pictured here: Valerie Abrahams, Sindy Croen, Anne Ellman, Diane Gluck, Susan Klugman Gorobetz, Barbara Josselsohn, Erika Kill Flink Dorothy Matza ,Tracey Lane Novick Anne Meltzer Wang, Caryl Orlando, Debra Radov, Nina Ross, Kathy Sheinhouse, Fran Scheffler-Siegel, Stephanie Sernau, and Linda Simon.
Also shown Rabbi Richard Jacobs, Cantor Jill Abramson, Hebrew teachers Nancy Abraham and Jane Roberts
Scarsdale Prom Update
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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The Scarsdale Prom is coming up on June 2nd. Here’s what’s going on behind the scenes from Scarsdale senior Julia Goodman: We hear you are involved in the planning of the prom -- what is your role and who else is on the committee this year?
Planning the prom this year involved much less work and fewer choices this year than in prior years because this year the school did not offer as much money to support the prom. Last year the School Board paid for the buses to and from the prom however this year, due to budget constraints, they could not fund the transportation. So with a pretty limited budget there were not many choices available. We basically were left with the location that was cheapest. My role was to assemble a prom committee of 22 students, tour different locations, choose a location, choose flowers, candles, tablecloths, etc. We also need to choose a senior gift to give out on prom night but haven't gotten to that yet!
Where will the prom be held? Did you look at a few places before your chose the venue — where else did you consider?
The prom is at the Surf Club in New Rochelle. It is a decent location-not as great as last year. We looked at about four places but really didn't have much of a choice because many far exceeded our budget. There are a bunch of clubs on a strip along the water in New Rochelle and we looked at all of them. The Surf Club is nice -- it has a beautiful outdoor area on the water and has a big entertaining room. It is also offering us great deals on food.
How many students will come this year? Did you sell the usual number of tickets? How many seniors vs. underclassman?
There are about 400 students in our class and a great deal of those are taking younger or older dates. Tickets sold in an instant. The price went up about $25 each week which incentivized everyone to buy as soon as possible. I'm assuming there is a majority of seniors but there are definitely a substantial amount of underclassmen going. A lot of girls in my grade are taking younger or older dates so many boys were left to ask underclassmen.
How much are the tickets this year?
Tickets started at $150 and increased about $25 each week.
Will buses take everyone from the school to the prom?
Yes, it is mandatory that everyone take the bus.
What are you planning for food and entertainment at the prom?
The Surf Club offered us great deals on food. We are considering having different food stations rather than one predetermined sit-down meal. 
There will be more options to eat this year and the desserts will be more extensive as well. We are hiring a DJ and students in government are putting together lists of preferred songs to make sure the music is to everyone's liking.
Are there many pre-prom parties planned this year?
Yes! Most people go to pre-proms at friends' houses before the red carpet at the school. I am actually hosting a pre-prom party at my house this year. It is easier to take pictures and talk with friends at a smaller pre-prom party instead of only meeting at the school before the buses take off.
What is in style and what colors are in? Are most wearing short or long dresses?
The vast majority of girls are wearing long dresses. It is generally a tradition that senior girls wear long dresses and underclassmen and juniors wear short dresses. I personally am wearing a long dress because I figure I really won't have another opportunity to wear a long gown for a very long time! Gowns make prom feel much more special! A color that is very prevalent is black this year which is kind of surprising for a summer event. Other than black, many people are wearing bright colors. Patterns are not very popular this year. My dress is a deep purple. Many people have gotten their dresses from BCBG Maxazaria this year. It's a popular brand because of its moderate prices and pretty dresses.
Do you think kids are planning to go into the city after the prom?
I think it is inevitable that kids will be going to the city. However, definitely not everyone will be going. A lot of people hangout with friends after prom at someone's house.
For the Joy of Making Music
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Scarsdale Community Baptist friends, neighbors and the community are invited to attend a delightful program on May 17th sponsored by the SCBC Woman’s Society. The event will begin at 11:30 AM with a time for inspiration and sharing led by Dr. Everett Goodwin, Senior Pastor of the Scarsdale Community Baptist Church. At 12:15, bring a sandwich, and have lunch in the warmth of fellowship and participate in the lively afternoon program which follows. Lunch will be followed by a short time of devotions and brief business meeting.
At 1:15, The Scarsdale Woman’s Club Choral Singers will present an afternoon program of Broadway music as part of the Scarsdale Community Baptist Church’s Women’s Society meeting. Accustomed to presenting musical programs “in house” three to four times throughout the year, the Choral Singers, on this special occasion, will be heard outside their Chase Road clubhouse. Founded in 1982, the group has been active without interruption since that time. Membership has varied throughout those years, but performances have been steadily maintained. All current singers are active members of the Woman’s Club whose membership includes women from many communities throughout Westchester. The public is warmly invited to hear this special group of amateurs (only the accompanist is a professional) who sing for the joy of making music and for the fellowship that it provides.
Childcare will be available. The Church is conveniently located at the corner of Popham and Autenrieth Roads, just one block away from the Scarsdale train station. Please call for additional information at (914) 723-1734 or email your RSVP to scbc01@aol.com .
To find out more about this vibrant church community go to: www.scbcny.org .
