Geraldine Greene is Honored at Gourmet Galaxy

Geraldine Greene's legacy was evident everywhere at the Gourmet Galaxy held at The Fountainhead in New Rochelle on June 19. Close to 300 attendees feted Geraldine upon her retirement after 35 years as Executive Director of Scarsdale & Edgemont Family Counseling Service (SFCS).

After socializing over cocktails and appetizers, guests were treated to an amazing array of dinner and desserts served in the Fountainhead's atrium room. Thirty-one local restaurants generously donated their delicious food and genial
staff .

Steven Goldman, Co-President of the SFCS Board of Directors, emceed the full program for the evening. After a serenade by singer TEO, Mayor Bob Steves delivered an invocation celebrating the work of SFCS that was written by Reverend Fran Grenley of The Scarsdale Congregational Church. Grenley's prayer asked all to be thankful for living in a kind and supportive place with resources like SFCS to help residents through the challenges and stumbling blocks that life presents.

Mayor Bob Steves then noted that June 19 had been declared 'Geraldine Greene Day', and that Geraldine had been granted honorary citizenship in Scarsdale. Steves noted that this latter honor merely formalized what many had realized to be true over the past 35 years of Ms. Greene's dedication to the village. Her hard work and many roles have had a multiplier effect on improving Scarsdale and Edgemont, Steves said.

The honoree then took the podium to explain the programs of Scarsdale & Edgemont Family Counseling. The agency, which has been a vital community organization for over 94 years, offers outreach programs under its Youth Services project and the Older Adult Services project as well as providing emotional support for people in every phase and stage in life through individual, family and couples therapy. Middle-schoolers benefit from the Young Women in Leadership and Young Men in Leadership programs, run by Emily Vallario and Tim Nelson and Robert Villanova, respectively. Over 750 parents participate in SFCS' Parent Support Groups. Adventure Based Counseling is a weeklong summer adventure program designed to test early teens' limits so they grow in self-esteem. Women in Leadership, run by Lauren Pomerantz, is a safe, confidential group for older girls looking to make friendships, improve confidence, and connect with peers to make positive choices. At the other spectrum of life, At Home in Scarsdale Village, run by Susan Gilbert, helps seniors age in their homes and to remain connected to others.

Next, Barry Cherwin conducted a live auction of event items. Jewelry, wine, Yankees tickets, dinners and a relaxing week in Nantucket went to the highest bidders--all for the benefit of SFCS.

Scarsdale's Youth Police Officer, Detective Sherri Albano rose to the podium next congratulating Geraldine on her retirement and noting that her successor, Jay Genova, will have big shoes to fill. Albano observed that throughout her career she has often seen a lack of communication between law enforcement and social workers. However, Albano said that in Scarsdale, she collaborates with the social workers and staff at SFCS every day. One of the first calls the Detective received when she was promoted to her current position was from Geraldine, who introduced herself and invited her to come over to the agency and meet her staff. Subsequently, Albano was included in the search process for the agency's new director and new Youth Outreach workers. Detective Albano noted that the collaboration allows both organizations to better serve the community and is in large part due to the foundation laid by Geraldine and her leadership.

Jennifer Gruenberg, a Scarsdale native, social worker and friend and supporter of SFCS, spoke next about the "incredible open door" at SFCS that has touched so many families. Geraldine "mobilizes the community", Gruenberg said before presenting her with a mugful of Starbucks gift cards so she could treat friends to coffee.

Lynne Wilson, and several other members of the Scarsdale Rotary Club took the podium next, noting how SFCS exemplifies the Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self". She presented the agency with a generous check, noting that an annual gift will be made to SFCS from the Rotary going forward.

Marie Posthumus, Co-President of the SFCS Board, presented the guest of honor with a lovely inscribed silver tray. Geraldine Greene said she was thankful for all she has been able to do in her role and the introduced the agency staff, one by one, and expressed her overwhelming gratitude to them. "No one does anything like this alone", Greene said to the staff, "you are the stars in our galaxy". Greene explained her mixed feelings about saying goodbye, but stated that it is easier leaving the agency knowing it will be in the capable hands of Jay Genova. She tpresented Genova with a lanyard with a golden key to the agency's doors at the Harwood Building. She wished Genova the same joy and fulfillment she has experienced as the agency's Executive Director.

Although Posthumus did not deliver her speech honoring Greene at the event in the interest of time, she did make her comments available to Scarsdale10583 after the event. Her touching words summed up the feelings from the evening very well:

"I'd like to ask everyone for a moment of silence to honor Geraldine Greene. But not right here, not right now. In the future, when you see a distinguished older couple enjoying an afternoon in Chase Park, take a moment then; and think of Geraldine and her program "At Home In Scarsdale Village". When you see a few kids in the fall happily walking toward their school, take a moment then. Think of Geraldine and her Youth Outreach programs. These are the moments that Geraldine has given to us. This is her legacy. This is the result of collaboration between a community like ours with its support, and the work of a tireless, generous spirit. Your legacy, Geraldine, reaches far into our futures."

(Photos and text contributed by Nan Berke)