Food Scraps to Free Compost
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In a successful Earth Day display of a lo-tech solution (compost) to a high class problem (food waste), five cubic yards (about two tons) of compost made from food scraps were made available to residents today – for free at the Scarsdale Recycling Center at 110 Secor Road. As residents helped themselves to the compost – some called it "black gold" – residents Ron Schulhof and Michelle Sterling who spearheaded getting a pilot recycling program started, noted that 90 days ago, the compost was food scraps.
The compost give-away was a tangible, beneficial return from the food scraps recycling pilot program that began in January 2017. Under the voluntary program, participating residents collect food scraps at home in small plastic buckets. The collected food scraps are then taken by the residents to the Secor Road Recycling Center to be dumped into large bins designated for the purpose. A contractor picks up the food scraps from the Recycling Center and carts them to a composter out of town. The compost given away today was the product of that process. Reception of the program has been strong with hundreds of residents now participating and depositing more than a ton of food scraps at the Recycling Center per week. The response to Saturday's free compost was also enthusiastic. The Recycling Center opened at 8:00 am with a line of cars waiting to pick up compost. By 10:00 am more than half the compost had been picked up to be spread by residents on home gardens and lawns.
Residents not yet participating in the food scraps recycling program and who wish to do so, can purchase a home collection kit for $20 (cost) at the recycling center. More information about the food scraps recycling program can be found here.
This article was contributed by former Scarsdale Mayor Jon Mark. During his tenure, Scarsdale enacted Westchester County's first food scrap recycling program.
Earth Day Giveaways: Free Food Scrap Compost and Rain Barrels!
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To celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 22, 2017, the Village of Scarsdale is making high quality Food Scrap Compost and Rain Barrels available to all residents for FREE on a first come, first served basis! Simply bring a pail, bucket, or other receptacle to the Scarsdale Recycling Center, 110 Secor Road, from 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM on Saturday and take some compost home!
High quality food scrap compost material is being provided pursuant to the successful Village of Scarsdale residential Food Scrap Recycling program, which now has over 400 participants that have recycled over 21,000 pounds, or roughly 10.5 tons, of food waste since the beginning of the program in January 2017. New program participants are strongly encouraged, and additional program information can be accessed here:
The food scrap compost can be used in one's vegetable garden, flower beds, or to enrich turf in place of chemical fertilizers. As noted above, FREE rain barrels will also be available for anyone who is interested.
The Village of Scarsdale Food Scrap Recycling program was formed through community collaboration, with program implementation guided by the Committee on Food Scrap Recycling, comprised of the following members: Benedict Salanitro, Public Works Superintendent; Ron Schulhof, resident volunteer; Tyler Seifert, Assistant to the Public Works Superintendent; and Michelle Sterling, resident volunteer.
As a reminder to Food Scrap Recycling program participants, refills of the 3-gallon compostable bags (for your countertop bin) are available for $2/roll at the Recycling Center office. What's NEW is that larger 13-gallon bags (for your larger green bin) are also available for $5/roll. Please remember that the office can only accept checks.
Harry Connick Jr. Performs at UJA Federation Westchester Centennial Celebration
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A record-breaking 650 guests joined UJA-Federation of New York to recognize esteemed honorees, enjoy a performance by Harry Connick Jr. and his nine-piece band, and celebrate the organization's centennial at the historic Capitol Theatre in Port Chester. The event, which took place on Thursday, March 23, 2017, honored committed leaders Cindy and Ben Golub of Mamaroneck and Lois Kohn-Claar and Gary Claar of Scarsdale.
UJA-Federation's Westchester Regional Chair Martine Fleishman of Harrison reminded the gathering that "The very essence of UJA — what was true in 1917 and remains true until today — is that we care for one another. Once we understand what UJA accomplishes — putting compassion into action to better humanity and our lives — we're easily moved to support it."
One hundred years ago, a group of visionary leaders – led by Felix Warburg, a prominent banker and humanitarian – recognized the need to create a new philanthropic model that would maximize the community's ability to address staggering challenges.
"They proposed to unite 24 cradle-to-grave agencies under the banner of a single Federation, and raise $2 million – $40 million in today's dollars, a staggering amount for a 'start-up' – for the support of these 24 agencies," said Eric S. Goldstein, UJA-Federation's CEO. "With enormous determination, they succeeded."
Proceeds from this event, Westchester Centennial Celebration, benefit UJA-Federation, which sustains the activities of nearly 100 health, human-service, educational, and community-building agencies, including 12 in Westchester. The community-based agencies provide services that combat poverty, help the elderly age with dignity, promote Jewish identity and renewal, strengthen children and families, and open doors to those with disabilities and special needs.
Event chairs included Karen and Andrew Greenspan of Chappaqua, Michele and Kevin Gregson of Chappaqua, Randi and Dan Kreisler of Pleasantville, Stephanie and Lee Speigel of Chappaqua, Drs. Rochelle and Joshua Waldman of Scarsdale, and Giselle and Alan Weissman of Rye.
Unique Internship Program Brings Teens and Seniors Together
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It is often easy to lose sight of the 1.5 million seniors in New York City. DOROT's Summer Teen Internship program at the Riverdale Y exposes students to the issues surrounding aging and connects them with seniors as they develop professional skills and leadership experience.
Each year 40 high school students are selected to intern at DOROT, a nonprofit that connects volunteers with programs that help the elderly. This year, DOROT is expanding its Summer Teen Internship Program to the Riverdale Y, where interns will lead intergenerational discussion groups, among other activities, keeping older adults engaged, present, and valued in our changing society.
This internship enriches the lives of seniors while giving interns informative perspectives on issues in the field of elder care. "In terms of advocating against ageism, it's a lot more personal than I thought," says Lily B., a summer 2016 Intern. "I was actually with the people who were affected by ageism, which created this personal connection to the cause. I felt like I was doing more than just giving back to the community."
Interns are exposed to a variety of professional skills as part of the internship, including filmmaking. The short documentaries that interns produce teach interns valuable skills and foster personal connections as a means of combatting social isolation among older adults, bringing the generations together to learn from one another.
There are two internship sessions available at 
DOROT's Manhattan office, and one at the Riverdale Y Senior Center. Applications are currently being accepted on a rolling basis until May 1st, but interested students are encouraged to apply early. To apply click here or reach out to Evita Sokol at ESokol@dorotusa.org.
This story is sponsored content from Dorot USA.
JCC of Mid-Westchester Hosts Annual Benefit, A Salute to the Arts
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On Thursday, March 30, 2017 the JCC of Mid-Westchester will host its Annual Benefit, this year entitled A Salute to the Arts. The event will be held from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at the JCC at 999 Wilmot Road in Scarsdale. "Now, more than ever, the JCC needs the community to support its mission and growth" says Benefit co-chair Laura Sheppe Miller, a Scarsdale resident. Adds co-chair and fellow Scarsdale resident, Elise Flagg, "I am thrilled that we are focusing the spotlight on the Arts this year so that more people will have the opportunity to join us and learn about the wonderful programs at the JCC and its important presence right here in our back yard".
The event will also honor Peter Rothschild, past Board President, board member and longtime supporter of the JCC Mid-Westchester. Peter is a managing partner at RF Investment Partners and a resident of Scarsdale. A Salute to the Arts will feature the story of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, as told through film, musical performance, and dance.
Over 250 community members and supporters are expected to attend this highly anticipated event. A Salute to the Arts will celebrate the arts in various forms, featuring the JCC Dance School; Josh Aaronson, author; and Itamar Zorman, violinist. Additionally, the work of three artists will be displayed in a gallery setting; items will be for sale with a percentage of the proceeds benefitting the JCC of Mid-Westchester.
"JCC of Mid-Westchester has been a center for culture and arts for over 60 years" says Executive Director Karen Kolodny. "The benefit this year helps us to bring attention to our gem of a theater, the Bendheim Performing Arts Center. We are privileged to have this amazing space in our facility and honored to share it with the community. It is just one of the many elements that make the JCC a unique and special place for the Westchester community."
Westchester Theatre of Dance, under the direction of JCC Dance School Director, Jayne Santoro, will perform to Johann Pachelbel's "Cannon in D," with choreography by Mimi Wallace.
Josh Aaronson, Academy Award-nominated film producer 
and director, and co-author of the book "Orchestra of Exiles: The Story of Bronislaw Huberman, the Israel Philharmonic, and the One Thousand Jews He Saved from Nazi Horrors", will present an excerpt of the film based on his book.
Violinist Itamar Zorman will perform to a backdrop of images from the original Israel Philharmonic. Itamar has appeared with The Israel Philharmonic, The American Symphony Orchestra in Carnegie Hall, The Tokyo Symphony, Jerusalem Symphony, Haifa Symphony, and St. Petersburg Philharmonic. His participation was secured in cooperation with the Westchester Philharmonic.
The artwork of Tova Snyder and David Stahl will be on display and for sale, along with the "Passage to Israel" exhibit, a traveling gallery that features various renowned Israeli artists.
JCC of Mid-Westchester provides numerous programs and services to the Westchester community, providing stimulating lectures, concerts and panel discussions for active adults to aging-in-place seniors and those who are residing at local assisted living facilities; gymnastics, swim, dance and fitness programs for all ages; a home for special needs programming for children, teens and an adult special needs community gardening projects; a flourishing nursery school and day camps for children from age 2; speech, occupational and physical therapy for children; and the "Witness Theatre," an innovative intergenerational journey for Holocaust survivors and high school students. Just as important it welcomes people from all backgrounds and religions.
For tickets call 914-472-7672 or click here.
