Friends of the Scarsdale Library Plan Enhanced Outdoor Spaces
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- Written by Wendy MacMillan
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Since its reopening, the Scarsdale Public Library (SPL) has quickly become a bustling hub of activity, and a vital community center with something for every Scarsdale resident to enjoy. From author talks, film screenings, and exercise classes; to teen study nights, a new Maker’s Space, sensory playtimes, and so much more, the library clearly utilizes all of its beautifully renovated spaces. It may be hard to imagine what could make the new library even better, but in October of 2023, the SPL and The Friends of the Scarsdale Library (FOSL) announced plans to augment the library’s outdoor space by turning the park-like setting around the library, into a true campus which will provide spaces for people to gather and meet outdoors nearly all year-round.
According to the FOSL, “The pandemic helped us appreciate that the Library building itself is just the centerpiece of an entire campus and there is so much more that we can do to make it an incredible asset for our community by maximizing the space outdoors.”
Some of the plan’s upgrades include features like:
▪ Spaces for outdoor programming including a pavilion and performance patio
▪ Increased seating around the property for work and relaxation
▪ A story walk for children
▪ A wall along Olmsted Road to allow families to safely enjoy the expansive library lawn
▪ Revitalized wetlands and woodlands habitats, including native plantings
▪ Other safety features like improved walkways and traffic calming measures
For more in depth details about the Library in the Park Campaign please visit here:
Of course all of these exciting enhancements rely on the generosity of donors, and to create and maintain this new campus oasis, the FOSL aims to raise between $2 and $3 million dollars. Though, according to FOSL Co-President Stacey Mayer, they have secured “over $1.9M in committed gifts and should be signing the new architect contracts this month,” the FOSL continues to offer naming opportunities to interested community members and businesses. To learn more about exciting naming opportunities, contact the Campaign Committee: foslpresident@gmail.com.
Amy Paulin Jumpstarts Campaign for Awareness of Rape and Sexual Atrocities Committed on Israeli Women During Oct 7
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Amy Paulin Outside the United NationsIn the time since the October 7th terrorist attacks in Israel, overwhelming evidence has emerged that Hamas attackers perpetrated widespread acts of rape and sexual atrocities against Israeli women.
During November 2023, NYS Assemblywoman and Scarsdale resident Amy Paulin travelled to Israel and met with the families of victims and hostages. “I was shocked that the horrific sexual violence which happened to Israeli women on October 7 was getting virtually no coverage in the media,” said Paulin. “During the attack, women were targeted by Hamas and brutally raped and mutilated before being murdered. It wasn’t enough for Hamas to just murder women. They used rape and sexual violence as a weapon to cause additional pain and suffering to those they killed and the surviving families. The questions the families kept asking me were ‘Where is the international community, the UN, and the International Red Cross? Why isn’t this being depicted in the media? Is this just being ignored because the women are Israeli? Or because they are Jewish?’”
While still in Israel Paulin began work on a statement to bring awareness and attention to what had happened to Israeli women. As soon as she came back to the U.S. from Israel “I immediately reached out to NOW-NYC and other prominent women’s groups to let them know what I had seen,” said Paulin. “[Westchester District Attorney and Scarsdale resident] Mimi Rocah was a great partner in this effort.” Together, Paulin and Rocah attended a UN Conference on this issue on December 4 sponsored by Sheryl Sandberg, where Israelis on the ground post-attack gave eyewitness testimony and evidence of the sexual atrocities which were committed. “It was devastating to listen and see video footage of what happened, but we must make sure history is accurately reflected,” said Paulin. “Rape is a war crime and needs to be prosecuted as such – and without firsthand evidence there will always be deniers. What happened in Israel went beyond rape, and the prosecution of these militants, which must happen, needs to reflect the full scope of their horrific acts.”
There is also testimony from recently released hostages that sexual abuse is still happening to female Israeli hostages, and there is an outcry for the International Rescue Committee to intervene, obtain access and ultimately gain the release of the hostages.
“As a prosecutor who has fought for sex crime victims for decades, I know it is critical to speak out and acknowledge what we can see with our own eyes in the pictures of bloody and mutilated bodies of women,” said Rocah. “Silence, or worse denial, of this violence, causes further pain to victims and women everywhere. We must use our voices and demand the immediate release of all the hostages and real accountability for the perpetrators of these horrific crimes."
Here is the statement spearheaded by Paulin, signed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, women’s rights leaders, and hundreds of individuals, which calls attention to the rape and other war crimes that occurred on Oct. 7th and demands a full investigation, accountability, and the release of all hostages. This statement has been delivered to António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Paulin, who is a sponsor of many bills protecting women from sexual violence, continues to push for broader UN condemnation of the sexual atrocities committed by Hamas, and for the International Red Cross to respond to the needs of the hostages.
Zero Otto Nove -- Fine Dining In Tuckahoe
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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There are so many Italian restaurants, pizza places and take-out options in our area that I failed to distinguish between restaurants that provide weeknight delivery of chicken parm with gourmet Italian cooking that’s also nearby.
It turns out there is a real difference.
That’s what I learned at a recent dinner at Zero Otto Nove in Tuckahoe, brought to us by the same people who run the famed Roberto’s Italian restaurant on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx.
The restaurant, which is located across the street from the Tuckahoe Train Station, is larger than it appears from the street. We entered into a pub style room that features a long bar, where you can stop in for a drink and strike up a conversation with the person on the next bar stool. Behind that is a high-ceilinged dining room centered on a massive fireplace – giving it a more formal feel. We then realized that another 10 tables were available in the mezzanine above the dining room. And then were taken downstairs to find a large private dining room in a wine cellar with seating for up to 30 people.
We settled in next to the fireplace and asked the restaurant manager Clyde to guide us through the best that Zero Otto Nove (which was Roberto's zip code in Italy) has to offer.
He explained that all the ingredients of our dinner had been purchased from Arthur Avenue or made fresh on site, so it was no accident that every dish was a cut above. Using fresh mozzarella, fish from Cosenza’s Fish Market and smoked meats and cheeses from Teitel Brothers, the chefs at Zero Otto Nove crafted antipasti, salads, meat and fish dishes that were both expertly produced and unique.
Polenta with meatballs in spicy tomato sauce.
After perusing an extensive list of wines and cocktails, we selected our first glasses and then turned to the menu. In the meantime, Clyde brought out a dozen oysters – which were fresh and delicious. I’ll be back for more of those soon.
The restaurant is known for their Mafalde in Cartoccio, or pasta cooked in tin foil, so we tried that first. What arrived were radiattore, which we learned were made in the pasta machine downstairs, which was baked with porcini mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and breadcrumbs and topped with shaved parmigiano cheese. Our waiter opened the steaming sealed packet at our table, releasing a wonderful aroma. It was delicious as you can see from the photo below.
Also not to be missed was the “Parmiagiana di Melazane e Zuccinine.” This was not your usual eggplant parmesan. Here, thinly sliced pieces of eggplant and zucchini are lightly fried and layered with a light tomato sauce, topped with creamy fresh mozzarella, and baked accompanied by fresh basil leaves. Highly recommended for both vegetarians and omnivores.
Mafalde in CartoccioNext we tried something completely different: Polenta e Caprino. We were served thick triangles of polenta, bathed in a spicy tomato sauce with small meatballs and goat cheese. Another interesting surprise.
Special that night was truffle fettuccini with parmesan and cream. That was rich.
At that point it was time for the “Secondi Piatti.” Did we want to try the “Brasato alla Peroni”,” short ribs braised in beer sauce with cherry peppers and gorgonzola or the Bistecca alla Salernitana -- grilled hanger steak with marinated eggplant, sweet cherry pepper, arugula and shaved pecorino? We were tempted but too full of our “Primi Piatti” so instead we ordered the Branzino Acquapazzo, another highly recommended dish. This was a fresh fish filet baked with cherry tomatoes, parsley and garlic – light and flavorful.
On the menu for our next visit is a veal scallopoini with zucchini, sundried peppers, speck prosciutto and fontina in white wine sauce and Pollo Scarpariello, spicy chicken on the bone (dark meat) sautéed with sausage, peppers and white wine.
On display near the kitchen is a large glass refrigerator featuring a rack of tomahawk steaks. That would also make a great dish to share.
Everything we sampled was delectable. The staff was friendly and the servers were well trained in the art of eating. The restaurant is spacious and welcoming and we’ll be back soon for another fine dining experience at Zero Otto Nove – either in Tuckahoe, Armonk, the Bronx or New York City.
Buon Appetito!
The wine cellar and private dining room.
Zero Otto Nove
16 Depot Square
Tuckahoe, NY
(914) 337-6941
Open Tuesday – Sunday
https://zeroottonove.com/tuckahoe/
Reservations available on Open Table.
Scarsdale In Light for the Holiday Season
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The streets of the Village were aglow with holiday cheer for the annual tree lighting on December 1. There were Christmas carolers, free hot chocolate and pretzels courtesy of the Scarsdale Police and Fire Departments, gifts and activities from the Recreation Department and SVAC, seed planting from the Weinberg Nature Center and information from the Scarsdale Library.
There were inflatables and characters greeting the guests. Westchester Reform Temple provided a large menorah which is also on display next to the tree.
Boniface Circle and Chase Road were closed to permit everyone to walk the streets without traffic and to clear the way for Santa Claus who arrived in a fire truck. He sat in his sleigh and welcomed children who lined up to give him their holiday gift wish list.
The Mayor had the honor of lighting Scarsdale’s magnificent evergreen in Boniface Circle. Before doing the honors he made the following statement:
I’m Justin Arest, your Mayor and I’m thrilled to be joined this evening by Trustees Brew, Ahuja, and Gruenberg as well as Acting Manager Alex Marshall. First and foremost, I want to thank Brian Gray and Bob Kaczmarek and the entire PRC team for putting together what has to be the best light the dale yet. I’m appreciative of all of you for coming out in impressive numbers despite the inclement weather. Special thanks also go to our DPW, Police, and Fire Departments as well as SVAC, for making this event possible. I also want to thank and mention our Library that is also represented in Boniface Circle where there are some great offerings. Please check all of the tents out.
In this season of celebration, I'd like to reflect on a profound symbol that unites us all: light.
Light, in every culture, symbolizes hope, guidance, and warmth. As we light candles and adorn our homes with lights, we embrace not just a tradition but a universal message of optimism and resilience.
Therefore, in the spirit of the season, let's pledge to be sources of light and joy throughout the year. May this holiday bring joy to your hearts and homes, and inspire us to continue spreading light and kindness.
Happy holidays to everyone, and may your new year be bright and hopeful.
Sadly the weather did not cooperate and a steady rain deterred many from coming down to see Scarsdale in lights for the holiday season.
The MAD Lab: Where Creativity Meets Connection
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- Written by Wendy MacMillan
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Designed and created on the 3D printer.Come and get inspired at the MAD Lab, a place where creativity meets connection! The Mad Lab (MAD for Make A Difference), is a brand new maker’s space at the Scarsdale Public Library where a variety of workshops are led by older kids teaching younger kids within the community.
According to Christine Boyer, retired Heathcote teacher and one of the founders of the MAD Lab, “The new maker’s space is sponsored in part by Scarsdale Action for Youth (SAY) and is designed to instill a sense of agency and pride in both the young teachers and their students while also boosting self-esteem and curiosity, all through a design lens and hands-on, highly engaging activities.” Ms. Boyer adds, “We've had students on our team from day one and while we are just getting started, we know this program has the potential to make a huge positive impact on the youth in the Scarsdale community.”
Hanging on a wall in the MAD Lab is a promotional sign that reminds visitors that:
-The arts can help to develop real-world skills like critical thinking, problem-solving. Motor skills, hand-eye coordination, spatial recognition, and communication.
-Creating something as a group develops personal connections while engaging minds in thought-provoking ways. It also promotes cooperation with others and sharing, which are necessary life skills.
-The arts “mingle” with feelings, emotions, and creativity. They can open a window to different people and cultures. They provide one of the most intensive ways to show human experience in an understandable way. Participating in the arts is an ideal way to build empathy and understanding, which can bring us together in a completely different way.
On a recent visit to the MAD Lab, all of these amazing attributes were on full display as Scarsdale High School Senior, Grant Lieberman taught a room full of young learners (including elementary, middle school, and high school students) how to make their very own 3-D printed creations and stop-motion animation. Mr. Lieberman engaged the students with an ease of an experienced professor but made room for the young learners to explore and create whatever their hearts desired.
All MAD Lab programming is brought to you in partnership with Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Services (SEFSC), Scarsdale Action Youth (SAY), the Scarsdale Public Library, and Design Education 4 Resilience. For more information on any Mad Lab workshop, contact Christine at MADLab.spl@gmail.com
To find out more about the MAD Lab or to sign up for one of their exciting workshops check out the Scarsdale Public Library’s website here.Scarsdale Public Library’s website here.
Getting set up for stop motion animation.
SHS Senior Grant Lieberman taught the class.
