Zoe Greenberg Publishes a Fantasy Novel
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While most of us have trouble gathering our thoughts for an essay, SHS Junior Zoe Greenberg just published a fantasy novel – and illustrated it too! She stopped by, just before finals, to discuss her book, Vie, that is now available on Amazon.
What inspired you to write and illustrate a book? Did it begin with the plot or your artwork?
I’ve always wanted to be an author– it’s been the plan since elementary school. There were a few gap years when I was convinced I wanted to be a roller coaster engineer, but after taking some high school math classes, I’m firmly back to my writing roots.
The story of how Vie itself came about is interesting, though. It was right after Covid, and my mom had forced me to go with her to the Brooklyn Museum. Now, in a typical 8th-grade angsty fashion, I was moping around and acting like she’d just done something horrible– like, she just told me she was sending me off to Alcatraz, or something. But, while I was there, I saw a sculpture. It was of a tree, and embedded in that tree was a piano, which played entirely on its own. Of course, the piano was automated– it was one of those things you sometimes see in hotel or movie-theater lobbies. But as I was looking at it– and I stood looking at it for a while, while my mom was desperately trying to move on to the next room. I wondered, “what kind of invisible creature would play that piano?” And somewhere along the way, that character became Hehma, and the story grew from there.
In regard to whether the art or plot came first, it was pretty simultaneous. I came home that day with character-creation in mind and started drafting my first drawings of Hehma. I moved on from character to character until I had a full cast of people– thinking up what sorts of characters they would be, drawing them, changing them a bit, renaming them. The two processes were intertwined.
How did you go about getting the book published? How did you produce it?
It was surprisingly easy. There’s this platform on Amazon called “Kindle Direct Publishing,” and if you make an account, you can publish basically anything (for free!). I’m pretty sure the books are printed on demand– so they don’t have inventory ready, they just make a new book every time someone orders one. So, it doesn’t cost me any money. Amazon takes a big cut of my profits. Which is sad, but fair.
Would you call it a graphic novel? Who are some other authors who you admire in this genre?
I wouldn’t say it’s a graphic novel. It’s a fantasy novel. Most of the book is just strict writing. But there are a few illustrations here and there—there’s 11 of them, including the front-cover and the map.
There are a whole bunch of authors whose work influenced my book. My biggest influence is J.R.R Tolkien, simply because he invented the fantasy genre as we know it today. I also adored (and still adore) Harry Potter as a kid. It was truly all I thought about for a good three years of my life, which is probably a little concerning, but it’s too late to ruminate on that now. It was the series that really made me realize that I wanted to write fantasy, too. Other than those two, I also loved Ransom Riggs’ Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children and Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson. I also take a lot of inspiration from movies and television, especially Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli movies, like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko’s Avatar the Last Airbender.
Who do you envision as the target audience or readers of your book?
I might be a little biased as the author, but I feel like my book could appeal to anyone. I mean– if you’re 7 months old and don’t understand English yet, then that’s a different story. But I’ve shown my book to people of all ages (my age, 20s, 50s, 80s) and they’ve all really enjoyed it. Or, at least, they told me they did– so I’m just gonna choose to trust them. I would say it’s probably best suited for older elementary school kids to younger high school kids, but it’s certainly not restricted to them.
Explain the title.
I can’t say too much without spoiling the book, but I will say that the name Vie (pronounced Vee, like how the francophones say it) belongs to a “lost spirit of mortality” that the main character, Lucia, is tasked with finding. Which isn’t ideal for Lucia, because she has a very shoddy understanding of what’s going on most of the time. But she’s trying her best, so I suppose that counts for something.
Are you promoting it?
I am! I’ve been making videos on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts (those who are familiar with YouTube Shorts know that that’s a pretty desperate resort but I gotta do what I gotta do, so oh well). I will say, the marketing has probably been the hardest part of the whole process, both because I enjoy it the least and because it’s really difficult to truly catch someone’s eye and get them interested in what I have to offer– interested enough to spend their money on it. But I’m trying my best and hoping that my book, if not taking off on social media, will do its own rounds by ear and recommendation from those who’ve already read it!
Do you plan to continue to study art/writing in the future?
I do. Being an author is definitely Plan A for me. I would talk about my Plan B’s, but I feel like having a Plan B in the first place usually undermines Plan A, so I’ll just leave it at that– my goal is to make a living off of my writing!
Tell us about yourself.
Well, other than my writing and art, I’m a big animal-lover. I have two cats, a crested gecko, and was a volunteer at the Greenburgh Nature Center (until school got in the way– but I’m planning on returning soon!) I also really love video games– to my fellow video game lovers, God of War Ragnarok, Baldur’s Gate 3, Undertale, Assassins Creed Odyssey, and Minecraft are my favorites. I have two older brothers (23 and 26), one of whom spends most of his time showing me old YouTube videos from 2006, and the other coming into my room, throwing random objects onto my floor, and then leaving. And I love to read, which I think goes without saying. My recent favorite (other than Harry Potter) is As I Lay Dying, for my fellow Faulkner fans!
Check it out and buy your copy here:
Tax Penalty Refund Bill Passes NYS Assembly and Senate and Awaits the Governor's Signature
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New York State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin passed 41 two-house bills during the 2024 legislative session which just ended on June 6 making her once again the leading bill-passer in the NYS Assembly. Of particular significance to the Village of Scarsdale is Paulin’s bill which permits the Village of Scarsdale to give refunds of tax penalties charged to residents as a result of late tax payments made last year.
Assemblywoman Paulin drafted the bill and coordinated with State Senator Shelley Mayer to propose the same bill in the State Senate. “After Mayor Arest learned what happened, he approached me right away to figure out a way to help Scarsdale residents who had been assessed tax penalties,” said Assemblywoman Amy Paulin. “I appreciate having someone as diligent and thoughtful as Justin to work with at the local level. The Scarsdale Village Board of Trustees needed to pass a Home Rule resolution which would allow my bill to be passed. They did so right away which gave me more time to get the bill through the Assembly. Even bills which seem non-controversial still take time and effort to pass.”
Now that the bill has passed in both the Assembly and Senate, it goes to the Governor who will have until December 31 to sign it into law.
“Whether through my local office or by passing legislation in Albany, I always strive to help and be responsive to my constituents” said Paulin. “I was pleased to be able to support Scarsdale by passing this bill.”
Celebrating Scarsdale's Parent Volunteers
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Oftentimes the hard work of our PTA volunteers doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. For some parents, such as each of our PTA presidents, their volunteer roles are essentially a full-time job as they oversee programming, after school clubs, author visits, fundraising events and so much more! While these good folks (and a countless number of other dedicated volunteers) don’t spend hours toiling and organizing to support our students and school communities for any sort of fame and glory, they sure do deserve it!
Jeanette Rosen and Leah Dembitzer
To celebrate their efforts, a PTC Appreciation Luncheon was held on Wednesday May 22nd, and was attended by administrators, faculty, and BOE members alike.
Superintendent Dr. Drew Patrick extended his deep gratitude for our PTC volunteers, both on a personal level as he mingled and chatted with all of those gathered, and in a speech in which he expressed:
“Your thoughtful, timely, student- and community-focused programming elevates our collective engagement on issues and topics that matter. You consistently identify relevant priorities and design activities, events, presentations, and learning opportunities that both broaden and deepen learning. It might even be said that this year’s opportunities Eclipsed last years. Together with multicultural events, school fairs, author visits, wellness opportunities, and myriad other programs, your work lifts the experience for our students and families.”
Board of Education President Ron Schulhof was also there to show his appreciation for members of the PTC. Mr. Schulhof began his speech by saying:
Meryl Satler and Erica German“I am grateful to have the opportunity to speak today and express on behalf of the Board our heartfelt thanks for all that the PTCouncil and each of the seven PTAs do for the District’s students and our schools.
The partnership of the PTC and PTAs is a key part of what makes Scarsdale Schools such a special place as we seek to support and enrich each of our students around the district.”
PTC President Leah Dembitzer gave a heartfelt speech thanking each member of her executive committee, Meryl Satler, Jeanette Rosen, and Rokaya Hassaballa, and drew attention to their kindness, thoughtfulness, and knowledge.
In addition to thanking administrators, BOE members, and STA representatives for their partnership, Dembitzer expressed her gratitude for each of this year’s PTC Chairs:
After School Clubs - Michele Dalton and Courtney Allen
Debbie Bhatt and Royaka Hassaballa
Budget Study - Irena Turner and Ranjana Saini
Community Calendar - Dana Wiczyk and Rohini Sahni
CHILD - Jessica Freede and Nicole Warren
DEI/Belonging - Diksha Mudbhary, Lauren Grossberg and Laura Liu
Directory/Membership - Matt Chesler
Website - Amanda Glattstein
Technology: Jill Casal and Brian Rosenthal
5th Grade Activities - Rachel Krisbergh and Lauren Rubino
Legislative Advocacy - Rachana Singh and Josh Mitts
Programming - Wendy MacMillan and Emily Hira
Health & Wellness - Kelsa DeBrabant, Wendy MacMillan and Malu Gonzalez
Sustainability: Michelle Sterling and Vicki Tse
Sports Swap - Sara Farnsworth and Molly Pease
STEAM/Tinker Events: Steven Greene
Melissa Feinberg, Trish Iasiellow, Sharon De Lorenzo and Meghan TroyYWW - Amanda Glattstein, Lauren Rubino, Lara Chassin and Sharon Chesler
PTC Nominating Committee – Chaired by Attiya Malik
Dembitzer shared, “In my experience, one of the most special aspects of Scarsdale is that the school community is so expansive – it includes everyone – students, teachers, faculty and staff, administrators, families of all of those listed, the larger community of residents – so many people moving forward, innovating, educating our children. That is what drew me into PTA work. We are so fortunate to have so many people in our community who are dedicated to our schools – parents and faculty with diverse and extensive expertise and interests. We all care and want to make life and learning a special experience for the student community.”
During her speech, Dembitzer also introduced two new members of the PTC Executive Committee, Erica German who is the incoming PTC President-Elect and Shilpa Spencer who will be the PTC Treasurer. In addition, she introduced the incoming PTA Presidents at each of our seven schools:
SHS PTA President-Elect Cindy Yau
Laura Liu, Amber Yusuf, Cindy Yau and Tina Lin
SMS PTA President-Elect Emily Hira
Edgewood PTA President-Elect Katie Garvey
Edgewood PTA President-Elect Jessy Li
Fox Meadow PTA President-Elect Katy Goldman
Fox Meadow PTA President-Elect Eul Hui
Greenacres PTA President-Elect Tulika Khemani
Heathcote PTA President-Elect Andrea Burinescu
Quaker Ridge PTA President-Elect Lindsay Forschner
And to the nine out-going PTA presidents:
Jeanette Rosen, Erica German, Meryl Satler and Shilpa SpencerBeth Cukier - SHS
Tina Lin - SMS
Ammr Vandal and Jeanine Cole - EW
Jeannie Adashek and Leena Gyftopoulos - FM
Jen Galeon - GA
Debbie Bhatt - HE
Erica German - QR
Dembitzer expressed, “We’ve had a chance to learn and grow together and I feel proud of what we’ve accomplished and the ongoing work that we continue to move forward as we pass the torch to the incoming Executive Committee. Thank YOU, all of you. I’ve really enjoyed meeting you, spending time with you, and becoming a team.”
Molly Pease, Sarah Farnsworth and Kelsa DeBrabant
A Barbeque and Photo Session for Scarsdale Athletes
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Maroon and White hosted their annual spring barbeque prior to the award ceremony on Tuesday June 4, 2024.
The event celebrated spring athletes and honored senior members of each team, pictured here. The weather was spectacular and everyone enjoyed hamburgers, hot dogs and more.
Here are portraits of the seniors from each spring team:
Girls Lacrosse: Adelia Bandsma, Sorin Kalashian, Maxine Silverman, Skyalr Matusz, Camryn Brosgol and Sabrina Katz
Flag Fottball: Drew Frank, Yuri Sato, Katerina Rvacheva, Ivy Boockvaar, Emilia Gomez
Boys Tennis: Drew Bender and Zach Pai
Boys Lacrosse: Jack Greco, Jarred Hoffman, Trevor Knopp, Spencer Rosen, Rhett Needleman and Max Siegel
Boys and Girls Track: Deanna Matula-Osterman, Ari Sobel, Shannon Kelly, Sydney Geringer, Etai Pollack, Matt Wong and Darius Toosi
Boys Golf: Thomas Kronenberg, Sajiv Mehta, Spencer Sarachek, Cole Gerson and Justin Liu
Softball: Ella Krausz, Emily Levine, McKinley Conlan, Ella Hayes, Sammy Fenigstein and Anna Henry
Baseball: Jacob Brown, Wes Urlich, Oscar Langford, Max Timberger, Aaron Kahn and Om Hira
A Multicultural Celebration: Passover Seder Unites Scarsdale Seniors
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- Written by Maida Silver
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On April 18, 2024, the Scarsdale Parks, Recreation and Conservation Senior Club, in collaboration with Scarsdale/Edgemont Family Counseling and the Scarsdale Library, hosted a memorable Passover Seder for nearly 50 seniors from diverse backgrounds. This special event not only celebrated the rich traditions of Passover but also highlighted the unity and inclusivity within the Scarsdale Senior community.
The Passover Seder is a significant Jewish ritual that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. It is marked by a ceremonial meal that includes symbolic foods, prayers, storytelling and song. This year's Seder was made even more meaningful as it welcomed seniors from various ethnic and religious backgrounds, reflecting the spirit of togetherness and understanding.
One of the remarkable aspects of this Seder was its inclusivity. Recognizing the linguistic diversity among attendees, the Seder was translated into Mandarin for the Chinese seniors. This gesture ensured that everyone could fully participate and engage in the traditions of the Seder, regardless of their native language.
The traditional Seder plate, featuring symbolic foods such as matzo, bitter herbs, and charoset, was prominently displayed, inviting participants to explore the deeper meanings behind each item. Many thanks to Seasons Scarsdale in the Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center for donating all the charoset.
The atmosphere was filled with a sense of reverence and camaraderie, as the messages of freedom, resilience and community were shared by all, and there was a palpable sense of gratitude and camaraderie for the opportunity to participate in such a meaningful experience.
Contributed by Maida Silver, Senior Services Coordinator for the Village of Scarsdale Parks, Recreation & Conservation.
