SHS Teacher Receives Carnegie Medal for Heroism
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John Catania fought off an assailant with knife on a subway in 2022.A Scarsdale High School Art Teacher who heroically saved a woman on the subway in 2022 has been awarded the Carnegie Medal for Heroism. John Catania will receive a gold medal and a one-time grant of $7,500.
As we reported in 2022, Catania fought off an assailant who attacked a woman on the subway with a knife and ended up being severely injured himself. Below is an account of what happened:
A 28-year-old woman was sitting on a subway car in New York City on Nov. 22, 2022, when a 6’4”, 30-year-old man walked up to her and suddenly slashed her in the face with a 3-inch, bladed weapon described by police as a shank. John Catania, a 29-year-old art teacher from New York, stood across from the assailant as the train made its stop. He saw the first strike and yelled at the assailant, who ignored him. The assailant struck the woman again with the weapon. Catania rushed at the assailant and shoved him away from the woman, which allowed her to escape to an adjacent car. Other passengers on the moving train scattered as Catania grappled with the assailant, who stabbed him repeatedly in the head and back. As they struggled, Catania grabbed the assailant’s legs and took him to the ground as the train reached a stop and the assailant fled the scene. Catania, who was covered in blood, also exited the train, where a bystander wrapped Catania’s head with a sweatshirt and escorted him to police above the platform. He suffered 11 lacerations to the head and upper back, which were stapled and sutured shut. Catania recovered. The woman suffered a cut to her cheek and her hand. She too, recovered. The assailant was arrested on attempted murder, hate crimes, and other charges. At the time of the Hero Fund’s investigation, he was awaiting trial.
Catania is among 18 individuals who are being honored for extraordinary acts of heroism. According to a press release other honorees include a 34-year-old healthcare worker who saved a boy who had fallen through ice covering an apartment complex pond and a 62-year-old repairman who entered a burning home three times to rescue an 11-month-old baby. Others are being honored posthumously including a 31-year-old mother who died attempting to save her 1-year-old son from their burning home, a 28-year-old father, who drowned attempting to save his 7-year-old daughter, and a 45-year-old father who died attempting to save his teen daughter from drowning.
Below find information about the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission and learn more here:
https://www.carnegiehero.org
Scarsdale Police Chief Andrew Matturro to Retire After 36 Years in Scarsdale
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Police Chief Andrew Matturo at his installation in January, 2015.At the Village Board meeting on Tuesday night November 26, Mayor Justin Arest announced that Scarsdale's longtime Police Chief Matturro has announced his retirement at the end of January. Arest praised Matturro and thanked him for his service. Here are his comments:
"The Village announced on Friday that our Police Chief, Andrew Matturro, will be retiring effective February 1 following over 36 years of distinguished service to the Scarsdale community. While there will be more opportunities to honor our Chief and wish him well, I wanted to start by sharing a little more about Andrew Matturro and his career.
Chief Matturro’s journey in law enforcement began as a patrol officer with the Rye Brook Police Department in 1984. In 1988, we were fortunate to welcome him to Scarsdale, where he has served in a variety of roles, including Detective, Patrol Section Commander, Patrol Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain. Each role prepared him for his most significant appointment in January 2015, when he was sworn in as Scarsdale’s Chief of Police.
Chief Matturro has led the Scarsdale Police Department with a vision that combines professionalism, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to community engagement. Under his leadership, the department maintained its CALEA certifications, ensuring operations meet the highest standards of excellence in law enforcement. Chief Matturro’s dedication to transparency and equity was evident in his leadership during the development of the Village of Scarsdale Police Reform and Reinvention Community Report in 2021—a testament to his focus on inclusivity and collaboration.
One of Chief Matturro’s many accomplishments has been fostering a strong relationship between the Village and the Scarsdale Union Free School District, enhancing safety for students and staff. His proactive investments in the department’s fleet, equipment, and training have ensured that our officers are not only well-prepared but also supported in their vital work. A champion of officer wellness, he has built a police force that serves Scarsdale with both skill and heart.
Chief Matturro’s academic and professional accomplishments are equally impressive. A graduate of the FBI National Academy, he has pursued advanced training at Princeton University and the New York State Law Enforcement Executive Institute. He also holds degrees from Mercy College and Marist College, showcasing his commitment to lifelong learning.
Beyond his work here in Scarsdale, Chief Matturro has been a leader among his peers, serving as President of the Westchester County Chiefs of Police Association and contributing to national and state professional organizations.
As we prepare to bid farewell to Chief Matturro upon his retirement, we do so with deep gratitude for his unwavering dedication, exemplary leadership, and the legacy of excellence he leaves behind. Chief Matturro, thank you for your extraordinary service. You will always be a cherished part of Scarsdale’s history."
Also at the meeting:
Comments from the Village Manager
Village Manager Alex Marshall noted that the last Farmer’s Market of the season was held on Sunday November 24, 2024. She said they will be back next season.
Marshall reminded the community to attend the Light the Dale celebration on Friday December 6 at 5 pm. She said it will be a festive occasion and asked everyone to share the news with the people at their Thanksgiving table.
Community input on pool
Trustee Brew said that the Village is still receiving comments about the proposal for the pool at
poolcomments@scarsdale.gov. This will be open until December 1, 2024.
Resolutions
Trustees passed several resolutions:
Westchester Reform Temple will place a Menorah in Boniface Citcle from December 5 to December 19, 2024.
The Creche Committee of IHM will place a Creche in Boniface Circle from December 16 to December 20, 2024.
Coleman Murphy was appointed to the position of Police Officer as recommended by Chief Andrew Matturro.
Scarsdale Meals on Wheels was appropriated $12,000 to provide low cost or free food to residents in need in Scarsdale.
The Village signed an agreement with Civil Service Employees (CSEA) and the Mayor thanked employees at Village Hall for their service. It provides for a 2.75% salary increase effective June, 2025, and 3% as of June 2026, June 2027 and June 2028.
Trustees agreed to sell surplus equipment including a 2003 Bandit Chipper for $21,000 and a 2007 Hyundai Loader for $24,000.
Former SHS Principal John Klemme Passes Away in Florida
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(Updated November 2, 2024) This week we learned that former SHS Principal John Klemme passed away in Florida where he was a teacher at Oxbridge Academy in Palm Beach County.
Klemme was the Principal of Scarsdale High School for twelve years, and left here at the end of the school year in 2011. He led the school through some challenging times including Columbine, September 11 and the Homecoming event of 2002 which got out of control. He also shepherded the school through a controversial transition from AP to AT courses.
Read an interview with Klemme upon his 2011 departure from SHS here.
He was initially an English teacher at Oxbridge Academy in Florida but also served as their interim Head of School from 2016 to 2018.
Here is his obituary, forward to Scarsdale by Josh Klemme, John's son.
John Eugene Klemme, Jr., of Juno Beach, Florida, passed away at his home on Monday, October 28, 2024 at the age of 75. He was born on July 9, 1949 in Memphis, Tennessee, to the late John Eugene, Sr., and Ruth Ann “Patricia” (Ellis) Klemme. John earned three degrees from Wayne State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English, a Masters of Arts in English, and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership.
John devoted his life to secondary education, serving for over 50 years in varying roles in Michigan, New York, and Florida, and touching the lives of thousands of students. In Michigan, he taught Advanced Placement and honors English, and served as English department head and speech and debate coach at Wylie E. Groves High School in Birmingham, before taking the position of Assistant Principal at the newly formed Birmingham Covington School. In 1998, he joined the nationally-renowned Scarsdale High School in New York as Principal, where he served for 11 years.
John completed his career as an original faculty member at the Oxbridge Academy of the Palm Beaches in Florida, where he returned to the classroom, served as interim Head of School for two years, and finished his tenure as English Department Chair and Honors Seminar English teacher. John was instrumental in the creation of the popular Cambridge Scholars Program, an ongoing 10+ year partnership between Oxbridge and Cambridge University, and was the namesake of the annual John Klemme Arts and Literature Award.
John loved the arts and humanities – particularly opera, musical theater, English literature, and renaissance and modern art. Over his life, he was the recipient of multiple fellowships, from the National Endowment for the Humanities to Northwestern University.
John’s other love was his family. He is survived by his son, Josh; daughter-in-law Kristen; foster son, Adam Levi; grandchildren, Alden Klemme, Violet Klemme, Leland Klemme, and Lily Klemme; former partner Adrienne Meyer; and brothers, Ted Klemme and Sam Klemme. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Patricia, and his sister Dawn.
John was a fundamentally kind, generous soul with complex interests and a deep appreciation for human thought and expression. He will be remembered by so many for the guidance and empowerment he gave and his depth of caring for the futures of both his loved ones and his students.
Following cremation, a celebration of John’s life will be held in the Palm Beach area in early 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Metropolitan Opera Endowment, which provides funding for productions, broadcasting, education, and capital projects – enabling the growth of this institution John loved. Interested parties may donate here:
Here is a letter from Oxbridge about his tenure there.
Dear Oxbridge Alumni Community,
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved English Department Chair and Honors Seminar English teacher, Mr. John Klemme, who has served the Oxbridge Academy community with dedication, wisdom, and compassion since our founding in 2011.
Mr. Klemme joined Oxbridge Academy after retiring as the principal of Scarsdale High School in New York, driven by his enduring love for teaching. Throughout his career, he inspired countless students and faculty with his passion for literature and the Great Books—timeless works like Dante’s Inferno, Aeschylus’s The Oresteia, Shakespeare’s King Lear, and Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick. Mr. Klemme taught students not only to read and understand these classics but also to love and appreciate them. He believed that literature elevates our understanding of the world. Many of his former students credit him with transforming how they read and interpret books, often describing him as the teacher who had the most significant impact on their writing and speaking, helping them become more insightful and precise thinkers.
Beyond the classroom, Mr. Klemme was instrumental in establishing the Cambridge Scholars Program in 2014, forging an exclusive partnership with Cambridge University. Each year, this rigorous two-week course allows 15 qualified juniors to study British history and literature at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Through this program, Mr. Klemme helped students engage deeply with complex ideas and hone their critical writing and analytical skills. His work on the Cambridge program has left students with a lasting appreciation for history, literature, and the interconnectedness of global issues.
From 2016 to 2018, Mr. Klemme also served as Oxbridge Academy’s interim Head of School, leading the school with integrity and a strong commitment to students, faculty, and staff. As a colleague, he was one of the kindest individuals—always known for his warmth and generosity. He loved opera, Broadway theatre and his family. He cherished his son and grandchildren, proudly sharing their photos whenever possible.
Mr. Klemme’s influence and unwavering commitment to academic excellence have helped shape our school’s mission, growth, innovation, and success. His legacy is woven into the fabric of our school, and his impact on everyone who knew him is profound. He will be deeply missed, and our hearts go out to his family, friends and all who were touched by his wisdom and kindness.
We will keep you updated regarding any services.
Holiday Fairs on the Horizon
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With the holiday season upon us, put these special holiday markets on your calendar. This weekend, on Saturday November 23 from 10 am to 4 pm the Junior League of Central Westchester will hold their Holiday Boutique at Wayside Cottage, 1039 Post Road, Scarsdale
Get ready for an amazing selection of handcrafted gifts, jewelry, clothing, accessories, and so much more—all in a variety of styles and price ranges to fit everyone's taste!
And don't miss the beloved League table, where you'll find delightful handmade goodies crafted by League members, including tasty candied nuts, gourmet cookies, and a variety of charming holiday and hostess gifts.
And on Tuesday December 11, visit Westchester Reform Temple on Mamaroneck Road for the Women of Reform Judaism Holiday Boutique from 11 am to 6 pm. Find jewelry, clothing, Judaica, baby gift, housewares and artisan foods.
Are you hosting a holiday sale? Contact us at scarsdalecomments@gmail.com to spread the word.
Murray Hill Home to Be Auctioned on November 12th
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Here’s a novel way to buy a home in Scarsdale, bid on it. That’s right. A luxury home in Murray Hill is being auctioned off on November 12, 2024 at 7pm and bids are being accepted now.
The original home at 114 Birchall Drive was built in 1933 and now been totally renovated and expanded into a 6,575 square foot home with 6 bedrooms and 6 ½ baths. The home includes a large eat-in kitchen with custom cabinetry and state of the art appliances and a dining room that can seat 24. A welcoming covered deck runs along the back of the house and looks out over the expansive 1+ acre property. There are wonderful surprises throughout the house including a great room with a wood burning fireplace, a primary suite with a private balcony and a primary bath with a soaking tub, radiant heat and an enormous glass shower.
Take a look at the photos and request a tour here.
Why is it being auctioned off?
Here’s the story: When the builder failed to meet their mortgage obligations in September 2022, the lender foreclosed on the home. In March 2023 the house went into contract for $3,537,500 however the builder breached the contract by failing to obtain the C of O, so the buyer’s 10% deposit was returned. In July 2024, the home was completed and now has a Certificate of Occupancy and is ready for buyer. It is currently listed for $3,499,000.
Details:
-The auction will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 5pm at 114 Birchall Drive, Scarsdale, NY.
-Bidding will be live by paddle.
-Interested buyers must pre-register.
-Real Estate brokers are welcome to represent bidders and simply need to be designated on the Auction Terms & Conditions - Bidder Registration form.
-Showings of 114 Birchall Drive will occur regularly until the luxury auction on November 12th.
