Tuesday, Dec 24th

engagement ringThree generations of the Mehta family along with Scarsdale’s Mayor, Village Manager and Village Trustees were on hand to celebrate the opening of Lovers Diamonds at 14 Garth Road in Scarsdale on the evening of Monday December 9th.

The jewelry store features lab-grown diamonds that can be custom ordered in all shapes and sizes to fit into a wide array of settings in platinum, gold or rose gold. Because the diamonds are fabricated, you can envision and custom design a ring or a piece of jewelry to your specifications.

According to owner Pravin Mehta, “Our goal at Lover's Diamond is clear: to offer high-quality, exquisitely designed natural and lab-grown diamond jewelry at competitive prices. We strive to ensure that neither jewelry exchanges nor online retailers can match the value we provide.”

The attractive store is decorated with the paintings of Pratibha, enhancing the décor. In addition to selling diamonds, they also offer full line of top branded perfumes and fragrances.

Lover*s Diamond offers a free 14K gold setting with the purchase of a one carat diamond for $499 and is also offering a free $100 jewelry repair with the purchase of exquisite jewelry for $1000.rings

You’re invited to stop by:

Lovers Diamonds
14 Garth Road,
Scarsdale, NY10583
www.loversdiamond.com
www.diamonddaysgroup.com

Here are comments written by owner Pravin Mehta and read by his grandson Viraj Mehta at the opening:

It is an immense honor for me and my family to have you preside over this Grand Opening Ceremony. Your presence adds profound significance to this event, and for that, we are deeply grateful.

handshakeMayor Justin Arest shakes hands with Pravin Mehta.Today, we celebrate the incredible journey of two visionary women: Puja Mehta, born in the era following the Vietnam War, and Malti Mehta, whose life began amidst the tumult of the Second World War. These women embody the transformative changes and renaissances that have shaped our world over decades.
Diamonds, the rarest and most brilliant of nature's creations, are the result of cataclysmic geological changes that took place millions of years ago. Across generations, humanity has revered their rarity and beauty, immortalizing them in poetry and song. To Malti's generation, diamonds were sacred and divine-a gem fit for queens and brides. They expressed this reverence through words like: "Diamonds are forever."

Fast forward to Puja's era-a time of scientific ingenuity and innovation. The development of lab-grown diamonds using high pressure, high temperature (HPHT), and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is one of humanity's most remarkable achievements. Yet, despite the technological triumph, much of the industry failed to capture the essence of love and romance inherent in diamonds.

Puja, however, redefined this narrative. She introduced Lover's Diamonds-diamonds grown lovingly, with care and passion. These diamonds symbolize a new universe of love, encompassing:

- Art Lover's Diamonds
- Music Lover's Diamonds
- Environment Lover's Diamonds

In her vision, the first "lover" was born when Adam took a bite of a freshly plucked apple, representing the boundless connections diamonds can embody. This revolutionary concept led to the creation of Lover's Diamond, a name Puja has generously made available to all producers, manufacturers, and distributors of lab-grown mehtasdiamonds.

The mission of Lover's Diamond is to create everyday jewelry-elegant, versatile pieces crafted from exquisite diamonds in all shapes and colors. These jewels are designed to enhance the beauty and glamour of women around the world.

While building this fine jewelry project, we were inspired by the legacy of Harry Winston, a Scarsdale native and one of the world's most renowned jewelers. His unparalleled contributions to the world of jewelry are immortalized with his statue in Winston Park, a constant source of inspiration for us.

Another individual who deserves recognition is Pratibha-a CPA and a gifted painter whose artwork has captured the attention of influential critics worldwide. We are proud to say that Lover's Diamond is not just a jewelry store; it also doubles as an art gallery, showcasing Pratibha's extraordinary creations.

Our goal at Lover's Diamond is clear: to offer high-quality, exquisitely designed natural and lab-grown diamond jewelry at competitive prices. We strive to ensure that neither jewelry exchanges nor online retailers can match the value we provide.

caseThis is not just a story about diamonds; it is a story of two extraordinary women, Malti and Puja, and their shared vision of creating something truly exceptional-a jewelry store that celebrates love, beauty, and ingenuity.

Thank you.

NutcrackerThe Emelin Theatre resumes a holiday tradition – NUTCRACKER DREAM – in partnership with Westchester’s premier professional dance company Ballet des Amériques, with a magnificent backdrop plus new costumes and choreographies to keep faithful audiences engaged and excited.
The Emelin Theatre is proud to present Nutcracker Dream, performed by Ballet des Amériques, one of the few professional dance companies in the New York metro area producing this holiday classic. Inspired by the work of Rudolf Nureyev and Marius Petipa, this 90-minute family-friendly adaptation is an exquisite interpretation of the beloved holiday classic.

French-American choreographer Carole Alexis reimagines the traditional story by drawing on her multicultural heritage and choreographic vision. This production is based on A Story of a Nutcracker (1844) by Alexandre Dumas, a Caribbean and French author whose multicultural background mirrors the richly diverse origins of the cast. Alexis creates an energetic production with dancers that engage, surprise, and delight. “Carole’s adaptation speaks to all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds,” says Emelin’s Board President, Mark Ettenger, “and ticket prices are set at levels that are accessible, affordable and inclusive, all central to the Emelin’s mission."

Among the standout performers are Johnathon Hart, a rising star recently featured in Dance Magazine, dancing the Cavalier alongside Sugar Plum soloist Isodale Alexis. Also featured is Rosella Dunkerley, a 17-year-old local talent who has trained at the Ballet des Amériques Conservatory for six years and performs multiple roles with aspirations of becoming a professional dancer.

Young dancers from Westchester County perform children’s roles, showcasing a vibrant local presence in the production. The new magnificent backdrop, costumes, and fresh choreographies ensure that faithful audiences remain engaged and excited. Additionally, this presentation marks an extraordinary collaboration between two arts organizations committed to celebrating the performing arts and fostering community connections.

This exclusive engagement at the Emelin includes eight matinee and evening performances in December. Tickets starts at $41 for adults and $30 for students, inclusive of all fees, in keeping with the mission of making the arts affordable and accessible.

The opening Gala is Saturday, December 14 at 7PM, and a limited number of VIP packages are being offered. Subsequent performances are scheduled twice daily at 1:30 PM and 5 PM on December 15, 21, 22 and 26.

A TREASURED PARTNERSHIP AND TRADITION | Ballet des Amériques has been staging productions at the Emelin Theatre since 2012. Nutcracker Dream premiered at the Emelin in 2018, and was staged again in 2019, and most recently in 2023 to sold-out audiences.

ABOUT CAROLE ALEXIS | Carole Alexis is a choreographer, producer, dance educator and pedagogue and the founder and director of the Carole Alexis Ballet Theatre/Ballet des Amériques, who has won numerous awards and proclamations for her contributions to the arts and the advancement of culture. Most recently, in 2021, Carole Alexis was named Chevalier de l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture, and in 2023, she was honored with the Artist Award by ArtsWestchester. A student of Maurice Béjart, Alexis’ choreographic work is rooted in classical ballet training and tradition while drawing upon influences as disparate as children's games, island rituals, natural phenomena, and modern urban life.

ABOUT BALLET DES AMÉRIQUES | Under the directorship of Carole Alexis, Ballet des Amériques has been staging productions at the Emelin Theatre since 2012. The company’s extensive and eclectic repertoire bears Carole Alexis’ distinctive signature and vision, reinvigorating “ballet” for new audiences and dance connoisseurs alike. Proclaimed “Westchester’s Premier Dance Company” by the County Executive and voted “Best Ballet Company” by the editors of Westchester Magazine, Ballet des Amériques has danced in nearly 200 productions throughout Westchester, the greater New York City area and overseas and is committed to developing inclusive dance audiences through choreography and performances of the highest quality.

ABOUT THE EMELIN | Founded in 1972, the Emelin Theatre is a non-profit organization that brings world class performing arts to Westchester County. Promoting a cultural life that entertains and educates our audience, the Emelin presents numerous world class events including all genres of music, comedy, dance, and family theatre, plus a broad range of independent and contemporary film. Well-known for our high-quality and affordable programs, the Emelin is one of the few performing arts venues in our region offering such a broad mix of entertainment appealing to all ages and tastes, attracting audiences from Westchester County and beyond. Voted Best of Westchester Professional Theatre 2020. Best of Westchester Children's Theatre 2023. (Westchester Magazine)
The Emelin Theatre’s 2024-25 programs are made possible in part by ArtsWestchester with support from Westchester County Government and by New York State Council on The Arts.

For more information, please visit here.
Emelin Theater:
153 Library Lane
Mamaroneck, NY 10543

Email: boxoffice@emelin.org
Website: www.emelin.org



Box Office in-person Hours: Two hours prior to any scheduled performance.

burgerThis weekend we happened into another newish area restaurant, masquerading as a neighborhood bar but delivering haute cuisine. Café Deux, on Main Street in Harrison appears to be a local hangout but the fare is as good as you’ll find in Manhattan.

Open for three meals a day, we tried dinner on Saturday night and were pleased to find an eclectic menu, skewing French but with Indian, Italian and American influences.

Overhanging the bar is a long string of lights, casting a warm glow and giving the restaurant a modern flair. On the way in we noticed a case filled small dark chocolate cupcakes that we didn’t have room to sample on the way out. Next time.

The drinks menu was extensive – with a wide variety of wines, spirits, mixed drinks and mocktails. Something for drinkers and non-drinkers alike.

The menu includes starters to share, salades, moules, pastas, “Les Autres” and sides and offered a tempting array for meat eaters, fish lovers and vegetarians.

To start, we split an ample portion of the Fall Harvest Salad with romaine, radicchio, endive, oranges, figs, beets, radish and ricotta salata. We were tempted to try the whipped ricotta and fig toast and the duck confit Lyonnaise.

Mussels, either in a classic white wine sauce or with curry are served with fries or baguette.

Very popular are the burgers. There’s a Deux Wagyu Burger with house aioli, cheddar and fries – but you can also upgrade to truffle fries with parmesan and white truffle oil. Those are rich enough to share with everyone at the table.chicken

I went for the Poulet Roti Masala, which was a sliced chicken breast covered with roasted chickpeas, haricots verts, prunes, mint, basil and cilantro. It was aromatic and yummy. I would love to have the recipe. The tuna nicoise salade had spiced, blackened tuna with a soft boiled egg, potatoes and nicoise olives. Another nice option.

For dessert we were happy to find a few flavors of Caffe Panna Ice Cream and had to share a few for the table.

Café Deux was a pleasant surprise within a quick drive to Scarsdale, but with an air of Paris.

Try them soon and let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Cafe Deux
307 Halstead Avenue, Harrison
https://www.cafedeuxny.com/

CafeDeuxMenu

tuna

lights

NormanRockwellThis was submitted by Dr. Ilana Rosenberg of Scarsdale Psychology Associates

Many people love getting together with family for the holidays. Many people want to leave the table screaming. It can be tough to connect with family members who may have different political views, have caused you hurt or trauma, or that you just don't like.

Here's a tip to help you get through with sanity and grace:

Most Generous Interpretation

Dr. Becky talks about finding the most generous interpretations of children's behaviors. I think she's right. It's important to understand that both children and adults are trying to do the best they can with the resources they have available to them.

People survey their environment and respond to internal and external triggers to create safety for themselves. Even adults are dealing with younger parts of themselves that may come out when getting together with family.

Say your obnoxious cousin or aunt is at Thanksgiving and loudly voices a political opinion that you find abhorrent.

Or say you spent the week prepping for the meal, shopping and cooking and your mom mentions that the turkey is dry, or has a negative look on her face.

If you take it personally, you’ll feel badly and it could ruin your day.

Instead of thinking: what’s wrong with that person? Try asking: what happened to that person?

If you can see beyond the person’s mask, you can see their obnoxious comment as a defense they’re using to protect themselves and you can understand how this defense gets in the way of their being at ease in the world. Replacing judgment with compassion, can help you see the goodness at their core.

Applying the most generous interpretation of another person’s behavior won’t just help the other person feel better. It will make your holiday more enjoyable!

Ilana D. Rosenberg, Ph.D. is the founder of Scarsdale Psychology Associates (SPA). She believes that developing self compassion is a game changer in life, and that the chemistry of the match between you and your therapist is what helps make therapy so powerful. SPA has therapists who are warm and compassionate, so that you feel cared for every step of the way.
www.ScarsdalePsychologyAssociates.com 914-901 3520

FansThe Scarsdale High School Varsity Football Team gave it their all in the semifinal playoff game against Mamaroneck at home on Friday night November 8, 2024. The Raiders came out strong and led the Tigers 14-7 at the half. In the third quarter, although Mamaroneck scored a tying touchdown and extra point, the Raiders still looked strong and even had a third interception of the game by senior Logan Mancusi.

The stands were packed with students, parents and community members of all ages. Most fans got the memo to dress in the USA theme of red, white and blue attire. There were flags waving, cheerleaders flying and loud chants to spur the Raiders on.

The blustery wind made for tricky conditions on the field and the temperature dropped throughout the game to a chilly low 50’s. The wind whipped up the leaves and debris from the stands and it looked like a snowstorm coming down.

Tragically, in the last minutes of the fourth quarter, the Tigers moved the ball down the field and in the final 5 seconds of the game, with good field position (within 10 yards of the goal), they scored the winning field goal to end the game Mamaroneck 17, Scarsdale 14.

football1

Despite the sad loss, the Raiders were proud of their tenacity and performance throughout the season. It has been several years since Scarsdale has made the playoffs and all their hard work got them far this season.

football2