Looking Forward to the Next Centennial
- Details
- Hits: 3316
Here is a letter to Scarsdale10583 from Greenacres resident Richard Effman who had a blast at the Greenacres Centennial: Last Saturday night we had the distinct pleasure of attending the 100th birthday celebration of the Greenacres Association. It was held at the Scarsdale Country Club. Which, by the way, is located squarely in...Hartsdale. What's the deal with that?
Anyway, it was distinct because it was a first-of-its-kind event for Scarsdale, complete with its very own slide show supplying lots of Greenacres historical facts and factoids.
A pleasure because finally, I attended a birthday party for something older than me! Hooray!
Each attendee was asked to put their name, street name (meaning the Greenacres street they live on, not their gang moniker) and the number of years they have lived in Greenacres on a sticker to be displayed on the chest. Then to shmooze for a while amidst red and white wine (nothing harder), and then to choose a table. I was fortunate...I got seated at a table where the three other guys had less hair than I.
Ok, I'll admit it sounds a bit shallow, but it still felt good!
Greenacres has long been called the Upper West Side of Westchester. I'm pretty sure its a reference to the seemingly liberal and laid back nature of the hood, not the fact that we too are located across the river from Jersey.
The evening was crowded with people (surprising at $100 bucks a head...where is my vodka?) and citations and proclamations aplenty...from congress, from the state assembly, from the state senate, from the county, and of course from the village itself. They all came to praise us. And to subtly lobby for votes in the next election.
In fact, so many nice things were said about Greenacres...I thought it had died! (I guess I'm spending too much time at funerals lately).
And speaking of funerals, I couldn't help but think that there were thousands of original Greenacre-ians (help me, what do we call ourselves?) turning over in their graves because there are now Jews and African Americans living in the very homes that used to forbid Jews and African Americans in their deeds! It was enough to make one kfell.
And one did.
It could be me, but I had such a good time it made me look forward to the next centennial dinner.
I'll be sure to send you a calendar invite.
(Pictured at top: from left to right: Debbie Radov, Richard Effman, Joanne Wallenstein, Glenn Fishman, Shelley Effman, Mark Seiden, and Andrea Seiden)
Greenacres 100th Birthday Bash
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 6572
When Greenacres Neighborhood Association V.P. Barry Meiselman floated the idea of holding the Greenacres 100th birthday bash at the Scarsdale Golf Club, some thought he had gotten too ambitious. After all, neighborhood events are usually held in the social hall at Hitchcock Church for an entry free of $20 a couple -- or often free at the Greenacres field.
Would residents be willing to pay $100 per person for an evening of dinner and dancing at a country club to celebrate their neighborhood? Meiselman, Greenacres Neighborhood Association President Kathy Steves and a dedicated committee took the gamble and the night far exceeded all expectations. The gala was attended by 170 people – more than double the minimum required --- as well as a host of area dignitaries who came out to congratulate Scarsdale’s second-oldest neighborhood association on their success.
Offering proof that Greenacres is the Place to Be, the event drew newcomers, old-timers and everyone in between. The evening had many highlights and here are a few:
- A presentation of the history of Greenacres – see the recap below
GNA President and V.P. Kathy Steves and Barry Meiselman - A slide show of the pets of Greenacres including neighborhood dogs and cats
- A serenade from the D.J.
- Moving, grooving and a conga line on the dance floor to tunes ranging from doo-wop to rap.
- Toasts from local politicians who were invited to greet their constituents.
Representative Eliot Engel who is slated to replace Representative Nita Lowey as Scarsdale’s representative in Congress expressed his surprise and delight to find that redistricting had extended his new Congressional District from the Bronx to Scarsdale. In honor of Greenacres’ Centennial he submitted a proclamation to the Congressional Record where it will be posted for posterity.
For State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin nothing has changed. A 30+ year resident of Scarsdale, she told the group that she spent her first eight years in Scarsdale in Greenacres on Walworth Avenue and is proud to reside in Scarsdale and represent the Village in the State Assembly
Another proclamation was made by Scarsdale Mayor Miriam Flisser who joked that she always keeps “a proclamation in her car.” She and her husband Harvey Flisser, who just announced his retirement from the Scarsdale Middle School where he taught science for 24 years, enjoyed the festivities and the dance floor. Village Trustees Bob Steves and Kay Eisenman of Greenacres were there to celebrate as well as Stacey Brodsky and Jon Mark who have served as liaisons to the neighborhood association for the Board of Trustees. Also on hand were several past presidents of the Greenacres Association including Lynne Clark, Andrew Sereysky and Deb Pekarek.
County Executive Rob Astorinio stopped by as well to congratulate the group on its success.
Kathy Steves, Barry Meiselman and the members of the Centennial Committee were thrilled with the party calling it “amazing, celebratory 
and spectacular.” It was a proud night for all who looked back on 100 years and forward to being a part of this very special community in the years to come.
The Greenacres Centennial Committee, shown at right included:
(bottom row: left to right:) Barry Meiselman, Kathy Steves, Ottlilie Jarmel, Joanne Wallenstein, Norm Alterman, Naomi Lipman (middle row: left to right) Mona Longman, Jack Binder, Laura Fratt, Deb Pekarek, Maureen Ryan (top row: left to right) Bob Steves, Jordan Goodman, Sharon Lindsay, Andrew Sereysky, Mark Lewis, Jennifer Constantin, James Carforo. Not pictured: Lynne Clark, Elise Flagg, Karen Ceske, Linda Leavitt, Nora Marino, Deena Rosenthal, Sheryl Braun, Keith Schutzman, Beth Dell Orto, Scott Silberfein, Arthur Yu, Karen Lavi, Kay Eisenman) (Pictured at top: Maureen Ryan and Jordan Goodman)
See our picture gallery here:
Recap of Greenacres History: The Greenacres History Committee, Karen Ceske, Ottilie Jarmel, Deb Pekarek and Joanne Wallenstein (yours truly) created a presentation of the history of Greenacres and here is a summary.
The presentation spans as far back as 1661 when John Richbell traded with the Mohican Indians for the land that is now Scarsdale. In 1910 the history of Greenacres as we now know it began when developer Robert Emmet Farley started buying up area farms to create “Scarsdale Estates” which he later named Greenacres. Initially homes in the area sold for as little as $7,000 in a neighborhood that included sewers, pumped water, electricity and “macadamized” roads. Farley named many of the streets in the area after his family members, secretary and his favorite color, green.
In 1905, developer Cornelius B. Fish went to work on the other side of Post Road and built homes on larger plots, naming the streets after well-known British schools such as Eton, Oxford and Cambridge.
Greenacres might have become part of White Plains if not for the efforts of local residents to rebuff annexation campaigns by White Plains in 1909 and 1911.
Since 1912 the neighborhood association has served an advocate for area interests forcing the removal of a gas station on the Greenacres side of the tracks in 1933 and lobbying to preserve a park on Fountain Terrace that was eventually lost to the development of the Bronx River Parkway in 1974. However, the association has been successful at preserving open space at George Field Park, Red Maple Swamp and plots on Brite Avenue, Brewster Road, Oakstwain and Rugby Roads.
Greeancres' first school began in a private home at the corner of Greenacres and Walworth Avenues in 1915. By November of that year, Scarsdale’s first elementary school was built in the location of the current school on Huntington Road. The small one story building had five classrooms, two play porches and six teachers. Additions were made in 1928, 1958, and in 1965.
The Greenacres Neighborhood Assocation has run successful recreation programs for years and is famous for their July4th celebration and games each year at Greenacres Field. In addition, it hosts a newcomer’s reception, a town hall meeting and a spring fling. Recently the association donated funds to the school to build new basketball courts at Greenacres Field.
This year, a Village-wide historic resources survey has identified several homes in Greenacres and three “historic districts” as worthy of preservation. Other landmarks include the Boniface Water Tower on Garden Road, and a 52” “Greenacres tunnel” which is a storm drain extending from Brewster Road to the Bronx River Parkway that was built in 1939 at a cost of $120,000.
Greenacres has also been home to some very colorful personalities including Dean Rusk, Al Jolson, Roberta Peters, Aaron Sorkin and Irving Picard. Look for the full presentation online soon.
Last Call to Sign Up for the Greenacres’ Centennial Celebration
- Details
- Hits: 3533
Did you know that ...Greenacres was the first neighborhood in Scarsdale to be supplied with gas, ahead of others by a full decade. ...Greenacres was twice targeted for annexation by White Plains, the second attempt resulting in the formation of the Greenacres Neighborhood Association (GNA) ...the GNA is Scarsdale's second oldest neighborhood association.
And, MOST IMPORTANT:
-The GNA is celebrating its 100th Anniversary!
In honor of its centennial, the GNA is hosting a gala for Greenacres residents on June 2nd, at the Scarsdale Golf Club. It will be a memorable event, with dinner, dancing and libations. As members of the Centennial Gala's History Committee, we have explored Greenacres' history with a view towards preserving its historical and architectural significance as distinct from Scarsdale as a whole. We look forward to taking you on a journey through time with a special video feature at our Gala Event.
Come learn about such Greenacres landmarks as the Haubold Powder Mill House on Fountain Terrace and the
Boniface Water Tower on Garden Road. Hear about some of the people who've lived in Greenacres throughout the years, such as the entertainer, Al Jolson and the politician, Dean Rusk, U.S. Secretary of State under John F. Kennedy. Discover which powerhouse ensconced his mistress in Greenacres away from the city's clatter, where the Greenacres tunnel is located and what the remnant stone wall on Farley Road used to be. Find out why Gilmore Court and Farley, Colvin and Kingston have the names they do. And lots more.
In 1910, with that most modern convenience--gas--Greenacres was certainly the place to be. It still is today. Come celebrate with us at the GNA's Centennial Gala! For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.greenacres10583.com or contact Barry Meiselman at 723-5807 or barwest2@aol.com. We hope to see you there!
Karen Ceske
Ottilie Jarmel
Deb Pekarek
Joanne Wallenstein
Nita Lowey to Address the Scarsdale Forum
- Details
- Hits: 4317
The Scarsdale Forum Inc. and the Town and Village Civic Club cordially invite the public to the annual general membership meeting on Thursday, June 14th in the Scott Room of the Scarsdale Library at 8 p.m. A reception honoring former Village Trustee Richard Toder and the members of the 2011-2012 Administrative, Joint and School Board Nominating Committees will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Following the business portion of the meeting, U.S. Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey will present “State of Congress and the Nation.”
The second half of the evening’s program will feature panelists Eric Hardy, Project Director of CLT Appraisal Services; Alfred A. Gatta, Village Manager and Nanette Albanese, Village Assessor who will discuss the project designed to reassess all Scarsdale properties over the next two years.
A question and answer period will follow each presentation.
The Scarsdale Forum is a 107 year old civic organization dedicated to improving life in Scarsdale. The Forum studies issues before local, regional and state governing bodies and provides input and recommendations via public reports and other public statements.
For program and membership information, visit ( www.ScarsdaleForum.com ), e-mail (office@scarsdaleforum.com) or call (914-723-2829).
Westchester’s Iconic Diner, City Limits, Gets a Makeover and New Logo
- Details
- Hits: 6460
Many of us felt a deep, profound sadness when, on April 16, City Limits Diner closed its doors and turned off the lights. After 18 years, the Livanos Restaurant Group decided the county landmark was in need of a floor-to-ceiling renovation. According to the owners, “We opened in White Plains 18 years ago, and due to the wear and tear that comes with time, we are excited to be giving the restaurant a much needed facelift.” Gone, at least temporarily, are the beloved chicken noodle soup, Chinese dumplings and Valrhona chocolate pudding.
When the upscale diner opens at the beginning of June, diners will find an extended bar area and an updated, contemporary aesthetic. According to John Livanos, “Customers can be assured that while the original City Limits in White Plains will have an updated look, the high-quality service, incredible food, and even the prices, will not change.” Die-hard diner fans can follow the renovations on Facebook (Like them), and can even post questions for the owners. When the restaurant reopens, Pastry Chef Tracy will continue to create a variety of artisanal products daily, such as breads, pastries, pies, and specialty cakes, including long-standing gluten-free favorites such as her Flourless Valrhona Chocolate Torte. She will also be adding a variety of new gluten-free items including an Oat and Almond Scone. In the new state-of-the-art kitchen, Chef Peter will whip up the same menu of classic dishes that the local crowd has grown to love over the years, including Maryland Lump Crab-Lobster Cake Benedict, Orange Lemon Waffles, and Smoked Chicken & Corn Quesadillas, adding a few new items to the list including Grilled Squid and White Bean Salad with Parsley Vinaigrette. We were able to get a copy of the recipe for our readers.
Grilled Squid and White Bean Salad with Parsley Vinaigrette -- Adapted from Chef Peter Assue, City Limits Diner, White Plains, NY
Ingredients:- 2c white beans cooked
- ¼ c carrot minced
- ¼ c red onion minced
- ¼ c celery minced
- 1 T lemon juice
- 3 T extra Virgin olive oil
- Toss all ingredients lightly, salt & pepper to taste.
- 2 Large squid –cleaned
- 1T Olive oil for brushing
- Parsley Vinaigrette
- 1 c extra virgin Olive Oil
- ½ c white wine vinegar
- 1 t shallots, minced
- 1 bunch parsley, no stems
- Salt and pepper to taste
1. Brush cleaned squid with olive oil, grill 2 minutes on each side. Reserve on side and slice when cool.
2. Mix white bean salad with arugula & radicchio. Add sliced squid on top and dress with parsley vinaigrette
As background, the Livanos family has been in the restaurant business since 1957, when John Livanos immigrated to the United States from Greece. The family owns City Limits diners in White Plains and Stamford, Connecticut; Abboccato (home-style Italian), Molyvos (Greek, with the largest all-Greek wine list in the United States), and Michelin Star recipient Oceana (American seafood) in New York City; Burger DeLuxe in Wayne, New Jersey; and Westchester’s own Moderne Barn (sophisticated American), in the Livanos’s home town of Armonk.
The Livanos family is targeting the first week of June for the grand reopening. We can’t wait.
