Where to See the Fireworks
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If you are in Scarsdale for July 4th weekend, I'll bet you and most of your friends plan on heading down to the Scarsdale Pool to see the breathtaking phenomena that has forever defined Independence Day: fireworks. Crackling sounds and a web of vibrant colors lighting up the sky. Yep, fireworks are pretty awesome. And while Scarsdale undoubtedly does a great show, for my taste it is getting slightly repetitive. Don't get me wrong, the Scarsdale Pool's fireworks are first rate (and conveniently close) but if you are getting a little bored of the same venue or just want to try something new, there are an abundance of places close by that offer their own unique Fourth of July Festivities...all with lots of fireworks.
July 3rd 6:00 PM-10:00 PM at Kensico Damn Plaza in Valhalla
On Wednesday July 3rd, head to the Kensico Damn Plaza in Valhalla to celebrate our country's Independence Day with some patriotic music and a spectacular fireworks display. The festivities will start at 6 PM with pre-concert entertainment; followed by the Bensen-Scott Big Band at 8 PM. Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. Admission and parking are free, though carpooling is suggested, as parking spots are limited. Concert-goers should bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. The Kensico Dam Plaza is located at the north end of the Bronx River Parkway in Valhalla. For more information, go to westchestergov.com/parks or call (914) 864-PARK.
July 3rd 9:15 PM at the Scarsdale Pool Complex
On Wednesday July 3rd, Scarsdale will hold its annual Fireworks Spectacular. This display is open for all residents and is held at the Scarsdale Municipal Pool. For non-pool members and anyone arriving after 5 PM, there will be an entrance fee of $2. Non-pool members cannot enter the pool complex before 5:00 PM. Scarsdale Pool members should come back the next day, July 4th, for Carnival Day! From 11:00 AM-4:00 PM when there will be pool games, swim races, face painting, inflatable's, sandcastle building and other water games that kids love. The Scarsdale Pool's address is 311 Mamaroneck Road in Scarsdale. For more information about either the firework show or carnival day, contact the Scarsdale Pool office at (914) 722-1292.
July 4th 8:00 PM at the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in Katonah
For those who prefer some jazz music with their fireworks, head north to Katonah on July 4th where the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts will be holding their "Pops, Patriots and Fireworks" concert. The concert will feature hits from Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn and the Harlem Jazz Craze, all performed by the Westchester Jazz Orchestra led by conductor Michael Barrett. Vocalists and Ellington experts Darius de Hass and Janis Siegel will sing and scat their way through the Ellington Songbook, while Jamie Bernstein fills in the historical background with little-known stories about Harlem's golden age of jazz. The concert will begin promptly at 8:00 PM in the Venetian Theatre. After the concert, prepare to be blasted by a thunderous firework show. Tickets range from $30 to $70 and are available at https://tickets.caramoor.org/public/show.asp or by calling (914) 232-5035. Children under 18 receive half price! The address is 149 Girdle Ridge Road in Katonah. For more information, call (914) 232-5035 or visit their website www.caramoor.org.
July 4th 9:00 PM at Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck
This July 4th, head over to Mamaroneck for the Annual Firemen's Fireworks Spectacular at Harbor Island Park. What better way to celebrate our independence than by watching a ton of fireworks explode over the Long Island Sound? Apparently there aren't many, as Westchester Magazine included the Harbor Island Park Firework Show in their 2013 Bucket List. Oh, and from the waterfront you'll also be able to see Rye Playland's firework show! Not to mention it is free. That's two firework shows for the price of none. The evening will begin at 7:00 PM with The Annual Firemen's Carnival. The carnival will have a Ferris wheel, spaceship ride, a funhouse, a dunk tank and a variety of food vendors. All of this will be followed by a dazzling display of fireworks starting at 9:00 PM. The address is Mamaroneck Avenue South and East Boston Post Road in Mamaroneck. For more information, visit townofmamaroneck.org or call (914) 777-7784.
July 4th 9:30 PM at the New Rochelle Waterfront
For those look for a true firework extravaganza, head down to the New Rochelle Waterfront on July 4th for a viewing of New Rochelle's annual "Spark the Sound." This grand fireworks display, produced and sponsored by the famous Grucci family, will start at 9:30 PM rain or shine. For those unenlightened, here is some quick background info on the Grucci family: The Gruccis were responsible for the firework programs for seven presidential inaugurations; the Lake Placid Olympics in 1981; the Los Angeles Olympics in 1985; the Salt Lake City Olympics in 2002; the Athens Olympics in 2004; and the world's largest fireworks program ever produced for the grand opening of Dubai's Palm Jumeirah and the Atlantis Palm Resort. Clearly, these guys know what they are doing when it comes to fireworks, and anyone that went to last year's show (or watched the Olympics recently) can attest to that. Optimum viewing locations include Hudson (1 Hudson Park Road), Five Islands Parks (1 Lefevre Lane) and certain waterfront restaurants. Admission is free. For more information, call (914) 654-2087.
July 4th 9:20 PM in New York City
This year, for the first time ever, Macy's has joined forces with a superstar artist, Usher, to develop and present Macy's 37th annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular. This firework display is the largest in America; with approximately 40,000 shells exploding at a rate of 1,500 per minute, all synchronized to a 25 minute, hand picked score. Reaching heights of 1000 feet in the air, the fireworks will be launched from six barges positioned between West 24th and West 50th Streets on the Hudson River. The fireworks can be seen from any unobstructed view of the sky above the Hudson River, but for the best spots, head to 12th avenue below 59th street at the following access points along 11th avenue: 24th, 26th, 27th, 29th, 33rd, 34th, 40th, 42nd, 44th, 50th, 52nd, 54th, 56th and 57th street. Can't make it down to NYC? No problem. Starting at 8 PM, NBC is broadcasting Macy's entire show, hosted by Nick Cannon complete with performances from artists Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Tim McGraw and Mariah Carey. The theme for 2013 is "It begins with a Spark." Admission is free. Parking will not be available in the area, so Macy's recommends leaving cars at home and using NYC transit, which will run an increased subway service during this time. For more information, visit www.macys.com/fireworks.
July 4th 9:30 PM at Rye Playland
Celebrate your July 4th at Rye Playland with a fireworks spectacular choreographed to music. The fireworks will start at 9:30 PM on the Rye Playland pier. Parking is $10 Fireworks also every Wednesday and Friday in July and August at 9:15 PM (parking is $5 for these dates.) The address is 1 Playland Parkway in Rye. For more information, call 914-813-7000 or visit their website http://ryeplayland.org.
Tots Summer Festival at House of Sports
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The House of Sports will launch its Summer Tots programming with a Tots Summer Festival on Saturday, June 29 for children ages 2-4. The festival is free and open to the public, and will take place at the House of Sports from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The event features a sampling of the summer Tots curriculum, including Soccer Tots, All Star Sluggers (baseball), Lil' Pigskins (football), Hoopsters Tots (basketball) and Tumble Tots.
Children and their parents will have the opportunity to meet the House of Sports Tots instructors and get a better understanding of the goals of the program. The Tots sports programing uses a variety of fun and games to delight and engage young children in physical activity. The House of Sports staff operates in a non-competitive environment which promotes fun above all else.
Beyond the Tots Summer Festival, the House of Sports will also offer a full summer's worth of Tots curriculum. A nine week Tots class session starts on June 17, and includes weekly instruction in Soccer Tots, All Star Sluggers or Tumble Tots. Tots summer camps are also offered weekly starting June 17 and include daily instruction using Soccer Tots and Tumble Tots curriculum.
To learn more about the House of Sports Tots programming, be sure to visit their website at www.HouseofSportsNY.com or contact them at 914-479-5419.
All Star Sluggers Philosophy
The All Star Sluggers curriculum has been designed by experts with a comprehensive understanding of child development. The goal is to bring kids through various stages of development and make sure they both grow their athletic skills and at the same time develop an interest and love for sports and aerobic activities.
Lil Pigskins Philosophy
Lil' Pigskins is a national child development program that helps kids discover the game of football. This program is designed for children to learn about football, to have fun playing and to increase their overall health. With no equipment, pads, or helmets needed, all children, boys and girls, at all skill levels, can safely enjoy Lil' Pigskin's football programs.
Soccer Tots Philosophy
The House of Sports utilizes the Soccer Tots curriculum, which is the country's leading soccer training program. The goal is to bring children through various stages of development and make sure they enhance their athletic skills and at the same time develop an interest and love for sports and aerobic activities.
Hoopster Tots Philosophy
The House of Sports utilizes the Hoopster Tots curriculum, which is the country's leading basketball training program. The goal is to bring children through various stages of development and make sure they enhance their athletic skills and at the same time develop an interest and love for sports and aerobic activities.
Tumble Tots Philosophy
Tumble Tots is a motor skill development program designed for the pre-school aged child. Through climbing, balancing, tumbling, obstacle courses, jumping on the TumblTrak, and other fun, high energy activities, children will build their coordination, agility, strength and balance.
SHS Seniors Look Forward and Back
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On Monday, June 3, SHS seniors congregated at the high school for the first time since they scattered to work on their Senior Options assignments. The school held a "Senior Transition Day," to give seniors a chance to reconnect with their classmates and look to the future. The day consisted of three parts, to give seniors an opportunity to reflect on their experiences in Scarsdale, provide insight for the next four years away at college and celebrate their final weeks as students.
In the morning, the entire senior class met in the auditorium and was greeted by several SHS alumni who have just finished their freshman year at college. Representatives from different types of schools all over the country, including University of Texas at Austin, Bard College, Boston College, University of Wisconsin, Bucknell University and more, sat on stage and spoke about their experiences transitioning to college. Dean Iosepovici and the seniors were invited to ask questions on any subject, from academics to the college social life. "The College Freshman Experience" Q & A gave seniors key information and tips on life in college, such as doing homework while waiting to finish your laundry, and several funny moments where the entire auditorium erupted in laughter. When the subject of drug use on campus arose, one panelist joked, "I don't see why people need drugs, you can have plenty of fun just drinking!" After a few lessons and a few laughs, seniors left the auditorium and headed into smaller groups organized by dean.
While the Q & A in the morning was focused on the future, meetings with the high school deans focused on the past four years. Seniors and their 
deans discussed things they learned about themselves through high school, how they've grown, and significant events they've experienced. Seniors made excellent observations and comments and many sparked room-wide discussions. In addition, seniors also wrote articles to teachers they wanted to thank and to incoming high school freshmen.
Then, seniors all reconvened in gyms A & B for the "Transition Lunch," catered by Buon Amici. Everybody scattered around the bleachers and spent several hours signing yearbooks and reminiscing about memories from the past four years. There were also class pictures from every grade at each elementary school and middle school for seniors posted on the gym walls to view. For each senior, it was an enjoyable break and a great way to close the school year before prom on Thursday.
Thanks to Mona Longman, Beth Shabto and the entire committee for making a memorable afternoon for graduating seniors.
Check out the picture gallery here with photos by senior Becky Schwartz.
This article was contributed by Brian Shabto, a senior at Scarsdale High School.
A Good Time Was Had By All At The SHS Prom
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A good time was had by all at the Scarsdale High School Prom at the Surf Club in New Rochelle on Thursday night, June 6th. According to Caroline Rodman, who headed the Prom Committee with Celeste DiLauro and Becky Goldberg, "The prom seemed to be a total success! Everyone was well behaved and appeared to be having fun. If you weren't eating, then you were on the dance floor with either your date or your friends!" Just under 400 students attended this year and all reports were good.
Following the prom, some went on to a post-prom party at 49 Grove in Manhattan. The next day a group continued the celebration in the Hamptons.
Take a look at our photo gallery of SHS's handsome class and their dates plus high school faculty, parents and friends at the red carpet celebration at Scarsdale High School before the students boarded the bus for New Rochelle. The rain held off until just before 5 pm when many pulled out their umbrellas to save their hair and party attire. If you have prom photos that you would like to add to the gallery, please email them to scarsdalecomments@gmail.com.
A Glorious Day for a Parade
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Though Memorial Day weekend was largely a washout, May 27 dawned sunny and warm, just in time for the Memorial Day Parade, sponsored by Scarsdale American Legion Post 52. The parade brought out patriots young and old, with some of the veterans too old to march and some of the youngest still in strollers.
A color guard of marines from the 2nd Battalion in Garden City led the march which began on Chase Road in Scarsdale.
Under the direction of Jason Noble about 70 members of the Scarsdale High School Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble played patriotic scores, while state and village officials, police, firemen, the Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the Little League, Scarsdale and Edgemont Brownies and Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts from grade school through high school lined up for the processional. Bringing up the rear were an antique fire truck, ambulances and emergency vehicles.
Among the locals we spotted were Mayor Bob Steves, Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, Former Mayor Miriam Flisser with 
granddaughter Emily, Trustee Jon Mark, BK Munguia, Mary Blumenthal Lane and Amy Cooper from the Girl Scouts and Fire Chief Thomas Cain.
Check out our photo gallery below:
