The Goods

Details: Written by Joanne Wallenstein; Category: The Goods; Published: 21 August 2015

oldmanmask More details have been shared about the robbery that occurred outside the CVS store at 807 White Plains Post Road in Scarsdale on Saturday August 15. It turns out that the suspect never entered the store, but left with $8,000 in cash. And though the robber claimed to have a gun, the manager never saw one.

According to a report from the Eastchester Police, the store manager was approached by the suspect outside the store when the manager stepped out to do his daily inspection of the exterior of the building at 8:45 am on Saturday. The manager heard someone call for help from the side of the building, opened a gate and saw the suspect who he described as 6 feet tall, wearing a white baseball cap, a mask that looked like an old man, a long sleeve black shirt, black latex gloves, black pants and black shiny boots.

The suspect was holding a white piece of paper and a white cloth bag and his left hand was placed inside the waist band of his pants. The suspect greeted the manager, saying "Hi Harry," and the manager explained that his name was not Harry. The suspect then handed the manager a note that said, "Get the money from the store. I have a gun." He then demanded that the manager hand over his drivers license and he did so. The suspect then told the manager not to call the police, because he said he knew where he lived.

The manager went inside, grabbed a bag of cash that contained about $4,000 and then went to the safe, opened it and took out another $4,000. He went outside to hand the suspect the money. The suspect then said, "You called the cops," and when the manager denied it, the suspect sprayed the manager's face with pepper spray. The manager grabbed the suspect's hand, forcing him to drop the bottle of spray. The manager was in pain from the spray, shut his eyes and did not see the man leave.

After police arrived, they cleared the store of customers, searched the area and found the note and the pepper spray. The police reviewed video footage from other stores in the area and brought in a K-9 team to investigate. A witness came forward and said that at around 9 am he had seen a 6 foot tall male dressed in black running westbound on Parkway Circle and north onto Maple Street.

Details: Written by Joanne Wallenstein; Category: The Goods; Published: 17 August 2015

ocspray Eastchester police are looking for a man who robbed CVS at 807 White Plains Post Road on Saturday morning August 15th around 9 am. The man allegedly sprayed a store manager with pepper spray before taking off with an unknown amount of cash. Scarsdale police report that the suspect left behind a note and a can of O.C. (oleoresin capsicum) spray., which when sprayed causes difficulty breathing and dilation of the eyes.

Eastchester police called Scarsdale police for assistance in the search for the suspect who fled westbound towards Ray Place in the Town of Eastchester.

The suspect is described as a male of unknown race, wearing a white mask, white hat, black latex gloves and black clothing.

Details: Written by Joanne Wallenstein; Category: The Goods; Published: 04 August 2015

rabbi brown How much would you like to pay to belong to a synagogue? One local temple is permitting new members pay what they wish.

Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanu-El on Ogden Road in Scarsdale is inviting
People who are not already members to enjoy full membership for one year without having to commit to full membership dues. A new member will be asked to give a "gift from the heart" of any amount, as a sign of sincere interest in exploring the membership experience, beginning with attendance at the High Holy Days services in the fall.

The "Welcoming Year" membership will admit new congregants to any and all High Holy Days activities, including morning services on the first day of Rosh Hashanah (September 14th) and Yom Kippur, (September 23rd), as well as Kol Nidre on the evening before that Day of Atonement.

Each Welcoming Year family/individual will have a "Welcoming Partner" – an existing member family or individual, with similar background and interests where possible, to invite the new members to various events and help them to integrate into the Synagogue community. In addition, and depending on interest, other opportunities may include an informal private breakfast or lunch with the Rabbi, the Cantor, the congregation's President or another leadership volunteer of their choice, a special dinner with other Welcoming Year members, and participation in a "Sharing Shabbat" dinner at a member's home.

The Synagogue said its Welcoming Year membership program reflects the congregation's longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, and is open to people who are:
• Unaffiliated with a congregation
• Interested in exploring affiliation with a new congregation
• Former members of Scarsdale Synagogue before 2012

Donna Vitale-Ruskin, the Synagogue's president, discussed the new program, saying: "At the heart of the Welcoming Year initiative is our confidence that, given the opportunity to truly sample the experience of being part of our community, new members will choose to get involved and become vital participants in our Synagogue family for many years to come. It's an investment – both in these prospective new members and in our Synagogue's future – as we continue to chart our course and build our community in ways that address the spiritual, social, educational and community needs of all who wish to be part of our synagogue family."

Rabbi Jeffrey C. Brown commented: "During the chanin three years I have been at Scarsdale Synagogue, I have been impressed with the hands-on approach of our lay leadership. They, the outstanding people on our membership committee and other volunteers are 100% dedicated to making this innovative new membership program a major success." Speaking on behalf of Cantor Chanin Becker, Director of Religious Education Rabbi Ilyse Glickman, Executive Director Roberta Aronovitch, Director of Early Childhood Jody Glassman, Director of Youth Engagement Sarah Metzger and the rest of the synagogue's professional staff, Rabbi Brown added: "We are committed to helping entering members quickly feel at home, and establish and maintain this new connection in a supportive but low-key manner. The program is another tangible proof of what we mean by: 'Hinenu – We are here, creating a covenant community of shared lives and real relationships.'"

The Synagogue said new member applications are now being accepted. For further information, persons interested are invited to call Roberta Aronovitch, Executive Director, at 914-725-5175 or send an email to roberta@sstte.org.

Details: Written by Joanne Wallenstein; Category: The Goods; Published: 11 August 2015

foot-massage Greenburgh Police continued their crack down on local massage parlors this week when they arrested four people at the Foot Spa at 332 Tarrytown Road in White Plains on August 7th.

Three were charged with "Violating NY State Education Law 6512 sub (1) - Unauthorized Practice of a Profession "Massage Therapy" and a fourth for "Violating State Education Law 6512 sub (2) – Aiding and abetting three or more unlicensed massage therapists."

The report said that the therapists presented themselves as licensed though they were not. All four were taken to police headquarters where they were booked, processed and released on bail.

The therapists were identified as follows:

Jin, Yuxiang
D.O.B 10/29/63 36-11 Bond St Flushing NY 11354
(unlicensed massage therapist)
Li, Junxia
D.O.B 06/06/69 132-48 Pople Ave 1Fl Flushing NY 11355

Zhang, Yunfei (unlicensed massage therapist) D.O.B 01/17/76
4170 Main St Apt B3700
Flushing NY 11353

Xu, Mi (Acting Manager) D.O.B 10/25/90
140-16 34th Ave Apt703
Flushing NY 11354

Details: Written by Stacie M. Waldman; Category: The Goods; Published: 30 July 2015

rockefellerpreserve In 1912, when John Muir published The Yosemite, he wrote, "Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike."

While most of us moved from the city to the 'burbs for the house and the yard, (and easy preschool admission,) we also moved closer to accessible hiking trails (thank you, car,) and should consider taking advantage of this huge perk of living outside of the city.

There are scores of hiking trails right in Westchester County and many of them are relatively easy to walk both in terms of distance and altitude gain. Driving 45 minutes over the Tappan Zee lands you at Harriman State Park/Bear Mountain where you'll find varied terrain for the novice and advanced hiker. Driving an hour to an hour and a half brings you to places like Mohonk Preserve and Hudson Highlands State Park, both of which have excellent options for more serious hikers. Some highlights for hiking in our area are listed below.

Within 30 minutes of Scarsdale
Mianus River Gorge is in Bedford, about 30 minutes from Scarsdale. There are three trail options and this is a great beginner's hike for kids or hike-hesitant adults. No dogs are allowed on the trails. The trails take you along the Mianus River and there are interesting mica and quartz quarries to observe along the way. There are no fees.
maianus

Rockefeller State Park Preserve is in Pleasantville and is located on the property of Stone Barns so good food is not far from the trailhead. A one-mile walk brings you around the pond where there are 20 miles of trails to explore. A small parking fee is charged on the weekends and dogs are permitted on the trails. The hikes are all considered easy.

Cranberry Lake Preserve is just up the road near Kensico Dam. There are four loops to walk and the purple loop leads to you a rock quarry with lovely views. The rocks from this quarry were used to build Kensico Dam. The on-site and free nature center has programs on the weekends and is open during the week. This is a great place to bring kids, even very young ones. Parking is free.

Within 60 minutes of Scarsdale
Westmoreland Sanctuary and Butler Sanctuary are beautiful nature preserves in Mt. Kisco. Both sanctuaries have short, easy hikes and are therefore ideal for kids. Both Westmoreland and Butler offer exceptional bird migration viewing opportunities.

Ward Pound Ridge is often touted as the park with the best hiking in Westchester. With 41.9 miles of trails and some surprises like caves, there's something for everyone. You can even camp here. Many people suggest hiking a five or seven mile loop to get a feel for the preserve and get your legs moving. Although the hiking itself is not difficult, some of the trails are long so bring water and snacks. A parking fee is charged.

If you're looking for something with a higher elevation gain consider Anthony's Nose. Located in Cortlandt, this "out and back" hike climbs quite a bit on the way there but offers exceptional views of the Hudson River and the Bear Mountain Bridge from the top. There's some elevation gain on this 2.6-mile hike so wear solid hiking or running shoes. Expect the hike to take 2-3 hours.

Breakneck Ridge in the Hudson Highlands State Park is considered the most strenuous hike in the Hudson Valley on the eastern side. Near Cold Spring, loop trails between 5 and 10 miles long require rock scrambling and true hiking prowess. Although equipment isn't needed for the rock scrambles, expect to use your arms and legs to pull yourself up boulders as part of your hike. The excellent views are your reward and you will definitely feel a sense of accomplishment when you finish this hike. It's best to go on a weekday or early in the morning to avoid crowds.

Harriman State Park and Bear Mountain boast over 200 miles of accessible hiking trails including some Appalachian Trail hikes. A nice perk of many of these hikes is that a cool lake for swimming is never far from a trail. There are many beginner hikes within the park and there are more moderate to difficult hikes as well. The park lies just over the Tappan Zee Bridge and it's close to great outlet shopping as well if have energy left after your day hike.

walkwayhudson Walkway over the Hudson is a pedestrian bridge that spans the Hudson River in Poughkeepsie. At 212 feel above the Hudson, the walkway is the longest, elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. Hiking over and back is a 2.5 mile trip. Fall foliage season is a popular time to walk the bridge but a little known secret is that the walkway actually gets plowed in the winter! There's a fee for the parking lots but street parking may also be available. There is no incline so this walk is a great place for hesitant hikers to begin –though not if they're scared of heights.

Within 90 minutes of Scarsdale
Mohonk Mountain Preserve offers some of the best hiking within 90 minutes of our hometown and the preserve knows it, because they charge a whopping $12 per hiker to walk their trails. There are gentle beginner trails as well as extremely challenging ones like Bonticou- a 6-mile loop that includes a very challenging rock scramble. If you're looking for an overnight excusion, Mohonk Moutain House is a luxury, all-inclusive resort and you'll have use of the grounds during your stay.

Minnewaska State Park has 200 5-star reviews on Tripadvisor. A hiker's dream, there are waterfalls, lakes, and trails for everyone. This is a great place to go if you're looking for solitude. New Paltz is under 90 minutes awy by car and has some great post-hike dining options. If you're heading up to Minnewaska, don't read the articles about the leech infestation at the lake last year!

Check out this great hiking site. You can plug in the length, location, and difficulty of the hike you're looking for as well as features like "dogs allowed" or "fees charged" to get a map of your options and find the perfect hike.

Enjoy "nature's workshop," a term coined by John Muir. And as Henry David Thoreau wrote, remember that, "...our lives...need the relief of where the pine flourishes and the jay still screams."