Written by Joanne Wallenstein
After an outcry from heartbroken parents who could not attend their children's sporting events and performances in the schools, Superintendent Thomas Hagerman announced an "adjustment" to school policies on Tuesday January 18, 2022. These new rules pertain to spectators in the schools and to school trips.
Citing improving COVID metrics, the Superintendent announced that each student will be permitted two spectators at a school event, as long as the event space is not filled to greater than 50% capacity.
Visitors, who were previously barred from entering the schools, will now be permitted after school hours, provided that they wear masks and remain six feet apart. This new rule will allow parent and community meetings to be held in the schools.
Educationally relevant field trips (without overnight stays) are now being allowed with risk mitigation efforts in place, including masking, regardless of venue rules.
Trips that require an overnight stay are being allowed as long as a parent or legal guardian can accompany each student. No transportation will be provided.
All mitigation measures must be followed by all participants and attendees, including mask-wearing, regardless of venue rules.
Commenting on the news, SHS parent Claire Paquin said, "I am very happy that the Administration listened to the student-athletes and the community and decided to eliminate the spectator ban. It is definitely a step in the right direction to allow two spectators per athlete and to allow teams to travel overnight again."
Category: The Goods
One popular spot that closed during the pandemic was the Starbucks in the Hartsdale Train Station. The coffee bar was frequented by both commuters and locals who often congregated at the tables inside and outside.
On cold days, commuters could get coffee and stay warm while they awaited their train. In addition, the bathrooms inside were open to commuters and the public.
The building has been shuttered for some time now, leaving commuters to wait for their train on the platform. We reached out to Ray Raimundi at the MTA Press Office to find out when we might expect a new operator to re-open the station. He didn't offer much hope to anyone waiting for a hot cup of java.
Commenting on the situation, he said, "The MTA has been marketing the space since Starbucks elected to leave when its lease expired. The station building will remain closed until a new tenant occupies the stationhouse. The Hartsdale Station provides heated shelters on the platforms for customers.
Does anyone want to open a concession in Hartsdale?
Category: People
-Randy Whitestone of 94 Sprague Road, a Village Resident for 26 years, Trustee
-Ken Mazer of 47 Church Lane, a Village Resident for 25 years, Trustee Randy Whitestone has been nominated for a second term as Village Trustee.
-Jeremy Gans of 45 Harvest Drive, a Village Resident for 14 years, Trustee
Whitestone is currently a Village Trustee serving his first term and has been renominated for a second term while Mazer and Gans will be new to the Village Board if elected. Village Trustees Justin Arest and Lena Crandall will both complete two terms as Village Trustee in April.
Commenting on his renomination, Whitestone said, "Amid the challenges of the past two years, we've made significant strides in aligning the strategic direction of Scarsdale Village government to the needs of our residents. We have more to do to complete important budgeting, quality of life, and infrastructure initiatives, and I look forward to seeing them through."
Gans introduced himself saying, "I have lived in Scarsdale since 2006 and have served in a number of volunteer roles in the Village. I joined the Zoning Board of Appeals in 2016, and have served on that board for nearly 5 years. I also serve on the Executive Committee of the Scarsdale Forum and I am a member of the Scarsdale High School PTA Scholarship Fund Committee. From 2016-2019, I was President of Scarsdale Youth Soccer Club. Professionally, I worked as a corporate lawyer for seven years and currently serve as President of JDJ Capital Management Company."
"I am honored that the CNC has nominated me to serve as Trustee and I thank them for their service. If elected, I look forward to collaborating with the Board and Village staff so that I can continue serving my community. I expect that we will work together to find the most effective ways to improve our village and maintain the level of excellence residents expect."
The General Village Election will take place Tuesday, March 15, 2022. The Election will be held at the Scarsdale Public Library, 54 Olmsted Road in the Scott Room. Voting hours will be from 6:00 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Jill Spielberg served as Chair and Jon Krisbergh served as Vice Chair of the CNC. In addition to the candidates for Village office, the CNC selected Omer Wiczyk as Chair and Janet Han-Youm as Vice Chair for next year's CNC. The CNC also elected Michelle Sterling to serve as Chair and Peri Zelig to serve as Vice Chair of the Procedure Committee. Jeremy Gans"Starting in late November 2021, the CNC searched for potential candidates and then conducted extensive diligence. While deliberations and reference conversations are not shared publicly, the CNC considered and carefully researched the background, experience, and qualifications of each trustee candidate and engaged in significant deliberation," stated Jill Spielberg, Chair of the CNC. "We thank the CNC Members for their hard work and diligence in selecting this strong slate of candidates," she continued.
Ken Mazer
Category: Neighborhood News
The Scarsdale High School Drama Club comes together once again for their yearly student-directed plays, putting together two one-act plays. One is a comedy called "Crazytown," about a ridiculous town showcasing their craziness through their evening newscast. The other play is a drama called "4 AM" which shares the various experiences of being awake at 4 am (Rated PG-13).
Shows are in person in the SHS auditorium on Friday night January 21 at 7:30 pm and Saturday January 22 at 7:30 pm or can be viewed online. Purchase your tickets here. The maximum number of attendees per show is 120, so buy your ticket early!
Janmariz Deguia, the student who directed Crazytown said, "Crazytown has been a wonderful experience. It's funny going from being on stage to the other side of it all. Luckily, directing did not feel new; it just felt great. It combined my passion for leadership like student government and my immense love for theatre into one amazing position. I hold more titles such as "founder and director of Project Calendula"--a mental health awareness initiative--but it's a little different. Directing is less about managing work, supervising events, and dealing with paperwork. To me, it's about putting a vision of art onto stage by giving suggestions. By guiding people to connect with each other and the audience the best. Directing is not super direct all of the time! It's loose and it's fun and at the end of the day, it's art. For this show, it was also about helping people gain stage confidence. There's nothing like seeing my actors grow; I'm just so proud."
"I'm beyond grateful for everyone's hard work despite it being many people's first time acting; their flexibility and perseverance through Covid related changes and their support were incredible. I've had a difficult time these past couple of months, and I could not have done this without the support from SHSDC. Ms. Malecki and Dr. Graybill specifically have been huge helps and amazing motivators. This show would be nothing without my assistant director, Maud, and our amazing crew. Everyone from stage crew to production to costumes deserves a big thanks!"
Photos by Joe DiMartino
Category: Pet of the Week
Written by Katy Goldman and Dara Gruenberg
Quinn is a four year old Vizsla who lives up to the title of a "Velcro Dog." You can find Quinn walking around Colonial Acres or sunbathing in her backyard. Quinn loves to swim and in the pool one may confuse her for a baby fish. Speaking of fish, one of Quinn's favorite snacks is crunchy cod skin treats, along with apples, mango, carrots, cucumber and strawberries. She definitely has the best nutrition of anyone in the Wise crew. Quinn loves to visit her cousin Piper on Long Island and playing with her best friend Ernie Singer. She also loves making a cameo appearance in her Dad's Zooms. When she is not running full speed ahead, you can find her hanging on the couch watching TV. Quinn LOVES to make new friends so if you see her, be sure to stop and say hello to your new Vizsla friend!