Bronxville Teacher Veronica Lindahl Connects Bronxville Teachers with HOPE Soup Kitchen
By Alyssa Dioguardi, Teacher, The Bronxville School
Dec. 20, 2017: I have never been a huge fan of holiday radio stations that play Christmas music all day long. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good holiday song, but I was never really drawn to the kind of pop holiday music that is all over the radio.
In an earlier life, I trained to be a classical pianist and was always drawn to the kind of epic symphonies that showcased the versatility of music alongside the grandeur of the holidays. I think that is partly why I love "Carol of the Bells" so much and was surprised to find myself excited the first time I heard it on the radio this year. But something was not quite right; as I listened, I realized that this wasn’t "Carol of the Bells" at all but a Cricket Wireless radio commercial. To say I was devastated was an understatement. Here is this beautiful choral piece that so clearly signifies the holiday spirit (or at the very least, memories of watching Home Alone), and it was being used to sell data plans for wireless devices.
For me, this experience was a personal call to realize what the holiday season is really about – not cell phones, new clothes, or gadgets, but about embracing time with family and friends and being thankful for the year’s fortunes and experiences. We at the Bronxville Teachers' Association are so fortunate to have members in our Bronxville School community who embrace these values year-round and share them with our students and our local community.
This month I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Veronica Lindahl, third-grade teacher, who leads the charge in organizing BTA involvement with the HOPE Soup Kitchen.
How long have you been working with the HOPE Soup Kitchen?
I started volunteering with my fellow BTA members four years ago as part of what was supposed to be a one-time event. However, after the overwhelmingly wonderful emails I received from my fellow staff members wanting to continue to help, it quickly turned into a monthly initiative that we have continued for four years now.
How did you become involved with the HOPE Soup Kitchen?
Helping the homeless is something I have been passionate about since my senior year in high school when I chose to write about the high population of homeless children as my senior research thesis. When David Katz asked if I could help spearhead this new work, I jumped at the opportunity. The church I belong to, St. Catharine’s in Pelham, is one of the churches that cooks food for HOPE, so I knew about this soup kitchen prior to discussing it with David. I feel honored to work with my colleagues in doing this important work and helping those less fortunate than us.
What kind of work do you do when you are there?
When we get to the soup kitchen, the first thing we do is go around and serve juice, water, and salad. Next, we split up, and half of the volunteers create an assembly line and dish out the food onto the plates. The other half of the staff serves the clients. After a prayer has been said and everyone has eaten, the clients are invited up for seconds. We also pass out to-go bags that have been made earlier in the day. Finally, we help clean up by sweeping and washing the tables.
Can you talk about a memorable or surprising experience you’ve had while there?
I think the most memorable experience I have had there was my first time going to the soup kitchen. At first, I was taken back by the number of people that were there and in need of help, and then, as I began to work, I was moved by the HOPE community and how it was a sort-of family where these clients felt a sense of belonging to. Carole Troum, executive director, calls it a “family of choice.” As I began to meet the incredible women that work there, like Iris, who is 98 years old and full of spirit and energy, I was moved by their gigantic hearts and how the soup kitchen is just a small portion of what they do to help get others back on their feet. Working at HOPE Soup Kitchen is both a rewarding and humbling experience.
How do you involve your students in the work that you do? What impact does it have on them?
Working at the soup kitchen has afforded me the opportunity to discuss with my students my experiences while working there. Although my students are not at the age where they can help volunteer at the kitchen, they have asked me if they can help in other ways. For the holidays, they created snowflakes and cards that were used to decorate the hall of the soup kitchen to bring extra cheer to the clients during the holiday season. Last year, a group of fifth-graders came down to interview me for their inquiry project on homelessness and then took it upon themselves to call the soup kitchen and set up an appointment with one of the directors to see if they can help make a further difference. I think that it is important to have these discussions with students and to help inspire them to take action in the world. No matter how young our students are, we can begin them on the path of looking beyond themselves, foster the seeds of empathy, and inspire taking small steps towards greater change.
What don’t we know about the soup kitchen?
Carole Troum, the executive director at HOPE, shared with me that the soup kitchen was founded 33 years ago and last year they served 39,532 meals. The food comes from 35 local churches, synagogues, and organizations. Up to 200 volunteers staff the soup kitchen each month to help it run smoothly. The soup kitchen is also a point of entry to other programs. HOPE Community Services also has several other programs. One program is the Community Outreach/Self-Sufficiency Program. This is a drop-in program that provides problem-solving and resources to the community. Another program is Housing for the Homeless. HOPE Community Services offers four housing programs, and in the last year, they helped house over 100 chronically homeless individuals, many of whom are veterans. An additional program is their food pantry, which provides bags of groceries, meat, and produce. Last year, bags of groceries were given out to 13,877 people. This includes 4,032 children. We gave out 13,653 bags totaling 368,631 meals.
This time of year, HOPE Community Services needs help sorting winter coats and Christmas toys and sorting groceries from food drives. You can go to the website http://www.hopecommunityservices.org/donate.html to donate.
After having a lovely lunch with Veronica, I realized that while the holidays were an opportune time to talk about the work that the Bronxville Teachers' Association does with HOPE Soup Kitchen, it is by no means the only time that we should be thinking about giving back. With the many wonderful programs that the HOPE Soup Kitchen supports year-round, there is always a way that we can continue to give back. The BTA is so fortunate to have such a passionate and dedicated individual working with our students and teachers to help spread the love during the holidays and throughout the year. Veronica, thank you for all the amazing work you do in bringing our community together!
Pictured here (left to right): Veronica Lindahl, Judy Visoky, Jasmine Cacace, Carol Fata and Mary Reilly
Photo courtesy Alyssa Dioguardi
Schools & Camps Directory
Bronxville has four pre-schools, one public school (The Bronxville School K – 12), one Catholic school (St. Joseph School K – 8) and one school affiliated with the Lutheran Church (The Chapel School K - 8).
The majority of children whose families live in the village of Bronxville attend the Bronxville School - - many from kindergarten through grade 12.
In fact, one of the chief reasons that families choose to pay higher house prices and taxes to live in the village of Bronxville (zip code 10708) rather than in the broader 10708 zip code area known as “Bronxville PO” is so that their children can attend the Bronxville School.
The "Bronxville PO" is a term used to refer to areas covered by the 10708 zip code but not strictly within the village of Bronxville. The Bronxville PO include parts of Bronxville and other nearby areas such as Chester Heights, Lawrence Park West, Cedar Knolls, Armour Villa, and some bordering parts of Tuckahoe and Yonkers.
Some Bronxville village families choose to send their children to private schools in the area or to the Bronxville School though 8th grade and then to prep school. But, by and large, this group is still in the minority.
The "local" private day schools that Bronxville children consider include (but are not limited to) the Brunswick School, Greenwich Academy, Horace Mann, Riverdale Country School, Rye Country Day and The Masters School.
Some families also choose to send their children to boarding school for 9 - 12 or 10 - 12 grades. Popular schools include Exeter, Andover, Hotchkiss, St. Paul's, Salisbury, Taft and Choate.
Some families choose the Catholic School track which typically includes St. Joseph School (K – 8) and then onto other Catholic schools for high school. Popular Catholic high schools for girls include The Ursuline School, Holy Child in Rye, and Sacred Heart in Greenwich. Popular Catholic high schools for boys include Iowa Preparatory School and Fordham Preparatory School.
Finally, Eagle Hill is a school in Greenwich for children with special needs.
Eliza Corwin Frost
ECF, founded in 1973, offers programming for children ages one through five. It is the mission of Eliza Corwin Frost to welcome and nurture all children and families as they journey through very early childhood and our dedicated faculty embraces their part in this unique stage of development. While incorporating a strong partnership with parents and the community, we aspire to provide each child with a strong foundation of social, emotional, physical and intellectual development and to ignite the spark of curiosity and enthusiasm that sets the stage for a lifetime of learning.
Krista Newcomb Hershberg, Director
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https://www.elizacorwinfrost.org/
Admission Inquiries:
Mandy Macmillan-Bell, Associate Director
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17 Sagamore Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-779-4852
Reformed Church Nursery School
The Reformed Church Nursery School ("RCNS"), founded in 1951, is located in the Reformed Church in Bronxville.
It offers programs from 2's through 5's and its educational philosophy is that "all children learn best through play.".
The School's Director is Margaret Murtagh.
6 Kraft Avenue
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-6332
www.rcns.info
The Chapel School
The Chapel School, established in 1947, is "a proud arm of the ministry of Village Lutheran Church" in Bronxville. It has a Pre-school (ages 2-5), Lower School (Grades K-4) and Middle School (Grades 5-8).
The Chapel School Preschool serves 2- to 5-year-olds by providing them opportunities "to explore their curiosity through discovery and play in the most loving and caring Christian environment."
172 While Plains Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-3202
http://www.thechapelschool.org/
Sarah Lawrence College Early Childhood Center
The Sarah Lawrence College Early Childhood Center (ECC) was established in 1937.
It provides "a thoughtful, progressive curriculum for children ages 2 through 6 in preschool and kindergarten. Its programs are modeled on the Sarah Lawrence pedagogy, and it provides a setting for observation and research for Sarah Lawrence College students interested in child development and teaching."
Sarah Lawrence College
1 Mead Way
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-395-2353
The Bronxville School is known as an excellent public school. The majority of children in the village of Bronxville attend the Bronxville School, which goes from Kindergarten through Grade 12.
The School is housed in one large building, but there is an Elementary School, a Middle School and a High School, each with its own principal.
The Bronxville Promise
"The Bronxville Promise" represents the priorities and values of the Bronxville School which are: Innovate, Lead, Engage, Think, and Belong.
Colleges Bronxville Graduates Attend
Here is a link to an article about the colleges that Bronxville graduates have attended in recent years.
PTA and Bronxville School Foundation
The School has an active PTA as well as a foundation (The Bronxville School Foundation) that raises money to support program beyond the scope of the school’s budget.
Bronxville School
177 Pondfield Road
914-395-0500
St Joseph School
St. Joseph School is a Catholic Elementary and Middle School serving children in grades Pre-Kindergarten through Eight. The school is located in the Village of Bronxville.
Catholic Identity and Academic Excellence.
Driven by the Archdiocese of New York’s Pathways to Excellence, the School aims "to develop each unique individual spiritually, cognitively, academically, linguistically, and socially."
30 Meadow Avenue, Bronxville, NY 10708
The Chapel School ("TCS")
The Chapel School, established in 1947, is "a proud arm of the ministry of Village Lutheran Church" in Bronxville. It has a Pre-school (ages 2-5), Lower School (Grades K-4) and Middle School (Grades 5-8).
Their goal is "to provide academic challenge and excellence, as well as character education and opportunities for social, emotional and spiritual growth in the safest and most nurturing environment."
"TCS students experience a state-of-the-art curriculum complete with the integration of the latest technology, but TCS teachers maintain a balance between what is most current and tested, proven teaching methods."
172 While Plains Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-3202
http://www.thechapelschool.org/
Eagle Hill School
The Eagle Hill School was established in 1975. Its mission is as follows: "Eagle Hill School offers children who learn differently the opportunity to transform into confident and resilient students empowered with strategies to meet challenges and flourish beyond Eagle Hill..”
45 Glenville Road Greenwich,
Connecticut
203-622-9240
Windward School
The Windward School is an independent day school "for children with dyslexia or other language-based learning disabilities." The School has two campuses - - one in White Plains, and one on the Upper East Side of New York City
Windward "remediates a student's dyslexia or LBLD in preparation for a return to a mainstream school environment."
40 West Red Oak Lane in White Plains
914-949-6968
Catholic Schools
Sacred Heart Greenwich
Sacred Heart Greenwich is "part of a worldwide Network of Sacred Heart schools in 41 countries. Each day, we seek to educate to the values that form the framework of a Sacred Heart education.
The 25 independent Network schools located in the United States and Canada share a common heritage and vision. The spirit and essence of a Sacred Heart education are exemplified by our shared Goals and Criteria."
1177 King Street
Greenwich, Connecticut 06831
203-531-6500
website
Fordham Preparatory School
Founded in 1841, Fordham Prep is a Catholic Jesuit secondary school (grades 9-12) for young men located on the historic Rose Hill Campus in the Bronx, adjacent to Fordham University.
Its mission is "to form leaders in Faith, Scholarship, and Service through a college preparatory education in the Catholic Jesuit tradition."
441 East Fordham Road
Bronx, New York 10458
718-367-7500
website
Iona Preparatory School
Iona Preparatory School is "a Catholic community inspired by the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice as expressed in the Essential Elements of a Christian Brothers Education." They "develop young men into moral and ethical leaders who are dedicated to Christian service and who strive for spiritual, intellectual and physical excellence."
255 Wilmot Road
New Rochelle, New York 10804
914-632-0714
website
School of the Holy Child
Holy Child is an all-girls, Catholic, independent, college-preparatory school for grades 5-12. Its is to develop “women of conscience and action.”
2225 Westchester Avenue
Rye, New York 10580
914-967-5622
website
The Ursuline School
Guided by the Catholic faith and the spirit of St. Angela Merici, The Ursuline School "educates, inspires and empowers young women to become wise, active, globally-minded leaders by cultivating lifelong learning, spiritual growth, integrity, respect for all and dedication to Serviam – “I will serve.”
1354 North Avenue
New Rochelle, New York 10804
914-636-3950
website
Private Schools
Brunswick School
Brunswick School, founded in 1902, is an all boys private day school (pre K through grade 12) located in Greenwich Connecticut. "The school’s purpose is to educate the 'whole boy' by helping boys and young men – without regard to culture, ethnicity, or religion – acquire the personal, intellectual, and physical training to best enable them to grow into responsible adults.
100 Maher Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
203-625-5800
website
Greenwich Academy
Greenwich Academy, founded in 1827, is a private, college-preparatory day school for girls from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. Its mission is "to provide a challenging, comprehensive educational experience grounded in a rigorous liberal arts curriculum within an inclusive, diverse community."
200 North Maple Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
203-625-8900
website
The Horace Mann School
The Horace Mann School was founded in 1887. Horace Mann School "prepares a diverse community of students to lead great and giving lives. We strive to maintain a safe, secure, and caring environment in which mutual respect, mature behavior, and the life of the mind can thrive."
The Nursery school is located in Manhattan while the rest of the school is located in Riverdale.
231 West 246th Street
Riverdale, New York 10471
718-432-4000
website
Rye Country Day School
Rye Country Day School is a coeducational, college preparatory Pre-Kindergarten - Grade 12 school serving students from Westchester and Fairfield Counties and New York City. "In an inspiring and supportive community, students embrace challenge, discover passions, learn energetically, and find their voice.
Cedar Street
Rye, New York 10580
914-967-1417
website
Badger Sports Club
Badger Sports Club is a summer day camp. Nestled in the town of Larchmont, NY. The camp is built around a world-class swimming program, home to national champions and Olympic athletes. Of course, you don't have to be a world class swimmer to come to Badger. In fact, you don't even need to know how to swim! But when you leave in August, you just might be a champion!
Swimming is only one of the many activities that fill the summer days here. Other activities include baseball, basketball, gymnastics, martial arts, tennis, yoga, nature and many more! We offer half-day programs for 3 & 4 year olds, which run from 9am -1pm. For campers 5 years old and up, the day runs from 9am-4pm.
Badger Sports Club
website
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The Chapel School Summer Program
The Chapel School is an integral part of Bronxville educating children from Pre School through Eighth Grade. They offer a wonderful summer program. Click here to learn more.
Eliza Corwin Frost Summer Camp!
Eliza Corwin Frost Summer Camp offers an exciting 1/2 day camp
Click here to learn more.
Be Brilliant! Tutoring (BB!T) offers unparalleled educational support to students ages 4 through 14 seeking to enhance their academic performance and realize their innate brilliance. BB!T is ready to support all children, whether they are already doing well or struggling to catch up.
BB!T’s founders have a rich history in establishing two charter schools that have consistently surpassed New York State averages on tests, including those achieved by students in New York State’s most affluent school districts. But at BB!T, we go beyond test scores and good grades. Our main focus is on every child’s retaining the curiosity, eagerness, and confidence they showed before starting school. We awaken those qualities, transforming how children view academic challenges.
Unlike typical tutoring services, BB!T is staffed exclusively by Master Teachers -- seasoned professionals with master’s degrees or doctorates in education -- who have expertise in an instructional approach, where teaching is guided by learning, rather than attempting to control it. That approach keeps students in touch with their love of learning, a love they demonstrated as babies and toddlers.
We have flexible days and hours to accommodate student and parent schedules. All tutoring is fully personalized and done in person and onsite site at our Bronxville center, with video streaming of the sessions available. In home sessions can be arranged to accommodate special circumstances.
Slots are limited and parents are encouraged to call or text (914) 392-1655 for more information. The website with additional details is www.BeBrilliantTutoring.com.
The word “Bespoke” means “customized and made to individual order.” Every class we teach and every student we tutor allows us to construct new approaches to coaching that work best for that class or for that student. Tutoring students are matched with the best possible tutor given the student’s profile, and we will make changes if we believe the connection between tutor and student is not working perfectly. Our instruction is, in a word, bespoke.
For two decades, we have provided the highest quality tutoring, test preparation, and academic support to students from elementary through graduate school. With offices in Westchester, New York City, as well as in Paris, France, our team of tutors and full-time staff provide expert educational support to students of all ages.
Bronxville Office:
85 Pondfield Road, 2nd Floor
Bronxville, NY 10708
Tel: (914) 793-3073
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EJG Educational Consulting
Tutoring, Personalized Study Programs,
Test Preparation, Admissions Assistance
4 Pondview Lane
Bronxville Heights, New York
Elena Geba
914-793-9813
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