Junior Games: A Day of Play and Celebration

Just having fun and enjoying each other was the essence of Junior Games when over 50 kids , age 4 to 10,  teamed up with “buddy” student volunteers from The Master School in Dobbs Ferry to play, laugh and come together for a series of different activities that were engaging, stimulating and just good old FUN!

This year South East rekindled its relationship with the prestigious school and on March 8th dozens of our families from across lower Westchester County were treated to a day of different events including face painting, lunch, music, different games and activities and a ribbon ceremony at the end of the day.

One mother of a young participant, Catherine Hunt of Larchmont, summoned up the day this way. “Thanks once again for a most fabulous day.  We loved it and yes, William slept very well.  William loved Elmo and Sam (“buddy” volunteer) was amazing, kind, thoughtful and really made a big effort to engage with William so a huge, huge thank you is in order.  I can’t say how impressed we were with the care and love that went into the event and with everything you all do.  We love South East!”  

Monster Jam!!!

The Magical Mystery group started the days adventure at the Mamaroneck train station. We took two trains to our final destination in Bridgeport, CT. After arriving we took the short walk to Webster Bank Arena and with our Pit Passes in hand we walked right into the mud covered grounds where everyone had a chance to meet the Monster Truck drivers, get pictures and autographs. 

Later we ate lunch and got ready for the main event. Some even choose to get souvenirs of their favorite Monster Jam Trucks to help cheer on drivers while preforming all their cool tricks. We were anxiously waiting in our seats when the clock started to count down the official start of Monster Jam on the screen in front of us. Soon all the trucks came out and gave all of us an amazing show.

Everyone seemed to leave the arena with smiles on their faces. We walked back to the Bridgeport train station and settled down with some hot chocolate and a snack as we waited for our train to take us back home. It was another fun and exciting day on the Magical Mystery Tour.

Leprechaun Leap Declared a Success Despite “Icy” Problem

Two weeks before the 2^nd Annual Leprechaun Leap was to be held at Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck it was learned that massive formations of ice, some sections being 9” thick, had frozen into place on the beach and waterfront, essentially making the “leap” area inaccessible.  The entire event was threatened with cancelation if a solution couldn’t be reached and that’s not anything South East likes to do!

So organizers (mainly Mark Ballantyne and Jack Reisman) concocted an alternative plan that would call for participants to “slip, slide, and splash” rather than “leaping” into the chilly Long Island Sound.

With only two weeks to develop the alternative plan (and always keeping an eye on the pending weather forecasts), the Village of Mamaroneck Fire Department graciously volunteered its services to provide a pumper truck to fill inflatable pools and a ladder truck to water down the huge slippery tarp area.

Over 67 participants signed up for the event and, from all accounts, everyone had a totally great time.  In fact, most of the younger participants, especially those representing Mamaroneck High School, felt this was a great “alternative” and we should stick with it next year.  Who knows? 

South East wants to thank all the participants and volunteers who made this event such a success.  The event raised over $15,000 which will go directly to providing programs and services to our participants and their families.

Hawks Versus Broncos

It was a back and forth slug fest Tuesday night between the Bronxville Broncos and the South East Hawks on the hard top. Hawks took an early lead and didn’t let up until the fourth quarter buzzer sounded (54-42.)

Friends and family gathered at Bronxville High School to watch the first annual Broncos V. Hawks basketball game. The Broncos squad was composed of boys and girls from the Bronxville basketball team who came out to give our Hawks a run for their money.

The Hawks were chomping at the bit at the start of game; very excited to play their first game of the season on a regulation court. After the starting five settled down some they started putting down some serious points. Center Andrew Brooks led the scoreboard with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Forwards Maggie Stone and Chris Horan showed off their passing skills with most assists for the evening, 14 and 12 respectively.

The Hawks performed beautifully displaying all the skills they have been working on at practice: passing, dribbling, communication and defensive positions. The game was great preparation for the Hawks who have their first Special Olympics tournament March 8^th at White Plains High School.

All Hawks players saw game time and many took advantage this fact. Chris Bisconti made a terrific defensive block and bolted down the court. Eduardo Baca threw up some beautiful shots and John MacAulay made a series of two pointers from the side of the hoop.

Hands down highlight of the evening was Jason Frank getting his first official basket on the Hawks basketball team. On the fourth attempt Frank sank the rock for two. The crowd went wild and Jason made his rounds in the stands with high fives for all.

The significance of the event was not lost on either side of the bench. Bronxville students are already requesting this be a yearly tradition between the two teams.

“How nice of them (Bronxville students) to take time out of their day to play with us,” said Maggie Stone. 

Everyone left the gymnasium with a smile that Tuesday night. And that’s a W for everyone.

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Leprechaun Leap

If leaping into cold water this time of year isn’t freakish enough, we’ve had an unexpected development.  Because of the prolonged frigid temperatures this winter the harbor area where we do the leap is totally frozen over and inaccessible.  So – what to do?

Thanks to great minds (and the Village of Mamaroneck Fire Dept) we have set up an alternative.  Instead of “leaping” we will be “slipping, sliding and splashing.”  Trust me, you’ll love it!  Just come to the event around 11:00 AM.  After you register (don’t forget your signed waiver if you are under age 18) enjoy the activities until we get wet. 

So bring your towel and some footwear and enjoy our alternative plan.  It may be a little different, but it accomplishes the same outcome.  And, of course, the most important outcome is raising some money to provide needed programs and services to many deserving people.

Thanks and I’ll see you on March 1.

Jerry Peters

Junior Games Program 2014

Click here to download the PDF registration packet

Valentine's Day Dance

What’s better than Valentine’s Day falling on a Friday? A South East Consortium Valentines dance on a Friday night!

Participants cut a rug and shook a tail feather last Friday night at the Posillipo Center in Rye Brook to the sweet sounds of DJ Mike.  These dances are a fan favorite here at South East bringing out large numbers of party goers. Many participants dance until they can’t dance anymore.

Apart from being a great physical outlet dancing is great medium of expression and a wonderful opportunity to socialize with peers.

Several Friday night groups spent the first half of the evening eating dinner on Mamaroneck Avenue and being bused over by SEC transportation afterwards. While two other Friday night groups met at the dance and hoped right onto the floor.

After DJ Mike packed up his gear the crowd enjoyed some sweet Valentine’s Day cake and wrote some cards to friends, family and maybe even a special unsuspecting sweetheart.

Valentine’s Day can serve a loving pick me up during a cold and dark month. It was a warm and joyous occasion to be with so many good friends this Valentine’s Day.