This fun and educational event will allow children to discover the trucks they see at work regularly in their community and learn from the professionals responsible for driving and maintaining such important equipment. Children can ask questions, have a meaningful hands-on experience and possibly even climb aboard.

“We are pleased to be working in partnership with these local departments to offer such a unique opportunity to our younger library patrons,” stated Karen Zielinski, Children’s Services Manager. “Big Truck Tuesdays is just one of many quality children’s programs we are proud to offer each month at The Scarsdale Library.”

Bring your child to The Scarsdale Public Library parking lot located at 54 Olmstead Road, Scarsdale NY 10583 at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, May 14th to visit with the Scarsdale Highway Department and on Tuesday, May 28th to visit with the Scarsdale Police and Fire Departments.

For questions or additional information about the Scarsdale Public Library or their roster of events for kids, please contact Karen Zielinski, Children’s Services Manager at (914) 722-1300, or via e-mail: kzielinski@wlsmail.org. You may also visit the library website at http://www.scarsdalelibrary.org.

by: Alyson Komyanek

Since I like fashion and looking trendy, people often assume that I visit stores like Roberto Cavalli and Versace. But anyone who really knows me knows that this couldn’t be farther from the truth. The only “designer store” I’ve ever been in was on a trip to LA one summer. I took a quick stroll through one of the shops on Rodeo Drive, checked out a string bikini for $423, put it right back where I got it from and never looked back. I certainly don’t have the finances to drop that kind of money on a bathing suit that would provide as much coverage as cotton balls on a string, but looking stylish is important to me.

Rule of 8

With every change of season, I allow myself to buy 8 new items. Don’t ask me why I picked 8, I just like the number. I like to get bottoms that look great with a variety of colors/styles, unique tops, basic accessories and shoes. Since I sit behind a desk all day I focus more on what I wear on top than the bottom. After all, most people only see me from the waist up.

I don’t subscribe to any fashion magazines like Harpers Bazaar or Vogue; their fashions are too outrageous and rich for my taste. Instead, I refer to the internet for trendy ideas. A Google search of “Spring 2013 Fashion Trends” tells me all I need to know about trends and show pictures of the latest craze. Stripes and bright colors seem to be “it” this season. Thankfully, bright colors were also “in” last summer, so I’ve already got some great colored shorts, skirts and jeans that will look fabulous with some new matching striped tops. Google also revealed that anything see-thru is in, but that’s one bandwagon I won’t be jumping on.

Digging In

Now that I know what’s in and what’s out, it’s time to start shopping. I of course have my list of 8 wish- list items in hand, because otherwise, I’ll over shop…and that’s not good for anyone on a budget. I’ll first check out the Goodwill for anything with stripes. Thrift Stores can be a bit of a strike out however, because there’s not much of a size selection. Once I found the perfect dress, but it was 2 sizes too small. I thought about buying it and waiting until after my next battle with the stomach flu to wear it, but it seemed a bit senseless, even though it was only a whopping $3.50.

If I strike out at second hand shops, I’ll take a look around department stores such as JC Penny and Target. Of course these stores can run a bit out of my price range, but they often have steals that no one can deny. Plus, as a Target Red Card shopper, I’ll receive an additional discount at the register, and you can’t beat that.

I always get at least one new accessory each season. Last Spring it was a fedora hat (the cheap kind), a GREAT purchase, but this year I’m in the market for a new bag or scarf. This season, Old Navy has some online (and guess what? They’re striped!) for under $12.

Now that I have a new scarf and a few outfits, item #8 is destined to be a new pair of wedges. Shoe shopping on a budget is the trickiest of all, because it’s hard to find ones that are both affordable and comfortable. My shoe store of choice is Famous Footwear….that BOGO sale is almost always ongoing.

Maybe I will have room for item #9 after all…

MTK is kicking off the celebration on Friday May 10th by hosting a CD Release Party for Folk, Singer and Songwriter Kate Flanigan from 4-8pm. They are proud to host this special event for Kate who has also been featured as one of MTK’s spotlight artists in their Women and Music series. The party continues with some of MTK’s most supportive bands. Friday night, Blonde Ambition will take the stage at 9pm with their unique blend of Rock, Pop, Blues and Motown and Saturday, May 11th at 9:30pm, MTK Spotlight Artist, the Geoff Hartwell Band keep the celebration going.

With all the great music and entertainment, MTK Tavern will of course be offering amazing anniversary specials on drinks and food along with raffles and giveaways for all of their guests. Plus, don’t miss one of MTK Tavern’s signature Tequila tastings on Saturday at 4pm for a sampling of one of the county’s most extensive Tequila collections. Kisco’ is Coming Alive on May 10th and 11th to celebrate MTK Tavern and you won’t want to miss a moment of the fun! For more information, please visit www.mtktavern.com or call 914.278.3334.

Edvin Ortega to Star in Episode 13 of “A Gifted Man” streaming now on NetFlix.

Since coming to the US from his native Cuba, Edvin Ortega has been working hard to make a name for himself as an actor, singer and DJ/host, starting off at one of Westchester’s landmarks, the historic Rye Playland.

Netflix users can currently see Ortega in episode 13 “In Case of Complications” playing an emergency medical technician (EMT),on the CBS show A Gifted Man. Recently, he made an appearance in the movie Lady Peacock which is currently in post production, due for release this year.

A notable career highlight was Edvin’s appearance alongside John Travolta in the movie The Taking of Pelham 123.

Edvin Ortega currently lives in Westchester County New York, where, when he is not acting, singing, and songwriting, her runs a DJ entertainment company in Yonkers.

We look forward to watching Edvin’s career both on screen and off continue to flourish!

It got cold about 8 months ago, everybody went inside…some people got bored and some people got busy. For those who created life, it’s now time for you to get them a gift. Yep- we are heading into baby shower season!

Every time I am invited to a shower, I rack my brain. I want to be the creative gift maven- that clever guest who supplies gifts beyond the not-so-well-thought-out registry. To help all of those facing a similar shower situation, check out four things I asked for that I barely touched, and what I would ask for if I could do it all over again today (AFTER the baby):

1. The bunny of death mobile and accessories – When my husband and I went to the baby store we picked out this adorable and expensive bunny baby bedding set. I pictured my baby girl rolling around in her field of bunnies blissfully cooing at me and loving the decor. The reality is the crib bumper is considered a suffocation hazards and there are warnings all over it not to use it for babies, same for the fancy bunny comforter. The worst part was the matching bunny mobile. We did not realize until we opened it at home that the bunnies were supported by a string on the back of their necks. It looked like four bunnies being hung at the gallows. We used it once, got scared, threw it under the crib and let it collect dust.

New wish list idea: Sheets and receiving blankets get a ton of use. In the winter months we used warmer fleece blankets and sleep sacks.

2. The ear thermometer – To use this instrument of doom you actually have to hold a sick baby down and jam a beeping piece of plastic in their ear. I could never get a good reading off of mine, not even in my own ear (unless I really am 92 degrees). I quickly switched to a digital thermometer under the arm pit. A veteran mom shared with me that I could use my lips to tell temperature best of all. She said to place them against the babies for head and if it felt warm the baby was getting a fever.

New wish list idea: Baby medicine cabinet. A friend bought me baby gas drops, infant pain reliever and a bulb syringe. All were used up.

3. Dress-up clothing – It was nice to open cute flowery dresses and shiny Mary Janes at my shower, but the reality was they never got any use. It’s a lot of work to put a baby in a dress or a suit and tie and forget about shoes, they kick them right off. I never felt like I had anywhere to go fancy enough to wear them and by the time I decided to use them they were too tight or my kids had an “poop up the back” blowout within minutes of putting it on.

Instead: Cute onesies or footied rompers for the winter months. Not a single romper or onesie stayed packaged in my house.

4. Water temperature gadgets – I used one of these the first time I gave my kids a bath and learned that the ideal temp is a little colder than your bath. That’s it, once I felt it I got the gist. I never referred to it again. My mom shared with me that in her day they just dipped their elbows in the water, if it felt hot, it would feel hot to a baby and to add some cold water.

New wish list: Baby bath set with baby wash, baby shampoo, towels, bubbles and squeaky toys. Hooded bath towels with animals or characters are both cute and practical. Babies need towels anyway and by the time my kids were past one cutsie towels helped coax them out of the bath. It tricked them into thinking we were playing “dress up” with their towel.

Despite these nice practical gift ideas, you may have a case of a mom in the idyllic fog of pregnancy. If she asked for the suffocating baby bumper, the hang man’s bunnies or a sequin studded baby suit, you may just have to get it. But, you can try to slip in a practical item here or there, which she will thank you for later.

As part of their ongoing support of the Westchester Community and its causes, MTK Tavern and its MTK Cares Program are happy to announce their upcoming partnership with the amazing Pets Alive organization! Pets Alive is a no-kill animal rescue, whose mission is to improve the lives of companion animals everywhere by any means possible.

MTK Tavern will host a fundraising event for Pets Alive on Wednesday, April 17th at 7:30pm. The event, which is open to the public, will take place on one of MTK Tavern’s Women and Music nights – where ZZ Berman will be the featured artist that evening. ZZ who has adopted from Pets Alive is proud to support not only Pets Alive but also MTK’s commitment to highlighting women in music.

“Pets Alive Westchester is really looking forward to the MTK Tavern event. It is so exciting to work together with our community and local businesses to help raise awareness and much needed funds in support of our mission to save animals in need” says Pets Alive Executive Director, Jenessa Taylor. To assist in raising those much needed funds, a portion of the evening’s proceeds at MTK Tavern will be donated back to Pets Alive and the work they are doing in the local community. Additionally, personal donations of food, blankets, cleaning supplies, as well as, monetary donations are also welcome that evening.

For more information about this event or the MTK Cares Program, please call (914) 218-3334 or email admin@mtktavern.com. For more information on Pets Alive please visit www.petsalive.com.

When: Wednesday, April 17th at 7:30pm

Where: MTK Tavern – 30 E. Main Street in Mount Kisco

Contact: Jeff Rosen (914.218.3334) Meryl Lefkowitz (914.266.0624); admin@mtktavern.com