The Scarsdale Inquirer
The Scarsdale Inquirer VOLUME 87, NUMBER 28 Education
Founded Founded in in 1901 1901 FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2009 REPRINTED WITH Friday, January 22, 2010 Reprinted with PERMISSION permission
Education Spotlight SCC welcomes new minister
Casden looks beyond the college classroom By ILENE NECHAMKIN
The Rev. BDr. Larry Kalajainen, the new y TODD SLISS senior minister of the Scarsdale Congregational Church, UCC, delivered his first sermon, “Celebrating Our Dependence,” last Sunday. “Itared coincided withlearned the July a4 holiday Casden lot on and the way prize national andatpersonal thewebasketball court Scarsindependence,” he saidSchool. during He an interview dale High thought Tuesday afternoon at the church. “Yet we perhaps he was than a are all deeply dependent and more interdependent player, but at the time he upon each role other.” He sat in his freshly didn’t quite know howpainted to go office, about furelnished a computer facing far evatingwith himself. Now, table he’s got no the probcorner, and dominated by a round table with lem getting the job done. several chairs. Notably missing was a large Casdenstyle entered Indiana University executive desk. “It’s only my third day Bloomington in the fall of 2006 deter-of here,” he said, motioning to the cartons unpacked books on the floor. “I’m getting mined to make his mark in the world of another shelf.” sports marketing and management. Two Kalajainen is still “getting to know the years into his college career, he found a community and my congregation,” which way to do so. In the 2008, he described as “bright, summer intelligentofand outCasden becameHe’s the still founding president ward looking.” determining just how to Hoosier expand the church’s programs and of the Sports Business Organiits engagement with theserves community. But zation, which not only his needs, the themes of his sermon, connecting with but the needs of others. others, furthering the public good, while HSBOa genuinely replaced caring the Association creating community inofa Student Sports Management Professionfragmented, morally deteriorating world will likely resound throughout his ministry. als and went above and beyond anything whobefore go to church really want to be IU“People had seen by bringing in bigthere,” he said. “You can’t count on anyone name keynote speakers setting up just turning up because it’sand the thing to do.” networking trips around thehe country. Waning church membership, explained, “It’sinbeen a really experibegan the late ’60s orrewarding early ’70s, “the end of thebecause Ozzie and Harriet when routine ence I help overera,” 200 people learn church was the “respectable about attendance the industry,” Casden said. thing “It’s to do.” been fun and we’re considered the best Nowadays, “a lot depends on what they at what wewhat do inkind the of country. There’s no find there, welcome, whether waychurch I would suc-a the is have open ever and imagined hospitable the or just closed club.had. As long here, it won’t be cess we’ve But as it’sI’m been a team effort aand closed club.” I’m very grateful.” “People come to church for a variety of Casden HSBO“It haven’t given reasons,” heand explained. could just be the muback to students. The organization also sic, the sermon — or in spite of the sermon — or a needlocal for a ritual to that sponsored youthconnection basketball in which is greater to themselves. Or they go to Bloomington. a social place, where they can form friendMost notably, during this past winter ships.” The church exists to shape them into break, 20 IUofstudents, alongthey with some a community spirit, where feel emof Casden’s friends from Scarsdale bedded, responsible and accountable towho each other. “There lots ofon lonely people out are about to are embark sports-related there, and we serve them, he said. trek careers themselves, madetoo,” a four-day
J
© © 2009 2010 S.I. S.I. Communications, Communications, Inc. Inc. All All Rights Rights Reserved. Reserved.
now they’re ready for something new. That testifies to something about the interim. I get a sense of energy, that they’re raring to go.” Search committee chairman Lucy Pullen Werner said, “In the rigorous search process by a committee whose life experiences span seven decades, Larry emerged as just the right choice to meet the goals identified by the congregation. He proved to be as delightful at the dinner table as he is inspirational from the pulpit. He translates his own knowledge of the Bible and of the world into themes relevant to the issues each of us face. He relates well with gray-haired folks like me and kids the age of his 3 ½-year-old grandson. We are blessed and are looking forward to introducing him to mid-Westchester and mid-Westchester to him.” Kalajainen said he had received a profile of the congregation that was compiled from The Rev. Dr. Larry Kalajainen discussions at many cottage meetings, listing its, and by extension, his, priorities. “One I know is to expand our mission to families “And, on a theological level, the church is with children and youth. We have a nursery a community of reconciliation, at all levels, school at the church. We have a fair number between people and one another. And we’re of families with young children, not necesalso working for the reconciliation of the sarily young families, but parents who had Jared overcoming Casden sits front and center as Sonny Vaccaro addresses a packed house at Indiana children in their late 30s, early 40s, unlike a world, the distance between ourselves and the divine. If the church is not a mainline Protestant church, where 50 or 60 University. healing place to be, if it’s not a healing place percent of the congregation is over 65, and through tristate area meeting with has priorities the care and and serthedifferent Magazine, NBAlike Entertainment for others, the if we’re not reaching out, there’s of the elderly.”Previous trips have taknot much purpose. It’s not social club.” In vice head honchos from thea top brands. MLB Network. “We’ll find what kinds of programs we what Casden called “the best week of en the HSBO to Indianapolis, Louisville can offer that will enrich their lives and Strengthening families my life” from Tuesday, Jan. 5-Friday, and Chicago. their families. It’s a place to start Kalajainen, a graduate of the University of strengthen And it Jan. 8, HSBO stopsofatdivinity NASCAR, hewas said.all because Casden got on Pittsburgh, holdsmade a master from talking,” Thephone 350 members of Words the church come the and asked. like initiaAsbury Theological Seminary, masterand of ESPN the Magazine, Nielsen aSports backgrounds and religions, and theology Princeton Theological tive,diverse go-getter and enterprising don’t even Madisonfrom Square Garden in New SemiYork from include intermarried couples. “We will find nary, and a Ph.D. in the New Testament and do justice to what Casden has achieved. City the first day, WWE and YES Netearly Christianity from Drew University. An ways to serve them,” he promised. “I’ve heard the saying, ‘It’s not who work in Connecticut Wednesday, NBA ordained minister for 37 years, he most reyou know Varied and what you know, but who Entertainment and MLB Network in experience cently served as senior minister of the First Kalajainen’s congregation ParisCasden served Parish ChurchThursday in Brunswick, Maine. He knows you and who likes in you,’” New Jersey and 1050 ESPN the English speaking community of expats, also spent almost 10 years as senior pastor said. “I truly believe that. Connections Radio, Premier Global Sports and CAA students. In put 1994, he said, ofSports the American in Paris, 16 years at diplomats are great,and but if you don’t in the hard back inChurch the city on Friday. The several churches in New Jersey, and was a only 8 percent remained in France lonwork and really dedicate yourself to helpentourage’s mission was to learn as much mission pastor of a Chinese congregation in ger than six or seven years, a number that ing others and doing by your you as they could in a short time from each jumped to 30 percent thebest, timethen he left, Malaysia for another six years. immigration West He follows the Rev. some Harry Taylor, interim don’t due havetoa the chance. It’s very from cut-throat professional, make contacts and partly countries during civil wars. minister, served afterorthe retirement and very competitive.” get a tourwho of the facility studio when African “They came as said, and ofpossible. the Rev. Phillip Washburn in 2007. The Fellow 2006 refugees”, Scarsdalehe graduates interim during the search for a permanent “became a permanent part of the congregaAdam Jared Diamond, Josh Levy Last year’shetrip to New York to and New tion.” HeRosen, said the number of Franco-Amerreplacement, said, functions prepare and Michael Colner each spent at least Jersey includedforThe Toppsin Company, the congregation a change leadership: Continued on back “They speak Museum highly of of Phil Washburn, but The Sports America, ESPN Continued on next page
Friday, January 22, 2010/The Scarsdale Inquirer/reprinted with permission
Jared Casden looks beyond the college classroom Continued from previous page
one day traveling with the HSBO group. Each has an interest in the sports field. Rosen is majoring in sociology and minoring in journalism at Brandeis. He is the school radio station’s sports director and has interned at the CAA Sports, ESPN Radio and Topps, which happened to be some of HSBO’s stops along the way the past two years. “It was extremely generous of them to take the time to talk with us,” Rosen said. “A lot of us are looking for a foot in the door somewhere. I understand a lot of them don’t have jobs or internships to give, but for them to tell us their stories and give us advice is great.” Casden has inspired Rosen with his initiative, but also with some of the advice and ideas he has been able to share. The best piece of advice was for Rosen to get a business card, even as a college student, which helped him recruit for and double the size of the sports department at the Brandeis radio station. “He’s an extremely selfless person,” Rosen said. “I know how much work he put into the trip. Down to the last minute he was making calls and making sure it would be as positive as it could be. It was not about himself, but providing the opportunity to the members of his club.” While Casden has shouldered a large amount of the workload and the financial burden — the club is not affiliated with IU and charges students only $20 as a membership fee — he has enjoyed the team effort with the other officers and active members of the club. After all, he knows that teamwork is the key to success. “Students are taking the initiative to better themselves, and I think anyone from a CEO to someone in an entrylevel position respects that and wants to give students the time of day and meet with them,” Casden said. “It’s a really nice thing and I know that when I’m employed I will definitely be the first one to offer anyone the chance to meet with my organization. It will be a whole cycle.” © 2010 S.I. Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This month’s trip was special for Casden as it was the last one he planned before his classmates at IU will begin taking the reins. They have showed the ultimate respect for him by urging him to take his final semester of college for himself. “They were giving me their blessing to move on and live my life,” Casden said. “I really believe the HSBO will be in good hands. The members are part of a network that is going to last for the rest of their lives. It’s really a wonderful thing.” Though it is a much more difficult road out there for today’s college graduates, Casden is confident that he has prepared himself in and out of the classroom for the real world, already applying what he has learned. “I’ve put in so much hard work and I’ve dedicated my college career to this organization and to helping others out and I’m confident the hard work will pay off,” Casden said. “I think that someone will give me a chance and when they do I’m going to make sure it was the best decision they’ve ever made.” Campus visitors While HSBO is eager and willing to travel, sometimes the big names come to Casden and his group. The turnout at IU to see Sonny Vaccaro and Ugo Udezue speak on separate occasions was overwhelming, and touched more students. Vaccaro conquered the sports world decades ago as the former director of basketball programs at Nike, where he signed Michael Jordan, Adidas and Reebok, was the founding chairman of the Roundball Classic and the ABCD Camp. Vaccaro, known as “The Godfather of Basketball,” has taken on a new crusade in life, by reaching out to students and challenging rules set forth by both the NBA and the NCAA. “Of all the things I have accomplished in the sports business world, nothing has given me greater pleasure than coming to
campuses across America these last two years and speaking to young people, who may someday have an effect on the future of sport,” Vaccaro said in a press release prior to his HSBO event. “Hopefully my words reach out and touch something in you to inspire you to carry on.” Casden was beyond inspired. “That man has changed my life so much,” Casden said. “He’s been in the industry for decades as a sneaker exec and now he has no affiliation. Sonny’s giving back, educating students and telling them they have the ability to make change. If they aren’t happy with something they should go and be the difference.” Udezue is vice president of player representation and a certified player agent for BDA Sports Management, which manages some of the NBA’s biggest names, such as Steve Nash, Yao Ming and Hasheem Thabeet, the Memphis Grizzlies’ second pick in the 2009 draft. HSBO’s ability to bring in such big names and meet with them is a testament to the high regard in which the organization is held. “It’s truly an honor and it shows that people know about us and believe in us and obviously has to do with our credibility,” Casden said. “We’ve worked very hard as a team to set up these events.” Fittingly, it all comes back to basketball for this Hoosier. “It was an honor to make the Scarsdale varsity basketball team, but to me it was very frustrating not playing,” Casden said. “I used that as motivation. I said to myself that I’ll never let that happen again. Not that I had a problem being a role player, but to not really play I said to myself I would do whatever it took to stand out and if that meant working harder than everyone in my program and my organization that’s what I was going to do. I’m thankful for the experience and I loved playing basketball in Scarsdale, but you never know. Maybe if I was a star player this may have never happened.” For Casden, or the countless others he’s touched and has yet to touch. -
Founded Founded in in 1901 1901 FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2009 REPRINTED WITH Friday, January 22, 2010 Reprinted with PERMISSION permission
Education Spotlight SCC welcomes new minister
Casden looks beyond the college classroom By ILENE NECHAMKIN
The Rev. BDr. Larry Kalajainen, the new y TODD SLISS senior minister of the Scarsdale Congregational Church, UCC, delivered his first sermon, “Celebrating Our Dependence,” last Sunday. “Itared coincided withlearned the July a4 holiday Casden lot on and the way prize national andatpersonal thewebasketball court Scarsindependence,” he saidSchool. during He an interview dale High thought Tuesday afternoon at the church. “Yet we perhaps he was than a are all deeply dependent and more interdependent player, but at the time he upon each role other.” He sat in his freshly didn’t quite know howpainted to go office, about furelnished a computer facing far evatingwith himself. Now, table he’s got no the probcorner, and dominated by a round table with lem getting the job done. several chairs. Notably missing was a large Casdenstyle entered Indiana University executive desk. “It’s only my third day Bloomington in the fall of 2006 deter-of here,” he said, motioning to the cartons unpacked books on the floor. “I’m getting mined to make his mark in the world of another shelf.” sports marketing and management. Two Kalajainen is still “getting to know the years into his college career, he found a community and my congregation,” which way to do so. In the 2008, he described as “bright, summer intelligentofand outCasden becameHe’s the still founding president ward looking.” determining just how to Hoosier expand the church’s programs and of the Sports Business Organiits engagement with theserves community. But zation, which not only his needs, the themes of his sermon, connecting with but the needs of others. others, furthering the public good, while HSBOa genuinely replaced caring the Association creating community inofa Student Sports Management Professionfragmented, morally deteriorating world will likely resound throughout his ministry. als and went above and beyond anything whobefore go to church really want to be IU“People had seen by bringing in bigthere,” he said. “You can’t count on anyone name keynote speakers setting up just turning up because it’sand the thing to do.” networking trips around thehe country. Waning church membership, explained, “It’sinbeen a really experibegan the late ’60s orrewarding early ’70s, “the end of thebecause Ozzie and Harriet when routine ence I help overera,” 200 people learn church was the “respectable about attendance the industry,” Casden said. thing “It’s to do.” been fun and we’re considered the best Nowadays, “a lot depends on what they at what wewhat do inkind the of country. There’s no find there, welcome, whether waychurch I would suc-a the is have open ever and imagined hospitable the or just closed club.had. As long here, it won’t be cess we’ve But as it’sI’m been a team effort aand closed club.” I’m very grateful.” “People come to church for a variety of Casden HSBO“It haven’t given reasons,” heand explained. could just be the muback to students. The organization also sic, the sermon — or in spite of the sermon — or a needlocal for a ritual to that sponsored youthconnection basketball in which is greater to themselves. Or they go to Bloomington. a social place, where they can form friendMost notably, during this past winter ships.” The church exists to shape them into break, 20 IUofstudents, alongthey with some a community spirit, where feel emof Casden’s friends from Scarsdale bedded, responsible and accountable towho each other. “There lots ofon lonely people out are about to are embark sports-related there, and we serve them, he said. trek careers themselves, madetoo,” a four-day
J
© © 2009 2010 S.I. S.I. Communications, Communications, Inc. Inc. All All Rights Rights Reserved. Reserved.
now they’re ready for something new. That testifies to something about the interim. I get a sense of energy, that they’re raring to go.” Search committee chairman Lucy Pullen Werner said, “In the rigorous search process by a committee whose life experiences span seven decades, Larry emerged as just the right choice to meet the goals identified by the congregation. He proved to be as delightful at the dinner table as he is inspirational from the pulpit. He translates his own knowledge of the Bible and of the world into themes relevant to the issues each of us face. He relates well with gray-haired folks like me and kids the age of his 3 ½-year-old grandson. We are blessed and are looking forward to introducing him to mid-Westchester and mid-Westchester to him.” Kalajainen said he had received a profile of the congregation that was compiled from The Rev. Dr. Larry Kalajainen discussions at many cottage meetings, listing its, and by extension, his, priorities. “One I know is to expand our mission to families “And, on a theological level, the church is with children and youth. We have a nursery a community of reconciliation, at all levels, school at the church. We have a fair number between people and one another. And we’re of families with young children, not necesalso working for the reconciliation of the sarily young families, but parents who had Jared overcoming Casden sits front and center as Sonny Vaccaro addresses a packed house at Indiana children in their late 30s, early 40s, unlike a world, the distance between ourselves and the divine. If the church is not a mainline Protestant church, where 50 or 60 University. healing place to be, if it’s not a healing place percent of the congregation is over 65, and through tristate area meeting with has priorities the care and and serthedifferent Magazine, NBAlike Entertainment for others, the if we’re not reaching out, there’s of the elderly.”Previous trips have taknot much purpose. It’s not social club.” In vice head honchos from thea top brands. MLB Network. “We’ll find what kinds of programs we what Casden called “the best week of en the HSBO to Indianapolis, Louisville can offer that will enrich their lives and Strengthening families my life” from Tuesday, Jan. 5-Friday, and Chicago. their families. It’s a place to start Kalajainen, a graduate of the University of strengthen And it Jan. 8, HSBO stopsofatdivinity NASCAR, hewas said.all because Casden got on Pittsburgh, holdsmade a master from talking,” Thephone 350 members of Words the church come the and asked. like initiaAsbury Theological Seminary, masterand of ESPN the Magazine, Nielsen aSports backgrounds and religions, and theology Princeton Theological tive,diverse go-getter and enterprising don’t even Madisonfrom Square Garden in New SemiYork from include intermarried couples. “We will find nary, and a Ph.D. in the New Testament and do justice to what Casden has achieved. City the first day, WWE and YES Netearly Christianity from Drew University. An ways to serve them,” he promised. “I’ve heard the saying, ‘It’s not who work in Connecticut Wednesday, NBA ordained minister for 37 years, he most reyou know Varied and what you know, but who Entertainment and MLB Network in experience cently served as senior minister of the First Kalajainen’s congregation ParisCasden served Parish ChurchThursday in Brunswick, Maine. He knows you and who likes in you,’” New Jersey and 1050 ESPN the English speaking community of expats, also spent almost 10 years as senior pastor said. “I truly believe that. Connections Radio, Premier Global Sports and CAA students. In put 1994, he said, ofSports the American in Paris, 16 years at diplomats are great,and but if you don’t in the hard back inChurch the city on Friday. The several churches in New Jersey, and was a only 8 percent remained in France lonwork and really dedicate yourself to helpentourage’s mission was to learn as much mission pastor of a Chinese congregation in ger than six or seven years, a number that ing others and doing by your you as they could in a short time from each jumped to 30 percent thebest, timethen he left, Malaysia for another six years. immigration West He follows the Rev. some Harry Taylor, interim don’t due havetoa the chance. It’s very from cut-throat professional, make contacts and partly countries during civil wars. minister, served afterorthe retirement and very competitive.” get a tourwho of the facility studio when African “They came as said, and ofpossible. the Rev. Phillip Washburn in 2007. The Fellow 2006 refugees”, Scarsdalehe graduates interim during the search for a permanent “became a permanent part of the congregaAdam Jared Diamond, Josh Levy Last year’shetrip to New York to and New tion.” HeRosen, said the number of Franco-Amerreplacement, said, functions prepare and Michael Colner each spent at least Jersey includedforThe Toppsin Company, the congregation a change leadership: Continued on back “They speak Museum highly of of Phil Washburn, but The Sports America, ESPN Continued on next page
Friday, January 22, 2010/The Scarsdale Inquirer/reprinted with permission
Jared Casden looks beyond the college classroom Continued from previous page
one day traveling with the HSBO group. Each has an interest in the sports field. Rosen is majoring in sociology and minoring in journalism at Brandeis. He is the school radio station’s sports director and has interned at the CAA Sports, ESPN Radio and Topps, which happened to be some of HSBO’s stops along the way the past two years. “It was extremely generous of them to take the time to talk with us,” Rosen said. “A lot of us are looking for a foot in the door somewhere. I understand a lot of them don’t have jobs or internships to give, but for them to tell us their stories and give us advice is great.” Casden has inspired Rosen with his initiative, but also with some of the advice and ideas he has been able to share. The best piece of advice was for Rosen to get a business card, even as a college student, which helped him recruit for and double the size of the sports department at the Brandeis radio station. “He’s an extremely selfless person,” Rosen said. “I know how much work he put into the trip. Down to the last minute he was making calls and making sure it would be as positive as it could be. It was not about himself, but providing the opportunity to the members of his club.” While Casden has shouldered a large amount of the workload and the financial burden — the club is not affiliated with IU and charges students only $20 as a membership fee — he has enjoyed the team effort with the other officers and active members of the club. After all, he knows that teamwork is the key to success. “Students are taking the initiative to better themselves, and I think anyone from a CEO to someone in an entrylevel position respects that and wants to give students the time of day and meet with them,” Casden said. “It’s a really nice thing and I know that when I’m employed I will definitely be the first one to offer anyone the chance to meet with my organization. It will be a whole cycle.” © 2010 S.I. Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This month’s trip was special for Casden as it was the last one he planned before his classmates at IU will begin taking the reins. They have showed the ultimate respect for him by urging him to take his final semester of college for himself. “They were giving me their blessing to move on and live my life,” Casden said. “I really believe the HSBO will be in good hands. The members are part of a network that is going to last for the rest of their lives. It’s really a wonderful thing.” Though it is a much more difficult road out there for today’s college graduates, Casden is confident that he has prepared himself in and out of the classroom for the real world, already applying what he has learned. “I’ve put in so much hard work and I’ve dedicated my college career to this organization and to helping others out and I’m confident the hard work will pay off,” Casden said. “I think that someone will give me a chance and when they do I’m going to make sure it was the best decision they’ve ever made.” Campus visitors While HSBO is eager and willing to travel, sometimes the big names come to Casden and his group. The turnout at IU to see Sonny Vaccaro and Ugo Udezue speak on separate occasions was overwhelming, and touched more students. Vaccaro conquered the sports world decades ago as the former director of basketball programs at Nike, where he signed Michael Jordan, Adidas and Reebok, was the founding chairman of the Roundball Classic and the ABCD Camp. Vaccaro, known as “The Godfather of Basketball,” has taken on a new crusade in life, by reaching out to students and challenging rules set forth by both the NBA and the NCAA. “Of all the things I have accomplished in the sports business world, nothing has given me greater pleasure than coming to
campuses across America these last two years and speaking to young people, who may someday have an effect on the future of sport,” Vaccaro said in a press release prior to his HSBO event. “Hopefully my words reach out and touch something in you to inspire you to carry on.” Casden was beyond inspired. “That man has changed my life so much,” Casden said. “He’s been in the industry for decades as a sneaker exec and now he has no affiliation. Sonny’s giving back, educating students and telling them they have the ability to make change. If they aren’t happy with something they should go and be the difference.” Udezue is vice president of player representation and a certified player agent for BDA Sports Management, which manages some of the NBA’s biggest names, such as Steve Nash, Yao Ming and Hasheem Thabeet, the Memphis Grizzlies’ second pick in the 2009 draft. HSBO’s ability to bring in such big names and meet with them is a testament to the high regard in which the organization is held. “It’s truly an honor and it shows that people know about us and believe in us and obviously has to do with our credibility,” Casden said. “We’ve worked very hard as a team to set up these events.” Fittingly, it all comes back to basketball for this Hoosier. “It was an honor to make the Scarsdale varsity basketball team, but to me it was very frustrating not playing,” Casden said. “I used that as motivation. I said to myself that I’ll never let that happen again. Not that I had a problem being a role player, but to not really play I said to myself I would do whatever it took to stand out and if that meant working harder than everyone in my program and my organization that’s what I was going to do. I’m thankful for the experience and I loved playing basketball in Scarsdale, but you never know. Maybe if I was a star player this may have never happened.” For Casden, or the countless others he’s touched and has yet to touch. -
