Assembly Member Paulin’s Legislation Making the Dissemination of Deepfake Images a Crime Passes in the New York State Legislature
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Assemblymember Amy Paulin’s (D-Scarsdale) legislation (A.3596A/S.1042A) to protect residents from the harm of “deepfake” images disseminated in online communities has passed in the New York State Legislature. Her legislation makes their nonconsensual use a criminal offense, and now awaits the signature of Governor Hochul to be signed into law.
“Deepfakes” are fake or altered images or videos created through the use of artificial intelligence. Many of these images and videos map a face onto a pornographic image or video. Some create a pornographic image or video out of a still photograph. These pornographic images and films are then posted online without the consent of those in them – often with devastating consequences to those portrayed in the images.
Following passage of the bill, Assemblymember Paulin said, “Regardless of the motivation for creating and distributing deepfakes - whether it was to humiliate, coerce, control or distress an individual – under this legislation the perpetrator will be prosecuted under the NYS Penal Code and if convicted spend up to a year in jail. Deepfakes can have a lifelong impact on someone because it’s on the web, and doesn’t come off easily. That’s why we needed to update the law to make their online dissemination a criminal offense.”
According to recent cybersecurity data, deepfakes are growing exponentially - doubling every six months. Deepfakes also disproportionally victimize women. Of those currently circulating online, research shows that over 90 percent depict non-consensual porn featuring women.
There is also significant evidence that intimate image abuse harms women more and in different ways than it harms men. Researchers have found that the mental health impacts on women are akin to those suffered by victims of sexual assault. These effects include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and worsening physical health and financial harm either through time off work or through withdrawing from online spaces. In some cases, there have been reports of attempted suicide and self-harm.
When women’s images are posted onto pornography sites, they are humiliated, shamed and often receive demeaning and frightening messages from men who have viewed their images. Women have also reported feeling unsafe and constantly on alert while in public or around men they don’t know and trust. The threat of violence is exacerbated when personal information about the victim is shared alongside the image.
This type of intimate image abuse has also been used as a mechanism for “shutting women up.” Some women may shut down their blogs, avoid websites they formerly frequented, take down social networking profiles, refrain from engaging in online political commentary, and choose not to maintain potentially lucrative or personally rewarding online presences.
“The sharing of and threats to share these images can be used in abusive relationships as a mechanism of coercion and control,” said Assemblymember Paulin. “Women in abusive relationships often already find it extremely challenging to leave or go to the police for a myriad of reasons. It is clear that intimate image abuse makes leaving abusive relationships and reporting the perpetrator harder still. This legislation is a first step to prevent the proliferation of deepfakes, amending the Penal Code so that they can be prosecuted as the serious offenses they are.”
A Party in the Streets of Scarsdale: Music Festival Brings Thousands to the Village
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The Del BocasThe Scarsdale Music Festival returned better than ever to the streets of Scarsdale Village on Saturday June 3rd . With two stages, there was no break in the music, permitting one band to set up as the next one played.
The bands were first-rate and the crowd loved it, singing, dancing and rocking out on Chase Road. We arrived to see Scarsdale hometown favorites The Del Bocas performing covers of crowd pleasers like “I Melt with You,” Tom Petty’s American Girl, Joplin’s “Me and Bobby McGee and even The Beatles, I want to Hold Your Hand.” Lead Singer Erika Radin was pumped… jumping, grooving and clearly enjoying herself as much as the crowd enjoyed her performance.
The event lasted a mega seven hours – and the audience built as they day went on. We caught The Velcrows singing Steeley Dan and “Tied to the Whipping Post” by the Allman Brothers, tunes that resonated with some of Scarsdale’s boomers. Rennie Pincus and Friends with Lovelight added a country twang, staring out with Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again,” followed by another number that got the audience moving – The Grateful Dead’s “Bertha” and Arlo Guthrie’s “City of New Orleans.”
Rennie Pincus and Friends with Lovelight
Long Island-based Bombzr took the north stage around 4:00, playing their unique style of funk, jazz and soul fusion. Front man Rich Bombzr (sax, keys, talkbox) led a spirited set, backed by other band members on guitar, keys and drums. The band exhibited great musicianship, and a well-rehearsed tight sound.
Taking the south stage around 5:00 was Scarsdale’s own Rachel Bochner (SHS Class of 2015), an up and coming pop vocalist currently cutting her chops in NYC and other venues. Accompanied by an acoustic guitarist, Bochner sang to a crowd that included many of her longtime local fans and supporters.
And there was lots more to enjoy, beyond the music. Zachys hosted a large liquor and wine tent where visitors could sample both wines and mixed drinks. At the Family Fun Zone, hundreds of children were doing crafts, having their faces painted, trying out instruments from Hoff Barthelson and just having fun chasing bubbles.
Community organizations including SNAP, SVAC, the Scarsdale Forum and the Conservation Advisory Council hosted tables where they engaged with residents and encouraged participation.
A nice array of food trucks and booths from local restaurants were doing a brisk business. There were steak sandwiches from One Rare Steakhouse, pizza, lemonade from Meritage, cookies from Baked in Color, Longford’s ice cream and lots more.
Also new this year were two big bars on Spencer Place. Beer and wine were for sale and drinking was permitted in the streets.
The Velcrows
Marcy Berman Goldstein, the head of the Scarsdale Buisness Alliance and the producer of the event said the Music Festvial was a big success.
She said, “We are so proud of our exceptional, family-friendly event, which drew over 5000 attendees. With 10 extraordinary bands performing on two live stages, delicious food options from over a dozen vendors, and expanded activities, there was something for everyone. The VIP Grand Tasting Tent placement, with prime viewing of both stages, and beer and wine consumption permitted throughout the festival venue were great enhancements this year!
We could not have succeeded without the generosity and support of our talented musicians, event sponsors, participating vendors and community partners, and the Village of Scarsdale. We are also grateful to the community for their support of the Scarsdale Business Alliance and this year’s charitable recipient, the Center for Cancer Care at White Plains Hospital.
The SBA is thrilled to continue to enhance the vibrancy of our downtown center by bringing cultural arts and diversity, and expanding our community’s connection to Westchester County and the greater Tri-State area. We look forward to next year's event!
We look forward to building SMF from its great foundation. We have sent surveys out to attendees who purchased tickets to gather specific feedback so we can continue to grow and improve the festival. We look forward to connecting to even more people and businesses throughout the Tri-state area. Anecdotally, we have heard amazing feedback and comments about this year's festival. In particular, attendees have commented on the amazing energy throughout the day, extraordinary talent of the musicians, the ability to purchase and consume alcohol throughout the venue, and the expanded offerings of food and activities.
Lisa and Jordan Copeland Receive Rising Star Award from Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service
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Lisa Copeland, Marcy Berman Goldstein and Jordan Copeland: Photo Credit: Mark JessamyAt a joyous gala on Thursday night May 11 at Scarsdale Golf Club, Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service (SFCS) celebrated their staff, volunteers and community partners and awarded Lisa and Jordan Copeland with its annual Rising Star Award in recognition of their volunteer leadership and contributions to many Scarsdale organizations.
Executive Director Jay Genova acknowledged SFCS’ 103 years of service to the individuals, families and communities of Scarsdale and Edgemont and thanked local, county, state and school board officials, for their “dedication to our partnerships and your dedication to our mission. Without your support, our work would not be possible.”
He remembered meeting former Village Manager Al Gatta in 2014 when Genova was named as SFCS’ Executive Director. Genova asked Al if he had any advice and says Al “leaned forward and simply said to me, “Don’t close.” I assumed the silence was a pause, and that he would continue with some additional advice, but that was all he said to me, and the meeting ended.” In the years to come, when Genova encountered challenges due to the pandemic and staffing shortages Al’s words echoed in his mind.
This year, Genova was happy to report that SFCS is doing far more than staying open and is back in full swing, He offered the following list of all they are doing:
Bonnie and David Bleustein: Photo Credit Mark Jessamy
We’re Back.
• We’re back and fully ready to meet the challenges that lie ahead
• Were back to being fully staffed across all of our three of our service divisions
• We’re back providing psychotherapy services in eight languages other than English
• We’re back to providing parent support groups and leadership development programs
• We’re back to providing alcohol, drug, and violence prevention programming
• We’re back providing Mental Health First Aid and Narcan trainings
• We’re back protecting those who have experienced intimate partner violence
• We’re back hosting Vital Aging seminars and assisting our seniors return to in-person activities and
• We’re back to having no wait list for our counseling services
He urged the community to continue to give to SFCS saying “Without your support, there is no SFCS.”
SFCS President David Lee thanked the remarkable Gala committee, led by Wendy Gendel and Laura Daniels for the evening’s gathering. He said, “Organizing an event like this is a major challenge, and, to Laura and Wendy and your Gala committee, I know you’ve put your collective hearts and souls into this effort. Thank you, many times over.”
Jay Genova - Photo Credit Mark Jessamy
He reflected on why Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service is important to our community and said:
There are a lot of things I could point to, but I’m going to limit myself to just three.
Our Agency is local to our community.
We know the culture of Scarsdale, and, as a result, we can be more responsive to community needs. Our outreach workers working in the Scarsdale schools with our kids understand the pressures common to our students. And, similarly, when these same outreach workers lead discussions in parent support groups, they are familiar with the issues Scarsdale parents face.
We provide high-quality mental health services.
Besides the consistently positive feedback we get from our clients and our principal funding partners – namely, the Village government and the School District -- we have once again received national 
Nicky and Jon Ungar, Bob and Nan Berke: Photo Credit: Mark Jessamyaccreditation as a provider of professional counseling services and programs. This accreditation status comes after an intensive review of our Agency up and down.
Our Agency helps keep our community safe.
With the growing mental health needs in our community, just as in the world at large, SFCS is in a unique position to address the needs of our community through preventative efforts. Why unique? Because our partnership with the schools, with the Scarsdale police, and with the Scarsdale Village Ambulance Corp, often brings us into situations where our mental health services are especially needed.
Marcy Berman Goldstein, a former recipient of the Rising Star Award, presented this year’s award to Jordan and Lisa Copeland.
Event Chairs: Wendy Gendel and Laura Daniels: Photo Credit: Mark JessamyAccording to Genova, “the award recognizes that Lisa and Jordan have transformed their backgrounds in law, business, and education into careers of civic and social service engagement. Together, they are using their experiences to benefit others, with specific focus on healthy youth development and care for those with mental health needs. This is why we honor this dynamic couple as two of Scarsdale’s finest rising stars.”
Commenting on the award, Jordan Copeland said, “Supporting mental health has never been more important. We are grateful and honored to play a part in raising awareness and support for SFCS. Their excellent programs have helped us and so many others in our community.
About Jordan and Lisa Copeland
The Copelands moved to Scarsdale to raise their three sons: Caleb (20, SHS grad, attending college at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute), Henry (16, 11th grade), Aidan (13, 8th grade). They also have two rescue dogs, Trixie and Spike.
Michelle Lichtenberg and Sameer Ahuja
Lisa Copeland
A former New York City public elementary school teacher, Lisa became a “professional volunteer” after moving to Scarsdale. She is a long-time member and former president of the Junior League of Central Westchester, committee chair and treasurer of Cub Scout Pack 60 for seven years, and spent many years as Class Parent Coordinator for the Edgewood PTA. Lisa has also served on the Drake-Edgewood Neighborhood Association, where she created newsletters and planned community-wide social activities. Currently, Lisa is serving her sixth year as Board Chairperson of Family Services of Westchester, one of the county’s oldest and largest social service and mental health nonprofits. Lisa is also currently serving on the board of The Sharing Shelf, a clothing bank for children.
Lisa is an owner and director of her family business, which provides services, resources and information for foundations, corporations, individuals and families. Lisa is also an owner of Andersen Corporation, the window and door manufacturer founded by her great-great-grandfather.
Deb Pekarek and Joy Brownstein
Jordan Copeland
Jordan has also done a lot of volunteer work in Scarsdale. Currently he serves as Associate Village Historian. One of his largest projects so far has been a widely-viewed presentation on the History of Black People in Scarsdale. He also serves on the boards of the Scarsdale Public Library (finance officer), Scarsdale Adult School (finance chair), Scarsdale Historical Society (vice president) and is an Assistant Scoutmaster in Boy Scout Pack 4. Jordan was formerly the Cubmaster of Cub Scout Pack 60 (of Edgewood School) for 7 years, and chaired the School Board Nominating Committee, the joint committee of the SBNC, the Advisory Council on Youth, and the Education Committee of the Scarsdale Forum, and was a Little League coach for six years.
With degrees in law and in education, Jordan clerked in federal court for a year, and then was a public defender in the Bronx for ten years. He also taught fifth grade in a Bronx public school for seven years. The past three years Jordan has been spending most of his time writing and recording music and volunteering in the community. He also has been a Director of Andersen Corporation since 2003, and is chair of its Environmental, Social, and Governance Committee.
Randy Whitestone and Jonathan Lewis
Rock Out in Scarsdale On Saturday June 3rd
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Scarsdale will rock out at the third annual Music Festival in Scarsdale Village from 12 – 7 pm. This year the event will feature two live stages, allowing bands to perform continuously all day.
In addition to the line-up of great music there will be food trucks, a Grand Wine Tasting tent and Family Fun Zone with a dazzling array of activities for the kids. It’s an ambitious community event and everyone is encouraged to come to the Village to enjoy it.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Who’s playing
Where to park
If you can’t walk or ride to the festival, free parking is available in the Freightway Garage and adjacent outdoor parking lot (72 Freightway) as well as the lower two levels of the Christie Place Garage (64 East Parkway).
Admission
Though the festival is a free community event, there is a suggested minimum donation of $10 per adult.
Kids’ wristbands are available for purchase ($35 in advance/$40 on-site) to participate in most of the Family Fun Zone activities.
Attendees 21+ can enjoy great beer and wine by the glass, available for purchase at two main bars and you can drink throughout the Village.
Entrance to the Grand Tasting Tent requires a designated wristband ($30 in advance/$35 on-site).
All food and non-alcoholic beverages are pay-as-you-go.
Food Trucks
You won’t go hungry as you enjoy the music. A selection of savory and sweet offerings from Green Street Food Truck, Longfords Ice Cream, Meritage, One Rare Italian Steakhouse, Pizza Vitale Truck, Poke Motion Truck, Popojito, Rockland’s Kettle Corn Truck, and Westchester Burger Truck will be on site.
Also, the Scarsdale Police Benevolent Association will host its annual BBQ Bash, and the Scarsdale Uniformed Firefighters Association will be serving brisket and pulled pork sandwiches.
Wine Tasting
The Grand Tasting Tent, presented by Zachys, will feature a selection of fine wines from around the world, spirit cocktails and craft beer. Guests will have the chance to taste, talk and learn from industry experts in this uniquely curated tasting event. It is a VIP experience with prime stage viewing not to be missed!
For the Kids
This year’s expanded Family Fun Zone is presented by Scarsdale Moms, and will feature numerous vendors and activities geared towards pre-school and elementary-aged children, including balloon artists, face painters, arts and crafts, DIY slime, beading, STEAM activities, sports, music demonstrations and more!
Where to find it all
Here’s a map of the festival in the Village.
It’s a Zero-Waste Festival
A wonderful aspect of the festival is that the Scarsdale Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) each year makes the event “zero-waste.” They do this by working with the festival food vendors to make sure everything they serve in is compostable or recyclable.
At the event the CAC has several “zero-waste stations” with recycling, compost and trash bins. The stations are staffed by volunteers who speak with people as they are disposing items and ensure everything goes into the proper bin.
The amazing effect of this effort is that the event, even with its thousands of attendees, generates almost no trash, and the bags of compostables and food scraps will be returned to the earth as compost.
This year the CAC is once again helping to make the event zero-waste. They’ll also be at the event signing up residents for Scarsdale’s food scrap recycling program, or if you’d like to join the program just email composting@scarsdale.com!
See you in Scarsdale on Saturday June 3 from 12 – 7 pm. Tickets here.
Friends of Music and the Arts Urges You to Vote Yes for the Renovation of the SHS Auditorium
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Friends of Music and the Arts urges you to vote yes for the bond to fund the Scarsdale High School Auditorium. See their letters below.
(From Laura Gelblum, President of Friends of Music & the Arts)
Even though community response to the Scarsdale High School auditorium proposal has been overwhelmingly supportive, the renovation will only become reality if residents GO VOTE to approve the bond at next week’s Scarsdale Schools election. Please make time on your calendar to vote on Tuesday May 16—and vote YES for the auditorium bond.
The renovation’s scope of work was developed by a professional team with significant stakeholder input, satisfying still-incomplete improvements approved in the 2014 bond and addressing the current needs. The outcome will improve delivery of our high school’s popular performing arts curriculum as well as provide an enhanced community gathering space for all. And, the capital bond is a financially responsible approach to funding the project, with an annual impact of about $28/year per average household.
For more information on the SHS auditorium project, visit www.scarsdalearts.org
Polls will be open Tuesday May 16, 7am-9pm, at the Scarsdale Middle School Gym. Help Scarsdale gather, perform and grow!
Laura Gelblum
President, Friends of Music & the Arts
Open Letter to the Scarsdale Community:
The Scarsdale High School Auditorium is a gathering space for the entire Scarsdale community. Every high school student uses the auditorium for school-wide assemblies and for band, orchestra, and chorus concerts. The auditorium is also home to SHS acting and theater tech classes, the Jabberfest student talent show, the annual SHS Senior Class Play which brings together classmates for a culminating bonding experience, and numerous annual Drama Club performances which are attended by thousands of people in the greater Scarsdale community. Parents, alumni and other community members also gather in the auditorium for various meetings and special programs.
The space has sadly fallen into disrepair and the District administration, after thorough study, proposes an auditorium renovation with an up-to-date scope of work that addresses the current needs—including improved acoustics and lighting, new audience seats, dressing room reconfigurations, modifications to enhance students’ theater tech learning experience and safety, and additions to improve accessibility. This work aligns with the District’s strategic educational priorities for cohesive community, personalized learning, and wellness and well-being. The Board of Education unanimously supports investment in this long-delayed renovation.
If passed by voters, the current plan is to have the project responsibly funded through the issuance of a school bond of up to $4.75M, spreading the cost over a 10-year period. The annual debt service associated with the bond would be offset by available surplus funds and state funding to significantly lower the total expense for taxpayers to just over $1.3M. The projected average annual household impact will be just under $28/year.
Comparable area school districts have recently rebuilt or renovated their aging auditoriums at significant costs, renewing their commitment to arts education and community spaces. Scarsdale has recently invested money in other areas of student experience but the last major upgrade to the auditorium was over 30 years ago.
As parents, students and other members of the Scarsdale community we wholeheartedly support this reasonable and much needed project. The investment will benefit students’ learning and well-being and will give all residents a space that fosters connection and enjoyment of the arts. We urge the entire community to VOTE YES on the BOND.
Laurie Arakawa
Debra Asher-Zitrin
Allison Block
Isabel Block
Lisa Bradlow
Gokul Chebiyam
Lisa Copeland
Emilie Cordell
Michael Dawson Crowley
Beth Cukier
Randi Culang
Kelsa DeBrabant
Jonathan Finegold
Isabel Finegold
Sabrina Finegold
Jack Finegold
Laura Gelblum
Valerie Glicker
Kathy Gray
Diane Greenwald
Fernando Gueler
Karen Hogan
Eden Hoong
Sherry Hsu
Marisa Jackson
Lauren Jacobson
Glenn Jacobson
Jennifer Kahan
Esthela Lecuona
Liza Levy
Tina Lin
Bonnie Loeser
Danil Makarov
Julia McClanan
Meghana Mehta
Mariuxi Menzer
Daniel Milberg
Margot Milberg
Veronica Olivieri
Jeannine Palermo
Vinnie Phuah Hoong
Rohini Sahni
Amy Schiff
Scott Schiff
Reshma Shetty
Penny Smith
Mimi Song
Nancy Trager
Bryan Tsou
Joan and Louis Uchitelle
Nicole Ungar
Archna Verma
Christine Weston
Fengyun Wu
Cindy Yau
Renee Youn
Stacey Zoland
FMA | Friends of Music & the Arts is the nonprofit parent booster group that supports visual and performing arts in Scarsdale Schools. To get involved visit www.scarsdalearts.org
(From Shira Tabib)
Dear Members of the Scarsdale Community:
My family and I have been residents of Scarsdale for most of my life. I attended the Quaker Ridge Elementary School, Scarsdale Middle School and Scarsdale High School. Seven years ago my husband and I returned to Scarsdale to raise our family in the Quaker Ridge neighborhood that I grew up in. In short, I am a committed and proud Scarsdalian, and care deeply about our community.
My family and I are in support of the Scarsdale High School auditorium renovation, and are supporters of funding the project by way of a bond. The renovation of the High School auditorium will improve the students’ experience, with better lighting, acoustics, better equipment, etc. The auditorium is also a place for important school meetings and gatherings of students and adults from across the community. I feel that it is imperative that our children assemble and learn in a modernized environment that expresses our community’s values for performing arts and where presenters can be heard well.
Our daughters are now seventh and eighth graders at the Scarsdale Middle School, and are active participants in the community and at school. Both have been involved in the elementary and middle school plays, and take much pride in their roles on and off the stage. This year, our seventh grader participated in the SMS play, SpongeBob, which played to a packed audience, and it brings me such joy to see how her participation in the program is playing a meaningful role in her development as a confident and happy young woman. The lessons the students learn at play rehearsals are invaluable - building lasting friendships, enhancing speaking skills, and challenging them to get out of their comfort zones. Equally as significant, theatre has become a place of refuge from screen time, which has become so invasive to both the home and classroom experiences - the list of benefits are too great to name here. My daughters look forward to their continued involvement and participation in future theatre programs at the Scarsdale High School.
I would note that our family has attended several wonderful SHS theatre performances over the years, most recently Mamma Mia. While the SHS theatre program is doing a fantastic job at producing highly entertaining productions, I can tell you firsthand that the theatre, from what I can see, has not been meaningfully updated in at least 30 years.
As a mother of two Middle Schoolers, I would be so excited to share with my daughters that they will be entering the High School with a facility that will no doubt improve their social, recreational and educational experiences. The renovation of the High School auditorium will benefit our community at large, and will be a wonderful meeting place that we can all be proud of. I urge all Scarsdale voters to make time to VOTE YES for the SHS Auditorium Bond at the election on Tuesday May 16.
Shira Tabib
Heathcote Road
