Westchester County Presents Public Health Awards at Scarsdale Library
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David Raizen and SVAC Staff and Volunteers were Honored by Westchester CountyThe Westchester County Board of Health and County Executive George Latimer presented the 2024 Public Health Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to public health in Westchester by two adults and one student at Scarsdale Library on Thursday April 4, 2024.
Latimer acknowledged the work of the Westchester County Department of Health and celebrated the accomplishments of the public health 
Michelle Sterling presented David Raizen with a citation from the NYS Assembly.
community: “Today, during National Public Health Week, we honor two individuals whose efforts ensure that emergency responders in Westchester are well-prepared to answer our calls, and a student who persistently advocates for residents who wrestle with mental health challenges and addictions. I also want to thank the dedicated staff of our Health Department, our Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, and the volunteers who serve on our Westchester County Board of Health, for their essential service to our community.”
Latimer presented the winners with proclamations honoring their achievements and continued: “These awards highlight the vital role that public health plays to preserve, protect and promote the health of Westchester residents. With their extraordinary concern for others, these volunteers set an example for all of us. I congratulate the winners and encourage other residents to choose this path.”
Board of Health President Robert Baker, MD, presented the 2024 Dr. Harold Keltz Distinguished Public Health Service Awards to David Raizen, the owner of a home security company who has dedicated his life to ensuring a robust and well-trained staff of volunteers and professionals is available around the clock to respond to emergencies in and around Scarsdale.
Baker said: “These honorees set a shining example for all of us with their dedication to serve our community and their fellow residents. The work they do helps preserve and improve public health in Westchester. This is an inspiring and accomplished group we are proud to honor.”
Raizen said: “I am honored to be recognized and to share the spotlight with the men and women of the Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps, who continually work to improve their skills and to better serve our community.”
State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin said, “I’ve lived in Scarsdale for more than 40 years and have witnessed time and again the incredible work of our Scarsdale volunteer ambulance corp. SVAC is made up of highly trained and skilled paramedics who live and breathe healthcare. They are our beacons of light in life’s darkest moments. What SVAC did during Covid was herculean – vaccinating and testing thousands, and providing high-quality at-home care for the elderly and immuno-compromised – and they continue to valiantly serve our community. I congratulate them on receiving this well-deserved honor from Westchester County in honor of National Public Health Week. Most of all I thank them for their incredible service to the residents of Westchester County.”
The Board awarded the 2024 J.R. Tesone Youth Public Health Service Awards to Ashley Madden, a Pleasantville High School senior who has become a persuasive advocate for prevention, treatment and better allocation of resources for people who have one or more mental health challenges and an addiction, a combination known as co-occurring disorders. Madden has volunteered for five years with the harris Project, a not-for-profit agency founded by Stephanie Marquesano with the mission to raise awareness about co-occurring disorders.
Madden said: “I greatly appreciate this recognition of my commitment to community service. As a youth advocate, my mission is to empower individuals to address their mental health needs with compassion and resilience. I appreciate my mentor and nominator, Stephanie Marquesano, for entrusting me to serve as an ambassador for the harris Project and for giving me the confidence to elevate awareness, foster resilience and prioritize well-being for my peers.”
Amler presented the Commissioner’s Award to Emil Nigro, MD, an emergency medicine physician and the Medical Director of the Hoch Center for Emergency Education at Phelps Hospital Northwell Health in Sleepy Hollow.
Amler said: “I am grateful to Dr. Nigro for his dedication to emergency medicine and for ensuring that hundreds of clinicians, paramedics and other emergency responders have a state-of-the-art space where they can sharpen their skills and inspiring professionals to teach them at the Hoch Center for Emergency Education.”
Nigro said: “I am honored to be given the Commissioner’s Award by Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD. As the medical director of the Hoch Center, I value the partnership we have with the County’s Health Department and the Emergency Services Department and frontline staff.”
Randy Whitestone Lauded for Four Years of Service to Scarsdale
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With the Village election behind us, Trustee Randall Whitestone’s four years on the Scarsdale of Trustees has come to an end.
On Tuesday night March 26, Whitestone attended his last meeting on the dais and was lauded by fellow board members and community leaders and given an engraved silver platter by the Village of Scarsdale.
Heedan Chung spoke on behalf of the Board of Directors of the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale. She extended their gratitude for his service and thanked him for addressing quality of life issues, for his financial aptitude and for being a voice for cost effectiveness. She praised his honest and respectful approach and said he will be sorely missed. She gave heartfelt appreciation for his service and wished him the best in his future endeavors.
On behalf of the Scarsdale Forum Sarah Bell thanked Whitestone for “your service to our great town.” She said, “Scarsdale is better for your leadership and your steady guiding hand.” She said, “you are a great listener and leader,” and looked forward to welcoming him back to the Forum.
Here are tributes to Whitestone from Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest and the members of the Board of Trustees:
Mayor Justin Arest
Your financial insight, unwavering commitment to public safety and quality of life, remarkable knack for navigating through complex issues to highlight critical information, and your relentless pursuit of community betterment have been invaluable. You stand as a testament to the effectiveness of our governance model, showcasing the profound impact dedicated individuals can have on our community.
Reflecting on our journey since the 2020 Village election, where you would eventually embark on your inaugural term and Trustee Lena Crandall and I on our second, it's astonishing to consider the unique circumstances that brought us together. The unprecedented decision by the Governor to delay the election due to the pandemic leading to what must have been the longest electoral period in Scarsdale's history. Despite these challenges, your engagement and contributions through virtual meetings were instrumental from the outset.
Getting to know you and collaborating with you post-election has been a genuine pleasure. The CNC's discernment in recognizing your capabilities and potential was spot on. I am especially grateful for the friendship that has grown between us throughout your tenure on the board—a friendship I anticipate will endure beyond your official duties.
This experience underscores what makes our system truly exceptional. It's not merely about acquaintances endorsing one another but about community members with a shared passion for Scarsdale nominating leaders to run who often grow to become friends through their mutual dedication and contributions. Your service has embodied this spirit magnificently, and for that, I am thankful.
Trustee Sameer Ahuja
On a personal level I tend to find a lot of positivity in thinking about someone I have worked or interacted with in trying to remember what I learn from them. Usually someone I have a good relationship, I can recollect that they changed me or influenced me.
For my three years of working with Randy, I have learned a lot from you.
These are forums where there is often amongst ourselves, or the staff of the village, or other stakeholders, there is a lot of emotion depending on the issue. And, especially being someone who wears my emotions on my sleeve, I have learned a lot from you about a steadiness of reactivity in a crisis. Always steadiness. Perhaps that comes from your work, perhaps that comes from who you are, perhaps that comes from your better half, would not surprise me.
I also have found that people who are very effective at these roles are excellent listeners. You very much are. You let all of us interrupt you all the time. More so than others. A mark of the good leader is being a good listener.
The last thing is patience. The work of government is not easy, it requires collaboration. There are a lot of people with a lot of vested interests, and you have the patience to see things through, and you understand that there is a process to government.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and capabilities with me and with all of us and with the Village.
Trustee Karen Brew
Randy - you have been on the Board with me from the day I started three years ago. While I did not know you before our time together as Trustees, I really came to know, respect and like you through our work together on behalf of Scarsdale.
In my first year we worked together on Personnel with Me as Chair and you as Vice Chair. As you had chaired Personnel the year before you provided strong guidance when asked, but also let me run with things my own way. But you never shied away from taking on half the work as we split making all of the calls and vetting the applications.
Throughout our time on the Board I have admired your approach. In every situation you are always calm, fair, well thought out and always communicated with straight forwardness and polish. We often times agreed, but even when we didn’t, you explained your position without being overbearing or pedantic, but also not backing down. You also always showed a willingness to change your stance, as you truly listened to all points of view and were willing to have additional input sway you.
Most recently your work as Deputy Mayor, Vice Chair on the Finance & Budget Committee and Chair of the Public Safety Committee has been insightful and impactful.
Randy - I will miss your kindness and warm presence in the Chair to my right. I wish you and Lisa enjoyment in reclaiming your Tuesday evenings and so much other Board work time back.
Trustee Jeremy Gans
Randy, I want to begin by thanking you for your service to the Village and this Board. You’ve been a tremendous asset during my two years on the Board and we will miss your wisdom and guidance.
Randy and I ran together, with Trustee Mazer, in 2022. Randy reached out immediately upon hearing that I had been nominated and, even though our election was uncontested, it was still stressful for a first-time candidate. Randy’s guidance and advice kept me calm along the way.
It's been similar during my time on the Board. In two years, I have never once seen Randy get angry or emotional on any topic. He’s someone I, and I think all of us turn to when we are looking for a calm and measured opinion on a subject.
Trustee Dara Gruenberg
Randy, I am so sorry to miss your last meeting. It has been a privilege to serve alongside you on the village board. Your grace under pressure and unwavering dedication to this community are truly admirable. Your capacity to analyze a situation with precision and then offer a fresh perspective is so impressive and has helped steer so many of our decisions. You have a unique ability to cut to the core of an issue with brevity while also managing to be eloquent. That is a talent that will be sorely missed. Your passion for and deep knowledge of Scarsdale’s history infuse so many of our discussions giving broader context to issues the village has faced before and helping us to navigate where we go next. Randy, thank you for your four years of service to our beloved village and for always being of good cheer. Scarsdale is a better place because of you. I wish you all good things in your next chapter!
Trusteee Ken Mazer
Randy, your service and conduct on the board has been a model to us all. You brought a thoughtfulness and patience to each issue as you carefully evaluated all the vantage points. Every time you spoke the room fell silent as we hung on your every word. You offered sound judgment without being judgmental. And in the process, you earned our deep respect and helped lead Scarsdale to a stronger future. While you are leaving the board, I look forward to our path continuing to cross.
Randy, your guidance and ability to steady the ship will be missed. I thank you for all of the advice that you have provided to me during the past two years. I hope that you continue to serve the Village. Best of luck!
Below find his reflections on his service and tributes from the Board:
Parting Words from Randall Whitestone
It's been my pleasure to serve alongside three mayors and 11 different trustees, all of whom performed with dedication and purpose and made a positive difference in the life of our community.
Before I thank my fellow trustees, I want to make sure to commend the efforts of the folks who keep the lights on. I appreciate the dedication of these more than 200 individuals, from the sanitation workers making their rounds in snow and rain to the DPW workers clearing storm drains to our police officers and firefighters ready to spring into emergency action at a moment’s notice. The same goes for David Raizen and the independent and tireless Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
Now to my fellow trustees.
Dara. I’m sorry you couldn’t be here. I’ve so enjoyed working with you over the years. We share philosophies on public transparency and proactive communications, and you have done so much with the ACC and on the board to put those philosophies into practice. Your open and candid way of expressing yourself – informed by your pragmatic, commonsense approach to issues – has enlivened and enriched our discussions. We’re a better board because of your hard work and insight, not to mention your sense of humor and can-do attitude.
Jeremy. You bring to bear on pressing village matters an organized legal mind and perceptive views on land use. I enjoy learning from your deep digs into code and your understanding of process. You take a step back and a hard look at whatever crosses your plate, and often arrive at an independent point of view that advances and shifts our collective thinking. You’re good-natured and low-key, but with an intensity and analytical ability that greatly benefits the board and the community. And I’d be remiss in not saying thanks for pushing your chair in!
Ken. Your humanity is admirable. Serving the community is nothing new given your extensive work as a volunteer firefighter. I value your dedication to our golden resource, Scarsdale’s seniors, and your partnership on public safety. You ask excellent questions, rightly viewing yourself as speaking on behalf of the proverbial average resident, adding facts and insights to our public discourse. You always say hello with a smile which brightens what can otherwise be routine and serious work – thanks for your pleasant demeanor, good cheer, and warmth.
Sameer. I always enjoy our healthy give and take and our shared experience of juggling corporate and community service lives. You bring to our board duties the added burden of frequent travel and management of a dynamic, fast-growing technology company. Your insights on HR, organizational structure, communications, and technology enhance our operations and strategy considerations – you’re yet another example of the community benefiting from a high-level business talent for no pay. Your work on the pool and on telecom gives new meaning to the term “sweat equity.” I look forward to seeing you carry all of these initiatives forward; just let my fellow trustees know when you’ll be out of town so they can expect good dinners.
Karen. I’ve enjoyed being your seatmate the past three years, as well as our work together on personnel and quality of life. On all issues before us – both thorny and straightforward – you bring to bear your practical experience in business coupled with your time as a community volunteer and a keen understanding of how our decisions impact our neighbors. You’re open-minded and truly take the time to research issues before coming to a conclusion. I have great respect for your views, and you have in fact changed my mind on occasion after hearing your well thought out arguments. I’m thankful the village will continue to benefit from your clear-eyed wisdom, and an Edgewood perspective. Go Rangers!
Justin. We really came to know each other during that crazy 2020 election campaign. During our seven-month shared journey, we bonded and became mutual sounding boards. I’ve learned a lot from you and admire your deep knowledge of municipal code and finance. The value you’ve provided to the board, the staff, and the community stems from your drive to deeply research issues to gain a full understanding and a command of details: you’re a quick study but not a superficial study. We don’t always agree, but I find we have a healthy ability to exchange views and arrive at better outcomes. I also value your dedication and desire to serve the entire community, and your ability to filter out loud voices to get to an optimal conclusion. Plus, a dry sense of humor and a twinkle in your eye. I’ll try to be a respectful constituent during the second half of your term.
To my board colleagues collectively: thank you for the culture we’ve developed. You are a fearless, patient, and honorable bunch dedicated to doing the right thing. I’m proud to have served alongside you.
Lastly, I want to say a word about my personal journey. As some of you know, my grandparents moved to Scarsdale in 1928, and my mother, at the age of 100, is perhaps the senior-most graduate of Scarsdale High School, Class of 1941, and likes to keep tabs on her hometown.
I grew up in Chappaqua, and my late father spent many nights during my childhood serving as president of the Town Club and the elected Library Board. No one was more responsible for building a new Chappaqua Library in the 1970s – a well-loved library that still serves that community to this day. His example inspired me to dedicate time to public service.
I hope I have carried on both of my parents’ sense of mission and tradition. And I thank you for the opportunity to serve the people and the community of Scarsdale.
Vote Today March 19 at Scarsdale Public Library
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(This letter was submitted by Joe Zakierski, Scarsdale Citizens Non-Partisan Party’s Campaign Committee Chair)
When I volunteered to assume the responsibility of chairing the Scarsdale Citizens Non-Partisan Party’s Campaign Committee on behalf of the Citizens Nominating Committee of Scarsdale (CNC), I did so with conviction, driven by several compelling reasons. Foremost among these was my unwavering confidence in the candidates meticulously selected by the committee. As many residents are aware, the CNC dedicates countless hours to meeting with and vetting numerous candidates each year to curate the slate of trustees, a responsibility that extends to the Village Justice position this year. Guided by rigorous discourse and a thorough selection process aimed at identifying the most suitable candidates, I left our final meeting brimming with excitement and hope for our town's continued stewardship over the next two years under the leadership of Jeremy Gans, Ken Mazer, Jeremy “Jerry” Wise, and Michael Curti.
Since January, bolstered by the support and assistance of numerous members of our community, we embarked on a journey to delve deeper into the individuals vying for these positions. I discovered that this slate of candidates embodies not only capability, drive, and exceptional qualifications but also warmth, gratitude, and compassion. Each candidate harbors a profound love for our town and an unequivocal commitment to excel in their roles. They shoulder a sense of responsibility toward their children, grandchildren, and fellow Scarsdalians, propelling them to make prudent, albeit arduous, decisions to push our community forward.
Becoming Village Trustee or Justice is not a popularity contest or a lifetime achievement award.
These candidates are equipped to confront the challenges ahead because of their extensive experience in relevant fields or direct service to our community and beyond. They also happen to be very well liked by many people from all walks of life, so maybe they could win a popularity contest or two!
Jeremy Gans, Ken Mazer, Jeremy “Jerry” Wise, and Michael Curti epitomize the qualities we should all seek in local leaders—they confront the demands of navigating varied personalities and perspectives with courage and integrity, all with the common goal of securing our collective future.
They have the full support of our committee, and I look forward to them having your support as well on March 19 from 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM in the Scott Room at the Scarsdale Library.
-Joe Zakierski, Scarsdale Citizens Non-Partisan Party’s Campaign Committee Chair
Scarsdale Elects Gans, Mazer and Wise for Village Trustees, Curti for Village Justice
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Mazer, Curti, Wise and Gans cut the cake.It’s official! Scarsdale elected three Village Trustees and a Village Justice on Tuesday March 19, 2024 at Scarsdale Library. Village Trustees Jeremy Gans and Ken Mazer were re-elected to serve their second two year terms, newcomer Jeremy Wise was elected to his first term and Michael Curti was voted in as Village Justice.
As the election was uncontested, it didn’t draw historic numbers of voters, but that didn’t detract from the spirit in the room at a celebration after the polls closed.
On hand were family members, friends of the candidates, Campaign Chair Joe Zakierski and the members of the Scarsdale Citizens Non-Partisan Party’s Campaign Committee, former Village trustees and County Executive George Latimer who stopped by to congratulate the candidates.
After the vote count was announced by Village Clerk Taylor Emanuel, assisted by Melissa Vasami, the newly elected officers gathered around the cake to toast the results.
Kudos to the members of the SCNPP Campaign Committee, chaired by Joe Zakierski: Dan Besikof, Lena Crandall, Kay Eisenman, Ralph Geer, Diane Greenwald, Mary Pat Jones, Jon Leslie, Jon Mark, Bill McInerney, BK Munguia, Camille Roche, Jill Spielberg, Jared Stern, Lisa Van Gundy and Elaine Weir.
A swearing in ceremony will be held on Monday April 1 at noon at Village Hall and the public is invited.
Here are the vote counts:
Jeremy Gans 192
Ken Mazer 188
Jeremy Wise 193
Michael Curti 205
Photo credit Lisa Van Gundy
Jeremy and Lisa Gans
Jeremy and Randi Wise
Michael Curti with his parents
Melissa and Ken Mazer with Jeremy Wise
Candidates with Campaign Chair Joe Zakierski
Melissa Vasani and Taylor Emanuel
Meet the Village Justice and learn why he is sometimes called to court in the middle of the night
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Village Justice Michael Curti along with candidates for Village Trustee Jeremy Wise, Ken Mazer and Jeremy Gans are on the ballot for election on Tuesday March 19, 2024Scarsdale's Village Justice Michael Curti is on the ballot for election on Tuesday March 19, 2024. Find out more about him below and remember to vote for Curti and the candidates for Village Trustees on Tuesday March 19 at Scarsdale Library from 6 am to 9 pm.
Tell us how you came to serve as Scarsdale’s Village Justice and why you would like to continue to serve?
In early 2022, after Justice Alemany announced his retirement, I saw a notice advertising for the position of Associate Village Justice. I had applied previously for the position and had been interviewed by the Judicial Qualifications Advisory Committee but never expected to be selected since we had two terrific judges in Justice Alemany and Justice Dunne. With Justice Dunne’s appointment to Village Justice, there was a vacancy in the Associate Village Justice position. Thereafter, I was interviewed by Mayor Veron and the then Board of Trustees and subsequently appointed as Associate Village Justice. In 2023, I was reappointed as Associate Village Justice by Mayor Arest and the current Board of Trustees. With Justice Dunne’s retirement in late 2023, I was appointed to serve the remainder of her term.
There are three reasons why I am standing for election to serve a full term as Village Justice. First, I am very passionate about public service. I have spent most of my career in local government and always achieved the most personal and professional satisfaction in the daily problem solving and solution building that comes with the territory of working in the public sector. Second and equally important is the people at the Court. Scarsdale is fortunate to have an exceptional team in our clerks, stenographer and court officers and I’m privileged to be their colleague. I have practiced in a lot of local courts in this county and I can say, without reservation, that we have the best Court staff. They work tirelessly and have a commitment to their craft that is inspiring. We are always working on improving our court processes to stay on top of the latest trends in the law. Apart from spending time with my family, going to Court is the highlight of my week. Lastly, I enjoy the subject matter that the Court handles. My law practice is primarily municipal law and I’ve lectured at Pace Law School and around our state on topics that routinely come up when I sit. Until I became a judge, my time in the state court system as a law clerk was the most intellectually fulfilling of my career. Once again, I get to think, research, and write about the law. I find that to be professionally rewarding.
What did you do earlier in your career?
I went to law school right after college. Following law school, I worked in corporate law for a time but really wanted to be in the courtroom. I was fortunate to be appointed a Westchester County assistant district attorney. I spent most of my tenure handling cases in the various local and city courts in Westchester County, which was great training for what I do today. In fact, many of the lawyers who appear before me are former colleagues or adversaries. From the District Attorney’s Office, I served as a law clerk in New York State Supreme Court. Thereafter, I was appointed first as Deputy Corporation Counsel of the City of Yonkers and a few months later, Corporation Counsel. I’m the second former Corporation Counsel to serve as Scarsdale Village Justice in the last 40 years (Justice J. Radley Herold was the first). Among my duties as Corporation Counsel was overseeing many of the types of matters that come before our Court.
Is the position a full-time post? Can the Village Justice also engage in other professional activities?
The position is part-time. I sit on Wednesdays all day. The criminal calendar begins at 9:30 a.m. At 11:00 a.m., I hear landlord/tenant matters or matters pertaining to village code violations. At 1:00 p.m., we have the traffic calendar. At the conclusion of the traffic calendar, we have trials or hearings. Small claims are heard once a month on a Thursday. Occasionally, we schedule additional days for traffic and civil court as needed. My administrative duties are handled throughout the week in the morning or evening hours.
Local magistrates, like a Village Justice, are permitted to practice law since the position is not full time. I’m presently a partner in a law firm.
Have you been called in to court in the middle of night? Does this happen often and why is it necessary to bring suspects to court after hours?
Yes, including weekends and holidays. The frequency is not consistent. For example, I recall handling two arraignments on Veteran’s Day followed by no calls for a week or so. In addition to Scarsdale cases, I also serve as an “accessible magistrate” for the Youth Part of the County Court. Two weeks out of the year, I perform arraignments for that part when that Court is not in session.
One of the cornerstones of our justice system is the right to due process. Due process is the steps the government must take before depriving one of their fundamental rights, like the right to liberty. When someone is accused of a crime, it is important that they be brought before a magistrate (e.g. the Village Justice) as promptly as possible so they can be told the charges against them and what their rights are, like the right to have an attorney appointed for them if they don’t have the resources to hire one. The Village Justice must also decide whether that person should be released from custody on their own recognizance or whether a reasonable bail or remand is necessary.
Some cases take more than a year to be heard in Court. Can you explain why the long delay?
This is a great question. We hear almost 5,000 cases a year in our Court. Most cases that started in 2023 were closed in that same year. However, there are cases which take a little longer and there’s a few reasons for that. Some cases are complicated, involving novel legal issues which lend themselves to more intense discovery, motion practice and hearings. Some defendants have cases in other courts and there’s a desire to have a global disposition which addresses those other matters. That takes coordination and time. In the criminal part, a lot of what we do is pleas and sentences. I gave a lecture on this topic in Syracuse this past fall to the New York State Magistrates Association. In our state court system, unlike the federal courts, the judge, defense counsel, and the prosecutor are all active participants in the plea-bargaining process. Sometimes one of the parties won’t agree to proceed with a plea until a sentence condition, like a community service obligation or substance abuse treatment program, is near completion. That may, for good reason, delay the final resolution of the case.
I heard there was a jury trial in Scarsdale last year. How often do these occur and why was this one held in Village Hall?
There was a jury trial in the Fall of 2022. They are rare occurrences but do happen from time to time. Non-jury trials in the small claims and landlord/tenant parts, and hearings in the criminal part, are far more common. All our court proceedings are conducted in Rutherford Hall.
Why do you enjoy living in Scarsdale?
My wife had fond memories growing up and living in the Village and always wanted our children to share in that experience. I grew up in Westchester County and knew that this was an extraordinary place to live. It has not disappointed. The commitment to volunteerism and the public good shared by our friends and neighbors is inspirational. This community is filled with warm, decent, and generous people and we count ourselves truly blessed to live here.
