Scarsdale Leaders Gather at the Forum for Important Business
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On Thursday evening, October 4, at the Scott Room of Scarsdale Library nearly 100 leaders of Scarsdale gathered to honor the members of the Procedure Committee, to hear the Mayor’s address on the State of Scarsdale, and to review important proposed changes in the Non-Partisan Resolution.
Scarsdale Forum President Dan Hochvert (pictured at left) convened the General Membership Meeting of the Scarsdale Forum to which Forum members and the public were invited. At 8 PM, he drew attention from the convivial chatter during the earlier celebration of Procedure Committee members with refreshments and photos.
First orders of business included a reminder of the unique traditions of Scarsdale, a Secretary’s Minutes (Robert Berg) of the previous meeting (voted) and a Treasurer’s Report (Robert Tucker) of a sound financial condition (voted).
President Hochvert invited reverence for and memories of Scarsdale leaders who had died within the last year after contributing greatly to the welfare of Scarsdale. He read the tribute drafted by Carol Stix for David Norr and invited Merrell Clark to read his tribute regarding Charles Cunningham. Both Norr and Cunningham had been outstanding leaders within Scarsdale Forum (and predecessor organizations) and many other organizations related to Scarsdale and to Westchester.
Mayor Miriam Levitt Flisser was invited to the podium to address the State of Scarsdale. Her powerpoint
The budget $48,445,129 (+3.17% over prior budget) resolves elements that include a 2% New York tax cap, small growth in non-tax revenue, and a tax rate of $238.42/$1,000 (reflecting cap exemptions for such items as growth and pensions).
Storm water projects include South Fox Meadow Drainage Improvements (4 Segments, $2.28 million, considering added segment for Harcourt Woods); South Fox Meadow Drainage Improvements (50% Westchester County grant, 50% bonds subsidized by NYS Environmental Facilities Corp) to be concluded in December with spring 2013 landscaping. Other projects include Sheldrake River Drainage Basin Improvements, now in plans and exploring financial alternatives.
Reassessment of Village property is underway at a projected cost of $1.1 million. New assessments are expected for assessment rolls in 2014 tax year.
The Popham Road Bridge replacement project, at a cost of $17.2 million, is to be completed in December with punch list completion by March of 2013 (construction delayed fourteen months for unanticipated site complications). The Crane Road Bridge, involving two bridges at Bronx River Parkway over Metro North tracks and the Bronx River, are Westchester County’s responsibility. Village officials and Scarsdale Chamber of Commerce are working with Westchester County to orchestrate Scarsdale traffic changes needed over two years and beyond.
The Reeves Newsome pump station will be modernized for $4.1 million with money from water rate, while the recently modernized Ardsley pump station does its work.
Historic preservation work is moving forward, including a comprehensive survey of Scarsdale properties and plans for professional training of volunteers and professional staff who deal with historic property constraints.
Leaf mulching, voted by Village Trustees in 2011, included July training for landscape personnel; tests will proceed this fall in parks while encouraging mulching by all homeowners.
Further comments were received from Eli Mattioli, Vice Chair of the Procedure Committee and Beverley Sved, Chair of the Scarsdale Forum Non-Partisan Procedure Committee. Beverley Sved’s concluding report of her committee’s work included agreement with the first two proposed changes and discussed several alternatives to the third proposed change.
Additional comments were received in a discussion period, notably by the League of Women Voters, and by other Members. President Hochvert called for a vote on the Report of the Non-Partisan Procedure Committee that had been distributed previously (voted). He then adjourned at 9:30 PM to a convivial afterglow reception.
Other Scarsdale leaders and all residents may review proceedings by viewing Scarsdale’s cable Channel 75 on Friday to Sunday, October 12-14, at 4 PM and at 9 PM.
Contributor Merrell Clark has been a participating member of Scarsdale Forum for approximately 40 years, where he now works primarily on sustainability drives. In other Scarsdale organizations, he has served as a Director at Scarsdale Foundation, United Way, Scarsdale Adult School and Greenacres Association.
Worth the Trip: Hunting for Pumpkins on the Vine in Westchester and Long Island; and Where to Pick Really Good Lavender
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Starting in October, carved pumpkins peer out from porches and doorsteps all across Scarsdale and other parts of the world. Gourd-like orange fruits inscribed with ghoulish faces and illuminated by candles are a sure sign of the Halloween season. The practice of decorating jack-o’-lanterns (the name comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack) originated in Ireland, where large turnips and potatoes served as an early canvas. Irish immigrants brought the tradition to the US, home of the pumpkin, and the lowly pumpkin became an integral part of Halloween festivities. In Colonial times, women sliced off pumpkin tips, removed the seeds and filled the inside with milk, spices and honey. This was baked in hot ashes and is the origin of pumpkin pie. While you can certainly go to Stew’s and get a pumpkin there, there is something to be said for piling the kids in the car, going out to a pumpkin patch and getting one straight off the vine. While there are great pumpkin patches in Westchester think about taking the family to Long Island, where in about three hours you can pick some pumpkins (and visit a vineyard) and picnic on the beach if the weather is good. Last, one of Long Island’s hidden secrets is its lavender fields. I’ve included information on one worth visiting if you’re out East.
Long Island
Elwood Pumpkin Farm
1500 E Jericho Turnpike, Huntington
(631) 368–8626
http://elwoodpumpkinfarm.com/
Pick your own pumpkins on the vine; hay rides; small corn maze. This working farm is the closest pumpkin field to New York City.
Finks Country Farm
6242 Middle Country Rd, Wading River
(631) 886-2272
http://finksfarm.com/
Pumpkin patch; corn maze; pumpkin catapult; pig races, calf roping, corn box (like a sandbox but with corn).
The Milk Pail
1346 Montauk Highway
Water Mill
(631) 537-2565
http://milk-pail.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-milk-pail-water-mill
This 13-generation family farm and apple orchard offers a huge variety of really interesting pumpkins for sale at their farm stand, including bumpy green ones and ghostly white ones. Pumpkins range in size from half pound to 150 pounds.
Hank's Pumpkintown with a side trip to Duckwalk Vineyards
240 Montauk Highway,
Water Mill
(631) 726-4667
http://hankspumpkintown.com/farm/
On-the-vine pumpkins; corn maze park; hay rides, calf roping, cow milking, giant maze mountain slide, pedal cart race track, corn table, corn swing. Located very close to Duckwalk Vineyards (http://duckwalk.com; http://www.yelp.com/biz/duck-walk-vineyards-southold#query:duckwalk%20vineyard), which is worth a stop.
Stakeys Pumpkin Farm
270 West Lane, Aquebogue (631) 722-3467
http://stakeyspumpkinfarm.com/
Stakeys is a fun and friendly destination for over 18 different varieties of pumpkins that you can pick off the vine. If you are strong and have long arms you can pay $25 for all the pumpkins you can carry.
Lavender By The Bay
7540 Main Rd, East Marion (631) 477-1019
lavenderbythebay.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lavender-by-the-bay-east-marion
Located in East Marion, Lavender By The Bay is New York’s premier lavender farm and one of the largest in the US. Lavender By The Bay offers seasonal fresh cut bunches, dried lavender, lavender plants, lavender sachets, honey from its own beehives and other crafts.
Westchester County
Stuart's Fruit Farm
62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs (914) 245-2784
http://stuartsfarm.com/
The pumpkins here are actually on the vine, not trucked in from elsewhere and dumped on the ground. This authentic, family-run farm also offers apple picking.
Wilkens Fruit and Fir Farm
1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights (914) 245-5111
Apple picking, as well as a good-sized pumpkin patch. The grounds are a bit hilly, so free hayrides are offered. Be warned: this place gets very crowded!
Rockland County
The Orchards of Concklin
2 South Mountain Road, Pomona (845) 354-0369
You can pick your own pumpkins at this 300-year old apple orchard on the weekends of October 13-14 and 20-21. Additional attractions include a bouncy haunted house, an inflatable slide, delicious cider doughnuts and fresh apple cider.
iPhone 5 - Should You Upgrade?
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The iPhone 5 arrives on store shelves at the end of this week (September 21, 2012), and much like the release of previous Apple devices there are already people lined up on the streets to get one. Seriously. I think people who line up days in advance are seeking the media attention more than anything else, but as an Apple aficionado myself I do get excited for their latest offerings. I draw the line, however, at camping on the street when I can pre-order a device online in the comfort of my own home.
Are you looking to upgrade to the iPhone 5 from a previous iPhone? Or are you looking to switch over from a Blackberry or Android smartphone? Here’s the skinny…
Making the upgrade:
If you own an iPhone 3GS or iPhone 4, you are likely eligible for a carrier-subsidized upgrade depending on the date of purchase/contract renewal. The 16 gigabyte iPhone 5 is $199. The benefits of the upgrade include a larger screen size (great for watching movies or streaming Netflix), thinner profile, and faster data speeds with a 4G/LTE data plan. Much of southern Westchester County and NYC has 4G data coverage with Verizon and AT&T. Sprint has 4G coverage as well, but generally not in Scarsdale (at least not yet). Other improvements to the phone include a faster processor and camera, and longer battery life.
Apple has changed the dock connector from a 30-pin connector to an 8-pin. The 30-pin connector has been widely used on all previous iPhones, iPod, iPod Touch devices, and the iPad. For folks like me with multiple Apple devices, you will no longer be able to use old data cables to charge your iPhone 5, unless you fork over $20-$40 for an adapter. This has been a sore spot with many Apple consumers since it will require such adapters to work with older third-party devices (home stereo system receivers, alarm clocks, etc.) that only use the 30-pin dock connector…AND, the adapter is not guaranteed to work with all devices. Folks who connect their iPhones to their car stereo systems via proprietary cables may no longer be able to do so. Please check with your vehicle’s manufacturer.
Switching to Apple from a different device:
If you’ve been waiting to make the switch to an iPhone, now is the best time to do it. You will have the latest and greatest device that you’ll surely be happy with. The previous iPhone models (the iPhone 4 and 4S) are still being sold by Apple, but now at a lower cost than the iPhone 5. These phones are still fast and current with great cameras and screen resolution. If having 4G/LTE data speeds is not a concern to you, if you live in an area that has spotty or no 4G/LTE coverage, or if you have a teenager begging you for an iPhone, getting an iPhone 4 or 4S is a great alternative that will save money.
How to get one:
For those like me who don’t want to wait in line on launch day, the best bet is to pre-order an iPhone 5 online and have it delivered to you. This is a relatively hassle-free process and the phone will arrive pre-activated when ordered through your carrier’s website. There’s also something to be said for waiting a few days or weeks for the hoopla to die down. By waiting and visiting an Apple store, Best Buy, or your carrier’s store, you should be able to get one provided that inventory is still available. The iPhone is offered in black or white, both of which are sleek and attractive. You can’t go wrong with either one.
Have any iPhone questions or anything else Apple-related? Add a comment below or send me a tweet @jasonbajor.
A lover of all kinds of technology, Jason Bajor is a freelance website designer and owns JB Web & Photo, based in White Plains. He can be reached at [email protected].
Get Rid of Dated Prescription Drugs this Saturday
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Scarsdale Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol encourages your participation in the National Take-Back Initiative this Saturday, September 29th. How many of us have prescription drugs in our medicine cabinets that are expired or simply no longer needed? Prescription drugs are an important safety hazard for young children, and household availability of prescription medication, especially narcotics and stimulants, contributes to high levels of adolescent prescription drugs abuse. According to 2011 data from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health, non-medical use of prescription drugs is second only to marijuana as the most common category of illicit drug use among youth and young adults ages 12-25. It is also estimated that more than 1/3 of those who begin misusing prescription drugs are under age 18 when they start.
To help combat the abuse of prescription medication, the Scarsdale Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol encourages all households to participate in the National Take-Back Initiative on September 29, 2012. The initiative, spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration in partnership with state and local organizations and law enforcement agencies, urges people to dispose of unwanted or unused prescription drugs in a safe manner.
This Saturday from 10- 2am, you can visit one of the several disposal sites in our neighboring communities including Larchmont, Bronxville, and Ardsley. At the last Take-Back event on April 28th, the Drug Enforcement Administration reported collection of 552,161 pounds (276 tons) of unwanted or expired medications that were safely disposed of at the 5,659 take-back sites throughout the country. They are hoping to surpass these efforts on Saturday.
Please note that disposal of medication through a take-back program is the safest means of disposal from a health and environmental standpoint although the FDA has published disposal guidelines in the event a take-back program is not available.
For more information and addresses for participating sites, visit the National Takeback Initiative website .
Lightning Strikes Edgewood Home
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A swift response by an observant neighbor and the Scarsdale Fire Department was instrumental in saving a Bradley Road home that was struck by lightning during a violent storm on Friday, September 7th.
Frank Colella and his daughter were both in the house shortly before 6 pm when lightning struck, but initially did not realize what had happened. In fact, the daughter was on the phone with her mother, Pat, who was in lower Manhattan at the time and the call got cut off. Not realizing what had happened, the daughter called her mother back on her cell phone and continued to chat. A few minutes later, the 17-year-old heard a crinkling sound in the attic and feared there were squirrels in the house. She yelled down to her dad to come upstairs -- and when he pulled down the Bessler stairs to the attic to investigate he found the insulation melting, saw flames and closed the stairs back up.
They both ran downstairs to call the fire department but found that their phone line had been knocked out. Fortunately, by that time, neighbor and volunteer firefighter Jeff Hill had called 911 and ran into the house to tell the Colella’s to get out. He had heard thunder, seen a flash of light and smoke coming from the Colella’s roof. Three to five minutes later, the fire department was there and went to work to save the house.
Eight vehicles from Scarsdale, along with crews from Hartsdale and the County came to the house which is near the corner of Boulevard in Edgewood. The firefighters acted quickly and aggressively and were able to confine the fire to one end of the attic and prevent it from spreading to the rest of the house.
Firefighters opened up the roof to vent the attic and also had to open up the ceilings to the second floor to fully extinguish the flames. The attic and the roof suffered structural damage and there was smoke and water damage on the first and second floors. The house is now uninhabitable.
Scarsdale’s Fire Captain McIlvain was the tour commander and Captain Mann served as the safety captain. In addition to the professional staff, 23 volunteers along with several off duty career staff and a mutual aid FAST team from Hartsdale assisted with the effort. No one was injured. According to Captain Mann, if the firemen had not acted so quickly, the fire would have destroyed the house. Scarsdale Fire Chief Thomas M. Cain said, “The early notification, rapid response and diligent work by our firefighters surely kept this from being a total loss.”
The family has moved to a hotel as the attic is thoroughly burnt and there is extensive damage on the second floor. The first floor of the home has smoke and water damage and Colella is not sure what can be saved. Firefighters did allow the family to go back in and gather some of their belongings and they were able to retrieve family photos from the basement. They grabbed the clothes they could find and a helpful neighbor spent all day Sunday doing laundry to try to save at least some of their belongings.
Pat says she is “stunned, shocked and overwhelmed” by what happened but extremely grateful to the fire department for ensuring the safety of her husband and daughter and saving the house.
She is also very grateful to the members of the Scarsdale Congregational Church who rallied around her family as well as many of their Edgewood neighbors. Members of the church and friends came to the house immediately to help and have done everything from finding them lodging to giving them gift cards for meals and providing emotional support.
