Local Legislators Respond to Questions on ICE, Polarization, the Pool and more at PTC Breakfast
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Frances Wills and Amy PaulinWhat do our local legislators think about ICE, universal Pre-K, Mayor Mamdani, curricular mandates and affordable housing?
These were just a few of the questions posed to a panel of local legislators at the annual legislative breakfast at Greenacres Elementary School on February 6, 2026, sponsored by the Scarsdale PTC Legislative Advocacy Committee, chaired by Jeanette Rosen and Juliane Farruggia.
Panelists included NYS Senator Shelley Mayer, NYS Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, NYS Regent Frances Wills, County Legislator Jenn Puja, and Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest.
Questions were posed by a group of Scarsdale High School students.
Senator Mayer responded to a question about a bill proposed by NYS Governor Kathy Hochul to regulate ICE activity
Justin Arest, Amy Paulin and Drew Patrick in New York. One provision of the bill prohibits federal officers from entering homes without a warrant. Mayer felt that the bill does not go far enough as it does not prevent ICE agents from entering schools or houses of worship without a warrant and does not prohibit them from wearing masks. Assemblymember Amy Paulin pointed out that Hochul’s bill was introduced before the second shooting in Minneapolis. Paulin said, “I think we will see more robust legislation as the final package.”
Asked about the potential impact of Mayor Mamdani’s policies, Paulin said, “When you become a new Mayor you make a lot of promises to get there. He was in the NYS Assembly – so I got to know him pretty well. I think he knows that he will not be able to achieve all his goals but he will get childcare and Pre-K. He will advocate for a tax increase on the top brackets. I will not support those increases – they are not good for suburbanites who use the city – but there might be a middle ground…. The public push on childcare and pre-K will make it mandatory for every district to have these programs. It has ignited a movement on broad based childcare. His victory has a transformative effect on the state – and his embrace of diversity and immigrants – has caused a public shift.”
Has the public rancor on the national scene filtered down to New York State?
Andrew Lennon, Drew Patrick and Amy PaulinPaulin explained, in the NYS Assembly, Democrats have 2/3 of the vote but we have a cordial relationship with the minority. “We work to resolve problems.”
Senator Mayor said, “On balance we have a cordial relationship. But given the intensity of this moment, and the fact that members want to bring federal issues into the debate –it can get heated.” She said, “This is a partisan moment. When we don’t see our colleagues condemn what’s wrong – there are issues that do require speaking out. I don’t think it’s a moment for peace. She called on Republicans to speak up about the racist video the President posted that portrayed the Obamas as monkeys.
On partisanship, Mayor Arest said, “We are unique in Scarsdale in that we have a non-partisan system. We don’t talk about political parties. We talk about how we can make Scarsdale better.”
County Legislator Jenn Puja responded: “When you are in local government, you are dealing with those issues. There’s so much we can do here just caring for our communities.”
State Senator Shelley Mayer
What is the county doing to provide more affordable housing? Jenn Puja said, “We are collaborating with local municipalities, for housing for people of all ages and all stages of life. We are working on creative options.” She sited an “adaptive re-use of a college building to be turned into affordable condominiums for people who work in White Plains.”
Does the state endorse offering non-corps curriculum courses such as financial literacy, civic engagement and media literacy?
Regent Wills said, “They are all now on the list. There are ways to integrate this into courses – or taught as an elective course. There are opportunities for civic engagement and media literacy in the social studies curriculum.”
Senator Mayer explained, “The legislature does not always want to defer to local control. It is a delicate balance. Schools don’t want to be told what to do, but there is tension about allowing local control of some of these issues.”
Paulin added, “There is a reluctance to pass mandatory curricular bills because we know that political people come and go – and we don’t want their philosophies to be imposed on the school district. Think about immunizations, gun control or banning books that relate to a certain subject matter. We give these decisions to the SED to insulate schools from political change.
Amy Paulin with School Board Members Leah Dembitzer, Colleen Brown, Amber Yusuf and Laura LiuGetting local, a student asked, “With the addition of the pool and the school bond, how has the village communicated the impact to the population?”
The Mayor said, “We are separate governments. The pool decision was out of necessity. It is a resource that the vast community wants to continue and expand. If we could delay it, that would be great. We are all residents. It is out of our hands. We do look at shared services – like the buses, we will continue to do those things. We both have needs and we have to be responsible to our own budgets.”
Panelists
And what is the future of the A-School building and parking lot –since the alternative school moved into the high school?
The Mayor responded saying, “It’s a collaborative process. Parking is separate. There are certain limitations on parking spots in suburban neighborhoods. Should we open more residential streets for parking? The A-School building is underutilized. The school district doesn’t use it. If there is an opportunity to use it, we would be crazy not to use it. We have discussed it – but there is no specific plan right now. We welcome the school to use it if we do renovate it.”
SHS Students
A Successful Winterfest
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Jenn Puja, Jill Spielberg, Karen Brew, BK Munguia, Ben BoykinTo the Editor:
The Scarsdale Forum welcomed over 100 members and guests to Winterfest 2026, its fourteenth annual membership party at the Scarsdale Woman’s Club on Saturday, January 31st. Party goers were greeted at the door by Forum President Jill Spielberg and Forum Vice President Karen Brew as pianists Eli Mattioli and Jim Pullman set the mood in the beautifully decorated Music Room. Beer meister Bruce Wells held a beer tasting of his own home brews throughout the evening. Emmanuel Louros, MC Catering offered a delicious buffet dinner paired with several red and white wines from Vintology. As the dessert room opened, Scarsdale High School’s a cappella group For Good Measure entertained the guests with several tunes from their repertoire. The evening ended sweetly as guests enjoyed a variety of homemade goodies provided by Forum members and friends.
Jenn Puja, George Latimer, Amy Paulin, Jill Spielberg
Thank you to the Village, County and NYS elected officials who were able to attend Winterfest 2026 and visit with their Scarsdale constituents--Scarsdale School Board member Suzie Hahn, Scarsdale Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg, Village Trustee Ken Mazer, Scarsdale Village Justice Michael Curti, Westchester County Legislator Jennifer Puja, former Westchester County Legislator Benjamin Boykin and NYS Assemblywoman Amy Paulin. Congressman George Latimer presented President Spielberg with a citation commemorating his recent reading into the Congressional Record highlighting the work of the Scarsdale Forum to engage its community in civic involvement and civil discourse.
Susan Douglass and Bruce Wells
The Scarsdale Forum is a 122-year-old charitable organization dedicated to improving life in Scarsdale through its educational programs and activities. Forum members study the issues affecting Scarsdale through its committee work and offer programs of interest to the community at membership meetings and separate speaker events. This year’s Winterfest 2026 was a zero-waste event thanks to the efforts of Scarsdale Forum’s Sustainability Committee. All Scarsdale Village and Mamaroneck Strip residents are welcome to become members and can join at: www.scarsdaleforum.org
A special thanks to Scarsdale10583 for its assistance in publicizing Winterfest 2026.
Sincerely,
Scarsdale Forum
Winterfest 2026 Committee
Co-chairs of Winterfest 2026 Lena Crandall and BK Munguia, at the end of the evening still smiling!
Lena Crandall welcoming guests into the dessert room.
Jim Pullman and Eli Mattioli
Recycling Tip of the Week: Recycle Your Books--Do NOT Place Books into Paper Recycling
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Books, both soft and hardcover--in any condition--can be brought to the Village's Recycling Center (110 Secor Road, open Monday-Saturday, 8am-3pm) and placed in the Book Recycling Bin for recycling.
Books, whether soft or hardcover, should never be placed in paper recycling--books cannot be recycled with regular paper recycling because of the glue on the spines. The Village has partnered with a private company which donates, sells or recycles the books that are collected. Specialized machines are used to slice off the spines and take off the hard covers, allowing the paper to be recycled. Book recycling saves trees and resources that would be needed to produce new pulp, diverts waste from landfills, and provides an environmentally friendly way to handle unwanted books by either passing them on to readers for a second life or by transforming them into new paper products.
LWVS Meeting on Proposed School Bond to be Held Via Zoom on Monday
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On Monday, January 26, 2026 at 11 am the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale will hold a general membership information session and consensus meeting regarding the proposed Scarsdale School District 2026 Bond. Members of the District Cabinet and Board of Education have been invited to present and answer questions. The information session will be open to the public; the consensus meeting is for current LWVS members only.
This meeting will take place via Zoom only! Tune in from the coziness of your home.
LWVS Information Session and Consensus Meeting on the Scarsdale School District 2026 Bond
Monday, January 26, 2026
11:00 a.m.
via Zoom
Meeting ID: 865 7517 4314
Passcode: 325429
The Scarsdale Foundation Announces the 2026 Scarsdale Bowl Award Winner, Terri Simon; the Scarsdale Historical Society wins the Spotlight Honor
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Terri Simon(Submitted by the Scarsdale Bowl Committee)
Terri Simon will receive the 2026 Scarsdale Bowl. The venerated Bowl award is presented annually since 1943 to those who have “given unselfishly of time, energy, and effort to the civic welfare of the community.” Terri’s many years of service and dedication to the Scarsdale community, along with her commitment and compassion, have earned her this honor.
The Scarsdale Foundation also continues its newer tradition of honoring either an individual or an organization who has made a tangible difference in the community’s quality of life in one specific area. The Spotlight Award, established in 2023, this year goes to Scarsdale Historical Society for bringing together Village residents to celebrate our rich history.
We invite everyone in Scarsdale to help celebrate the Foundation’s honorees at the Bowl Dinner on Thursday, April 23rd, 2026. The Scarsdale Foundation promotes and celebrates volunteerism and also administers grants and scholarships, provides need-based college scholarships for sophomores, juniors and seniors and recognizes extraordinary volunteers who work toward the betterment of the community.
Terri Simon
Bowl Committee Chair Pam Fuehrer delivers the good news.
Terri Simon has been a Greenacres resident since 1989. She has served in numerous leadership positions and as a member of myriad organizations. Notably, Simon has made significant contributions as Board of Education President and trustee; as President of the Scarsdale Library Board; at My Sisters' Place as Chair; and at Bet Am Shalom Synagogue in important roles including Chair and President.
Bowl Committee Chair, Pam Fuehrer, notes “For over 30 years, Terri’s unwavering dedication to volunteerism and service has profoundly enriched the Scarsdale community. Since shearrived in town in 1989, she has exemplified the spirit of civic engagement and community leadership that the Scarsdale Bowl Award seeks to celebrate. The Bowl Committee is grateful for this opportunity to recognize the breadth and depth of Terri’s extraordinary impact. Her compassion and warmth, willingness to listen, professionalism, and a tireless work ethic have helped steer multiple boards and committees through significant challenges. He guidance by example makes her an inspiring mentor to many.”
A dedicated advocate for education, Simon served as President of the Scarsdale Board of Education (2005-2006), Vice President (2004-2005), and Trustee (2001-2007). Before her school board servie, she worked tirelessly to ensure the district’s excellence, leading key initiatives such as the School District Capital Construction project and serving on the Advisory Committee on Legislative Issues. Simon’s leadership began at the elementary school level, where she was President of the Greenacres Elementary PTA (1994-1996) and Secretary of the Scarsdale Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (1996-1997).
The Bowl Sub-Committee on Sunday night. Pictured L to R: Tim Foley, Terri Simon, Pam Fuehrer, Seema Jaggi, Laura Miller
On the Scarsdale Library Board of Trustees, Simon served as President and took a significant role on the Capital Campaign committee from 2015-2018, to help grow and modernize the library. At Bet Am Shalom Synagogue she has served as President and Board Chair, and helped to guide the congregation with strategic vision. At My Sister’s Place, Simon is a passionate voice addressing intimate partner violence, championing the agency’s mission, and driving impactful programs that uplift vulnerable populations.
Additionally, Simon has served on the School Board Nominating Committee as a member, vice-chair, and multiple times on the Administrative Committee. She has served on the District Capital Construction Coordinating Committee and co-chaired the District Communications Committee for Facilities Bond Campaign. She has also served on the Hoff Barthelson Board of Trustees, and as a chair of the Scarsdale Bowl Committee. Beyond her volunteer roles, Simon’s professional career as a partner at Kehl, Katzive & Simon brought her expertise in business litigation and education law into her community advocacy, enriching her ability to serve effectively.
Scarsdale Historical Society Board Rear L to R standing: Lori Rothman Kaplan, Dana Matsushita, Deidre Michael, Treasurer, Deborah Skolnik, Secretary, Shivi Bansal Front L to R sitting: May Cowan, Jordan Copeland, Vice President, Randy Guggenheimer, President, Leslie Chang, Social Media, Christine Weston Not pictured: Karen Ceske, Seth Kaller, Lesley Shearer
Simon and her husband, Eric Levine, raised their two sons in Scarsdale, where they both attended Greenacres, Scarsdale Middle School and graduated from Scarsdale High School. Her younger son and his wife live in Quaker Ridge with Simon’s two grandchildren. Her older son and his wife live in North Carolina.
“I am feeling so, so honored by this recognition, finding it very profound to be included in the roster of extraordinary volunteers who’ve done so much for our shared community,” honoree Terri Simon said.
The Bowl Committee, a diverse group of 14 community volunteers representing all areas and demographics of Scarsdale, selects the recipient after reviewing and vetting many worthy candidates who are nominated by the community. Following the Bowl Committee vote on Sunday night, committee chair Pam Fuehrer along with Seema Jaggi, President of the Scarsdale Foundation, Tim Foley, Secretary of the Bowl Committee, and Bowl Committee member Laura Miller surprised Simon at her home with the news on Sunday night. Also serving on the committee this year are: Penny Bauersfeld, Lisa Copeland, Warren Haber, Nadine Pepin, Daniela Retelny, Toby Milstein Schulman, Ali Doll Seiden, Rob Tepper, Claudia Uribe-Galeano and Julie Zhu. Sharon Higgins is serving as Treasurer.
Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest said, “Terri Simon truly embodies the best of Scarsdale. Her years of service on the Board of Education and the Library Board of Trustees reflect a deep and enduring commitment to our community. She played a pivotal role in shaping and securing approval for our new library, and I was fortunate to work alongside her throughout that process. I greatly valued her thoughtfulness, perseverance, and collaborative spirit, which made a lasting difference."
The Spotlight Award Goes to Scarsdale Historical Society
Bowl committee delivers the news: Rear L to R: Penny Bauersfeld, May Cowan, Warren Haber, Deidre Michael, Tim Foley, Shivi Bansal, Jordan Copeland Front L to R: Randy Guggenheimer, Lori Rothman Kaplan, Dana Matsushita, Deborah Skolnik, Christine Weston, Seema Jaggi, Leslie Chang
The Bowl Committee also selected a Spotlight Award winner for the fourth year. While the Bowl award recognizes the depth and breadth required of the Bowl winner, the Spotlight Award recognizes meaningful contributions in a specific area or a problem solved after focused effort.
“At a time when the importance of connections and community cannot be overstated, The Scarsdale Historical Society has brought our shared past to light, creating cohesion and pride in our remarkable village. Their work allows us, as neighbors, to explore Scarsdale’s rich history and local stories through a multi-faceted and innovative journey. This dedicated all-volunteer organization continues to provide and ensure a sense of place. It is a truly deserving recipient of the Spotlight Award,” shared Bowl Co-chair Pam Fuehrer.
The Bowl Committee reviewed many worthy individuals and organizations before voting Scarsdale Historical Society to be the 2026 recipient of the Spotlight Award. Scarsdale Historical Society President Randy Guggenheimer was thrilled to learn of the award. While he was not home on Sunday night when Bowl Committee members went to notify him, he and the rest of the SHS Board were contacted by email and then a phone call from Bowl chair Pam Fuehrer.
“We're proud to be recognized for bringing local history to life as a unifying force within the community with this year's Spotlight Award,” said Randy Guggenheimer. "Thanks to technology, there have never been more ways to connect with Scarsdale’s past—including through our films, social media, digital archives, community programs, and our upcoming podcast."
Established in 1973, the Scarsdale Historical Society has been documenting and sharing local history for over 50 years. According to their mission statement, “The Scarsdale Historical Society exists to discover, preserve and disseminate historical information, as well as inspire others to learn about and contribute to the history of Scarsdale and the Central Mid-Westchester Region.” Their broad vision is to change the way people think about historic preservation. “The Scarsdale Historical Society will identify opportunities to preserve our historical record and foster understanding, awareness and enthusiasm of the historical significance of our village and region. In partnership with other community organizations, we will promote and support activities that not only preserve but create history through active engagement.”
Mayor Arest notes, “The Scarsdale Historical Society’s educational work is vital to preserving our shared story and helping residents understand the roots of our community. History matters deeply in Scarsdale, and I am sincerely grateful for all that the Historical Society does to keep that history alive. I look forward to working together as we mark America’s 250th birthday and celebrate Scarsdale’s 325th anniversary.”
In its founding years, SHS renovated the Cudner-Hyatt House on Post Road as a museum. In recent years, local historians have joined the SHS Board of trustees and focused on groundbreaking media to document Scarsdale’s history, including a series of 12 documentary videos exploring many aspects of life in the Village. Through innovative programming, accessible public events, and creative storytelling, SHS has brought together residents of all ages, backgrounds, and lengths of residency to engage meaningfully with Scarsdale’s shared past.
Seema Jaggi, President of the Scarsdale Foundation said, “For the 83rd year, the Scarsdale Foundation and the Scarsdale Bowl Committee are thrilled to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism at our annual Scarsdale Bowl Dinner on April 23. We are proud to honor Terri Simon as this year’s Scarsdale Bowl recipient, recognizing nearly four decades of leadership and service that have enriched the Scarsdale community. Her boundless enthusiasm and warmth have touched countless lives. We are also delighted to present this year’s Spotlight Award to the Scarsdale Historical Society, whose creative storytelling brings Scarsdale’s vibrant history to life for today’s residents.”
