Author Anna Quindlen to Visit Scarsdale on October 21, 7pm
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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The members of the Friends of the Scarsdale Library are excited to announce that Anna Quindlen will visit our community on Wednesday, October 21, to discuss her latest novel, More Than Enough. This best-seller has been praised by NPR for its emotional sophistication and authenticity: More simply put, it’s a great read, and you will find yourself thinking about the characters long after putting the book down.
What’s more, the conversation (no major spoilers!) between Anna, as all her fans like to call her, and interviewer Sarah Lyall, who holds the unique title of Writer at Large at the New York Times, is sure to be a warm and lively exchange. Sarah has written about everything from dog shows to London book shops, and has worked on virtually every desk at the paper; she appears frequently on the NYT Book Review podcast, and pens a column about thrillers every month.
Before Quindlen started writing novels, she was the first woman to do a lot of things at the New York Times. Back in the day when newspapers were only printed, her many followers looked forward to reading her “About New York” columns, and later, the immensely popular “Life in the Thirties” as soon as the paper was delivered. In 1990, the Times asked Quindlen to become the third woman ever to write for its influential Op-Ed page; her subsequent column, called “Public and Private” took on tough issues related to culture, education, health care, work-life balance and social justice, winning a Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1992. Soon after, when offered a top editing position, Quindlen opted to prioritize her time with her three children, declined the post and turned to novel writing as a new, and more flexible, challenge.
Thirteen of Quindlen’s books, including eight novels, have appeared on the New York Times Best Sellers list. Three of her novels have been made into movies, including One True Thing, a semi-autobiographical story about a college student who takes a year off to care for her dying mother. The movie starred Meryl Streep, Renee Zellweger and William Hurt, with Streep receiving an Academy Award nomination for her performance. Quindlen’s wise and witty A Short Guide to a Happy Life has become a popular college graduation gift, selling well over a million copies. Let’s hope that Quindlen, who is so well known for her ability to blend humor, empathy and sharp insight, will share some life lessons while she tells us about the process of writing More Than Enough, and maybe gives us the scoop on her next project.
Please join the Friends of the Scarsdale Library for wine, light bites and lively conversation at Scarsdale Golf Club on Wednesday, October 21 at 7:00 pm. For tickets please register here. We are grateful to our leading sponsors: New York Presbyterian, Zach and Heather Harrison, and the Laura Miller Team at Houlihan Lawrence.
All Welcome at Woman’s Club Open House
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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The Scarsdale Woman's Club is gearing up for a new year full of entertaining and informative programs and social activities. Members hail from all over Westchester and beyond.
Everyone is invited to an open house and membership fair Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 1-4 pm at the historic clubhouse, 37 Drake Road, Scarsdale. Members of club sections on art, literature and film, music, world culture and travel, home and garden, education, personal investing, pottery and food and dining will showcase their activities and answer questions. Attendees can learn about trips to theaters, museums, gardens and other places of interest; special events, and the club’s support of local philanthropies.
Fall programs are up and running. Here’s what’s on tap, open to the public free of charge: Alll programs are at 2 pm except as noted.
Sept. 23, Literature & Film, 2 pm: Meghan Covington on “Theater as a Vehicle for Social Change”
Sept. 24, World Cultures: “Into the Wild”: Sy Schreiber leads a safari to Tanzania
Sept. 30, Art: Page Knox on “The Art of ‘Mona’s Eyes’”
Oct. 7, Music: “A Musical Celebration of American History” with Mauro Contrastano and Donna Cribani
Oct. 14, Education: “The Life and Work of Luigi DelBianco, Carver of Mount Rushmore”
Oct. 17 and 18: Tag & Book Sale, Saturday, 9 am-3:30 pm; Sunday, 11 am-3 pm
Oct. 21, Literature & Film: “The Black Experience in American Cinema” with Joseph Sgammato
Oct. 22, Pottery, Play with Clay, call for details
Oct. 28, Food & Dining:.”Transforming Puff Pastry” demonstration by Tina Baccardi
Nov. 12, Thursday, 7 pm: Wine Tasting and Silent Auction
Nov. 18, Education: Robert Groban on “The History of Immigration in the USA.”
For more information, go to scarsdalewomansclub.org.
From Memory to Joy: A New JShop Brings Jewish Life Home
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- Written by: Cynthia Samwick
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At a time when many Jewish families are thinking more deeply about what it means to be Jewish, a new initiative at Westchester Reform Temple is offering a simple but powerful answer: bring more Jewish joy into everyday life.
The newly reimagined JShop at Westchester Reform Temple is more than a place to purchase Judaica, gifts, jewelry and home décor. It is an invitation to bring beauty, meaning, tradition and joy into our homes and to share those moments with the people we love.
For me, however, the JShop is also deeply personal.
I am the daughter of a Holocaust survivor. My father survived one of the darkest chapters in human history and spent his life building a family and a future. He died several years ago, but the lessons of his life remain with me every day.
Now, as a grandmother, I find myself thinking even more about what we pass from one generation to the next.
We often speak about the importance of remembering the past. And we must remember. But I do not believe Jewish identity can be built only on what has happened to us. Our children and grandchildren deserve to inherit not only the memory of Jewish suffering, but also the extraordinary beauty of Jewish life.
Especially in today’s climate, when antisemitism has once again made many Jews feel vulnerable, it feels more important than ever that we do not allow fear or hatred to define who we are.
As Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks said, “A Jewish story may begin with tears, but it always ends with hope.”
That idea has become central to my own sense of mission. The answer to hatred cannot simply be fear. It must also be to live Jewish life more fully - to celebrate Shabbat, gather around holiday tables, give Jewish gifts, mark our milestones and fill our homes with reminders of who we are and what we cherish.
Judaism also teaches us something important about the word pride. In Jewish thought, pride can suggest arrogance or taking personal credit for gifts we did not earn. We can take pride in the work we do and the choices we make, but perhaps an even more meaningful response is gratitude - for the gift of Jewish life, for the traditions passed down to us, and for the opportunity to pass them forward.
That spirit is at the heart of the JShop.
The shop has been thoughtfully reimagined as a modern Judaica and gift boutique for today’s Jewish families. Its collection includes Judaica, home décor, jewelry, baby and holiday gifts, and other unique items designed to make Jewish living feel beautiful, accessible and relevant.
Whether a family is welcoming Shabbat, celebrating a simcha, preparing for a holiday or simply looking for a meaningful gift, the JShop offers ways to make those moments feel special.
The project is a collaborative effort led by Lauren Birnbaum, Fran Frydman, Robyn Levitt, Rachel Schmerin and me - women who share a commitment to creating a welcoming and vibrant space for the WRT community and beyond.
The JShop is also a not-for-profit initiative. All proceeds from the shop will be reinvested to support programs and initiatives at Westchester Reform Temple, in the broader community and in Israel. Every purchase, therefore, helps contribute to something larger than the item itself.
The JShop’s Grand Opening will take place on Thursday, September 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Westchester Reform Temple, featuring pop-up vendors, new merchandise and festive surprises.
For me, this is about more than opening a store.
It is about honoring where we have come from without allowing the darkest chapters of our history to have the final word. It is about looking at our children and grandchildren and asking what kind of Jewish inheritance we want to give them.
My father survived. His generation rebuilt. Our generation now has the privilege and the responsibility to make sure that what we pass forward is not only memory, but also joy.
The JShop is one small expression of that larger mission: to make Jewish life visible, beautiful and meaningful in our everyday lives and to ensure that the story we pass to the next generation is one of resilience, gratitude, hope and joy.
The Westchester Band Brings Scarsdale Together in Chase Park
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- Written by: Claudia Wang
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On Thursday, July 23rd the Scarsdale community gathered at Chase Park for a wonderful summer evening filled with live music, warmth, and community spirit. Audience members of all ages lined the park with lawn chairs, and blankets, settling in to enjoy the fifth free concert in the seven event series under the sunset. Hosted in the heart of Scarsdale Village, the event showcased the deep sense of togetherness that defines our local community.
Conductor Alan Hollander led the talented musicians through a richly varied program designed to delight listeners of every generation. The performance opened with the band's traditional, uplifting rendition of America the Beautiful. The program quickly energized the park with James Barnes' lively piece Capriccio, followed by an exceptional solo performance by trombonist Doug Denniston on Alexandre Guilmant's Morceau Symphonique.
A highlight of the evening was the highly anticipated Mystery Song segment, which invited attendees to participate in a fun musical guessing game. Audience members enthusiastically identified five iconic hits from the 1980s, including Thriller, Time After Time, Eye of the Tiger, Up Where We Belong, and You Give Love a Bad Name. Following the excitement of the game, the band transitioned into a moving performance of Frank Ticheli's Shenandoah, offering a moment of quiet reflection under the summer sky.
Hollander introduced Jacques Offenbach's energetic march, The Drum Major's Daughter Overture. Residents interested in hearing this piece can view a recording of the performance on YouTube here.
The ensemble then treated the audience to a captivating medley of Andrew Lloyd Webber's timeless selections from The Phantom of the Opera, creating a memorable Broadway experience right in Chase Park.
“With the trip to Broadway complete a smaller ensemble of the band accompanied our principal oboist, Dr. Dorothy Darlington in a beautiful rendition of the well known The Girl with the Flaxen Hair.”
The concert concluded with thoughtful tributes to senior community members through classic vintage selections. Clarinet soloist Tom Heimer and trumpet soloist Frank Huber delivered spirited solos during Dixieland Jam, while the saxophone section took center stage for Glenn Miller In Concert. As tradition dictates, the night closed with a rousing rendition of Stars and Stripes Forever, featuring a unique seasonal touch as the oboe section performed the trio passage.
Sponsored by the Scarsdale Department of Parks and Recreation, local merchants, and generous donations, these free performances continue every Thursday evening at 8:00 PM in Chase Park through August 6, 2026. In the event of rain, concerts take place at Scarsdale High School. Bring your loved ones and a comfortable chair to join in celebrating great music and community spirit throughout the summer season.
Do We Need More Climate Films Before Reality Becomes Just Like Fiction?
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- Written by: Mitchell Peran
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Pompeii: Photo Credit ShutterstockMitchell Peran, a soon to graduate senior at Brandeis and a 2022 alum of Scarsdale High School is majoring in environmental studies and minoring in psychology and hopes to go to grad school in an environmental studies or climate science program. He recently wrote the following opinion pieces for his class, "European Perspectives on the Climate Crisis and What to do About It, “ and asked us to share it with you.
AI causes a lot of concern about its use in education whereas some embrace AI to reconstruct history. In June 2026, a news article discussed how the Pompeii Archaeological Park and the University of Padua employed AI to depict the final moments of the Roman city destroyed by the Vesuvius volcanic eruption 2,000 years ago. Romans fleeing the ashes eerily resemble today’s people escaping hurricanes, floods, and other extreme weather events accelerated by climate change.
In 2024, the US experienced 27 weather catastrophes costing over $1 billion in damages each, making it imperative to address climate change. Hollywood should produce more climate films because they emotionalize scientific warnings, motivate public engagement, and increase pressure for political action.
Watching several documentaries and disaster films impressed me about how they disseminate scientific recommendations appealing to emotions. “Merchants of Doubt” does not merely describe the climate denial playbook — it makes you feel the outrage watching how fossil fuel companies deliberately sow doubt about whether climate change was really happening to stall climate action, borrowing tactics straight from the tobacco lobby. Both industries questioned the science behind the fact that their products were harmful, while knowing the truth all along. The “Thule/Tuvalu” documentary is even more effective, by showing the direct impacts of climate change, centering around two locations with opposite climates impacted by melting glaciers and rising sea level. Melting glaciers destroyed hunting grounds around the Greenlandic village of Thule, limiting the indigenous community’s food and movement. A Pacific archipelago, Tuvalu, vulnerable to sea level rise because of its narrow islands, is at risk of being completely flooded due to rising sea levels. The film connects the global impact of climate change, demonstrating how events in one area affect the opposite side of the planet.
Fictional films can also be very effective, by showing the emotional burden of climate change’s impacts. “The Day After Tomorrow,” despite its scientific exaggerations, illustrates how extreme the weather can get. Paleoclimatologist Jack Hall discovers that a slowdown in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation could trigger a new ice age and that ends up altering people’s lives. I was outraged by the neglect of politicians towards the impact of extreme weather events, as the US Vice President ignored Hall’s warnings. Many politicians today still deny anthropogenic climate change is really happening.
Some will argue that climate films address audiences who seek them out already believing in climate change - while skeptics avoid them. There is some truth to this. But it misses the larger point. Films do not just inform; they build empathy and moral urgency across political lines. Minoring in psychology, I read research on narrative persuasion consistently showing that stories change minds where statistics fail. Somebody unmoved by temperature charts may weep watching an Inuit elder describe a landscape their grandchildren will never know. That emotional shift is the foundation of political will, and political will is crucial at a turning point for climate action.
In 2015, countries signed the Paris Agreement pledging to limit warming to 20 Celsius from pre-industrial levels, and ideally 1.50. Climate scientists have warned about the drastic impacts to the climate if the 1.50 threshold is breached. Luckily, great films can visualize what happens when climate action isn’t taken so coral reefs like Great Barrier die off, the ocean acidifies, and the glaciers melt. Climate films can also demonstrate the sea level rising 1 to 3 feet causing permanent flooding in coastal areas, and the sixth mass extinction. On the other hand, cinema can inspire the positive effects of climate action outlining net zero carbon emissions, renewable energy, ocean-based carbon capture methods, such as macroalgae and microalgae cultivation, and restoration of natural habitats and wildlife populations threatened by extinction. Politicians can be convinced to fight climate change if their constituencies mobilize and demand action. If you have ever wondered what the climate apocalypse is like, climate films will show you — the bleached coral reefs, the vanishing glaciers, the flooded streets of Miami, displaced indigenous people — and what it will take to pull humanity back from the point of no return. The question is no longer whether the climate will change — it's whether a film will finally make enough people care before it does.
Sources
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0319262/ or https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/435-the-day-after-tomorrow
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11079236/ or https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12248972_The_Role_of_Transportation_in_the_Persuasiveness_of_Public_Narratives
https://www.amazon.com/Merchants-Doubt-Patricia-Callahan/dp/B00YO2IC3W
https://oceanvisions.org/macroalgal-cultivation/
https://oceanvisions.org/microalgae-cultivation/
https://www.climate.gov/news-features/blogs/beyond-data/2024-active-year-us-billion-dollar-weather-and-climate-disasters
https://www.npr.org/2021/11/08/1052198840/1-5-degrees-warming-climate-change
https://www.yidio.com/movie/thuletuvalu/104681
https://www.popsci.com/science/ai-pompeii-victim-with-mortar-recreation/
