Scarsdale Remembers Bill Miller
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William S. Miller (Bill) died at home on July 18, surrounded by loving family and just shy of his 92nd birthday. He was born July 23, 1932, the son of Cecile and Mark Miller.
Bill and his sister, Sara Feldman who predeceased him, grew up in the Bronx under the shadow of Yankee Stadium where he first heard the roars of the crowd, and became an obsessive baseball fan . When he was eight years old, the Millers moved to New Rochelle. Bill attended Harvard College where he developed a life-long interest in politics. He graduated magna cum laude in 1954 and continued on to Harvard Business School graduating with distinction in 1956 with a focus on negotiations and collective bargaining. Following service in the U.S. Army Finance Corps, he joined Miller Cardboard. He became Principal Owner and was its President for more than thirty years until he sold the company in 1995.
Throughout his career Bill was actively involved in a multitude of volunteer activities in Scarsdale and was President of the Scarsdale Board of Education and President of Westchester Reform Temple. In 2013 he was honored by the Scarsdale community with its highest award for volunteerism, the Scarsdale Bowl.
Bill married Ann Rosenthal in 1958 and they had four children, Elizabeth Miller Guggenheimer (Randy), Mark R. Miller (Tonya), Dr. Rachel L. Miller (Kent) and
Dr. Steven W. Miller. The family enjoyed wonderful summers together at their vacation home in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.
Following Ann's death, Bill married Stephanie Pollack Singer in 2000 and welcomed her children, Dr. Debra Beth Singer and Dr. Marcy Singer Gabella (Dr. William Gabella) to the family. Both families had been close for many years and Bill often said, "my family is my pride and joy".
Their blended family now includes nine grandchildren, Laura Guggenheimer (Dr. Aaron Deutsch), Brian Guggenheimer, Sam Miller, Benjamin Miller, Andrea Becker, Andrew Stein, Daniel Stein, Isaac Gabella, Joshua Gabella and two great grandchildren.
Bill was a compassionate, committed and highly ethical person who will be missed by all. The family would appreciate donations made to the Caring Community of Westchester Reform Temple or to Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service in his memory. Funeral Services will be held at Westchester Reform Temple on Monday, July 22, 2024 beginning at 11:30 AM.
Scarsdale Remembers Lucien Oades and Kenneth Arbeeny
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Scarsdale lost two residents in the past few weeks, Lucien Oakes, a rising senior at Scarsdale High School and Kenneth Arbeeny, age 71who passed away on June 29, 2024.
On July 1, 2024 the community received the following email from the Scarsdale Schools regarding Lucien Oades:
Dear Parents, Colleagues and Community Members,
It is with deep sadness that I am writing to our community today to once again share terrible news. We learned earlier today that Lucien Oades, a rising senior at Scarsdale High School, passed away following a medical incident. Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with Lucien's parents and sibling; his extended family; his teachers; his friends, their families, and the Scarsdale High School community. We also extend our love, care and concern for those grieving with and for Lucien's brother Sebastian.
Kenneth Arbeeny
Kenneth Arbeeny
Kenneth Arbeeny was a lawyer, a father of three and a Fox Meadow resident. He served as a Volunteer Firefighter for Scarsdale Company 2 for 13 years. His friends offered the following remembrances:
Jim Buck said, “Ken was an absolute gentleman who was deeply committed to his family, community especially Scarsdale Fire Company 2. He always had a kind word for all. He will be deeply missed.”
Sang Han said, “Ken was so generous. Every kid knew to go to the Arbeeny house at Halloween for the best light-up toys! He truly brought light to the lives of his fellow Scarsdalians.
(From Legacy.com)
Kenny leaves behind his beloved wife, Maureen Grealish Arbeeny, his three devoted children Allison Rickard and husband Timothy Rickard, Audrey Arbeeny and Andrew Arbeeny, as well as two special grandchildren Paul and Kennedy Rickard who affectionately called him "Papa". In addition, he leaves his sister Valerie Nemer, and three sisters in law Kathy Cochran, Anne Grealish and Meagan Melville and special niece Madi Melville. He also cherished all his cousins, nieces, nephews, and his many close friends including his "brothers" Joe Finazzo, Knud Hansen and Doug Wisner.
Kenny was born in Brooklyn, New York, on May 24,1953, to parents Theresa Salgado Arbeeny and Daniel Arbeeny. He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School and Binghamton University ('74), before attending New York University (MPA, '76) and Boston College Law School (J.D., '78). Kenny had a long and accomplished career as a Real Estate Attorney spanning over four decades and completed leasing transactions in most major office buildings in New York City. He was most recently of Counsel at Sullivan & Worcester and prior to that was at Beau Dietl & Associates.
Kenny was also heavily involved in his community, serving as a Volunteer Firefighter for Scarsdale Company 2 for 13 years, as a member of the Board of Directors of The AHRC New York City foundation for many years and as a baseball and softball coach for 26 seasons. He lived a life in keeping with his favorite quote: "Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you think" (Longfellow). Kenny gave everything to his family, friends, and community. While he was passionate about coins, classic cars, and his beloved New York Mets baseball team, he truly cared about his family and friends and was so generous of his time and expertise to everyone around him. His was a legend in so many ways and will forever be remembered for his generous spirit.
(Top photo: Shelley Grafstein)
SFCS Aging in Place Program Receives Generous Bequest
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Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service (SFCS) today announced it has received a generous bequest from the estate of long-time Scarsdale resident Ruth Kaiden, who died June 16, 2022 at the age of 92.
The bequest recognizes the pivotal role that SFCS’s Aging in Place program played in Kaiden’s life. As she did with many older Scarsdale residents, SFCS’s then Aging in Place coordinator Maryellen Saenger cultivated an ongoing relationship with Kaiden. Over time, she helped connect Kaiden with all the es- sential resources she needed to remain comfortable and secure in her beloved home. Most im- portantly, the Aging in Place program provided Ruth with a consistent source of support through weekly phone calls, and visits.
"We are so honored and grateful for this generous gift,” said James Genova, LCSW, executive director, Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service. “We are proud to provide many services for Scarsdale residents to help them continue to live safely and happily in their homes as they age.”
The Aging in Place program provides an array of services including outreach, emotional support, in- home assessment, referral services, advocacy, education, friendly visiting and future planning assistance.
Although the Aging in Place program receives funding from Scarsdale Village and the Westchester County Board of Legislators, it remains under-funded; that is why the bequest from the Ruth Kaiden es- tate is so important. The gift will help support and expand these vital services so that Scarsdale resi- dents, who desire it, can continue to age in place.
Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service (SFCS)
Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service (SFCS) is a nationally recognized family service agency accredited by the Council on Accreditation. The agency has been an anchor in the community for almost 100 years, providing counseling services and supportive programs to local individuals and families in all stages of life. SFCS’s mission is to strengthen and support family life and to contribute to the well-being of Scarsdale and Edgemont residents. SFCS believes that families matter and that healthy families are the cornerstone of a healthy community.
For more information, please go to https://www.sfcsinc.org/ or call (914) 723-3281.
Emily DaSilva Marries David Jimenez-Katsman in Los Angeles
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Emily Hope DaSilva (SHS ‘08) and David Gabriel Jimenez-Katsman were married on May 25, 2024 at Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, California. Rabbi Jonathan E. Blake of Westchester Reform Temple officiated the Jewish wedding ceremony.
The couple met on Hinge in November 2019, and shared a few dates before the pandemic hit—but David was undeterred by the forthcoming lockdown. Emily returned home to Scarsdale for five months, while David planned virtual dates, sent her sweet surprises, and even got her number one celebrity crush to slide into her DMs to say hello.
Upon her return to Los Angeles, David recreated an iconic rom-com movie scene by scooping Emily up at LAX with a blaring boombox over his head, blasting Peter Gabriel’s In Your Eyes. Ever since, their life together out west has been filled with vibrant dinner parties in their Mt. Washington home; weekend walks around the Silver Lake Reservoir; evening salsas and merengues; premieres from Hollywood to Cannes; advocacy for progressive local causes; and frequent visits to their hometowns, Toronto and New York.
In December 2023, David convinced Emily he won a trip to Kauai in a holiday raffle at work, and the two of them left just a few days later. Emily thought nothing of it, since her sisters slipped to her a fake proposal plan they learned from David over Thanksgiving dinner. But when the couple landed in Hawaii, David whisked Emily to a beach, where to her surprise was a hidden photographer, and a ring in his pocket.
The groom, 34, is a Partner at Sugar23, where he manages writers and directors for film and television. He received his Masters of Laws at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in 2011, with a concentration in litigation and alternative dispute resolution. He received his Bachelor of Laws at Durham University in 2010, with additional business administration studies from the Schulich School of Business in Canada. The groom is the son of Elina Katsman and Felix Jimenez.
The bride, 33, is the founder of Reorganized, a non-profit dedicated to mobilizing youth voters, as well as the Chief Client Success officer for Votivate, a political data company. She serves on the Executive Board of Directors of the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, and as the treasurer on the Board of Directors of the American Civil Liberties Union, California Action. She graduated from New York University in 2012, with a Bachelor of Arts magna cum laude in Dramatic Literature. Emily is the daughter of Peggy and Russell DaSilva. The bride’s mother is the CEO of PIMCO Prime Real Estate (formerly Allianz Real Estate). The bride’s father is Senior Counsel at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP.
In Support of George Latimer: From Diane Greenwald, Paul Feiner and Mark Lewis
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(This letter was written by Diane Greenwald) Congressman/candidate Jamaal Bowman is having a hot mic moment. As reported in the NY Times and The Daily Beast, Bowman was taped last month defending his commitment to the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Last fall, he claimed he let his DSA membership lapse, but now he admits he really didn’t! Bowman lied out of political calculation, not genuine beliefs. Jaw dropping.
He has now been endorsed by the DSA and is receiving help from the Justice Democrats PAC, but it is a desperate strategy. With over 150,000 Jews and many allies, district voices express strong support for Israel’s right to exist and defend itself. Constituents expect that calls for hostage release and condemnation of brutal sexual violence against Israelis are expressed as readily as compassion for the hungry and displaced in Gaza. Instead, Bowman applies binary narratives borrowed from the intersectional ideology of oppressed vs. oppressor that do not readily translate to the Middle East. Bowman is not an expert on the region but shows little humility and even less solidarity with his Jewish constituents. His sound-bite approach is neither a path to peace nor a savvy reelection strategy.
Bowman seeks funding, not votes, when he courts DSA approval. His is exactly the power-hungry behavior he denounces in others. Bowman has a popular primary opponent, the long-time Democrat and Westchester County Executive, George Latimer, who he claims is funded by AIPAC, the pro-Israel lobby. But Latimer, who is polling way out ahead, is not going to win because of outside support. That is just Bowman’s cover; he is losing all on his own.
George Latimer has a proven track-record supporting reproductive rights, fighting gun violence, ensuring fiscal responsibility, investing in job development and infrastructure, and championing equitable education. Latimer has supported Israel’s right to self-defense and been consistent in his calls to bring hostages home. He does not use incendiary language or oversimplify what is complicated and worthy of criticism. Latimer earned the endorsement of nearly all the local Democratic Committees, while none supported Bowman, a stunning lack of confidence in the incumbent. Latimer earned the endorsement of a wide range of Democratic leaders, from Secretary Hillary Clinton to Mondaire Jones, the progressive Democrat running for Congress in the next district over.
Bowman has lots of issues. A Democratic stronghold, few in the district supported his “no” vote on Biden’s groundbreaking infrastructure plans. Bowman’s few statements condemning the atrocities committed by Hamas against Israel on Oct 7th were always lukewarm and he has not shown up at community vigils. In an open letter, twenty-six rabbis from his district, representing a range of institutions, expressed frustration with Bowman’s lack of responsiveness to their repeated efforts for dialogue. They encouraged Latimer to run. The progressive, pro-Israel organization J Street who had invested time and energy into Bowman, rescinded their endorsement.
Sadly, Bowman’s search for scapegoats goes on. The NYT and The Daily Beast report that Bowman describes AIPAC as his and the DSA’s “common enemy,” a deeply troubling approach.
For better or worse, AIPAC supports a range of politicians from far right to far left, and many in between, based on a politician’s support for Israel, and nothing else. There is room for criticism of AIPAC’s singular and non-partisan approach without calling the lobby an enemy. But Bowman leaps far beyond concern with his aggressive rhetoric that makes AIPAC into the sinister power “to destroy.” Bowman, the DSA, and the Justice Democrats use AIPAC as an antisemitic dog-whistle, relying on ancient and ugly tropes and Jewish blood libel to fearmonger for funds. It is truly grotesque. It’s also divisive and dangerous. Bowman seems unwilling to acknowledge the line through from his own DSA-endorsed anti-Zionist rhetoric to the distressing escalation of overt antisemitism on display across the nation. Where is his allyship? Where is his peace and love?
Karen Attiah in her Washington Post column (June 11,) also assigns AIPAC a sinister role, and wonders, “how far America’s right wing will go to crush progressive movements.” It’s a misleading concern, given that Latimer is neither right wing nor does he have a racist track-record of any kind. Latimer is a progressive Democrat, has tremendous local support, and he has a chance to unite the dynamic, diverse district with respect and tolerance. Maybe the better questions are: why is the progressive movement aligned with radical narratives of a complex foreign war? How far will the DSA go to vilify Democrats and undermine historic, domestic allyship between Black and Jews?
Bottom line is, if Bowman loses this primary it won’t be because of AIPAC engagement or his identity as a strong Black man. If Bowman loses it will be because he repeatedly ignores his constituents and votes against local interests.
I am voting for George Latimer for Congress NY-16, in the New York primary on Tuesday June 25. (early voting is available!) Join me.
Diane Greenwald
Scarsdale, NY
Democrat, Jew, Zionist, Progressive, Humanitarian, Mom, Enemy to None
supporting peace, compassion and compromise here and abroad
(This letter was written by Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner)
I would like to thank former United States Congressman Mondaire Jones for endorsing George Latimer for Congress and highlighting a major reason for doing so: George's support of Israel. Congressman Jamaal Bowman's critical stance on Israel highlights the need for voters in the Congressional primary to send a message to other Congressman across the nation that it's unacceptable to reelect a Congrssman who refused to vote for a resolution in Congress in support of Israel in the wake of the Hamas attack.
If Congressman Bowman is re-elected other members of Congress may feel more comfortable joining the movement to end support for the state of Israel. This primary is probably the most important Congressional primary in recent history because the consequences are so great. A victory by Congressman Bowman could lead to the end of Israel as a Democratic Jewish state. The slogan "from the river to the sea" will become a reality if more and more members of Congress do what Congressman Bowman has been doing and voting against Israel.
Former Congressman Mondaire Jones should be commended for putting the interests of the world first. I'm not surprised. When Mondaire Jones represented Greenburgh he fought hard for the town -his constituent services were among the best and his responsiveness to the community was appreciated by many grateful constituents. Congressman Mondaire Jones took a chance speaking out for Israel and for George and is losing some support from Anti Israel Democrats. But - the former Congressman did what he always does--he does what he thinks is right for the nation and community. I think that a team of Congressman Latimer and Congressman Jones will do great things for Westchester next year.
Paul Feiner
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
(This letter was written by Mark Lewis)
Letter to the Editor:
I am supporting George Latimer for Congress. I have known George for over 30 years. George is always available to his constituents. I got to know George Latimer when he represented two election districts in Scarsdale. George worked with me on a variety of issues, i.e. stopping the County from putting in a driving range at the Saxon Woods golf course, putting in a walking path along the Bronx River Parkway, repaving it and Post Road.
George Latimer is pro-choice. He has passed a bill to protect access to abortion clinics and stop the invasion of these clinics by anti-choice protestors. He has been endorsed in all his races by Choice Matters, the Pro-Choice advocacy group.
George Latimer became Westchester County Executive, he inherited a County Budget with almost no reserves and Westchester’s bond rating had been downgraded from AAA to AA. Under George’s prudent fiscal leadership, the bond rating has been upgraded, once again, to a AAA rating. In addition, George has been able to reduce County taxes four years in a row.
On October 7, 2023 Hamas attacked Israel and kidnapped 240 people in. George condemned the action and came out in support of Israel. In contrast, a few days later his opponent condemned Israel for attacking Hamas. George asked Congressman Bowman to support President Biden’s Infrastructure Act bill, because it would bring badly needed funds to Westchester. Instead Bowman voted against it and our interests.
Mail in voting for the June 25, 2024 Primary Election has begun. Early voting at designated polling places for the Primary Election runs from June 15-June 23 and voting in person voting is on June 25, 2024. Join with me and vote for George Latimer for Congress.
Mark Lewis
80 East Hartsdale Ave. Apt. 117
Hartsdale, N.Y. 10530
