Producer Al Berman Takes Viewers to New Heights
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Former Scarsdale resident Al Berman at the top of Taipei101 in TaiwanMany of us watched Alex Honnold’s daredevil climb to the top of Taipei 101 on Netflix last week – but we bet you didn’t know that the Executive Producer of the show has roots in Scarsdale.
Al Berman, his wife Sherry and their three boys lived in Greenacres for 20 years, before moving west after their youngest son graduated. Since that time Sherry has been working as an attorney at Sony while Al continued to produce some of the most highly rated and groundbreaking show in television history.
Berman began his career in network news as the Executive Producer of shows including CBS This Morning, The Early Show and America Tonight, and traveled the world with Dan Rather for the CBS Evening News. He ran special events coverage from Ground Zero on 9/11 and was Executive Producer of The Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan.
But he is probably best known for his work on live shows such as Survivor, The Apprentice and the Biggest Loser. Most recently, he made history by filming Free Solo star Alex Honnold, climbing Taipei 101, the 1,667 foot, 101 story skyscraper, in Taiwan, before a live audience on Sunday January 25, 2026.
Berman agreed to answer a few questions about this project, which terrified and amazed over six million viewers:
How did you get involved with the Taipei 101project?
It’s been a long journey beginning in 2008 with the French climber Alain Robert. I was hired to produce a live special for the FOX network. We traveled to Taipei 101 and got approval from the building. But, soon after, Robert climbed the New York Times building and was arrested. FOX canceled the program.
In 2013 National Geographic hired me to produce the special with a young Alex Honnold. That was before he became famous from the film Free Solo. Once again we traveled to Taipei and got all the permissions. But management changed and National Geographic decided to not take the risk.
In 2020 I was hired again to produce the special with Alex for the History Channel. But Covid put an end to that.
Then finally last year, Netflix gave it the green light.
Tell us about the logistics - how many people were involved? How many people did you bring over and how long were you in Taiwan? How were you able to position the cameramen?
We had around 170 people on the crew. About 125 from the US or UK and about 45 locals. I made 3 trips to Taiwan for a total of about 4 weeks.
Alex Honnold selected the cinematographers positioned on the building either hanging from ropes or on tripods in key areas. It was vital that he feel safe with the team around him. These were the best climber/shooters in the world. Interestingly, none had experience shooting live, but they were quick studies. And the images they got were stunning.
Were you nervous?
Everybody asks that. I was not at all nervous. I’ve done live programs my entire career.
Why do you think Alex is able to do this?
He has a singular passion for free soloing specifically and climbing in general. He trains exhaustively - both his body and his mind. He won’t climb until he is certain he is ready. In fact, if he had any doubts prior to the climb we would have canceled it.
Was this the most logistically challenging project in your career? What were some of your other biggest feats?
There’s never been a live program that has combined so many exquisitely talented people with divergent expertise. Climbers, shooters, riggers, transmission specialists, safety teams, sports reporters, set designers and more.
So this is certainly one highlight of many. A few years ago I produced Earth Live for National Geographic - 59 live cameras focused on wildlife on every continent except Antarctica. That was a biggie.
What will you work on next?
Stay tuned.
How long did you live in Scarsdale - when did you move to Los Angeles - and what do you miss?
We lived in Scarsdale 20 years. Raised our children there. When the youngest went off to college we moved to LA where most of our business was based. My wife Sherry is an entertainment attorney.
With the exception of the fires last year, life has been good for us in LA. What do we miss the most -our friends.
Thanks Al – we miss you too!
Lawmakers Comment on ICE Killing in Minneapolis
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Below find statements from Assemblywoman Amy Paulin and State Senator Shelley Mayer on the ICE Killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin
"I am outraged and heartbroken by the killing of Alex Pretti in Minnesota, a tragedy that follows the horrific and unjust death of Renee Good. These incidents of ICE violence are devastating, and cannot be without consequence. No enforcement mandate can justify the taking of human life or the abuse of power by government agents.
Enough is enough. We cannot look away while ICE engages in conduct that results in death. This is a betrayal of the Constitution, the rule of law and of our shared humanity. We cannot accept flawed attempts at legal justification for illegal actions. There must be a full, fair, and 
independent investigation into these killings and into the broader pattern of unlawful ICE actions. We all have a responsibility to speak out, to protest peacefully, and to demand accountability. This cannot continue, and we must resist any system that treats human lives as expendable."
State Senator Shelley Mayer
“For the second time in a matter of weeks, an American was killed in our streets at the hands of federal ICE agents. I am deeply disturbed by the videos I saw, and I know others are as well. For the love and for the future of the United States, this armed invasion of an American state and city cannot continue. I call on the New York Republican members of Congress to urge Trump to withdraw ICE; and I demand an immediate, full, and transparent investigation by Minnesota law enforcement, including the full release of all video and evidence related to the incident. This cannot stand. ICE must leave Minnesota.”
Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest
"The killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis is a heartbreaking tragedy. Alex was a 37-year-old ICU nurse who dedicated his life to caring for veterans. My deepest condolences go out to his family, his colleagues at the VA Medical Center, and all who knew him.
This unnecessary loss of life demands a thorough, independent investigation that includes state and local law enforcement so the facts can be fully understood. Publicly available video and witness accounts raise serious questions about what happened, and the American people deserve access to all evidence and the full truth. If wrongdoing occurred, there must be accountability.
Federal law enforcement exists to protect Americans, not endanger them. Constitutional rights don't disappear during enforcement operations. When force is used, it must be justified and necessary. And Congress has a duty to provide rigorous oversight of federal enforcement practices to ensure transparency, consistency with constitutional protections, and public confidence in the rule of law."
Majority Democratic Caucus of the Westchester County Board of Legislators
"We are deeply disturbed by the latest killing of an American citizen in Minneapolis by federal immigration agents, a tragic incident that follows others in recent weeks. This pattern of violence by federal authorities in our communities cannot continue. The use of lethal force in these operations is unacceptable and a serious breach of public trust. Americans deserve to be protected, not targeted, by their own government.
We call for a thorough, immediate, and transparent independent investigation, with the full release of all video and evidence related to this incident. Federal actions that put residents at risk must be stopped.
Our thoughts are with grieving families and affected communities. We stand for accountability, justice, and the restoration of confidence in the institutions entrusted to safeguard the people of this country."
Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner
"A suggestion for every municipality: Fly our American flag at half-staff as an expression of mourning and protest of the tragic wrongful ICE killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. If we don’t speak out, we will lose our democracy. We are being warned. Democracy only works if people stay engaged, not numb. The American people can course correct. If enough flags around the nation are placed at half -staff our national leaders will notice."
Troop 4 Scouts Earn Language Award
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On Saturday, January 10th, eight Scarsdale Scout Troop 4 scouts earned the Interpreter Strip, a scouting foreign language award. Half of the participating scouts earned it in more than one language. Local volunteers, who are native in French, Mandarin, and Spanish. assessed the scouts to attest their aural, oral, and written proficiency in those languages. Amongst several requirements, the scouts were required to:
- Carry on a five-minute conversation in the relevant foreign language,
- Translate a two-minute speech, address, or article
- Translate 200 words from an article.
Congratulations to the polyglot scouts!
French
Delfina Kirkendall-Rodríguez, Tiago Rodríguez, and Julia Ruiz Fraile.
Mandarin
Tian Dong, Christian Kirkendall-Rodríguez, Delfina Kirkendall-Rodríguez, Andrew Li, and Jayden Li.
Spanish
Christian Kirkendall-Rodríguez, Delfina Kirkendall-Rodríguez, Tiago Rodríguez, Tomi Rodríguez, and Julia Ruiz Fraile.
Additionally, nearly 30 Troop 4 scouts worked on earning their Camping, Citizenship in the Nation, Family Life, Golfing, Law, Personal Fitness, Programming, Radio, Reading, and Sustainability Merit Badges. Scouting America’s nearly 140 badges allows scouts to enjoy learning about the arts, crafts, civics, community service, history professions, sports, and STEM.
Troop 4 Scoutmaster Heather Kolb and Asst. Scoutmaster for Merit Badges and Special Projects Mayra Kirkendall- Rodríguez sincerely thank all Hitchcock Presbyterian Church parishioners for kindly allowing Troop 4 to use their facilities. Many thanks to all the merit badge counselors who led the merit badge sessions, the foreign language assessors, and to the parent volunteers who lent support during this busy day.
Esther Sloan, 50-Year Resident of Scarsdale, Passes Away on New Year's Eve
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Esther Sloan of 4 Tompkins Road died of natural causes at the age of 96 years old on December 31st, at the family home where she and her husband, Irving, a longtime social studies teacher in the Scarsdale public schools and Village Historian, lived for more than 50 years.
Esther was one of four children born and raised by Anna and Morris Gendelman in the East Village of Manhattan, surviving her siblings, Helen, Irving and Ottie, her husband of more than 50 years, Irving, and the remaining members of her family’s generation who were the children of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe.
Coming to America with no formal education, they raised their family to be committed to professional achievement and financial success, while at the same time, maintaining their strong Jewish identity.
Whereas her husband, Irving, was a well-known, quite active member of the local Scarsdale community, Esther was just as comfortable living somewhat in his shadow, taking pride in his many accomplishments and local popularity.
Esther was an accomplished professional in her own right whose laboratory research in the naissance of hematology is credited with the discovery of several clotting factors in close collaboration with Dr. Robert Rosenthal at Beth Israel Hospital in Lower Manhattan and later, at the Hospital for Joint Diseases in Harlem.
Following Irving’s passing in 2008, Esther continued their commitment to the Scarsdale Teen Center, to the Scarsdale Public Library and to Bet Am Shalom synagogue in White Plains.
Esther leaves her son, Philip, his wife, Debra, their daughter, Ali, her nieces, nephews, and their spouses, as well as her beloved grandnieces and grandnephews.
Rabbi Akiva Nelson of Bet Am Shalom Synagogue of White Plains will officiate a graveside service at Sharon Gardens Cemetery in Valhalla on Friday afternoon, January 2nd (Time TBD), followed by Shiva at 4 Tompkins Road in Scarsdale until sunset. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Esther’s memory to the Yivo Institute for Jewish Research https://www.yivo.org/
For additional information you may call BK Munguia at: 914.325.2729
Bringing Mah Jongg to the Next Generation
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Martha Kaiser and Hadley MillerMah Jongg is no longer your grandmother’s game. A new generation of enthusiasts are calling tiles, racking, doing the Charleston and making new friends at the table.
But how to learn the game? It takes a bit of instruction. Recognizing the need, two Scarsdale friends saw an opportunity to teach others the game and host gatherings to play.
Scarsdale’s Hadley Miller and Martha Kaiser recently launched “Parlour Mahj.” We attended one of their events at local restaurant Micheline and asked the two to share their story.
What is Parlour Mahj? What was the genesis of your idea?
The Parlour is a modern, community-driven mahjong movement offering classes, private group sessions, and elevated mahjong events. The idea grew out of our own experience learning and loving the game. We saw how mahjong brought people together across generations and neighborhoods. We realized there was a need for a warm, stylish, welcoming space dedicated to teaching, gathering, and playing.
Why do you think Mah Jongg has become so popular?
Mahjong checks all the boxes: it’s social, mentally engaging, endlessly satisfying, and deeply connecting. People are craving connection and shared experiences, and mahjong gives a sense of ritual and camaraderie in a world that moves so fast. It’s also screen-free, which many find refreshing.
What were some of your initial activities?
We began by hosting small learning groups in our homes and at local partners’ venues. The classes ranged from absolute beginners, guided play for new players, and open play tables for those looking to practice. From there, we expanded into private events, collaborations with local businesses, and beautifully curated mahjong gatherings that blend play with hospitality.
How do you plan to extend the business?
-We’re growing in a few directions:
-More classes with daytime and evening series, for all levels.
-Signature “Parlour Events” that combine mahjong with food, style, and community-building.
-We are hosting a spa and Mahjong retreat in the Berkshire’s this February. (Mention this article for a discount!)
-Start ‘em Young! We will be adding more youth classes 2026!
Over time, we hope to make The Parlour a go-to resource for mahjong in Westchester. A place where people learn, connect, and just have fun!
What has surprised you about launching a business?
The community enthusiasm! We knew people loved mahjong, but the number of messages, referrals, and “I’ve always wanted to learn!” moments have been incredible. We’ve also been pleasantly surprised by how many local businesses want to partner. It's reminded us how supportive our area can be.
Tell us about yourselves — what did you do before you became moms and games women?
Before The Parlour, we worked in many fields… Entertainment, Digital Products, Wellness, Cognitive Neuroscience and Child Development. Once we became moms, we found ourselves craving both creativity and community. Mahjong became a joyful outlet and eventually a business. The Parlour lets us blend our professional backgrounds with something we truly love: building community through gathering.
Give our readers a few Mah Jongg tips — and common foibles to avoid.
-Don’t stress during the Charleston. Look for a section that feels workable and build from there, one step at a time.
-Take your time. There’s no need to rush. Stay alert for joker exchange opportunities!
-It’s never too early to play defensively. Pay attention to what others discard or expose. Those clues can help guide your own decisions.
-Have patience and commitment. Especially as you’re learning, give yourself grace. Choose a line, stick with it, and let yourself settle into the rhythm of the tiles.
Anything else?
Just that we’re so grateful for the warm reception. We can’t wait to welcome even more players to The Parlour community!
Check them out on Instagram here or email them at [email protected].
