Join Me in Voting for Laura Liu for the Scarsdale School Board of Education
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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(This letter was submitted by Mayra Kirkendall Rodriguez)
I encourage Scarsdale residents to join me in voting for Laura Liu for School Board Trustee on May 20 at the Scarsdale Middle School from 7:00am – 9:00pm. I have known Laura for about a decade, since we have worked together closely in Scarsdale as cub scout and scout leaders, the Education Committee of the Scarsdale Forum, and as Parent Teacher Council (PTC) Budget Co-Chairs. From numerous conversations I have had with her, I also know that she has volunteered extensively at Heathcote Elementary School and in a number of Chinese organizations in Westchester County. Laura embodies what the Scarsdale School District stands for ‘non sibi.’
Despite her impressive academic background in chemistry and finance with degrees from Peking University, Columbia, and Cornell, she is incredibly humble and approachable. Since she has lived in Heathcoate for many years and has had her three sons in Scarsdale schools, I have observed frequently that she is well-informed about the needs of our students as well as mindful of teachers’ and taxpayers’ concerns.
In her leadership roles in cub scouts (ages 5 – 10) and scouts (ages 11-17), Laura has worked with boys and girls from all over Scarsdale. She knows how to roll up her sleeves and help with demanding Eagle projects, fundraising for Scarsdale Troop 4, developing activities for scouts, and even organizing end of year parties. No activity is too small or too big for her. Presently, as Troop 4 Committee Chair, she works with a lot of very different adult leaders; her skills in being patient and mindful of different opinions helps keep everybody on track to develop the best troop for our scouts.
When we were Scarsdale PTC Budget Co-Chairs, I witnessed and benefitted from her very good listening, quantitative, and writing skills. We engaged with residents to encourage them to be involved in the budget process, drew up questions for the District to answer, and designed a budget glossary and Frequently Asked Questions resource for parents. Laura will bring important analytical skills to the Board of Education at a time when fund balance, healthcare and insurance costs, and bond issuances will be key topics.
Additionally, Laura and I share a love of languages. As a bilingual speaker of Mandarin and English, she values the acquisition of foreign languages and is aware of the importance of raising our students as global citizens. I look forward to voting for Laura on May 20th.
Mayra Kirkendall-Rodríguez
Letter: Concerns Over Privacy Must Be Weighed Against Need For Protection
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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(This letter was written by Howard Wiesenfeld)
Dear Editor:
A number of Scarsdale residents have expressed concerns about the scope and selection of new public safety technology to protect our community (“Does Scarsdale Want to be Associated with Flock Safety?”, opinion piece by Mayra Kirkendall-Rodriguez).
But we all need to be equally serious about the real potential dangers that new security tools are meant to address: In the very same issue, it was reported that a third grade girl walking home from Heathcote School was approached by a stranger in a car. I don’t think it’s going out on a limb to say that most parents, in any community, are willing to do far more where their children’s safety is at stake.
We ought to be thankful that violent crime is not be an everyday problem in Scarsdale, but it is a difficult reality in many neighborhoods close to ours. Meanwhile, the entire metropolitan area has seen a shocking explosion in hate crime, including violence, against Jewish citizens and institutions. Many of the most egregious incidents have occurred in “low crime” areas.
While it is proper to examine the process by which the Village Board approves any contract, incremental concerns over privacy must be weighed against the very legitimate and urgent need to protect our families.
Howard H. Wiesenfeld
howardwies@gmail.com
Local Couple to be Honored at Cancer Support Team Event
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- Written by Bill Doescher
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Jennifer and Dan Smith willbe honored at the Cancer Support Team dinner on May 8 at Scarsdale Golf Club(Written by Bill Doescher)
A lot of people honored in Scarsdale by various organizations over the years, or for that matter, any other city, town or village in America, no doubt would have preferred if it were somebody else getting the honor, praise, and the press. Stardom and community recognition were never in their minds while helping others in need. The same holds true for the Scarsdale couple being honored at Cancer Support Team’s “Celebrate Spring” event at the Scarsdale Golf Club on Thursday evening, May 8, 2025, 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
For Jennifer and Dan Smith, described by many of all ages as most caring volunteers, it was never, ever, about fame. It was always just about helping others improve their lives. Many of the members in the congregation at Hitchcock Presbyterian Church in Scarsdale, where The Smiths have been active members and volunteers for years, know first-hand about their good deeds. Now those involved as a patient, volunteer or board member at Cancer Support Team (CST) know first-hand about that same personal penchant for helping others, some who could be identified as underserved.
Never Interested in Recognition
“Getting recognition at an event or notice in the press, was never our intention when helping others in need,” both Smiths will tell you. “It’s just not who we are.” Then along came Bonnie Gould, also of Scarsdale, a CST board member and the former chair, and also the host of “Celebrate Spring,” and her persuasive powers. She wouldn’t let them say no to being honored at the upcoming event, and the rest is history. Their involvement with CST over the last five years helped Bonnie make the sale.
According to Tania Weiss, executive director at CST, “Jennifer and Dan Smith are both very involved with CST. Dan has been a board member since 2020, and Jennifer a volunteer driver, taking patients to and from life-saving cancer treatments multiple times every week for the same five years. Many people talk the talk, but this couple actually walks the walk.”
Giving back comes naturally to them because they both are from the health-care field. Dan is a retired surgeon of gynecologic oncology, and Jennifer began her education by becoming a registered nurse, later obtaining a master’s in public health (MPH) and in business administration (MBA), and finally becoming a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Together, they have used their healthcare knowledge and resources both locally to help newly settled refugees and abroad, traveling to Haiti on medical missions.
Both Studied Health Care
Raised in Oklahoma, Dan came east to Harvard for both his undergraduate degree and for medical school. Jennifer is originally from Pittsburgh and began her education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. Dan completed two residencies: one at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston in general surgery, and another in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Los Angeles County, USC Medical Center. He then completed a fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Jennifer practiced nursing at Mass General, UCLA Hospital and the Bay State PSRO, before going back to school to obtain an MBA, an MPH as well as a DNP, all from Columbia University.
Dan taught Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cornell University Medical College and at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University. Jennifer taught numerous courses at Columbia School of Nursing on such topics as Adult Diagnosis and Management as well as Legal and Ethical Issues.
Letter: The Risks vs. Rewards of Surveillance
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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(The following letter was written by Mike Otten of Stonehouse Road)
Hello Justin,
First, thanks for being one of the most proactive and accessible mayors that we have had in our 50+ years in Scarsdale. I further appreciate your efforts with ConEd pricing, although they have apparently had little impact, as our utility seems incapable of out-of-the-box thinking, still resisting what could be a longer-term better solution to have the wiring moved in a managed way over time from telephone polls to underground.
I'm fine with License Plate Readers, but I do worry about the potential misuse of drones and live view cameras. I have 3 questions that I don't see clearly addressed:
1. Your letter specifies the number of Live View Cameras in other villages, but does not say how many Scarsdale currently has, or would have under the contract?
2. "No data would be accessible to third parties outside of SPD except through mutual agreements with law enforcement or by court order." How is this sufficient protection, given the current posture of the Department of Justice and to some extent the courts? One of my friends 'made' the "Enemies List" of Richard Nixon and was harassed by the IRS. If data exists, it can be accessed and mis-used. Here the risk versus reward in my view is unacceptable.
3. If we have 6 months to decide whether to cancel the contract, when are the 6 months up?
Thanks for requesting feedback, given that the risk is far more than just financial! We are seeing at a national level just how justice can be inadvertently 'weaponized' from both sides of the aisle.
All the best,
Michael Otten (former School Board President)
37 Stonehouse Road
Fox Meadow Resident to Open Library Cafe
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Carolina Figueiredo will open Boleria Brazilian Bakery at the Scarsdale LibraryThe wait is finally over! The Library is thrilled to announce that Boleria Brazilian Bakery, known for its irresistible sweet and savory treats, will soon be operating the Library Café.
Founded in Mamaroneck, Boleria has become a community favorite for its unique blend of cozy charm and standout flavors. From rich coffee and hearty sandwiches to fresh soups, salads, and signature treats like their popular condensed milk truffles and house-made cheese bread, the new café will bring a thoughtfully curated menu to the heart of the Library.
“We’re excited to welcome Boleria to the Library,” said Elizabeth Bermel, Library Director. “The café will make the Library an even more inviting place for our community to gather, work, and relax. It’s a great fit with our mission to serve as a welcoming hub for learning and connection.”
Bakery owner Carolina Figueiredo, a Fox Meadow resident for the past 13 years, left her 15 year career at Citibank to become a pastry chef 8 years ago. Though her original bakery opening was delayed in 2020 due to the pandemic, she has since built a devoted following and a thriving business.
All menu items—except croissants—are made fresh at the bakery, and guests can look forward to gluten-free, sugar-free, and vegan options, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
While final touches are still underway, Carolina anticipates opening the café by the end of May. Updates and exact dates will be shared on the Library’s website (scarsdalelibrary.org/discover/cafe) as soon as they are available.
“We’re so excited to bring our food to a space that’s all about connection, discovery, and community,” said Carolina. “Libraries nourish the mind—and we’re here to nourish everything else!”
Whether you’re stopping by for a book or a bite (or both!), we can’t wait to welcome you to this delicious new chapter.
Cupcakes from Boleria Bakery
