Locked in on Lenox Place
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Scarsdale10583 jreceived this email Jeannie Mackler of Lenox Place who is closed into a dead end street by fallen trees and wires. Here is her story: We are completely locked-in on Lenox place with large tree across the entrance to our street (off Mamaromeck Road) Besides, the tree brought down all power lines. We have no electricity. The live electric wires are partially resting on our cars , and we were warned by firemen not to touch our cars nor to get close. The first and second houses (mine and neighbors) are seriously impacted. No calls back from Con Ed nor from Village Hall emergency services. But our Mayor did answer her personal phone line late in day and assured us that she would pass the message on to Con Edison. No phone other than cell and we are in the dark!
Today we received another email from Gary Trock, also on Lenox Place:
"I live at 11 Lenox Place. We are in the midst pf total devastation on our block. Not to diminish any other catastrophes in our town, there has been no response from the town of scarsdale in respect to what has happened on our street. Two cars have been crushed and has not allowed us to exit the street through Lenox Place. No electricity and most importantly all the wires are live which clearly restricts anyone from going near the front of the street. Help us on Lenox Place.. With 6 children under the age of 5 and no accessibility for any medical or emergency crew to gain access to the street, this is a travesty. Please react at least to our phone calls and help us stay out of harm's way."
(from Mackler) "No it's not our car lying under the tree. It belongs to homeowners on Mamaroneck Road who shouldn't have parked their car on our street."
POSTPONED: Navigating Ethical Dilemmas with Randy Cohen at the Scarsdale Library
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Randy Cohen's visit to Scarsdale has been postponed until Thursday night November 29 at 7:30 pm!
The line between good and evil, polite and rude, selfish and self-serving has never been murkier. You can barely make it through a day without jockeying for a parking space, evading an intrusive “friend” or making a joke that was perceived as a snub. No one knows better how to sail through these choppy waters than ethicist and author Randy Cohen. He’s coming to the Scarsdale Library to discuss his new book, “Be Good: How to Navigate the Ethics of Everything,” on Thursday November 1 at 7:30 pm.
In order to prime the pump for his visit, we asked Cohen if we could pose some ethical dilemmas on Scarsdale10583.com and discuss the answers during his visit to the library. He suggested we take one question from his book and also come up with our own suburban dilemma. So here are two ethical questions that Cohen will review at the library: In the interim, please share your thoughts on these questions in the comments section below:
Here’s a dilemma posed in Cohen’s new book: 
Marry and Die in Haste:
Four months after he remarried, my father died in an accident. During his brief second marriage, he often told family and friends, “What’s mine is mine, and what’s her is hers,” indicating that he wanted his estate to go to me and my brother, as stipulated in his will. (My mother died from cancer about five years ago.) But New York law allows a spouse to claim about one-third of that, and his widow intends to, despite my father’s wishes, although she has resources of her own. This is legal, but is it ethical?
And here’s a dilemma posed by the mother of a Scarsdale teen:
Scared to Snitch?
As far as I knew, my 14 year-old-daughter, a freshman in high school was with four friends at a girlfriend’s home one Saturday night. At 12:30 am she called and asked if we would extend her curfew by a half hour so that she and her friends could finish watching a movie. Having no reason to question her veracity, and pleased that she asked me ahead of time, I said yes. She arrived home on time. Several days later I ran into an acquaintance who mentioned how funny it was that her 17 year-old-son had seen my daughter and her group at a big party that Saturday night, hosted by a senior boy. My friend assumed I knew where my daughter was and I let her continue to believe that. Furious I had been so naïve, I confronted my daughter about this deception and she readily admitted that she and her friends all lied to their parents in order to be able to go to this party.
My question: Should I let her friends’ parents know that their daughters were at an upper classman’s party Saturday night? If the other girls also lied to their parents, should I let their folks know? Though I don’t want my daughter to be considered a “tattle tale” “ and I don’t want her to be uncomfortable telling me the truth in the future, do I have an obligation to call them? What’s the right thing to do?
Post your opinions in the comments section below and see what Cohen has to say at the Scarsdale Library on Thursday night November 1 at 7:30 pm.
From Midtown Law Partnership to Scarsdale Volunteer Arena: Richard Toder Makes it All Look Easy
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Longtime community resident Richard Toder has set a high bar for voluntarism in Scarsdale. While working grueling days as a partner and chair of law firm Morgan Lewis and Bockius’ Bankruptcy and Financial Restructuring Practices (in 1997, he was one of twelve attorneys listed by Turnarounds and Workouts as “top bankruptcy lawyers” in the country), Toder has volunteered in some of the most significant civic organizations in Scarsdale, including: the Town Club (now the Scarsdale Forum); Citizens Nominating Committee; Board of Appeals; Board of Education (where he served as its president in 1995-1996); Village of Scarsdale board of trustees (from 2008-2012 he variously served as deputy mayor and as chairman of the Law, Recreation, Land Use, and Personnel committees); and currently as President of the Scarsdale Foundation. Known for his brilliant mind, strong work ethic, and incisive wit, Toder has mentored generations of Scarsdale volunteers by teaching through example that there’s always time in the day to give back to the community, no matter how busy one is.
A graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Law School, Toder is an inspiration to those who have worked with him in Scarsdale over the years. Rita Golden, who served with Toder on the Board of Education, had these words to say about him: “I was always impressed by his ability to cut through the weeds and get to the heart of an issue, define the options, and come to an intelligent conclusion, often with just the right humorous comment to lighten the moment.” In an effort to highlight people in the community who have made our volunteer institutions so effective, we asked Richard to share his recipe for success. Here’s what he told us:
What initially attracted you to Scarsdale and when did you move here?
My wife, Joan, and I moved here in 1975. We knew that Scarsdale was a great place to raise children and that it had one of the finest public school systems in the country. Our children went through the Scarsdale schools and got a great education. Our son David is an architect and our daughter Elizabeth works for an NGO in microfinance. I should add that we have six grandchildren!
How did you first become involved in the volunteer sector? What was your first volunteer commitment in town?
I got involved almost immediately! One of our neighbors encouraged me to join the Town Club and I became active in some of their committees. I was struck by the fact that you could move up in the system rapidly if you were just prepared to do some work. I became a chair of a committee in a matter of a few years.
You have served on two of the most significant and time-consuming boards in town: the Scarsdale Board of Education and Village of Scarsdale board of trustees. How have you been able to balance your work responsibilities as partner of a major law firm with these demanding volunteer commitments?
One thing that the practice of law does is to quickly force one to develop the discipline and ability to multi-task in a way that allows one to work as efficiently as possible. Having said that, the key is to have to have an understanding spouse…Joan has always been great at putting up with me! When I was Board of Education president I was also working on the Barney’s bankruptcy, representing the agent bank. Yet somehow there was time to do both!
What was the most significant issue you tackled on Board of Education?
When I was Vice-President, the community became embroiled in a discussion over whether the schools – and in particular the elementary schools -could teach not religion per se, but a better understanding of different religious holidays and traditions celebrated by Scarsdale students. As an attorney, I was assigned to look into the constitutionality of whether Scarsdale, as a school system, could have a generalized teaching unit on multicultural holiday traditions. Entirely aside from constitutionality, the real issue was tolerance, and instilling a recognition that different customs and traditions should be respected by all of us. It began as quite an emotionally charged issue, which had the potential to be extremely divisive, but fortunately the result of the dialogue was that a holiday policy was developed that was both educational and sensitive to the diverse views held by residents in the community. I was very proud of how the community came together on this issue. [Notes former Board colleague Rita Golden, “Richard’s presentation on the final night we were debating the issue at a board meeting before the voting was masterful, a detailed legal brief where he noted each concern and laid out the legal rationale behind the decision. It was masterful and one of the most remarkable speeches I have ever heard a board member deliver.”]
You most recently completed a four year term as trustee and deputy mayor of the Village of Scarsdale, chairing their committees on Law, Recreation, Land Use, and Personnel. What do you believe are the challenges facing our village in the next several years?
I believe that balancing the residents’ desire for continued high level of service while at the same time keeping tax increases modest will continue to be our greatest challenge. That’s nothing new, but in today’s economy it is an even more pressing problem.
What’s an example of a difficult issue that was resolved when you were a trustee?
The tree law is a great example- I think we came up with a balanced approach, and that’s how the system should work. Relatively extreme positions on both sides – total regulation of all tree removal (regardless of the size or number of trees involved) versus no regulation at all because of the primacy of property rights – were modified so that we ultimately passed an ordinance which accomplished the purpose of keeping Scarsdale beautiful without unduly restricting the ability of homeowners to make decisions concerning their own property.
As the new president of the Scarsdale Foundation, what do you hope to accomplish in your term of office?
Despite the fact that the Foundation has been in existence since 1923, it is not as well known in the community as it should be, and I hope to help engender a sense of understanding among our residents of the importance of our work. When people think of the Scarsdale Foundation, if they do, they think about it as the presenter of the Scarsdale Bowl award, given annually to a citizen who has contributed outstanding volunteer service to the community. But we do so much more! Our college scholarship grants enable us to help children of our village who would otherwise, because of financial constraints of their families, be unable to attend college. And after all, we all came to Scarsdale in large part because of the importance of education for our children. This year, we gave out $97,000 in scholarship money to 26 sophomores, juniors and seniors in college, thanks in part to generous donations of many supporters in the community.
Our summer day camp program is even lesser known: through a confidential process, the Foundation makes grants to Scarsdale children who are in need of assistance so that these children are able to attend the Scarsdale Recreation Department summer day camp. Our recipients have significant financial challenges and the benefits for these children being able to enjoy camp are so important. A more complete listing of Scarsdale Foundation programs follows this article.
Many people believe that all Scarsdale residents are well-to-do and don’t need financial assistance. Is that a myth?
Many Scarsdale residents are very fortunate. But there is a pervasive, albeit incorrect, view that all residents of Scarsdale are well-to-do, and that’s not true. Especially in these challenging economic times, many families in Scarsdale are hurting. The Foundation – which is dedicated to the betterment of the community in the broadest sense - assists its families who struggle in meeting the ever-increasing costs of a college education and day camp for their children.
What is a typical profile of a scholarship recipient (recognizing that this is a confidential process)?
A significant number of applications come from single parent families, while others are from students whose parents have lost jobs or whose savings for college have been eroded or wiped out by investment losses or devastating health care setbacks. Many of our families are already deeply in debt, but they’re still coming up short. We all know that tuition costs at colleges continue to increase well above the inflation rate, and accordingly, the number of grant applications that we’ve received in recent years has increased dramatically.
What motivated you over the years to take on so many community responsibilities?
Scarsdale has been great for our family, and giving back is part of the implicit social contract. Besides that, voluntarism has been a great deal of fun!
Though it hardly seems possible, your life is NOT all work, no play. You are an avid golfer, tennis and paddle player and world traveler, correct?
Indeed! For many years Scarsdale had a town paddle team that competed with other teams, villages and clubs. I was captain of the team at one point. And travel has been something that I’ve enjoyed for many years. Long ago, my wife, Joan, began a tradition whereby she would take me on a secret long weekend somewhere outside the US – she would tell me the destination only when it was just about time to pack. We wound up going to many of the countries in Europe. My favorite trip outside Europe was a safari in Africa – it was so different from anything we’d done, although it caused significant apprehension at various times, like when our guide parked our jeep right under a tree where a leopard was feeding. You quickly realize you’re in a place where you are in the wrong part of the food chain. I also loved the Galapagos and in the spring we are taking our children and grandchildren back there with us!
What would you tell new parents moving to Scarsdale about getting involved?
Do it – not because it’s required, or even because it’s right (which it is) but because it’s fun! You’ll meet great people who’ll become your friends.
More about the Scarsdale Foundation
The Scarsdale Foundation was founded in 1923 by a Declaration of Trust, in which several local banks joined to collect and administer a fund for the family of a Scarsdale police officer who had been killed in the line of duty. The Scarsdale Foundation was incorporated by an Act of the New York State Legislature in 1930 and now operates as a 501(c)(3) entity under the provisions of the New York State Not-for-Profit Corporation law.
Over the years, the Foundation has extended the breadth of its giving. Financial aid is available to children attending the Scarsdale Recreation Department summer day camp. Need-based college scholarships are available to students entering their sophomore, junior, and senior years of college who were graduates of Scarsdale High School or resided in Scarsdale during their high school years. In 2012, $97,000 in scholarship money was awarded to 26 individuals. The Foundation also makes specific grants for civic purposes, including significant recent grants to the Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the Scarsdale-Edgemont Family Counseling Service.
The Foundation also administers a number of educational assistance funds, including the Casey Ferrone Memorial Fund, the Kathy Froelich Memorial Fund, the Delany Fund, the Corbin Scholarship Fund, the Dartmouth Fund, and the Harvard Book Award; and several community service funds, including the Frank J. and Ruth P. Galvin Fund, the Scarsdale School Personnel and Family Assistance Fund, and the Billy Safian Humanitarian Fund.
The Scarsdale Foundation is perhaps best known in the community as the presenter of the Scarsdale Bowl Award, given annually to a citizen who has contributed outstanding volunteer service to the community. The 2012 Scarsdale Bowl honoree was Florie Wachtenheim, a dedicated community volunteer. The 2013 Bowl dinner is scheduled for April 17. All members of the community are invited and encouraged to attend.
Thanks to the generosity of Scarsdale residents past and present, the assets of the Foundation have grown in recent years. At the end of the last fiscal year, on June 30, 2012, they were $1.7 million.
Foundation trustees are Richard Toder, President; Beverley Sved, Vice President; Seth Ross, Secretary; Susie Rush, Treasurer; Jacqueline Irwin; David Karp; David Kroenlein; Emily Sherwood; and Evelyn Stock.
Learn more about the Foundation and make a contribution on its website, www.scarsdalefoundation.org. Contact the foundation by mail at the Scarsdale Foundation, P.O. Box 542, Scarsdale, NY 10583 or email President Richard Toder at richtoder@gmail.com.
Jaclyn Carlin to Receive Youth Service Award
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Scarsdale’s Jaclyn Carlin is one of ten Westchester high school seniors who will receive the Westchester County Youth Board’s 2012 Milly Kibrick Youth Service Award. The awards will be given to students who have shown exceptional commitment to their local communities. The 10 will be honored at a dinner Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Davenport Club, 400 Davenport Ave., New Rochelle, where they will receive various gifts and a plaque.
Jaclyn has been volunteering at the ‘Amazing Afternoons Afterschool’ program at Edward Williams Elementary School in Mount Vernon for six years. This program serves an at-risk community where many kids live below the poverty level and some are homeless. Jaclyn, along with her sister, taught dance and mentored the same group of girls until they graduated from elementary school.
She has been an active member in the ‘Free the Children’ club at Scarsdale High School and is currently holds the position of president. This international organization builds schools, hospitals, and medical centers in developing countries. With the club, she has organized collections for local food pantries and coordinated fundraisers including tag sales, gift wrapping, and silent auctions, which have raised money for the neediest communities throughout the world. This past year she started a ‘Free the Children’ club at the ‘Amazing Afternoons Afterschool’ program. She taught approximately 15 kids about world issues such as hunger, poverty, and disease. They organized a fundraiser selling scarves crocheted by one of their teachers and raised money for alternate income in Sierra Leone.
The Milly Kibrick Youth Service Awards are given in memory of Milly Kibrick, a prominent county social worker and youth activist, who dedicated her life to helping underprivileged children. During her career and in retirement, she was the quintessential social worker, social entrepreneur, volunteer and political activist, pursuing social and economic justice for children of all ages.
“Milly selflessly devoted her life to helping underprivileged children and was the driving force in many campaigns for the youth of Westchester County. She made a lasting impact on our community,” said County Executive Rob Astorino. “The honorees for the 2012 Milly Kibrick Service Awards emulate Milly’s giving spirit. Their work in their communities has touched the lives of many individuals. At a young age they have managed to accomplish great things.”
The aim of the Youth Board’s awards program is to recognize high school seniors of the Class of 2013 who have been involved in building a flourishing, strong and compassionate community through individual efforts and actions.
Making Strides to Fight Diabetes
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Sixty Scarsdale residents made big strides and raised a mountain of money for diabetes research this past weekend. On Sunday, September 30th, a group of neighbors from Edgewood took part in the American Diabetes Association Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes at Mercy College. Team Edgewood was the biggest team participating in the charity walk that day which included hundreds of people from around the county. The team raised over $10,000 for the charity-- more than any other team participating in the walk.
The inception of this fundraising team started with longtime Scarsdale resident, Margaret Marcus. She became involved in raising money for diabetes when her son’s close friend was diagnosed with the disease. She decided to raise money for the ADA since it is an all-inclusive charity that does not distinguish between Type I and Type II diabetes in terms of how it spends its money.
Marcus asked several local businesses for raffle prices to help raise money for her charity. She then went to her friends and neighbors for support. Not only was she
amazed by the generosity of those businesses, neighbors and friends who wanted to help her with her goal, but it seemed that many were also touched by diabetes with a friend or family member dealing with the disease. As it turns out, many wanted not only to help support Margaret financially with her goal. They also wanted to get involved by walking and raising money for a good cause.
There is still time to contribute to Margaret and her team ... click here to join the fight.
Jen is a freelance journalist who has covered the economy and markets for over a decade at a major financial news outlet. She lives in Scarsdale with her husband and 2 children. Jen has yet to bake a successful batch of cookies.
