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Written by Jennifer Hong

Published: 25 March 2020

Created: 25 March 2020

Last Updated: 25 March 2020

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This letter was submitted by Jennifer Hong in response to a request from 10583 to learn more about the Scarsdale Chinese Association’s efforts to help in the fight again COVID-19.

I am a member of the Scarsdale Chinese Association (SCA). I am not writing this on behalf of the SCA but as a volunteer who has helped in this donation effort. This is not an official SCA statement but rather what has taken place from my perspective. Thank you to Scarsdale 10583 for your willingness to highlight our effort.

A team of volunteers from the Scarsdale Chinese Association collaborated and, with a concerted effort, were able to purchase and have 5000 masks shipped directly from China. 3000 masks were donated to the first responders and essential workers in Scarsdale Village. Thanks to Dara Gruenberg for helping coordinate with the Village and distribute the masks. The remaining 2000 masks were donated to White Plains Hospital, Westchester Medical Center, and two New York City hospitals. I, along with many members of the SCA, volunteered in this effort. Biggest thanks goes to Kiki Hong, Dr. Jun Xu, Dr. Ru-Liang Xu and Dr. Hong Su.

SCA also turned to our members for donations of their own masks to help alleviate the hospitals’ urgent needs. As you may be aware, China has a problem with smog and air pollution due to rapid industrial growth. Many families in Scarsdale buy masks to wear when they or their relatives go back to China. Ever since COVID-19 first broke out in Wu Han, we have been monitoring the development closely, and some residents bought masks as a precaution. We know how grim the situation has been in China and how contagious the virus is. SCA was able to collect 1000+ different kinds of masks from its members and has delivered all of them to nearby hospitals. Although some of these mask are anti-fog, not up to the stringent medical standards, the hospitals took them with great appreciation. Local families here have exhausted the supplies we have in our homes. Lauren Yang, SCA President, Lisa Tan and other volunteers spearheaded this effort.

What inspired SCA to initiate this effort was that Dara Gruenberg sent some of our members an email asking for donations to provide funding for meals to the Emergency Department staff at White Plains Hospital (WPH). SCA immediately stepped up to donate, and Han Zhou volunteered to lead this effort. SCA members, who are doctors at Westchester Medical Center (WMC), after hearing about the contributions to White Plains Hospital, reached out to us about the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) at WMC. We learned that many hospitals were in the same dire situation. This gave the SCA the idea to expand our efforts to help, in addition to the meal donation initiative. SCA quickly started a campaign to assist hospitals on many fronts: Lisa Tan made a portal page for SCA members to donate money directly to WPH and WMC; to donate masks; and to donate towards a fund for purchasing PPEs for hospitals.

Many in SCA are pursuing leads of PPE donations or trying to help hospitals purchase directly from China. Ailun Yang and I are working with a charity foundation in China to donate masks and gowns directly to hospitals here.

Besides those mentioned above, Judy Yang, Ellen Sun, Yin Lao, Leon Xin, as well as so many others, are helping. Several SCA members are asking friends and family back in China to send PPEs to us directly. I feel so proud of my fellow Chinese Americans and Chinese.

We, Chinese Americans, are standing together with every Scarsdale resident in unity and solidarity. Many of us are US citizens. We are firstly Americans with Chinese heritage. This is our country too. When we see our neighbors and friends at the frontlines combating the potentially lethal virus without enough protection, our hearts sink at the risks they are taking so we are doing everything we can to help. We hear the battle cry from Governor Cuomo and are joining the fight against this vicious disease.

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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 09 April 2020

Created: 09 April 2020

Last Updated: 09 April 2020

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Below find a letter dated April 8 from Scarsdale Mayor Marc Samwick:
Dear Scarsdale Residents,
On Monday evening, the Village came together – each in our front yard – and sang “God Bless America” to show our solidarity for our health care providers and first responders. Personally, I was struck by a sense of unity and togetherness that came from singing with my family and hearing my neighbors doing the same with their loved ones. This was another recent event that highlighted the sense of community that makes Scarsdale special and will be the base from which we move beyond the difficult weeks ahead to heal and renew our community.

I would like to acknowledge two people that made Monday night’s heart-warming community song a reality. Lee Fischman sent me the idea of a Village-wide collaboration of “God Bless America” over two weeks ago. While I thought Lee was onto something, I did not take the reins and run with the idea. Fortunately, my wife, Cynthia, spoke with Lee last week, fully embraced the idea and rushed into action to make it a reality. Thank you, Lee and Cynthia, for your vision and execution – singing “God Bless America” together was a perfect way to recognize those working hard to keep our community safe and to remind us: who we are, what is important to us, and that we will get through the difficult time ahead together.

Plasma and Blood Donations
People who have recovered from COVID-19 may have high levels of immunity in the form of antibodies. Their plasma can be used to help save the life of another struggling to survive. Please consider donating plasma if you have recovered from the Coronavirus. Mount Sinai and White Plains Hospital/Montefiore have regional locations that will be accepting plasma donations, and you may volunteer to have your blood tested for high levels of antibodies. If you are interested, please contact Mount Sinai or White Plains Hospital/Montefiore by completing a survey here:  White Plains Hospital/Montefiore screening will take place at Scarsdale Medical Group’s office at 259 Heathcote Road.

Blood donations have been dramatically reduced due to social distancing and the cancellation of blood drives. Many people have asked me how they can help and this is a very straightforward way in which we all may contribute. Those interested in donating blood may reach out to: AABB (www.aabb.org), America’s Blood Centers (www.americasblood.org), American Red Cross (www.redcrossblood.org), Armed Services Blood Program (www.militaryblood.dod.mil), or Blood Centers of America (www.bca.coop). Thank you to all who donate for your life saving generosity.

Needed PPE/Other Donations
There is real ongoing need for personal protective equipment (PPE) at medical centers and for first responders. Please consider donating any PPE you may be able to share with our first responders, including Scarsdale Police, Fire, and Volunteer Ambulance Corps; White Plains Hospital; or other medical providers.

Constituents may donate goods, services, or space to New York State’s response to the COVID- 19 public health emergency by emailing [email protected].

Mental Health and Mindfulness During Crisis
Governor Cuomo announced yesterday that New York State has partnered with Headspace to provide New Yorkers with free meditation and mindfulness resources. As the Governor’s announcement noted, “We can't underestimate the impact this public health crisis has on mental health. New Yorkers can access a collection of free guided meditations, along with at-home mindfulness exercises and additional resources to help address rising stress and anxiety. Visit www.headspace.com/ny.”

New Yorkers may also call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling. New York State has been actively engaged in providing mental health resources to assist residents struggling during this highly unsettling time.

Health Insurance
New Yorkers without health insurance can apply through NY State of Health through May 15, 2020. Residents must apply within 60 days of losing health insurance coverage. New York State of Health may be accessed at www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov.

Village Budget Update
The Village must hold a public budget hearing no later than April 15 and adopt its budget no later than May 01 to comply with NY State requirements.

The approach the Village has taken to manage its current fiscal and the FY 20-21 budgets is to: (i) identify near-term threats to revenues, (ii) prepare a downside analysis to identify revenue threats, (iii) identify primary sources to fill expected revenue gaps, and (iv) identify secondary sources to fill potential downside revenue gaps. The Village Manager and Treasurer have accomplished these goals and the Village Board has supported staff’s recommended approach to manage this time of economic strain.

The Village Board has stated that it is committed to making thoughtful, appropriate, and responsible adjustments to the FY 20-21 operating budget based on data that will become clearer over the coming weeks and months. The tentative Village budget has been posted on the Village website and will be addressed at the budget hearing on April 14 at 7pm via Zoom teleconference.

At the budget hearing, we expect to see a proposal for the first change in the FY 20-21 operating budget. Since the library budget was prepared and presented to the Village in January, the expected reopening of the renovated library was pushed from September 01 to November 01. This two-month completion delay will correspond with a commensurate delay in the re- staffing of the library to full operating levels, which will result in operating savings for the library of about $210,000.

It is expected that the Village Board will recommend that the full reduction in the library budget be used to reduce the FY 20-21 tax levy to recognize the financial strains of residents during the economic upheaval resulting from COVID-19. If adopted by the Board of Trustees, that would mean that the annual increase in the Village tax levy would be reduced from 1.98% to 1.46% and the average home would see its Village real estate taxes increase by about $95 rather than the $128 shown in the filed tentative budget.

Please note that the library’s FY 21-22 operating budget will be its first full year in operations after reopening. This will cause a known one-time elevated percentage increase in its FY 21-22 budget relative to FY 20-21.

The Village budget is a working document that is revised on a regular basis. This year is no exception as there will be continuous reviews of the Village’s financial position. As is always the case, the Village encourages resident participation in all budget discussions.

Social DistancingMayor Marc Samwick at Light the Dale in December, 2019
Please be diligent in social distancing when outside of the home. Governor Cuomo announced the state is increasing the maximum fine for violations of the state's social distancing protocol from $500 to $1,000 to help address the lack of adherence to the protocols.

It is critical for management of the pandemic that we strictly adhere to social distancing – for our own benefit and for our friends and neighbors, especially those who are most at risk. Also, inform your children of the importance of social distancing. Thank you for your diligence – whether online at a store or walking. It is up to each of us.

Landscaping
New York State has clarified guidance on landscaping. Please note that only work which is “for maintenance and pest control purposes has been designated as essential.” Therefore, please have your landscapers refrain from planting decorative plants – though you are welcome to do so yourself.

Leaf Blowing
I would like to remind all residents that the local leaf blowing ban goes into effect on June 01. Please be sure to eliminate use of gas-powered leaf blowers starting in June.

A number of people have asked whether leaf blowers may spread Coronavirus. To date, the NYS Department of Health has not issued any guidance that indicates that the virus may be spread by leaf blowers. Should the NYS Department of Health issue guidance that may link leaf blower use to the spread of the virus, the Village will take immediate action.

Concluding Remarks
The Village remains committed to providing essential services and preparing for the difficult weeks ahead as well as the time in the not too distant future when we return to a new normalcy that is rooted in the past while incorporating learnings from the current adjustments we are all making.

While I know the uncertainty of the weeks ahead weigh heavily on residents’ minds and hearts, we must continue to have hope and take comfort in the strength of our community and its resilience. Reach out to neighbors and friends to say hello and just connect. Continue to be kind and make selfless gestures that are the hallmark of Scarsdale. Together we will face this and together we will overcome the adversity. We need each other more than ever and while we cannot be together we can be “together apart.” Be well and please stay home.

During this week of religious observances for many residents, we cannot help but note the connection of this pandemic to the stories and teachings we are about to encounter. In spite of the current difficulties and stains we are facing, I wish you joyous and meaningful celebrations with family.

Sincerely,
Marc Samwick, Mayor

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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 18 March 2020

Created: 18 March 2020

Last Updated: 18 March 2020

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Many are enjoying the Bronx River Path and other county trails.This week brought even more dramatic changes to Scarsdale. Just when it felt like our entire world had closed in, it narrowed even further. School was originally cancelled for two weeks and now we don’t know if and when they will re-open. The Scarsdale Bowl, scheduled for April, has been moved to September. Many in the Village were focused on the election of three members of the Village Board on March 18, until we learned that even an election had to be postponed until the end of April.

On a personal level, birthday parties, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, showers and weddings are all being put off. Airline and hotel reservations have been cancelled. Spring sports and after school activities are on hold. Children are discouraged from playing on playgrounds. Will high school seniors be able to travel for spring break? The chances look dimmer each day. Some are deeply concerned about their jobs, the long-term health of their companies and the effects of the steep downturn in the economy.

At home, we’re plundering the freezer and the pantry unsure if food deliveries will continue and if we will we be able to get what we need. We’re buying what we can find and keeping an eye on consumption.

Reading so much about signs of the virus, friends report they are experiencing psychosomatic symptoms like dripping noses, dry throats and coughs. Anxiety is running high and thermometer batteries are running low as we continually check for fever. Plastic gloves, face masks and scarves are in fashion. Everyone is being extra cautious for fear of spreading the virus to someone else.

But it’s not all bad. Each day brings some encouraging surprises.Plastic gloves are de rigeur.

Children are now doing their schoolwork online, an amazing accomplishment by the schools, given the sudden onset of the crisis. The Scarsdale School Board has scheduled a meeting using ZOOM, and the community is invited to participate online, Wednesday night at 6:30.

The Village is maintaining essential services with police and firefighters on duty and sanitation on a regular schedule. We are fortunate that our Village leadership had the foresight to begin preparing for this crisis and started ordering supplies in early February.

Many are doing their work from home, networking with colleagues, holding conference calls and online meetings. Homes have been converted into virtual offices, a trend that may grow after the crisis abates.

We can no longer make plans so we’re learning to greet each day and make the most of our time at home. Many are outside enjoying the beautiful path along the Bronx River Parkway and county trails and parks. Packs of kids are out on their bikes. Those strolling the neighborhood stop and compare notes with people they usually pass on the street. Danny’s Cycles on Central Avenue had a flood of business as people bought bicycles.

In the Village, we found Michelle and Chuck Anderson from La Dentelliere keeping their store open on Sunday. Michelle reported that she was pleased that people were coming in and calling up to order items to freshen their homes. She invited anyone to give her a call to order for themselves or a gift for a homebound friend which she can deliver.

Michelle and Chuck Anderson outside La Dentelleire.Local restaurants are also offering takeout, pick up and curbside delivery for anyone who needs to practice social distancing. Take a look at our list of where to order and help to keep our local businesses afloat. Local residents have organized a campaign to raise funds for food delivery to the emergency medical workers who are battling the virus on the frontline at White Plains Hospital.

For now, the community is demonstrating resilience and finding the silver lining to perhaps the biggest challenge we will encounter in our lifetimes. Families are enjoying their time together. College kids and young adults have returned home and generations are learning how to live together under one roof again. In our house we’re lucky to be sheltering in place with my eight-week old granddaughter who doesn’t seem to realize how unusual a time it is.

Residents are checking in on the elderly and others are volunteering to shop for the homebound. Stores have set up special hours for senior citizens and the immuno-compromised to shop and avoid the crowds. We’re all doing what we can to support our local businesses, and everyone is respecting rules around social distancing to keep the virus at bay.

Given that Scarsdale shares a border with the scene of the largest outbreak of the virus in NY State, at least so far, Village residents are doing a great job of staying healthy. Most I have spoken to are fully cognizant of how serious the consequences of infection can be and are doing everything they can to protect themselves and their neighbors.Michael Chayes makes a necessary trip to Zachys.

We don’t know how long this will last or how dire it will be. But we do know that we can count on our neighbors, our community government, our school district, the county and the state to do everything possible to keep us safe.