They've Got Talent! Halloween Window Painters at Work
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Though temperatures were nippy, the sun finally came out on Sunday October 15, to allow Scarsdale’s young artists to participate in the annual Halloween Window Painting Contest. We found kids in the Village, on Palmer Avenue and in the Golden Horseshow painting colorful and amusing window paintings with some creating masterpieces on the windows of Scarsdale’s store windows.
Some were themed to go with their local such as “Get Your Spooktacular Nails Done,” at the nail salon or “The Grossery Market” on the window of De Ciccos and Trick or Chopt Treat at Chopt in the Golden Horseshoe. Others referred to pop culture including Taylor Swift and Barbie, and some had a political references including Peace. There were skeletons, witches and pumpkins and some very impressive work by skilled painters.
Check out our gallery of Scarsdale’s artists at work here --- and add your photo to the gallery by emailing your image to [email protected].
I Am More Scarsdale Announces Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraising Campaign
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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I Am More Scarsdale is excited to announce its 7th Annual "Breast Cancer Awareness" fundraising campaign, scheduled to run throughout the entire month of October. In partnership with White Plains Hospital, I Am More is dedicated to raising funds to provide mammograms and associated services to uninsured and underserved women in Westchester County.
The stark statistics reveal that 1 in 8 women in the United States will confront breast cancer during her lifetime. Recognizing cancer risks, adhering to regular screenings, and adopting a healthy lifestyle are essential measures women can take to mitigate their vulnerability.
Disparities in screening mammography and barriers to accessing breast cancer screening are most prevalent among racial/ethnic minority and low-income women. Consequently, due to delayed screening, these women face a higher risk of being diagnosed with advanced-stage breast cancer compared to the general population, leading to increased breast cancer mortality rates. One significant barrier to early detection is the financial burden associated with mammographic screening.
I Am More Scarsdale is committed to assisting women in Westchester County in obtaining screening mammograms to detect breast cancer at an early, treatable stage. Co-Founder Marcy Berman-Goldstein, a board certified Radiologist with specialized training in breast imaging underwent a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery in 2018 due to suspicious pathology. Speaking about her motivation for this cause, she said, "Given my medical background, personal experience, and strong family history, I believe knowledge is the most powerful tool we can possess to help ourselves and others. We are thrilled to support White Plains Hospital to ensure that more women have access to screening mammograms."
Here's how you can contribute to this vital cause:
Visit I Am More Scarsdale (6 Spencer Place) throughout the month of October. With a $20 donation, you can "Spin the Wheel" for a chance to win two $250 gift cards and additional prizes throughout the month. Additionally, you will receive a scratch-off card for 10-30% off one regular-priced clothing item.
Please consider making an additional tax-deductible donation toward the below patient needs:
$50 – will help provide reliable transportation to cancer care appointments.
$100 – will offset the cost of a mammogram for a woman in need.
$250 – will provide a wig to a cancer patient undergoing active treatment.
Transportation: Many women lack access to reliable transportation, which often leads to rescheduled or missed appointments and deferred care, which results in poor prognosis and an inferior quality of life. Therefore, transportation assistance is vital in ensuring that these women can access essential treatments. Average cost: $50
Mammograms have been a cornerstone in the fight against breast cancer, contributing to a nearly 40% reduction in breast cancer mortality in the U.S. since 1990. Mammograms save lives! Average cost = $100
Wigs provide crucial support by helping cancer patients regain a sense of normalcy, confidence, and control over their appearance during a difficult period of treatment, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life. Average cost: $250
DONATE NOW: https://www.wphospital.org/iammore/
About I Am More Scarsdale:
I Am More Scarsdale, a women’s boutique in Scarsdale Village, is celebrating its six-year anniversary. I Am More’s mission is to empower women to make them feel confident, to support up-and-coming and women-owned businesses and designers, and to give back to local and women’s philanthropic organizations. I Am More operates as a philanthropic organization, with ownership foregoing a salary to donate profits to the organizations it supports. I Am More has been a recipient of the Best of Westchester awards for Best Women’s Empowerment Shopping, and owners, Marcy Berman-Goldstein and Abbey Solomon, have been recognized by the Westchester County Business Journal as powerful women leaders in 2018, 2019 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. www.iammorescarsdale.com.
About White Plains Hospital:
White Plains Hospital is a proud member of the Montefiore Health System, serving as its tertiary hub of advanced care in the Hudson Valley. The Hospital is a 292-bed not-for-profit health care organization with the primary mission of providing exceptional acute and preventive medical care to all people who live in, work in or visit Westchester County and its surrounding areas. White Plains Hospital has outpatient medical facilities across Westchester, including multispecialty practices in Armonk, Larchmont, New Rochelle, Rye Brook, Somers and Yorktown Heights; and Scarsdale Medical Group locations in Harrison and Scarsdale.
The Hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission and in 2022, White Plains Hospital received a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) — the highest distinction offered by that federal agency. In addition, the Hospital received its third Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a distinction held by only two percent of hospitals in the country. White Plains Hospital has consistently received the Outstanding Patient Experience Award from Healthgrades®, and in 2022 became the only Hospital in Westchester to be awarded with an A Safety Grade from the Leapfrog Group for the 8th time.
https://www.wphospital.org/
The Postcard: A Detective Story That Grows Into An Exploration Of Family
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- Written by Harriet Sobol
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The following was written by Harriet Langsam Sobol, who will lead a class on The Postcard on September 13 at 1 pm at Scarsdale Library.
France, 2003. It was a surprise to twenty-four year old Anne Berest when her mother, Lélia, showed her an anonymous postcard that had arrived in the Christmas mail. On one side was a picture of the Opéra Garnier. On the other were four names. The list included Anne’s maternal great grandparents, Ephraïm, his wife, Emma, and two of their three children, Noémie and Jacques. The third child, Myriam ,was not included. Anne knew her grandmother but, didn’t know anything about her siblings. Myriam and Lilia rarely mentioned them, just as their Jewish heritage was not a topic of conversation in the home.
Anne and Lélia were nervous about who had sent the mysterious postcard and why. Was it some sort of a threat? There was an air of antisemitism in France. The postcard was put away and forgotten.
Ten years passed. On bed rest, because of her pregnancy, Anne was staying at her mother’s home. She became painfully aware that she knew little about her mother’s family. She felt the need to learn about them. Lélia, a retired professor, began to tell Anne the bits and pieces she knew about Anne’s great grandparents, and their children. She called it a “blended” story, made from facts and Lélia’s imagination where there were gaps.
The search for the senders and Anne’s family history begins.
The women work diligently, chasing down information from experts, government officials, legal sources, diaries, and letters. When they encounter unknown moments, they create them.
A story that begins nearly a century ago is contextualized by contemporary life. The mystery of the postcard drives their search but Anne and Leila’s story compels the action into today’s world. When Anne’s young daughter reports anti-Semitic remarks a schoolmate makes, and Anne is shamed at her first seder for her ignorance of Jewish culture, the reader is reminded of the relevancy of Anne’s quest.
Berest skillfully braids fact and fiction, past and present into a page-turner that starts as a detective story but grows into an exploration of family. The reader hurtles toward an inevitable ending compelled by the answers behind the postcard.
Anne and Lélia hire experts, a graphologist to interpret the handwriting on the postcard, a private detective to investigate who could have sent the postcard. When possibilities emerge, Anne and Lélia interview people who might have information about their mother’s aunts and uncle. They travel to Les Forges, the town where Ephraim and Emma were captured in 1942. They discover a letter from the mayor at the time that leads to clues of their fate.
We are deeply satisfied when Anne and Leila finally learn who wrote the postcard. But the excitement of the story is in the telling of it, the process of finding the the men and women who formed Lélia and Anne’s historical links to their ancestors’ past life.
Sobol will lead a discussion of the book at 1 pm on Wednesday September 13 at Westchester Reform Temple and a session with guest speaker Michael Reynolds, Editor-in-Chief of Europa Editions, who will talk about The Postcard and other Europa books on Wednesday, September 20th at one o’clock at Scarsdale Library. Registration is open for the classes on the Scarsdale Adult School’s website https://scarsdale.augusoft.net/.
Enterprising Teen Launches Fashion Line for Charity
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An enterprising Scarsdale High School student has launched a fashion business that raises funds for charity. Sofia Feinstein, founder of UNI-T fashion has been taking design courses at Tufts, FIT and Scarsdale High School and designed sweatshirts, t-shirts and totes that are available online here. https://uni-tfashion.com/
All the profits from the sales are donated to three charities – HIAS, Steve’s Camp at Horizon Farms and INROADS. She says she was inspired by Newman's Own Food Company who also donates all the profits from their sales to charity.
Where does she produce her merchandise? Feinstein explained, “All of my designs are produced with Direct to Garment (DTG) Printing. This means that every order gets printed once the order comes in and I don't have to stock any inventory. I have several printers all over the US that print for me. The printer that has the fastest turnaround time gets my orders. They are all very good.”
About price points she says, “I try to price our products at a very reasonable price so people can support us. I have been encouraged to charge higher prices because this is for charity, but I want to be an affordable and comfortable casual clothing brand.”
And how much has she been able to donate? Feinstein said, “Roughly every three months I donate my profits to my charities. I started this for the period ending December 31, 2022 and have been making donations since then. If my ambassador program gains support, and I get some PR, I hope to have profits this year in excess of $15,000.”
This month the company received an added boost when Dreamwear, Inc. a leading fashion brand based in New York donated over 3500 items of new brand name, luxury clothing items to those in need. Sofia and her team of students are sorting these items and creating packages for donation to Steve's Camp and HIAS.
Feinstein explained, “I am building a brand that cares and gives every penny of profit to causes that matter. Dreamwear is already a leader in its category and their generosity is overwhelming and further validates that fashion can truly make a difference in the world. The quality and quantity of their donation will enable UNI-T and my partner charities to help a lot of people.”
Check out UNI-T fashions here https://uni-tfashion.com
Traffic Light to Be Installed at Post and Edgewood Road
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The intersection of Post Road and Edgewood RoadNew York State Assembly Member Amy Paulin and New York State Senator Shelley Mayer have successfully negotiated with the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) the installation of a traffic light at the crosswalk connecting Edgewood Road and Post Road. The intersection has been the subject of safety issues for pedestrians who need to cross the highly trafficked Post Road intersection.
Post Road in Scarsdale is a busy, four-lane, double-yellow road where cars typically travel in excess of the 30 mph speed limit. The Scarsdale section of Post Road cuts through a residential area where pedestrians frequently use the sidewalk along Post Road. In particular, the intersection of Post and Edgewood Roads is used by students walking or biking to and from Edgewood Elementary School.
Several years ago, in response to a request to the DOT by the Village of Scarsdale to address the safety issues at the intersection, the DOT installed a crosswalk warning sign with flashing yellow lights at the intersection.
Despite this installation, safety issues have persisted. It is difficult for cars travelling on Post Road to see the flashing sign, or by the time the sign is seen, it is either too late for a vehicle to stop, jeopardizing the safety of a pedestrian or bicyclist in the crosswalk, or a vehicle may brake abruptly, creating a dangerous situation for a driver following behind.
There were several impediments to the installation of the light, foremost including that Post Road is a New York State Road and therefore under the purview of the DOT. This led to Assemblywoman Paulin spearheading the negotiation with the DOT regarding the light installation.
As part of the DOT approval process, they had required a study of the intersection, which was completed this year. Following completion of the study, the DOT determined that an additional flashing sign would be installed to remedy the situation -- in lieu of a traffic light. As that action would not have been satisfactory to the Village of Scarsdale as it would not have been effective in establishing a safe crossing for the same reasons that the existing flashing lights have failed, Assemblywoman Paulin continued to negotiate with the DOT until it was agreed that the DOT would install the light at the intersection.
Assemblywoman Paulin and State Senator Mayer also secured $1 million of capital funding from NYS for the project – each contributing $500,000 of the $1 million needed.
The timeline for the light installation was initially 2026, however Paulin and Mayer were able to move the timeline up to a 2025 install date and continue to work with the DOT to further expedite the time of install.
“I’m proud to have been able to secure the DOT installation of a traffic light at Edgewood and Post Roads,” said Paulin. “People need to be able to cross at that intersection safely. Children need to be able to walk or ride their bikes to school without the danger of being hit, and their families need to feel secure in letting them go on their own. Getting lights installed on DOT property is never easy, and there are many hurdles to get through, but that’s my job and I’m happy to be getting this done for this amazing community. I also thank State Senator Mayer for her partnership, contribution and commitment to helping Scarsdale.”
State Senator Shelley Mayer said, “I am pleased to have been able to secure $500,000 in funding from New York State to help pay for the installation of a traffic light at the intersection of Edgewood and Post Roads. Thank you to Assemblywoman Paulin for her steadfast leadership on this issue, and together we know the community will be safer with a traffic light at this busy intersection. Walkable communities are terrific- but they must be safe as well.”
Amy Paulin and Shelley Mayer
For residents who advocated for the light, the news was good but they wish the light could be installed sooner. Christine Weston said, “In May 2022, my son was hit by a car at this intersection, and he still isn’t entirely confident to cross on his own. Since that scary event, a group of community members have been advocating for this light to be installed and are all thrilled by this announcement. We thank the Village government and Assemblywoman Paulin and State Senator Mayer for always being on our side and fighting for this to be approved by the state. Further, this is certainly setting a good example for my son, who has learned that you can affect change if you have a cause worth fighting for.”
“That said, the light still needs to be installed, and it will be some time before that happens. Until then, we implore the community: BE CAREFUL. Drivers, keep your eye out for those lights, and slow down. Pedestrians, cross very carefully; assume cars can’t see you or the lights.”
Glenn McClanan added, “I am cautiously optimistic about the traffic light, though of course I hope it is installed as soon as possible.”
Village of Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest said, “The intersection at Edgewood and Post Roads has been a focal point for some time, and thanks to Assemblywoman Paulin and Senator Mayer, we're moving towards a safer solution. Their dedication to the project, securing the necessary funding and expediting the installation timeline is truly appreciated. Public safety is always our priority and we are very fortunate to have state representatives that are true partners in getting important initiatives to the finish line.”
Scarsdale Village Manager Rob Cole said, “Assemblywoman Paulin, Senator Mayer, and NYSDOT have displayed exceptional coordination and collaboration in advancing this critical Post Road safety enhancement on an expedited basis. Their efforts in this regard are noted and greatly appreciated; the traffic light at Edgewood Road is a necessary, life-saving intervention.”
Scarsdale Schools Board of Education President Ron Schulhof said, “The installation of a traffic light at the Post and Edgewood Road intersection will be a great benefit to our students and community. Many students cross Post Road as they walk or bike to Edgewood Elementary School. Thank you to our State representatives, Amy Paulin and Shelley Mayer for their advocacy and funding of this important safety initiative.”
Scarsdale Schools Superintendent Drew Patrick said, “On behalf of our school community, and especially our Edgewood families, I would like to express my gratitude to Amy Paulin and Shelley Mayer for their advocacy on this important safety issue. The ability of our students to safely and confidently walk or bike to school provides health and sustainability benefits, and helps to nurture a strong sense of community. The addition of a stop light at this particular location is a gift to our students, and a great step forward for Scarsdale.”
