Forrest Brings His Love of Gardens and Sustainable Practices to the Scarsdale Forum
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The Azalea Garden at NYBG: Photo by Larry LedermanWith the first spring flowers in bloom and your garden coming back to life, Todd Forrest, the Head Horticulturist at the New York Botanical Garden spoke to over 60 attendees at the Scarsdale Forum on Thursday night March 27, 2025.
His hour-long talk spanned the history of the NYBG, toured some of the great gardens of the world and then reviewed sustainable garden practices to safeguard your own garden and the entire Bronx River watershed which Scarsdale shares with our neighbors to the south.
Todd Forrest: Photo credit Susan Douglass
He started with the history of the garden, which is just a short drive south from Scarsdale. Though we think of New York City as a densely developed urban environment, the work of early conservationists served to preserve large green spaces. Founded in 1891 by Nathaniel and Elizabeth Britton, the 250 acre garden makes the Bronx the greenest borough in Manhattan.
The original plan was designed around the path of the Bronx River and a large grove of hemlocks on the property. As the garden was installed, efforts were made to preserve every existing tree. As a result, Forrest called the garden “a 250 acre miracle in the center of the city.”
Why do we garden?
Forrest counted the reasons, the first, “to celebrate the beauty and diversity of plants.”
He showed slides of some gardens of renown at the NYBG, around the country and around the world. Among them are the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden at NYBG which he called “the most democratic garden in the country.” He showed photos of the Rose Garden along with Daffodil Hill, the Azalea Garden, the Lilac Garden and the Peony Garden, all at NYBG.
Gardens also serve as palates for personal expression and as a means to impress. Beyond New York, he discussed some of the world’s greatest gardens in Sussex England, at Lotusland in Montecito, CA to the Alhambra and Kyoto’s Ryoan-Ji.
Gardens are also planted to produce food. Forrest showed the New Roots Community Garden, a green swath surrounded by concrete in the Bronx. The garden which produces large amounts of healthy produce sustains hundreds.
Last he said gardens allow us to connect with nature and he showed a photo of the native plant garden at NYBG which has become one of the garden’s most popular features.
Todd Forrest and Cynthia Roberts: Photo credit: Susan Douglass
Then Forrest turned to the real reason for his visit, which was to encourage the audience to adopt sustainable gardening practices to safeguard the Village, the Bronx River watershed and those downstream.
He explained that nitrogen and phosphorous released by garden chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers pose grave dangers to the entire ecosystem from bees, birds and butterflies to fish, wildflowers, plant life and humans.
40 million acres of turf grass across the country are fed by millions of pounds of fertilizer that are toxic to our earth.
He explained that it is the mission of NYBG to spread the word about biodiversity, conservation and enhancement and to share information about the changes they have made at the garden.
He showed examples of updated practices such as eliminating the weekly spraying of the rose garden, of planting compost to revitalize a dead lawn or letting a lawn go to clover and dandelions. Rather than spray pesticide to control bees, they use warm water and soap and have experimented with the use of compost tea, fish emulsion, kelp and molasses in place of harsh chemicals.
To those who wanted to know where to begin sustainable practices, Forrest advised:
-Do no harm.
-Plant trees, which he called “our most incredible asset.”
-Use native plants, not because you must but because they are beautiful and create a habitat for pollinators.
Last he said, “Apply your skills to ecological restoration and citizen science.”
Forrest just published a new book, "Gardening with Nature at the New York Botanical Garden," which he calls his love letter to the garden. Photographs by Larry Lederman. Check it out here.
We the People Have Had Enough: Protest Against Closure of WP Social Security Office
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A crowd of about 200 protesters turned out on Saturday March 22 to voice their opposition to the closure of the U.S. Social Security Office in White Plains. It is the only social security office in the county at a time when the agency is requiring in-person visits to make changes or claims. The agency has suggested that residents drive as far as Goshen, NY or New Haven, CT to take care of issues.
Protester sported signs saying “Save the Safety Net,” “STOP, Deranged Oligarchs Grab Everything,” “Hands Off Social Security,” “We The People Have Had Enough,” and” Support Retirees, Not Billionaires.”
In order to retain the office, Westchester County offered social security space in a county-owned office building but they were turned down.
On Saturday the group heard speeches from Congressman George Latimer, President of the American Federation of Teachers Randi Weingarten and State Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins. In the crowd were State Senator Shelley Mayer, Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg and County Executive Ken Jenkins.
Weingarten reminded the group that Social Security is not a handout. It is an earned benefit that workers have paid for through years of employment.
Andrea Stewart Cousins spoke passionately about the impact of her father’s $300 a month social security payment for her family. Her father fought in World War II in a segregated army and returned to a segregated America. Despite that he was able to get a union job and accrue his social security which his widow lived on after his death.
Commenting on the closure of the office, Deborah Porder Lead Organizer of Indivisible Scarsdale said, “Everyone should protest cuts to social security because they hurt all of us. For decades, my employers deducted social security and Medicare taxes from my paychecks. I understood that that my money would be safely invested in the social security trust fund and I would receive benefits when I retired. The government has no right to take the money away from me or from any other worker who contributed.”
A Hard Fought Season Ender at the County Center for the Raiders Boys Basketball Team
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Senior guard Brandon Gibbons (5) takes a contested short jumper.The Scarsdale High Boys Basketball season came to a close on Wednesday March 5, 2025. The 3rd-seeded Raiders battled the 2nd-seeded New Rochelle Huguenots in the semifinals of the AAA Section 1 boys basketball playoffs at the Westchester County Center. New Rochelle came out on top 52-49 in a hard-fought game that was close throughout.
Photos by Dave Taber of Shots of the Game
To see more game photos and/or download photos, please visit https://www.shotsofthegame.com/
Senior guard Jake Sussberg (1) takes a jumper against multiple New Rochelle defenders.
Senior Daniel Hoey (13) drives to the hoop against Malik Gasper of New Rochelle.
Jake Sussberg (1) goes for a right-handed layup from the left side.
Jake Sussberg (1) takes a fallback jumper.
Daniel Hoey (13) leaps to block a shot.
Senior Logan Mancusi (11) attempts to block a shot.
Daniel Hoey (13) makes a difficult layup against 2 defenders.
Senior Lev Stahl (24) takes an outside shot.
Daniel Hoey (13) challenges the shot by Bryce Seward of New Rochelle.
Senior Finn Miller (2) takes a short floater.
Lev Stahl (24) whips a pass to Jake Sussberg (1) .
Jake Sussberg (1) backs down his defender.
200 Turn Out to Enjoy Chicken Biryani, Shwarma and Samosas at Ramadan Iftar Dinner
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Like many other religions where observers take part in fasting events to make time for reflection and to grow closer to God, during the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world fast each day to express their spiritual discipline, attain piety, to seek forgiveness, and to empathize with those less fortunate. After sunset, it is customary to break this daily fast with prayer and a festive meal called an iftar.
Since iftars are oftentimes celebrated with families and friends alike, on Thursday, March 13th, the Scarsdale High School Muslim Club held their third annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner inviting the entire Scarsdale community to join them for a special potluck dinner. The warm and inclusive environment saw attendees excited to meet with each other, students helping out at every turn, and young children delightedly playing with new friends.
As one of the club's co-presidents, Kamila El Moselhy, explained, “This was the third annual dinner and our largest turnout yet! Our first year hosting the dinner (2023) we had the dinner only open to Scarsdale high school families and students, so we had about 100 people there. The following year (2024) was the first year we were allowed to open it up to the entire Scarsdale community and we had about 150 people in attendance. This year our turnout was unbelievable with close to 200 people there! I am so happy with how the Community Iftar keeps growing and reaching more members of our community.”
El Moselhy went on to explain that the entire SHS Muslim Club helped to organize the community gathering, where attendees signed up to bring a dish (including cuisine from different cultures around the world) for everyone to share. Some of the delicious additions to the feast included chicken biryani, shawarma on rice, butter chicken, pizza, samosas, kathi rolls, and so much more.
El Moselhy believes that, “This dinner is just such an important event because it really reminds our community members, both kids and adults, that there is a place for everyone in Scarsdale and it allows others who are not Muslim to help us bring joy to our community. I am a senior this year and graduating in June, but I am hopeful that this tradition will continue and grow.”
Daniyal Naeem, another of the club’s co-presidents, shared, “The Community Iftar is important to me because it is a chance for me to get together and meet the Muslim community in Scarsdale. Each year I meet so many new people and it helps me remember that I have a whole group of people who support me. Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces when they see the big turnout and all of the delicious food gives me such an awesome feeling. A highlight for me this year was when someone came up to me and told me that her children look up to me because of my achievements and they hope to run the Muslim Youth Club too!”
When asked, “Why is a dinner like this important to you?” the club’s third co-president Rehma Qadir remarked, “I grew up with many of my peers not knowing much about my religion and holidays, and I believe this dinner is a good step in the right direction to create more awareness about the Muslim community in Scarsdale in a fun and social environment. Qadir added, “I think it’s important that we build on the small community we have and extend a hand out to others who may not be of the same religion in order to unify the overall Scarsdale community.”
The successful event, attended by young children, students, parents, faculty, and school board members alike, is sure to be back by popular demand next year. Until then, the SHS Muslim Club wishes a Ramadan Mubarak to all those who observe.
Candidate for Village Trustee David Goldschmidt Vows to Listen to Residents and Support a Shared Vision for the Future
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Scarsdale will elect a Mayor and three Village Trustees on Tuesday March 18, 2025. This week we are introducing you to David Goldschmidt a candidate for Village Trustee who was selected by the Citizens Nominating Committee.
See below for his thoughts on living in Scarsdale and serving the community as a Village Trustee.
How long have you lived in Scarsdale? What brought you here and what do you like about it?
My family moved to Scarsdale in 2003 after living for 10 years in the North End of New Rochelle. As our family grew, we needed more space and were drawn to Scarsdale to stay within the area. We formed many close friendships in the neighborhood and we never considered moving elsewhere. We spent countless days exploring the neighborhood pushing strollers, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere left a lasting impression.
My wife, Ellen, and I are proud parents to Daniel (married to Rachel), Josh (married to Yael), and our youngest, Allison. All our children loved growing up in the Heathcote area. Though they attended Westchester Day School in Mamaroneck, they took full advantage of the great services Scarsdale offers, including the library, the pool and recreational sports, where they connected with even more kids. I truly enjoyed these activities because both the parents and children were so welcoming to our family. As a sign that my kids loved growing up here, last year, Daniel and Rachel moved back to Scarsdale with their two-year-old daughter, Olivia, and we are now a three-generation family in the neighborhood.
What do you do professionally and how might your skills assist the board?
For the past 37 years, I have worked as a capital markets lawyer at the Skadden Arps law firm. Until recently, I served as the Global Head of the Capital Markets practice, managing over 120 lawyers worldwide. As a lawyer, I help clients navigate complex laws and provide strategic advice on achieving their business goals by outlining risks and benefits of various alternatives. My focus is on ensuring they make informed decisions, ultimately becoming their trusted advisor. As a manager of a legal practice, I developed strategies for growth and expansion for the group while creating a collaborative environment. I also promoted mentorship, ensuring that the next generation of lawyers received the training they needed. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is the importance of listening - whether to clients, colleagues, or even opposing lawyers. Only by truly listening to people’s concerns can you form a strategy to achieve a client’s objectives or manage a team effectively. This skill is essential for any Village Trustee. We have to listen to residents, village professionals, and outside experts to solve the issues facing the Village.
Have you done any previous volunteer work? Tell us about it.
I am very involved with our synagogue, the Young Israel of Scarsdale, serving in various roles and having served as president of the synagogue from 2001 to 2003. During my time as an officer, I was part of the team that furnished the interior of the newly built synagogue. My listening skills were tested extensively, as there were many differing opinions on design and furnishings. I was also responsible for hiring the synagogue's first rabbinical intern, Rabbi Jonathan Morgenstern, who is now the Senior Rabbi of the synagogue and he has been with the community for over 25 years. I was also active at the Westchester Day School in Mamaroneck, where my children attended elementary school. I served as a Trustee and later as an officer of the Day School. In 2012, I became Chairman of the Board during a challenging time marked by increased competition and a tuition crisis. We hired a new headmaster and restructured our costs and scholarships to address the rising cost of providing a high quality education. Both of these experiences taught me the value of listening to people, incorporating good suggestions, and explaining why some ideas might not be feasible. Leadership, I learned, isn’t necessarily about making decisions unilaterally; it’s about synthesizing diverse perspectives and convincing others to support a shared vision.
Why did you decide to step up for service on the Board now?
The Village of Scarsdale functions well, thanks to the outstanding professionals and dedicated volunteers who make Scarsdale such a great place to live. However, we face challenges that require attention. These include aging infrastructure, supporting new construction without compromising the village’s character and charm, and ensuring that our water and sewer systems can handle increased demand. We cannot afford to be complacent; we must continue to improve and enhance our community. The current board is addressing key issues like storm drainage, road maintenance, and the upgrading of parks, fields, and pools. These efforts will continue, but we must also remain mindful of the costs to residents, particularly younger, newer families. Our goal is to ensure that Scarsdale remains an attractive place for families to settle and raise the next generation. I would like to be part of ensuring that goal. I have always believed in giving back to the community. I grew up with that lesson and I have stood by it, volunteering at various institutions since first moving to Westchester. Scarsdale is my home and I want to make sure that the next generation of Scarsdale residents will have the ability to enjoy the benefits of this great neighborhood.
