Remarks by Amy Paulin for the Interfaith Prayer Vigil Against Hate in New Rochelle
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 159
An interfaith vigil against hate was held in New Rochelle on Wednesday June 18 and included rabbis and black church leaders united against antisemitism. It was coordinated by Elder Mark McLean, a minister in New Rochelle and Rabbi Jesse Gallup of Temple Israel of New Rochelle, and Rabbi David Schuck of Beth El Synagogue in New Rochelle.
Assemblymember Amy Paulin planned to speak but the NYS Legislature was in session until 1 am the prior evening and she could not make it back to New Rochelle in time for the vigil the following day.
Here are the remarks that she planned to make at the event:
Thank you everyone for being here today. I am deeply grateful to our interfaith leaders and community members for coming together in prayer, and in unity.
We are here because something is very wrong. Hate has found its way into our neighborhoods—into our streets, our schools, our social media feeds, our daily conversations. And most recently, we’ve seen deeply disturbing acts of antisemitism—acts that are not just painful, but terrifying. They have shaken the Jewish community. They've shaken me. Because I am Jewish. And I am afraid. Many of us are.
Let me be clear: we are against hate in every form. But we must also be honest about what is happening right now. Jewish people are being targeted—in New Rochelle (we can all recall what happened at the Golden Horseshoe), across New York, and around the world. There is a rising tide of antisemitism that is being justified, excused, and even normalized. We cannot let this happen.
And we must reject the false idea that anti-Zionism is somehow separate from antisemitism. Because when Jews are being shot, firebombed, and vilified simply for existing, that is antisemitism. Period.
We cannot allow this current very real, and very dangerous reality to go unspoken. Antisemitism has gone from whispers to shouts. From the margins to the mainstream. And it must be confronted—not just when a synagogue is attacked or someone is hospitalized—but every single time we see it. Every time we hear it. Every time someone tries to disguise it or downplay it.
And so, we gather here, not just to pray to the Almighty for strength, wisdom, and healing—but to send a clear, and unwavering message: We see this hate. And we reject it. We stand together. And we speak out against it. Because if one person in our community is living in fear, we all feel that fear.
So thank you—for standing together today. For standing with the Jewish community. And for standing on the side of peace, and humanity.
Maroon and White Salutes the Athletes at Annual BBQ
- Details
- Written by Wendy MacMillan
- Hits: 458
In honor of Scarsdale High School's student athletes, Maroon & White held its annual spring barbecue on Tuesday June, 5th. The end of year celebration not only recognizes the accomplishments of the athletes and their teams, but also their hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship.
After athletes and their families gathered on the warm spring evening to share laughter, hugs, good conversations, and an incredible BBQ buffet (sponsored by Maroon and White), the party moved into the newly renovated auditorium for a heartwarming award ceremony.
Timberger Award: Harry WolfThe District’s new Athletic Director, Cindy Parrott, opened the ceremony by expressing her gratitude for “Maroon & White for organizing this event, to the parents for your continued support of your children’s athletic pursuits, and to our student athletes for their hard work and dedication to their sport.”
Parrott went on to acknowledge the “Work of some very important people who work behind the scenes in the Athletic Department to make sure everything happens so smoothly for our 33 sports and 66 teams. First, I want to recognize Jeff Weigel, the Assistant Athletic Director who goes above and beyond in everything he does. Our office staff of Stefanie Carrea and Mary Flynn who keep this machine running. Additionally, our athletic trainers Jessica White and Chelsea Davis who work so hard caring for our athletes.”
Lily Streicher won the Timberger Award
Co-presidents of Maroon and White, Moira Crouch and Kathy Stahler, then took the stage to present the awards. The first award announced was the Timberger Award, a special award created by the Timberger family to honor the late Elizabeth Timberger. As Crouch described, the Timberger Award honors “An outstanding senior who helps a team and/or the athletic program, not as a student-athlete, but through a role that supports a team and/or the athletic department (such as a manager, statistician, audio-visual assistant, play-by-play person, mascot, or sportswriter).” This year’s recipients were Lily Streicher and Harry Wolf.
Felicity Bennet won the Mooney AwardThe next award of the evening, the Mooney Award, was created in loving memory of Nina Mooney. The Mooney Award recognizes a senior female athlete who displays commitment, enthusiasm, spirit, concern for others and a positive work ethic. The nominees reflect the highest level of dedication to their teams and sports, and the award does not have an academic requirement. This year’s recipient was Felicity Bennett.
The Knopp Award, created by a loving family in order to memorialize Nonie Knopp, recognizes a senior male athlete who displays commitment, enthusiasm, spirit, concern for others and a positive work ethic. The nominees reflect the highest level of dedication to their teams and sports, and the award does not have an academic requirement. This year’s award went to Ryan Gilligan.
The Peppers Family, a family long active in the Scarsdale community, established a leadership and spirit award for one female and one male senior athlete, who distinguished themselves through their dedication and hard 
Nick-Ebner-Borst won the Peppers Awardwork in games and practice, through their unselfish adherence to sportsmanship and team play, and through their active encouragement of all team members. The recipients of this award are also required to achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.5, as measured by the most recent grades available at the time the selection is made. This year the Peppers Awards went to Lilly Tessler and Nick Ebner-Borst.
Lilly Tessler won the Peppers Award.
The co-presidents then took a moment to congratulate the 4x800 meter Girls Relay Team who recently won States. The girls track team champions include Rachel Rakower, Leia Patel, Adriana Pettinelli, and Zoe Dichter.
Crouch also announced that, “At the moment, boys golf, girls golf and flag football, as well as individual boys tennis players are all competing deep into their respective state championship tournaments.”
All American AthletesAlso honored at the ceremony were this year’s All-American Athletes. The seven athletes recognized with this special distinction were track members Julie Scheffler, Rachel Rakower, Zoe Dichter, Alice Nicassio, and Adriana Pettinelli, squash team member Zane Kohn, and soccer player Lorenzo Galeano.
Knopp Award winners
Not to be forgotten, the co-presidents made sure to recognize the teams that won their Spring Sectional Championships saying, “This Spring season has been an exciting and successful season, with the Girls Golf Team, the Boys Golf Team, The Flag Football Team all won Sectional Championship! Also Runners Alice Nicassio for the 100m, Jake Saxon in the 110 hurdles, and the 4x800 team of Adriana Pettinelli, Leia Patel, Dalia Latzman and Rachel Rakower winning Sectional Champs in their event.”
Iron AthletesJeff Weigel, Assistant Athletic Director, presented the Iron Athlete Award which is given in recognition of interscholastic athletic participation in grades nine through twelve, for every season at Scarsdale High School, totaling twelve consecutive seasons.This year eight athletes were honored including Faris Amin, Zoe Dichter, Avery Dickstein, Eva Gibney, Danielle Horn, Addison Lazarus, Logan Mancusi, and Lilly Tessler.
Scholar Athlete Honor SocietyWeigel also presented the Scarsdale High School Scholar Athlete Honor Society Award which was started in the name of Grant Geiger in 1969 and is presented to top senior athletes who exemplifies: Dedication to their sport, Competitive spirit, Performance on and off the field of play, Performance in the classroom, GPA of 3.5 or higher, Positive attitude, Citizenship and Sportsmanship. This year there are four winners of the Scarsdale High School Scholar Athlete Honor Society Award including Chloe Paquin, Emma Lee, Sam Saeed, and Lev Stahl.
Cindy Parrott returned to present the final awards of the evening, the Raider Award. Parrot related that, “The Raider Award award is given to two student-athletes, in recognition of the intangible characteristics that we aspire to develop through interscholastic athletics. This award is given to athletes who possess the attitude, work ethic, resilience,
Girls Relay Champions and leadership qualities to change the outcome of a game, the culture of their team, or the quality of a season by their presence. A Scarsdale Raider is a student-athlete who exemplifies the values every coach seeks — dedication, integrity, and teamwork. Their positive impact extends beyond personal performance, inspiring teammates and elevating the entire athletic program through both their actions and the influence they have on others.” This year’s recipients were Logan Mancusi and Alexandra Kiley.
In closing, Parrott took the opportunity to share, “That concludes our program and the 2025-2025 year in athletics. I want to congratulate all of tonight’s winners as well as their families. I also want to thank the athletes and their families for all you do to make Scarsdale Athletics so special. Lastly, I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to
step into this new role. I am truly thankful for the unwavering support I’ve received throughout my first year — it has made a meaningful 
Raider Awarddifference and is deeply appreciated.”
WCC Foundation Gala Raises $540,000 To Transform Student Futures
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 642
Evelyn Stock (center), daughter Elisabeth Stock (left) and Evelyn KahlowWith powerful student stories, unforgettable moments, and an outpouring of support, the Westchester Community College Foundation’s 2nd annual Transforming Futures Together Gala raised more than $540,000. These funds enable the Foundation to provide more than $3 million in scholarships each year to help approximately 1,500 local students access, afford, and complete college.
Held at Tappan Hill Mansion, the evening welcomed a capacity crowd of 325 business, philanthropic, and civic leaders committed to expanding educational opportunities. The evening focused on celebrating the transformative power of education and the community partnerships that help shape brighter futures for students.
Toby Crystal, David Stern, Betsy Stern“Every scholarship represents a door opened,” said Dr. Belinda S. Miles, President of SUNY Westchester Community College. "WCC Foundation scholarships help students pursue higher education, strengthening their ability to support themselves and their families and to contribute meaningfully to the regional economy."
The Foundation honored three standout partners whose leadership is helping shape brighter futures for students:
Ruth and Andrew Suzman
● Elinor F. Urstadt, recipient of the Philanthropy & Leadership Award, was recognized for her decades of unwavering support for education and civic life across Westchester.
● The Westchester County Federation of Women’s Clubs received the Community Leadership Award, honoring over 70 years of empowering SUNY WCC women students through scholarships and service.
● Turner Construction Company, awarded the Corporate Citizenship Award, was celebrated for its long-standing commitment to workforce development and building pathways into high-growth careers.
Actor and comedian Chris Williams emceed the evening, which featured moving speeches from current students who shared how scholarship support is changing their lives.
“Our honorees remind us what leadership looks like when it’s rooted in service, generosity, and belief in others,” said Cornelia Spring, Chair of the WCC Foundation Board. “This event was a powerful reflection of what we can accomplish when we work together.”
The evening also recognized the remarkable generosity of major supporters, including Deborah and 
Elyse and Barry KlaymanGary Raizes, Cornelia and Rob Spring, Betsy May Stern, and the Urstadt and Biddle Families, whose leadership gifts are opening doors for hundreds of students.
“We’re proud to be part of a community that invests in student success,” said Susan Elion Wollin, President of the WCC Foundation Board.
“Together, we’re helping turn ambition into achievement and strengthening Westchester’s economic future.”
“There was so much joy in the room,” added Susan Yubas, Special Events Chair. “The evening showed the transformational impact that community support of students and their dreams can have, not only for today, but for future generations.”
To learn more or make a donation, click here.
Beth Zadek and Liz Gruber
Students Share Memories and Sign Yearbooks
- Details
- Written by Wendy MacMillan
- Hits: 724
Yearbook editors Isabella Lu and Ryan Miller with Principal Ken BonamoIt was a gorgeous day for another time-honored tradition at Scarsdale High School as seniors were welcomed back to campus for the annual Senior Signing Day. At the celebratory event, seniors received their yearbooks and spent the afternoon signing yearbooks and reminiscing with friends about their four year high school journey.
Students gathered with classmates in the warm sun where they could be seen sharing laughs, stories, and hugs with friends and faculty alike. From teachers and deans to Principal Ken Bonamo, SHS faculty members showed up to support and congratulate the class of 2025 and even partake in a little photo booth fun.
While it was a busy, bustling day, a few seniors were generous enough to share a few thoughts about their time at Scarsdale High School. One student shared that SHS was special because it brought so many people together and taught her so much beyond just academics. Another student added, “People really make the place and SHS has so many great people here.” And a student who moved here from California said that SHS is where she “Experienced the most growth as a person, “ and that “Moving here was made easy because SHS students were so kind and welcoming.”
Seniors Isabella Lu and Ryan Miller were the Co-Editors at Bandersnatch and helped to create this year’s beautifully designed yearbook. The two made sure to relate that they couldn’t have done it without the help of about twenty volunteers of both students and staff. The editors also shared that they chose the ampersand (&) symbol as the theme for this year’s yearbook not only because it represents inclusion, togetherness, and unity, but because it is also symbolic of all that Scarsdale students do on their journey through high school. Of course, seeing the symbol prominently stamped on the bold, blue yearbook also acts as a reminder to seniors that there is so much more to come in the years ahead.
This special occasion wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of SHS PTA members Claudia Uribe Galeano and Emilia Flamini. With the help of a lot of parent volunteers, the duo made the day extra memorable with festive decorations and a picnic lunch complete with everything from sandwiches to special graduation themed desserts.
Scarsdale Recognizes Food Allergy Awareness Week
- Details
- Written by Peter Lin
- Hits: 699
In recognition of the growing public health concern surrounding food allergies, the Mayor and Board of Trustees of the Village of Scarsdale officially declared the week of May 11–17, 2025 as Food Allergy Awareness Week. This proclamation coincides with Food Allergy Awareness Month, observed nationwide each May, and aims to educate the community about the seriousness of food allergies, the importance of early recognition, and the need for prevention and preparedness.
Food allergies are a serious, potentially life-threatening, disease. Allergies occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance—such as foods—as a threat. This triggers a reaction that can cause symptoms like hives, itchiness, and, worse-case, anaphylaxis.
Busting Myths About Food Allergies
FARE, the leading research, education, and advocacy organization for food allergies, proclaimed that the theme for this year’s Food Allergy Awareness Month is “busting myths about food allergies.” One notable myth is that “food allergies only affect a limited number of people and are not that serious.” According to FARE, food allergies affect approximately 33 million Americans, including 1 in every 13 children. Of those children, over 40% have had a severe reaction. In the last 10 years, anaphylaxis reactions requiring an epipen increased by 377%. In the U.S., someone is sent to the emergency room due to an allergic reaction every 10 seconds.
Another myth is that food allergies only develop in infancy or early childhood. FARE reports that 25% of all severe reactions reported in schools were children who had no previous diagnosis of an allergy. Furthermore, almost 50% of all people with shellfish allergies were diagnosed as adults.
FARE also warns against myths about the recognition and treatment of food allergies. Many believe that antihistamines can stop an allergic reaction. In reality, antihistamines can only treat certain mild systems. FARE notes that “epinephrine is the only approved medication to stop anaphylaxis and should be given first and fast.” Another myth is that reactions always occur within the first 30 minutes. However, the initial reaction can actually take up to 2 hours to present. In many cases, patients may also experience a second, potentially more severe, reaction, called a biphasic reaction, up to 48 hours after initial exposure.
The underlying theme to all these “truths” about food allergies is that people with food allergies have to be diligent and prepared at all times.
How to Be a Food Allergy Ally
Because food allergies impact so many people, including many in Scarsdale, it is important to raise awareness and ask others to be Food Allergy Allies. FARE suggests the following:
Be kind to people with food allergies. Dr. Zoya Treyster, a local Scarsdale resident and the lead allergist at Latitude Food Allergy Care Clinic, emphasizes that, “Awareness goes such a long way. I know Scarsdale to be a community of empathy and respect. We can start by teaching our kids about food allergies so they can support their friends at school and in their daily lives. Children with food allergies are more likely to experience bullying, so please talk to your children about supporting their peers.”
Be allergen aware by reading food labels, labeling any containers in shared spaces, and having an allergen-free food preparation zone when entertaining friends with food allergies.
Know how to recognize a severe allergic reaction, such as wheezing, constriction of the throat, nausea, dizziness, swelling, and difficulty breathing, and be able to administer an epipen. FARE offers a brief useful online “Save a Life” training here.
Food Allergies in the School District
As more students are diagnosed with food allergies, the Scarsdale School District has become increasingly food allergy aware and have developed “Guiding Principles for School-Based Allergy Protocols.”, which can be found here. Each school has their own protocols, but all are informed by these guiding principles. Links to each school’s protocols are provided on the District website. Every child with a food allergy is required to submit an allergy plan every year. Food allergy parents should be aware that nut products are permitted in the lunchrooms and should consult with the administration and nurses at their respective schools with questions. The District’s food services vendor, Chartwell, provides menus on Nutrislice which label the 9 major allergens (milk, egg, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy, & sesame). In addition, the District’s food service employees have all completed a FARECheck certified food allergen training program. Parents can contact the Director of Dining Services, Tara Cook to address allergy accommodations.
Future of Food Allergy Treatment
On a positive note, Dr. Treyster mentioned that the myth, “avoidance is the only option.", should be dispelled too because of recent advancements in treatment. She states that “There are life changing treatments now available for food allergies, and so much is changing in the food allergy world. I want to encourage families to come in and get updated testing. Food allergies can change over time, so it is important to get tested annually or every few years.” She further notes that oral immunotherapy or OIT, which gradually increases the amount of food a person is allergic to, has proven to be highly effective. Her clinic boasts a 97% success rate for children under the age of 4 and 92% for all ages. In addition to OIT, Dr. Treyster highlighted the recent approval of an injectable medication called Xolair, which can mitigate the response to allergens, as a treatment for food allergies. Families can go to the Latitude website to learn more.
Continued science research is necessary to further develop treatment for food allergies. With the federal government’s recent reduction in research grants, the future of such science research is at risk. During this month of May, all donations to FARE will be doubled up to $50,000, thanks to an anonymous food allergy family, so please consider donating now to help fund research and advocacy for food allergies.
