Herbert Leon Hochberg (z’’l) Passes Away at 95: Supported the Admission of Women to the Scarsdale Town Club
- Details
- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 1403
Herbert Leon Hochberg, aged 95, passed away January 7, 2026 at his home in Scarsdale, NY. He was born May 28, 1930 in the Bronx. His father, Aaron Hochberg, migrated from Ukraine to the United States in 1920. In 1928 he returned to his hometown to marry his childhood sweetheart, Lena Heilman, and brought her to the United States.
Herb grew up in modest circumstances but with the love and support of his parents, sister Marilyn, and a large extended family. He graduated at age 16 from Christopher Columbus High School in the Bronx, winning awards in general studies and in mathematics. He then attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (the first Christopher Columbus graduate to do so, he believed), where he majored in electrical engineering. To supplement his parents’ contribution toward his tuition he enrolled in the ROTC, and as an upperclassman participated in a cooperative program with General Electric in which he alternated semesters of subsidized study with semesters of employment. He credited MIT with having changed his life and remained a faithful and generous alumnus.
After graduating from MIT in 1950 Herb initially worked as an engineer, then attended Harvard Business School, graduating in 1953. He fulfilled his ROTC commitment by working in Philadelphia for the Signal Corps Supply Agency; a high point of his service was receiving a reward for successfully extracting payments from non-performing suppliers. In 1963 he joined Ladenburg, Thalmann & Co. in New York as an investment banker, and worked there until his retirement. He held various roles at Ladenburg but was particularly skilled in performing due diligence analysis for public offerings. His research led the firm to turn down a number of companies that turned out to be unsound; conversely, none of the companies he approved for underwriting was liable for losses to investors. After his retirement he continued to perform due diligence analyses on a consultant basis.
Herb met Audrey (Golden) during his first year at Harvard Business School when he crashed a freshman mixer at Radcliffe College. They saw each other again at a subsequent mixer, after which Audrey invited him to afternoon tea in her dormitory. They dated for several years and married on June 23, 1955. When Audrey went into politics, serving on the Westchester County Board of Legislators from 1971 to 1992, and then in the New York State Assembly until 2000, Herb was her biggest supporter. He rang doorbells for her during every campaign and never complained when her professional duties took her away from the family. He often said that marrying Audrey was the best decision he ever made. Their long and loving marriage ended with Audrey’s death from endometrial cancer in 2005.
After Audrey’s death Herb married her close friend Carol Stix, who had lost her husband Edgar seven years earlier. Having originally hoped for five good years together, they celebrated their nineteenth wedding anniversary on Herb’s 95th birthday, on May 28, 2025.
Herb remained close to his extended family throughout his life. He stayed in touch with many family members and attended bar mitzvahs and weddings around the United States and abroad. In his later years he took on a personal mission of helping younger relatives pay off their student loans.
Besides family, Herb’s other major passion was the outdoors. As a teenager in the Bronx he joined a local Boy Scout troop that went on hikes in Westchester and New Jersey. He later attended Boy Scout Camp and became an Eagle Scout. As an adult he was active in the Westchester Trails Association and the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. He was an enthusiastic hike leader, known for leading challenging hikes. At different times he served as WTA President, Vice President, Membership Chair, and Treasurer, but perhaps the role he enjoyed most was that of Trails Chair, in which he trained and oversaw the group’s volunteer trail maintainers. Herb also served as Treasurer for the NY-NJTC, and helped to field-test the hikes in the organization’s book Walkable Westchester. In recognition of his years of distinguished service, the WTA named him a Life Member and the NY-NJTC awarded him the 2013 Ken Lloyd Award.
Over the course of several years Herb hiked about five hundred miles of the Appalachian trail with his friend Peter Hibbard, and traveled to hike in destinations as diverse as the Dolomites and Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. He was also an avid runner, cross-country skier, and kayaker. His favorite place on Earth was the Grand Canyon.
Herb was happiest when he combined his passions for family and the outdoors. When one of his daughters moved to New Mexico, he joined the Rio Grande chapter of the Sierra Club so that he could plan family visits to coincide with noteworthy hikes. Later, he and Audrey joined their grandchildren and adult children in a series of multi-day whitewater rafting trips that remain treasured memories. When his oldest granddaughter became engaged in 2011, he introduced her fiancé’s family to his own during a spectacular twelve-day, four-generation, multi-family hiking trip to Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland.
In 1977 Herb played a significant role in the decision by the Scarsdale Town Club (now the Town and Village Club) to admit women as members. According to the Scarsdale Inquirer (11/3/1977, p. 1):
The fullest statement in support of admitting women was made by Herbert Hochberg, who served on Marrow’s committee. “We cannot ignore that changes have taken place in the role of women in society” Hochberg said. If the club does not admit women, he predicted that it would continue to play a diminishing role in Scarsdale, becoming a ”small, private club unable to fulfill” the functions set out in its constitution.
Herb is survived by his second wife Carol, his sister Marilyn Littman, daughters Brenda and Judith, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. His oldest daughter Carol predeceased him and Audrey in 1998.
Besides MIT and Harvard Business School, Herb supported SHARE Breast Cancer Support in New York City and Kids in the Canyon.
Scarsdale Gets Almost Six Inches of the White Stuff Just After Christmas
- Details
- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 868
Scarsdale received almost six inches of snow, in the first big storm of the season when it snowed overnight from Friday December 26 into the morning of December 27, 2026.
The Department of Public Works was poised for the downfall. They began salting the roads on Friday afternoon, and cleared the roads with snowplows until 11 am on Saturday. Well done!
Here is the report from Village Manager Alexandra Marshall:
"Public works crews were called out at 4:45PM and began snow removal operations. Due to snow earlier in the week, the ground was already salted before the storm began. Crews salted all roadways during the event as well. Public Works staff wrapped up operations by 11AM on Saturday, December 27. We received approximately 6 inches of snow throughout this weather event."
Scarsdale Forum Hosts County Executive Ken Jenkins
- Details
- Written by: Madelaine Eppenstein
- Hits: 549
The Scarsdale Forum hosted County Executive Ken Jenkins at its final membership meeting of the year on December 17, 2025 at the Scarsdale Library. The Forum membership also honored retiring County Legislator Ben Boykin, who has often appeared as a guest speaker before the Forum. Mr. Jenkins addressed the proposed County budget including tax ramifications and other issues of interest to Scarsdale residents. The CE referenced some of the budgetary recommendations made in the Forum's recent County Fiscal Committee's report (available on the Forum's website. Also attending the event were newly elected County District 5 Legislator Jenn Puja, Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest, and several current and former Scarsdale Village trustees.
Photo Credit: Lisa VanGundy
(Forum President Jill Spielberg, County Legislator Ben Boykin, County Executive Ken Jenkins, Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest, and David Raizen, President of Scarsdale Village Ambulance Corps.
Hoff-Barthelson Music School to Host Winter Open House on January 11, 2026
- Details
- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 509
Hoff-Barthelson Music School, located at 25 School Lane in Scarsdale, invites children, families, and adults of all ages to discover the joy of music learning at its Winter Open House on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 1:00–3:00 pm. A snow date is scheduled for Sunday, January 25, 2026.
During this engaging, hands-on event, guests will have the opportunity to sample private mini-lessons with the School’s distinguished faculty, explore a wide range of instruments, and experience the personalized, student-centered approach that has made Hoff-Barthelson one of the nation’s premier community music schools.
Visitors interested in expanding their musical understanding are encouraged to stop by the Musicianship and Composition Drop-in, where they can meet Dr. Derek Cooper and learn more about the School’s dynamic classes for both children and adults.
For those ready to begin—or continue—their musical journey—personalized advisement and placement will be available through one-on-one meetings with Deans Christopher Kenniff and April Johnson, with on-site enrollment support provided by the Registrar.
“Our Winter Open House is a wonderful opportunity for prospective students and families to experience the warmth, creativity, and connection that define our community,” said Dean Christopher Kenniff. “Whether you’re exploring an instrument for the first time or returning to music after many years, we’re here to support your growth with exceptional teaching and a welcoming environment.”
Space is limited, and advanced registration is required. Guests may reserve their spot by visiting the School’s website, www.hbms.org.
About Hoff-Barthelson Music School
Founded in 1944, Hoff-Barthelson Music School is one of the nation’s premier community music schools and a leader in music education for students of all ages, levels, and backgrounds. Located in Scarsdale, NY, the School is renowned for its exceptional faculty, comprehensive curriculum, and nurturing environment that fosters both artistic and personal growth. Guided by its mission to inspire excellence and welcome all, Hoff-Barthelson offers individualized instruction, ensemble experiences, and performance opportunities that cultivate a lifelong love and understanding of music.
Hoff-Barthelson Music School to Host Winter Open House on January 11, 2026
Light the Dale Brings Holiday Magic to Scarsdale
- Details
- Written by: Sharon Higgins
- Hits: 894
Despite the chilly evening, a wonderful crowd of Scarsdale residents bundled up and headed to the Village Center on Friday, December 5 for the annual Light The Dale celebration. From the moment the festivities kicked off at 5pm, the air was filled with holiday music, laughter, and the scent of delicious treats. Hosted by the Scarsdale Parks and Recreation Department, the event was a heartwarming success and a true community celebration.
Boniface Circle buzzed with activity as community sponsored booths handed out goodies, crafts, and treasures. Food trucks lined Chase Road, serving up delicious hot bites that added to the festive atmosphere. Fan favorites included the Scarsdale Fire Department and Volunteer Fire Company, who shared popcorn, pretzels, and plenty of smiles, while Sparky the Dalmatian mascot offered high fives and hugs to delighted children. Scarsdale Action for Youth drew a crowd at their spinning prize wheel, and the Police Department won over everyone with steaming cups of hot chocolate. The Ambulance Corps showcased fun gear, and the Weinberg Nature Center offered seeds for residents to pot and take home. A fantastic face painting booth added an extra splash of color and cheer.
At 5:15pm, the crowd gathered for the long-awaited lighting of the village tree and menorah. The Scarsdale High School a cappella group, For Good Measure, opened with festive songs, followed by the Scarsdale Middle School Vocal Group. The highlight came when both groups joined together for a joyful, blended performance. Mayor Justin Arest welcomed everyone and introduced Rabbi Jonathan Blake of Westchester Reform Temple, who offered blessings for the season. A surprise guest, Congressman George Latimer, shared warm wishes and even led attendees in a crowd-pleasing sing-along of “Let It Snow.”
Then, the moment every child waited for arrived: Santa Claus rolled in on a roaring fire truck, settling into his sleigh for photos and Christmas wish-lists. Before he arrived, there was a drawing of a name from the audience to have the honor of pressing the big candy cane striped button that lit up the Village tree and menorah.
George Dragisity, a second grader at Fox Meadow School was selected and he drew cheers from the crowd as the lights sparkled to life.
Meanwhile, a Scarsdale “Polar Express” trackless train delighted families on Harwood Court, complete with holiday music, inflatable decorations, and even a magical dusting of snow.
Though the temperature hovered around 30 degrees, spirits were anything but chilly. The glow of holiday lights reflected off smiling faces, and laughter echoed through the Village.
Even on a wintry night, the Light the ‘Dale event filled the Village with warmth, joy and a wonderful sense of community, making the season feel especially bright.
Commenting on the event, Scarsdale Supervisor of Parks and Recreation Brian Gray said, “The Light the Dale Tree and Menorah Lighting to bring in the holiday season is an “all hands on deck” event for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation.
This year we begin set-up at 1PM on Thursday and work all day Friday setting up. This year’s cold temperatures definitely played a factor in staff comfort, but we warn them ahead of time to keep an eye on the weather and dress accordingly. We provide a hand and toe warmers as well as a warming tent for those that need a quick break from the cold temps. Thankfully the cold was all we were dealing with and it wasn’t windy, snowing or raining.
Power logistics is a job in itself, as we do not only light the tree and menorah. Each activity booth has a power need, as well as the over 25 inflatable’s, snow machines and lighting we deploy throughout the venue. This is performed through power on the light poles, our main power box in Boniface and numerous low-noise generators.
The following Village Departments are instrumental in the success of the event:
-Village Manager’s Office
-Department of DPW
-Facility Maintenance Department
-Police Department
-Fire Department
-Scarvac
Other Village Sponsored organizations assist with activity/refreshment booths including:
-Scarsdale Library
-Scarsdale Action for Youth (Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling)
-Weinberg Nature Center
-Scarsdale Department of PRC
In addition to department full time starr, we hire many part timers to assist with activity booths, trackless train, Santa’s arrival, set-up and break-down and clean-up (overall approximately 25 staff members).
I thank all staff, volunteers and elected officials that make this event a success. Happy Holidays.”
