Letter to the Editor: In Opposition to Artificial Turf
- Details
- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 605
Dear Superintendent Patrick, Members of the Board of Education, Mayor Arest, Deputy Mayor Gruenberg and Trustees,
I am writing to express my deep concern about and opposition to the installation of artificial turf on school and Village grounds. As you are aware, it is well-settled that artificial turf causes serious health and environmental harm.
New York State's ban, effective December 31, 2026, on the sale of carpet--which includes by definition artificial turf--that contains PFAS substances underlines one of the main reasons why Scarsdale should not approve the installation of artificial turf. Without guarantees that the artificial turf to be installed is devoid of toxic substances (not only PFAS), any approval would be ill-conceived. Of course, artificial turf presents other serious issues such as greater rates of injuries, unsafe surface temperatures which will only increase with climate change, the exorbitant upfront cost which will not necessarily be offset by maintenance expenses, and limited longevity of approximately 8-10 years.
I urge you to prioritize the health and safety of our children and environment over any additional practice/game time a limited number of students will theoretically be getting on artificial turf versus natural turf. For generations, Scarsdale students have successfully participated in sports--many going on to play in college--without the issue of perceived adequate practice/game time hindering them.
Designating school and Village funds for improved natural turf management rather than for the purchase of artificial turf will align with the well-documented scientific data and New York State ban that warn against the installation of artificial turf.
Sincerely,
Joan Weissman
Letters: Scarsdale Democrats Request Your Signature
- Details
- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 291
Dear Scarsdale,
Want to do ‘something’ to show that you oppose the Trump presidency and the Congress that protects him without leaving the comfort of your home? No, not a donation. Something more powerful in this moment. Your signature.
It is petition time. Our Committee members will be asking local Democratic voters to sign petitions which will ensure that our candidates are on the November ballot. We are asking for your signature for Congressman George Latimer and the rest of our slate. Please welcome us when we ring your bell.
If you would like to volunteer now, please contact us at [email protected] with your name and telephone number. We will connect you to the appropriate Scarsdale Democratic Committee leader in your neighborhood who can arrange a mutually agreeable time to obtain your signature.
The more signatures we collect the bigger the statement we can make!
Thank you!
Alissa Baum and Myra Saul, co-chairs of the Scarsdale Democratic Town Committee
Author Dara Horn To Visit Scarsdale Synagogue: You're Invited
- Details
- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 580
Scarsdale Synagogue invites the community to attend a Scholar in Residence Weekend with acclaimed author and thinker Dara Horn on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7. Dara Horn is an award-winning novelist, essayist, and speaker whose work explores Jewish history, identity, and moral responsibility with depth, clarity, and urgency. The Synagogue is honored to host her for a weekend of learning and conversation that we believe will resonate across communities.
Weekend Activities:
- Friday evening, March 6 at 7:30 pm: Shabbat service and talk featuring Dara Horn
- Saturday evening, March 7 at 7:30 pm: Dara Horn in conversation with Rabbi Brown, followed by a book signing and wine & dessert reception
They warmly welcome members of community to attend FREE OF CHARGE. Registration is required for Saturday evening programming. Here is the link to register: https://www.sstte.org/event/scholar-in-residence-weekend.html
This weekend is free and being made possible by the generosity of our Harvey Belkin Memorial Fund. We are excited to open it to the wider community. Please feel free to reach out with any questions and let me know if it would be helpful to share additional details or promotional language.
PeaceofCakes.org: Youth-Led Nonprofit Spreading Peace and Support Through Sweet Acts of Kindness
- Details
- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 553
A group of compassionate young leaders is turning homemade cakes into meaningful impact with the mission of bringing “peace and support to children around the world”. PeaceofCakes.org is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit run entirely by Scarsdale kids and teenagers who bake and sell nut and dairy free cakes to support organizations that help children in need.
“We believe every child deserves to feel safe, have shelter, and be healthy — both mentally and physically,” said Tomi Stainfeld, 10th grader, founder and director of PeaceofCakes.org. “By sharing cake and kindness, we hope to make hard days a little sweeter and help children feel they are not alone.”
PeaceofCakes.org’s philosophy is simple:“bringing peace to others should be a piece of cake”. The young nonprofit’s team manages the baking efforts, community outreach, fundraising, and distribution, and directs 100% of funds raised to child-focused charities in Westchester County, the New York City area, as well as globally. In five years, they have baked over 1,300 cakes and donated over $30,000 looking to bring greater joy and comfort to kids and teens in hospitals, shelters, and rehabilitation centers.
Youth Leadership Making a Real Impact
PeaceofCakes.org’s most recent campaigns supported the following charitable efforts:
● Thanksgiving 2024 Drive: raised $3,500 for Make-A-Wish Foundation Hudson Valley and delivered over 40 cakes to the Carver Center food pantry in Port Chester, New York.
● Valentine’s Day 2025 Drive: raised $2,550 for The Mark Shaparin Foundation and provided cakes to Open Arms shelter in White Plains.
● Halloween 2025 Drive: raised $1,750 to benefit Blythedale Children’s Hospital and donated 30 cakes to the hospital’s nursing staff.
● Thanksgiving 2025 Drive: raised $1,800 for The Child Mind Institute in New York City and donated 30 cakes to the White Plains Hospital ER’s nurses.
Valentine’s Day cake drive 2026 going on right now will benefit the Children’s Hope Chest - a wonderful organization that provides help and hope to children in our community suffering from poverty, abuse and neglect.
Every dollar raised and donated is fully directed toward organizations that serve children’s health, safety, and wellbeing.
How the Community Can Join the Mission
● Purchase cakes: 100% of funds are directed to child-focused charities.
● Make a donation: gifts are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
● Share PeaceofCakes’ work: help highlight the impact of youth leadership and community kindness.
About PeaceofCakes.org
PeaceofCakes.org is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization led by Scarsdale kids and teens with the mission of bringing peace, joy, and comfort to children in need around the world through baking, fundraising, and community collaboration because “helping bring peace to others should be a piece of cake”.
Remembering Scarsdale Mayor Ed Morgan
- Details
- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 1115
Captain Edward A. Morgan, USN (Ret.)
March 3, 1936-January 19, 2026
Edward A. Morgan, a distinguished attorney, naval officer, and public servant, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026 at the age of 89. Born on March 3, 1936 in Brooklyn, New York, Edward lived a life defined by integrity and service—to country, profession, community and family.
Raised in a Navy family as the son of an Admiral, Edward developed a strong sense of duty and discipline early in life. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School on a Navy ROTC scholarship in 1957, he served on active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1957 to 1960. He continued his commitment for decades through the Naval Reserve, retiring with the rank of Captain. During his distinguished military career, he served on aircraft carriers and commanded several naval vessels, including destroyers. After completing his active service, Edward pursued his legal education at Harvard Law School, receiving his LL.B. in 1964, and later earning an LL.M. in Tax Law from New York University in 1971.
Over the course of his legal career, Edward practiced international tax law for the bulk of his career as a Partner at the New York law firms of Alexander & Green and Pryor Cashman. He was deeply engaged in the global legal community for over 50 years, and for decades was active in the International Bar Association (IBA) and the International Group of Accountants & Lawyers (IGAL). He served as Chair of the IBA’s Tax Committee, and was a Founder and Trustee, and later Treasurer and President, of the International Bar Association Foundation. Both in his practice and his commitment to his various professional organizations he was widely respected for his precision, judgment, and principled leadership.
Beyond his professional life, Edward was devoted to public and community service. A resident of Scarsdale for more than 50 years, he served his town in numerous capacities, including as a member of the Zoning Board, Trustee (1993-1997), Mayor (1997-1999) and even as Fire Commissioner. He was active in the Scarsdale Forum, the Citizens’ Nominating Committee, and served as member and Chair of the Fiscal Affairs Committee. He also contributed significant time and expertise to many nonprofit and pro bono efforts throughout his life, including, among others, the Museum of the American Indian in NY, the Huntington Free Library and Reading Room (most recently Trustee and President Emeritus), Scarsdale Historical Society, the Scarsdale Arts Council, the Scarsdale Community Center and the Women’s Enterprise Development Center.
A longtime member of Hitchcock Presbyterian Church in Scarsdale, Edward found great meaning in faith and fellowship and took special pride in his participation in the church choir. His other passions included baseball, telling stories to his children and grandchildren, and playing tennis, particularly on Peaks Island where he spent summers and his family has had a home (to which Edward was quite attached) for over 100 years.
Edward is survived by his wife, Rosamonde, to whom he was married for 22 years; his children, Thomas and Jennifer; his grandchildren, James, Ella, Reese, Maggie, and Chris; as well as Rosamonde’s children Katrina, Mark and Andrew, and their children, Kanna, Rui, Anzu, Jian and Andrew, who became dear to him in the last quarter of his life. He was predeceased by his first wife, Margaret O’Connor Morgan, to whom he was married for 29 years prior to her passing in 1995.
Edward will be remembered as a man of principle and decency, whose life exemplified dedication to country, profession, community and family. His legacy of service, leadership, and integrity will continue to inspire all who knew him.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday February 7th, 11:00am, at Hitchcock Presbyterian Church on Greenacres Avenue in Scarsdale, NY. There will be a reception at the church immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Edward’s honor may be made to the Women’s Enterprise Development Center (914-948-6098, https://wedcbiz.org).
