All In for the Library: A Casino Royale Gala with the Friends of the Scarsdale Library
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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The Friends of the Scarsdale Library invite the community to dress in black tie and step into an evening inspired by Casino Royale at their gala fundraiser on Friday, April 17 at Beach Point Club. With elegant cocktails, lively entertainment, and a touch of James Bond glamour, it promises to be a memorable night in support of one of Scarsdale’s most beloved institutions.
Proceeds from the evening will help ensure that the Scarsdale Public Library continues to offer exceptional resources and programming for community members of all ages. Funds raised will support children’s and teen classes, adult programming, the Maker Space, author talks, museum passes, new technology, and many other initiatives that make the Library a vibrant center for learning and connection.
Guests will enjoy an exciting evening featuring food, drinks, music, casino games, interactive raffles, and a silent auction. Attendees will also have the opportunity to bid on an array of prizes from national brands as well as favorite local Scarsdale businesses, spanning beauty, dining, fitness, and children’s activities.
Sponsorship opportunities remain available for both corporate and individual supporters. The event is also a wonderful opportunity to become a Friend of the Scarsdale Library or renew your commitment to the organization.
Join us on Friday, April 17 at 7:00 pm to help ensure that the Scarsdale Public Library continues to thrive as a cultural and intellectual hub for our community. We look forward to celebrating with you.
For more information, to purchase tickets, or to become an event sponsor, click here.
Contacts:
Daniela Retelny, Toby Milstein Schulman, Allison Commeau, and Liza Brush, Gala Co-Chairs, [email protected]
Letter to the Editor: In Opposition to Artificial Turf
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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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
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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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
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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
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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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”.
