A National Debate in Your Mailbox
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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(This is the opinion of site founder Joanne Wallenstein) It seems that political campaigns have ignored the mandate to go green, at least when it comes to direct mail. The race between County Executive George Latimer and Congressman Jamaal Bowman for NY Congressional District 16 has unleashed a barrage of mailings in record-setting volumes. Battling for votes, both sides of the campaign are flooding mailboxes with up to three oversized color postcards per day, and recently we’ve started getting hand delivered “door knockers” at our house as well.
How much is too much? Is anyone reading all this material? Though the postcard barrage may be a boon for the printers and the post office, which badly needs revenue, are they effective at getting us to vote?
That’s what I was thinking when one of the mailers arrived featuring a large Scarsdale10583 logo and a link to an article we posted last year about Jamaal Bowman’s vote on the infrastructure bill. How did our local website get wrapped up in the postcard blitz?
It turns out this has been the most expensive Congressional primary race in U.S. history. More than $22 million has been spent as money poured in from around the country due to Bowman’s stance on Israel. The biggest spender was a super pac called “The United Democracy Project,” funded by pro-Israel advocates who spent $14 million on mailings, television and radio ads in favor of George Latimer.
Though this is a race to represent Westchester, it has become a referendum on what’s going on in the Middle East instead.
While votes on foreign policy are one small part of a Congressman’s job, shouldn’t the focus be on how well a candidate can represent the interests of his/her home district? Somehow that point has been lost.
Anyone who has been watching local politics for the past thirty seven years knows that Latimer has been here for us in every way possible. He supports environmental initiatives, recycling initiatives, stormwater remediation and projects to safeguard our community against flooding. He is for transparency in government, he is pro-choice and he has managed challenging situations regarding immigrants, finding practical solutions for asylum seekers.
Most of all he is visible and on a first name basis with many of his constituents. In Scarsdale, we see him at Village Hall, at the library and at community events. In so many ways he has shown that he cares.
What’s my point? This election should be about the people of NY #16. And the $22 mm spent on the campaign could have gone a long way in Westchester toward replacing our aging stormwater systems, maintaining roadways, safeguarding open space, stocking food banks, building affordable housing and funding programs that directly assist those in need.
Instead, we’re ending up putting millions of dollars of printed materials into the recycling bin, resulting in more efforts downstream to cart away the paper and hopefully repurpose it.
For those who support Israel, wouldn’t it be more effective to send the funds directly to the Israeli Defense Fund rather than spending it on a convoluted path to influence a vote in Congress that may or may not occur after the war is over?
Maybe local elections should go back to being funded by local donors and focused on local issues. Foisting national single interest donors on small municipalities like Scarsdale undermines the democratic process.
Moms Who Demand Action For Gun Sense Visit Village Hall
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Another year has passed and efforts to decrease the effects of gun violence are failing to stem increases in deaths from gun violence, the sale of guns and school shootings. The community was reminded of the prevalence of this uniquely American scourge on Tuesday June 11, 2024 when Reverend Kelly Rogers members of the Westchester Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America paid their annual visit to Scarsdale Village Hall.
Donned in orange t-shirts, designed to mimic the orange gear hunters wear to protect themselves against other hunters, they remembered local resident Pat Colella who was a dedicated member of the group until her untimely passing from pancreatic cancer in the spring of 2023. Representing the group were Katherine Schowalter, Westchester Chapter lead, Brooke Mitchell and Sara Kober.
Rogers read some shocking statistics from the CDC about guns in America including:
- Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens across America.
- Annually, more than 4,000 children and teens (ages 0 to 19) are shot and killed
- More than 17,000 are shot and wounded
- An average of 59 children and teens impacted by gun violence in the US every day.
-Compared to other high income countries, American children aged 5 to 14 are 21 times more likely to be killed by a firearm and American adolescents and young adults ages 15 to 24 are 23 times more likely to be killed with guns.
-31% of child and teen deaths are gun deaths at a rate of 1,300 per year.
She ended by saying, “So friends – we have work to do… I’d like to close with some words from our very own Pat Colella that she spoke at a Vigil to Honor Victims of Gun Violence several years ago… “Each of you here tonight will, I believe, come away from this event with varying degrees of sadness, anger, and, I hope, resolve to try to make a difference to decrease gun violence in our country.”
“There are no easy solutions, but I urge you to get involved, somehow. Talk to your relatives and friends about gun violence. Join a gun violence prevention organization - such as Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense - as I and many others here have done. Make your voice heard in whatever way you feel is appropriate. Above all else, let’s work together and NOT stay silent about gun violence.”
Rogers, the moms and the Board of Trustees, wearing orange ribbons, posed for a photo, and Mayor Justin Arest read a proclamation declaring June 7 as Gun Violence Awareness Day in Scarsdale.
Letter to the Editor on the Proposed Changes to the Building Code
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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(This letter was written by Jim Detmer of Woods Lane)
To the Scarsdale Village Board of Trustees:
A few thoughts on the recent land use proposal:
The initial land use proposal put forth by BFJ is a compromise where neither side of the issue gets everything they want. That is to be expected. So I would say an initial step with a lot of work still to do.
BFJ was very clear in that the desired improvement would be the aggregate effect of all their recommendations. The Mayor was very clear that this analysis is multi-faceted with historic preservation and aesthetics still to be considered in the near future.
While new ideas like maximum lot coverage and site disturbance sound good, I am not sure how it translates to reducing bulk and mitigating storm water issues… very difficult to visualize. Is there any way to model how these proposals might impact a building parcel? Or , for example, take a lot like 25 Taunton Rd., which in the opinion of many is over built ,and show a comparison between what has been built and how the new proposal would have impacted such a building.
Similarly, is there anyway to measure the impact of these proposals, along with the other Village storm water projects, might have on flooding in our high prone flooding areas?
Including gravel and asphalt as impervious materials is a good stroke
The empowerment of the Planning Board early in the process will hopefully mitigate issues with cross messaging. The whole permitting process needs to be laid out so the public understands it.
The proposal positively increases side yard setbacks in most residential zones. Yet there is no notable decrease in allowable FAR. FAR remains the same. FAR remains a problem . Why do we need building bonuses? FAR incentives? Surrounding communities have no such thing. FAR is the biggest contributor to bulk appearance.
Further it seems a modified version of a sky exposure plane needs to be introduced for smaller lots. You won’t be able to see the sky in A-5 and A-4 zones. Otherwise, you have 32 foot side walls 10 feet apart creating a townhouse effect. Perhaps toeing to the original building plot for demolitions is a solution in the A-5 ,A-4 zones
Tree and tree canopy damage need to be recognized as a major issue in all these discussions. Many of us think of the trees as an afterthought. Yet they are integral to our health 'the earth’s health and the beauty of our community. We need to ensure they are center in our decisions.
Monitoring and consequences for compliance failure need to be developed. Fines need to be substantive.
Thank you for your work.
Respectfully,
Jim Detmer
29 Woods Lane
Inspired Gifts and Eats for Father's Day
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Father’s Day is Sunday June 16, and we’ve got some great gift suggestions you can buy from locals. See below for sports gear, intellectual inspiration and a swank venue for your Father’s Day brunch or dinner.
Swag for Dad
Former Scarsdale resident Tammy Fine has a wonderful line of sports gear for the racquet players in your lives. This year for Father’s Day, she recommends the following: For the Dad who lives on a court, whether it’s Tennis, Paddle or Pickle, she has gifts to elevate his game. Moisture-wicking shirts offer unparalleled comfort and 
flexibility, to keep him cool under pressure, or graphic t-shirts and hats that show who the boss is on the court. Click here to order.
2-in-1 Cart and Travel Golf Bag
Founded by Jon Miller, a 2012 SHS grad, Road Caddy's innovative 2-in-1 Travel + Cart Bag features a hardshell retractable case and four 360-degree wheels, offering golf travelers the ultimate solution for both travel and play. Since their launch in March of this year, satisfied 
customers across the U.S. have traded in their bulky golf travel bags for the superior travel experience provided by Road Caddy.
This Father's Day, treat Dad to a gift he'll actually use, and take advantage of Road Caddy's special 10% off Father's Day sale, code FATHERSDAY10 at checkout. Limited inventory remaining, so be sure to act now! Click here to order:
Book It
Shop Scarsdale Village for great gifts for dad. Maybe he would like a book or a puzzle? On Father's Day weekend, June 15 and 16, all adult hardcover books and all jigsaw puzzles are 10% off at Bronx River Books. There are 17,000 books and 300 puzzles to choose from. Can't decide? Give dad a Bronx River Books gift card and let her choose for himself.
Bronx River Books
37 Spencer Place, Scarsdale
914-420-6396
Open every day from 10 am to 6 pm.
Carne Asada and a Spicy Margarita
Make Father’s Day super special and reserve a table at La Casa Bronxville. Brunch and lunch (11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.), as well as dinner (4-9 p.m.) will be served and can be enjoyed in the dining room and in individual outdoor cabana spaces. All areas of the restaurant reflect a warm and welcoming coastal Mexican vibe. Expect classic and unique dishes that dads love, including Costillas - fall off the bone pork ribs with a special Pibil seasoning; Carne Asada, juicy, tender skirt steak with chimichurri sauce; Mahi Mahi Ennegrecido - mahi that spiced, pan seared and served with jicama slaw, plantains and beans and rice. La Casa’s appetizers are some the best out there - their freshly made guacamole with house made tortilla chips and three salsas is perfect for sharing, as is their Esquire’s - pan 
roasted corn with cotija cheese, epazote and chili. Treat Dad to restaurant favorite margaritas, including their smoky Mezcal Margarita and Spicy Margarita. The wine list at La Casa is thoughtfully curated and makes selecting easy - beautiful reds, roses and which from artisanal producers around the world - with pricing to suit all budgets. And for dessert, house made Tres Leches Cake or Churros with Chocolate Sauce are always winners with dads!
La Casa Bronxville
7 Pondfield Road, Bronxville, NY 10708
914-222-9016
Monday -Wednesday: 5 - 9pm
Thursday: 5 - 10.30pm
Friday & Saturday: 12 - 10.30pm
Sunday: 11.30am - 9pm
Reservation on the website, by phone or in person
A Dramatic Rescue for Casey the Cat
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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A cat caught high up in a tree for days, brought neighbors together for a heartwarming rescue on May 2, 2024.
Carolyn Earthy of Fenimore Road resident heard a cat’s cries, coming from a tree between her house and her rear neighbors on Cohawney Road. The cat was up in the tree for several days before it was so exhausted that it stopped calling for help but could still be seen on a branch high above the roofline.
Concerned that the cat would die in the tree, Earthy and neighbor Shilpa Spencer called the fire department who recommended that they place a can of tuna under the tree to see if the cat would be lured down. Apparently the fire department does not send firefighters up trees to rescue cats in case the cats get nasty – and potentially cause an accident.
Another neighbor remembered seeing a post about a missing cat on Facebook and was able to track down the owner who turned out to be a Cooper Road woman.
When the Fire Department declined, some contractors who were working in the neighborhood came to the rescue. Franklin Rodriguez of Frank R. Home Improvement said he would help. He placed a very long ladder on the tree, first to see if the cat would climb down. When it did not, he went up himself, and rescued the cat whose name turned out to be Casey.
Neighbor Shilpa Spencer said, “This was such a fortuitous turn of events for little Casey the cat. First he was spotted by a vigilant neighbor even though he was very high and hard to see. Then through phone conversations and the very effective use of social media, the owner was located. Finally, it took the bravery and willingness to help of a wonderful group of men, to risk their own necks to save Casey’s.”
