A Timely New Novel from Scarsdale's Jacqueline Friedland
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Scarsdale resident Jackie Friedland will release her fifth novel this week. Counting Backwards focuses on female immigrants and their reproductive rights and is published by Harper Muse, an imprint of Harper Collins.
Here’s a description of a book that spans a century:
A routine immigration case, a shocking legacy. Jessa Gidney's quest for justice draws her into the heart of an abhorrent conspiracy. As she uncovers her personal ties to a heartbreaking past, her life takes a dramatic turn, in this emotionally riveting novel inspired by true events.
New York, 2022. Jessa Gidney is trying to have it all--a high-powered legal career, a meaningful marriage, and hopefully, one day, a child. But when her professional ambitions come up short and Jessa finds herself at a turning point, she leans into her family's history of activism by taking on pro bono work at a nearby ICE detention center. There she meets Isobel Pérez--a young mother fighting to stay with her daughter--but as she gets to know Isobel, an unsettling revelation about Isobel's health leads Jessa to uncover a horrifying pattern of medical malpractice within the detention facility. One that shockingly has ties to her own family.
Virginia, 1927. Carrie Buck is an ordinary young woman in the center of an extraordinary legal battle at the forefront of 
the American eugenics conversation. From a poor family, she was only six years old when she first became a ward of the state. Uneducated and without any support, she spends her youth dreaming about a different future--one separate from her exploitative foster family--unknowing of the ripples her small, country life will have on an entire nation.
As Jessa works to assemble a case against the prison and the crimes she believes are being committed there, she discovers the landmark Supreme Court case involving Carrie Buck. Her connection to the case, however, is deeper and much more personal than she ever knew--sending her down new paths that will leave her forever changed and determined to fight for these women, no matter the cost.
Alternating between the past and present, and deftly tackling timely-yet-timeless issues such as reproductive rights, incarceration, and society's expectations of women and mothers, Counting Backwards is a compelling reminder that progress is rarely a straight line and always hard-won. A moving story of two remarkable women that you'll remember for years to come.
Kelly Rimmer, bestselling author of The German Wife said this about Counting Backwards ... a riveting, compelling story--but it's also an important one, reminding us that history's darkest aspects can echo forward into our present day and that there is so much work left to do in the fight for freedom and equality."
Buy your copy from Scarsdale’s Bronx River Books here.
Village Staff Recommends Installing Artificial Turf on Winston Field and Six Pickleball Courts at Crossway
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Synthetic turf is proposed at Winston FieldWith the clock running down to finalize the 2025-26 Village Budget, the Village Board held a work session on February 24 to review the staff’s recommendation for improvements to fields and parks.
Their recommendations were the outcome of a comprehensive athletic field and court study undertaken in cooperation with the Scarsdale Schools. The study included a needs assessment, several public outreach sessions and surveys. You can see the field study here.
At the meeting this week, the Village Board considered improvements to Village owned properties including fields and courts. It will be up to the schools to fund improvements to school facilities.
Village Manager Alex Marshall explained that the cost estimates for the work do not include surveying, soil testing, traffic studies or engineering evaluations, all of which will need to be done as part of the work. Therefore, additional funds have been included in the estimates by Village Staff.
The staff recommendations include one new turf field, improvements to natural grass fields, additional parking and restroom facilities and tennis court repairs. See the presenstation here.
Here are the specifics:
At Boulder Brook and Winston Field, the staff recommends the following:
-An artificial turf and drainage improvements for Winston Field.
-Enhancement of the natural turf at Boulder Brook Field.
-The addition of a support building with restrooms at Boulder Brook Field.
-The addition of new access roadway and parking to improve parking at the two fields.
She explained that the projected design/engineering costs would be $795,000 and the construction estimate for the following year would be $5,320,000.
The rationale for the recommendation is that Winston Field is very wet and often not playable. The turf field would accommodate increased playing time during more months of the year, at times when the natural turf is not usable.
Bathrooms are needed on the Boulder Brook side of Mamaroneck Road so that players do not have to cross the busy road to access facilities. And additional parking is needed for the participants and parents.
Crossway
At Crossway, three tennis courts will be relocated and six pickleball courts will be built. Crossway will only have natural turf fields - no artificial turf. This drawing represents the site plan.
At Crossway, the staff recommended improvements to the natural turf rather than the construction of more artificial turf. Though the consultants proposed artificial turf at the site, Village staff decided against it.
The recommendation for Crossway includes:
-Six new pickleball courts
-Enhanced parking by re-locating the three existing hard courts to the other side of the Har Tru courts. 268 parking spots are proposed.
-Drainage and grass improvements to the natural fields.
-A new support building with restrooms
-Moving the entry to the complex to Mamaroneck Road.
The projected design/engineering costs are $886,500 and the estimated construction costs are $5,910,00.
Also in the recommendation are repairs to the cracks on the tennis courts at Scarsdale Middle School and Scarsdale High School.
The cost to repair the middle school courts is estimated at $140,000 and the high school is $150,000.
Since these costs for the tennis court repairs are to be split with the schools, Trustees need to determine if the district prefers to resurface the courts, as recommended by the consultants, or to repair the courts as recommended by Village staff.
Trustee Gruenberg questioned why residents can’t use the high school and middle school tennis courts during the school days since the Village is shouldering the cost.
Also slated for the 2025-26 budget is $300,000 for the replacement of the playground at Aspen Park. Superintendent Gray said that when the Village replaced the playground at Greenacres they learned what the actual costs were to build a new playground. Therefore he plans to allot $300,000 per year in the coming years to replace one playground each year.
The Village is analyzing whether these projects should be financed through the General Fund or by issuing bonds.
Though the community has voiced the need for more field time, the Recreation Department has not provided statistics on how much unmet demand would be satisfied by these improvements. Supervisor Brian Gray will ask the consultants for an estimate.
Commenting on the rationale behind the recommendation, Mayor Justin Arest said, “The goal is to balance economics, the environment and to get more playing time.” He added that the Parks and Recreation Council, PRC, is in favor of the artificial turf at Winston Field.
Supervisor Gray also proposed including $120,000 to repair the all weather tennis courts at Crossway that are now being used for pickleball. He said, “The courts are cracked, there are depressions and grass is growing through the cracks. He also said that the acoustafence panels that have been added to block the noise are too much for the fence posts which are now bending.
Mayor Arest pointed out that these three courts are slated to be moved as a part of the Crossway project so he questioned spending $120,000 on courts that will only be used for a few seasons.
During public comments, students Charlie and Max Geer came to the mic. Charlie said that he “loves playing lacrosse and needs durable 
Charlie and Max Geer told the Trustees that more playable fields are needed.fields.” He said, “the fields degrade during the season and turn into mud.” He said, “it’s slippery and players hurt themselves.”
His older brother Max pointed out that the JV lacrosse team can’t plan many months because they can only play on the high school turf. He pointed out that when kids can’t play, they waste time surfing the internet.
Anne Hintermeister asked, “Can we get grants to fund some of this? Or can we get community support for funding? How will these costs impact the budget?”
Mayor Arest responded, saying, “We will take care of all grant opportunities. We have heard that Maroon and White and the ISO’s might be willing to raise funds to help. We are going to include a budget line of $2 mm in gifts to offset the construction costs.”
Ralph Geer who heads the youth lacrosse ISO stressed the need for more playable fields. He said, “We struggle to find field time. We have a subcommittee devoted to this. We rent space at the Underdome in Pelham as there is not enough space here. Anything we can do to alleviate the demand would be tremendous.” He added, “I also play in a men’s adult lacrosse team.
We have asked for field time but cannot get any so we have to play at 7 am in the morning.”
Eugenie Rosenthal called in and said, “Is the Weinberg Nature Center being considered as a part of this discussion – or is that a separate discussion?
Mayor Arest said, “I don’t think there are plans for the Weinberg Nature for this budget. More work needs to be done and perhaps funds can be put in for future years.”
Moira Crouch, President of Maroon and White, also called in. She refuted the idea that Maroon and White would help to fund renovations of Village owned fields. She said, “We focus on school district owned properties. We don’t have control over Winston Field.”
Trustee Wise asked the Village to also provide cost estimates for natural turf instead of artificial turf and to look at alternative materials for the artificial turf. He said, “They are not all the same.”
The Mayor said, “Based on our needs, I don’t think all natural turf will meet the needs of the community.”
He continued, “Recycled crumb rubber is a concern. We can look at virgin crumb rubber. There are other materials and new technologies, solutions to the heat that comes off the field. There are tradeoffs – we are not turfing all of our fields, just Winston, and we will get a very usable field and minimize those risks.”
Scarsdale Forum Welcomes 100 Guests to the Scarsdale Woman's Club for Winterfest
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Forum President Omer Wiczyk and Vice President Jill Spielberg(This letter was submitted by B.K. Munguia and Lena Crandall, Co-Chairs of Scarsdale Forum Winterfest:
To the Editor:
The Scarsdale Forum welcomed over 100 members and guests to Winterfest 2025, its thirteenth annual membership party at the Scarsdale Woman’s Club on 
Saturday, February 1 after a four year holding pattern since the last party in 2020. Party goers were greeted at the door by Forum President Omer Wiczyk as pianist Neil Klein set the mood for the evening in the festive Music Room. Vintology held a wine tasting in the Library over the cocktail hour. Emmanuel Louros, MC Catering offered a delicious buffet dinner while Forum members Eli Mattioli and Jim Pullman took to the keys to entertain guests during the dinner hour. As the dessert room opened its doors, Scarsdale High School’s a cappella group For Good Measure entertained the guests with several tunes from their repertoire. The evening ended sweetly as guests enjoyed a variety of homemade goodies provided by Forum members and friends.
Thank you to the Village, County and NYS elected officials who were able to attend Winterfest 2025 and meet their Scarsdale constituents--Scarsdale School Board member Leah Dembitzer, Scarsdale Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg, Scarsdale Village Justice Michael Curti, Westchester County Legislator Benjamin Boykin, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, NYS Assemblywoman Amy Paulin and NYS Senator Shelley Mayer.
The Scarsdale Forum is a 121 year old charitable organization dedicated to improving life in Scarsdale through its educational programs and activities. The Forum engages in studies of the issues affecting Scarsdale through its committee work and reports and offers programs of interest to the community at the membership meetings and separate speaker events. This year’s Winterfest 2025 was a zero waste event thanks to the efforts of Scarsdale Forum’s Sustainability Committee. All Scarsdale residents are welcome to become members and can join at: www.scarsdaleforum.com.
A special thanks to Scarsdale10583 for its assistance in publicizing Winterfest 2025.
Sincerely,
Angela Olcese, Susan Douglass and Elaine Weir
Scarsdale Forum
Winterfest 2025 Committee
Photo Credit: Lisa Van Gundy
Dara Gruenberg and Amy Paulin
Darlene Francois Haber, Naomi Haber, Abigail Haber and Warren Haber
Jim Pullman, Deidre Pullman, Elaine Mattioli and Rosamonde Morgan
Marjorie Meiman, Evelyn Stock and Rosamonde Morgan
Village Justice Michael Curti Scarsdale Forum President Omer Wiczyk NYS Senator Shelley Mayer Westchester County Legislator Benjamin Boykin
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and Lisa Van Gundy
Eli Mattioli, Jim Pullman and Neil Klein
ISO Presidents Write in Support Artificial Turf
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(The following letter was written by the Presidents of Scarsdale's Independent Sports Organizations)
Dear Mayor Arest, Superintendant Patrick, Village Officials, Board of Education Members, and Village Trustees,
We strongly support expanding field uptime and improving facility quality by implementing synthetic turf and strategic field enhancements. The recent joint field study by the village and Board of Education CHA report provides a well-researched roadmap for ensuring consistent and equitable access to high-quality recreational facilities for Scarsdale’s youth athletes, families, and community members.
As the demand for athletic field space increases and an increasing volume of weather events that limit field uptime, Scarsdale must take actionable steps to modernize its sports infrastructure. To maximize usability, safety, and accessibility, synthetic turf must be incorporated where appropriate and improve natural field conditions.
The Critical Need for More Field Space
As recognized by Scarsdale’s Independent Sports Organizations (ISOs), the demand for athletic field space has continued to grow due to increasing youth participation in sports such as soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball, and basketball. Our existing grass fields and facilities alone cannot sustain the high demand, particularly given seasonal weather limitations and wear-and-tear issues. This results in:
● Reduced playing time for youth athletes due to the limited durability of natural grass fields.
● More frequent game and practice cancellations due to rain, leading to inconsistent seasons.
● Overuse of existing natural grass fields, making them unsafe and unplayable for extended periods.
● Increased costs for field maintenance to maintain playable conditions on natural grass fields.
● Fewer teams and sports options: Children have fewer opportunities to participate in organized sports, impacting physical health and social development.
The Benefits of Artificial Turf Fields
When properly installed and maintained, modern synthetic turf fields offer a safe, durable, and environmentally sustainable alternative to grass fields. Research and real-world implementation have demonstrated several benefits:
● Increased playability & extended Seasons: synthetic turf can be used year-round, ensuring children have consistent outdoor recreation access.
● Durability: Synthetic fields can accommodate more hours of play without excessive wear and tear, reducing the long-term maintenance costs associated with natural grass.
● Safety Improvements: advances in synthetic turf technology, including shock-absorbing infill and cooling systems, have reduced injury risks and mitigated concerns about surface heat.
● Environmental Benefits: Unlike natural grass, artificial turf eliminates the need for pesticides, fertilizers, and excessive water usage. Many modern turf systems also include recyclable materials and environmentally friendly disposal programs.
The Broader Benefits of Expanding Field Access
Providing safe, reliable access to sports fields has well-documented physical, mental, academic, and social benefits for children and adolescents. Research supports the need for increased playability, especially in youth sports settings:
1. Physical Health Benefits
● Increased Physical Activity Levels: Children with access to high-quality sports fields are significantly more likely to engage in regular physical activity, reducing the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
● Reduced Sedentary Behaviors: Increased access to sports facilities reduces screen time and sedentary habits, contributing to long-term health issues.
2. Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being
● Reduction in Stress and Anxiety: Sports participation helps lower stress levels, reduces anxiety, and improves overall mental well-being in young athletes.
● Improved Self-Esteem: Youth sports build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills, helping children develop lifelong interpersonal strengths.
3. Academic and Cognitive Benefits
● Better Academic Performance: Research links physical activity to improved cognitive function, memory, and focus, resulting in stronger academic performance.
● Time Management and Discipline: Structured sports participation fosters essential skills such as discipline, goal-setting, and resilience.
4. Social and Community Benefits
● Social Skill Development: Sports participation fosters teamwork, cooperation, and positive peer interactions.
● Increased Community Engagement: Recreational sports facilities are vital community hubs, fostering inclusivity and engagement across socio-economic groups.
A Balanced Approach
Scarsdale should consider a balanced, evidence-based approach supporting youth sports participation and environmental responsibility. We propose the following actions:
-Implement simple standards for synthetic turf and natural grass field design.
-Enhance maintenance and scheduling for natural grass fields to maximize their usability and longevity.
-Conduct periodic field safety to ensure they meet the established standards.
-Engage in community dialogue with ISOs and parents to ensure that decisions reflect the needs of Scarsdale’s children and families.
-Ensuring That Scarsdale’s Children Have Access to High-Quality Sports Facilities
-Limited field access due to weather and field quality disproportionately harms young athletes and their families, reducing opportunities for organized sports and healthy recreation.
We urge the Mayor, Village Board, Board of Education, and community stakeholders to prioritize expanding field access instead of restricting it. Investment in artificial turf and improved field design will ensure that Scarsdale becomes a leader in youth sports and community wellness.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Scarsdale Independent Sport Organizations
Tom Groark & Nicole Dubbs, Scarsdale Little League
Dave Brown, Scarsdale Youth Basketball, Inc.
Kristy Grippi & Josh Horowitz, Scarsdale Youth Lacrosse Association
Eric Premisler, Scarsdale Youth Soccer Club
Joe Guarino, Scarsdale Travel Softball
Richard “Rippy” Philipps, Scarsdale Youth Football
Paulin Issues Statement on the Anniversary of Roe vs. Wade
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(Published on January 22, 2025)
Today is the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling on Roe v. Wade, which gave women a federal Constitutional right to an abortion. January 22nd now stands as a day of both celebration and loss.
In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe. This gave states total leeway to restrict abortion or prohibit it all together. Many states have followed suit, and currently abortion is banned in almost all circumstances in twelve states. It is limited to the first six weeks in four more.
Even where bans are not in place, we are seeing areas in states becoming abortion deserts, where care is simply unavailable. Women living in abortion deserts, or where abortion is illegal, are being forced to travel to receive care, which is resulting in many women simply being unable to access abortion for financial and logistical reasons.
There are also movements to restrict access to birth control, and to hold women and doctors liable for abortions received and performed in states where it is legal. In New York we are fighting this with new laws and bills that protect abortion providers.
I am proud that abortion is legal in New York State, and has been since 1970. In fact, thanks to New York voters, the right to an abortion has been enshrined in the New York State constitution. In New York we believe that a woman should have control over her body and the right to choose what happens to it.
Throughout my career, I have been committed to defending a woman’s right to full reproductive care, and I will continue working to defend that right.
