Library Board Issues Response to Complaints from Former Part Time Employee
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Perhaps you have noticed an unusual site around Scarsdale – a protestor who pickets at many local events and frequents the Village and the library. She has made her presence known at Library and Village Board meetings and we spotted her this month at concerts in the Village, and even at a meeting of the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale. In addition to picketing, Stettnisch has emailed Village Trustees, the Library Board, the Mayor and local officials.
For those who have not engaged with her, Robin Stettnisch is a former part-time employee of Scarsdale Library whose job was eliminated when the library closed for renovation in 2018.
As a part time employee her job was not protected by the union and according to a 9/26 statement from the Library Board, “The decision to reduce the part-time workforce was made after considering the financial consequences on impacted employees as well as the Library's fiduciary obligations. The Library's workforce reductions were made in close consultation with the Library staff's union, the Civil Service Employee Association, and conformed to all Westchester County Civil Service rules.”
And even Stettnisch seems to recognize that she has no legal claim against the library. The signs on her car say, “Shitty But Legal,” indicating that she finds her treatment “shitty” but that the Library followed the law in eliminating her job.
But here’s where to the two stories diverge:
Stettnisch says that Library Director Elizabeth Bermel “gave me her word that I would get my job and salary back when the newly renovated library reopened.”
The Library Board statement says, “No part-time employee, including Ms. Stettnisch, was promised to be rehired at their previous salary after the completion of the renovations. Despite Ms. Stettnisch's repeated public assertions of a verbal promise from Ms. Bermel, this simply did not happen.”
How many hours did she work for the library? The Board’s statement says, “While she had been employed at the Library in various positions since 1988, she was a part-time employee on and off from 2001-2018 working an average of 3.5 hours per week.”
However Stettnisch reviews only her hours from the last two years of her employment and says, “In 2017, before the library closed, I earned $21,156 which averages 9.27 hours per week. In 2018 the library was open for 6 months and I earned $13,431 which averages 11.77 hours per week.”
What is she asking for?
The Library Board statement says, “Ms. Stettnisch has demanded from the Library that she will stop picketing in exchange for $1.8 million (source: Stettnisch email 3/14/22). She has also written that she will not stop picketing unless she is rehired at her previous salary plus a raise, paid retroactively for all of the years that she did not work for the Library, given gas money for her travel to and from picketing, and compensated for the cost of her picket signs (source: Stettnisch email 6/29/22).”
But Stettnisch now says the $1.8 mm statement was a “tongue in cheek” comment. She explains, “Scarsdale Public Library Board met on 3-14-22 (after 7 months of them still completely ignoring me) and I attended on Zoom. The Library announced they had a $1.8 million dollar surplus and the Board was absolutely ecstatic! They were falling all over themselves congratulating SPL Director Beth Bermel on her wonderful achievement! They were joyously brainstorming ideas about what could be done with all that extra money that Beth saved....
And so, I reminded them that part of the $1.8 million dollar surplus was there because of what was so unethically, immorally and heartlessly done to the staff... I pointed out that what they saw as "fiscally responsible" was indeed "morally reprehensible". I pointed out they shouldn't be rejoicing over money saved if it was saved by intentionally hurting long term employees and their families.
That is where the $1.8 million dollar "tongue in cheek" statement came from. And the Board knows that. Just another failed attempt to purposely, deceitfully, mislead the residents of Scarsdale.”
What does she really want? Stettnisch says, “I started out over 1 year ago in August 2021 asking the Library Board, the Mayor, and the Village Board, simply for my job and salary back as promised by Beth. I simply asked them to stand up and do the right thing. And they all chose, and still do, to completely ignore me. Heartless.”
We asked Stettnisch if she plans to continue her campaign but she did not reply to our question.
See statements from the Library Board and Stettnisch here.
An Apartment That Feels Like a Home
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Locals and realtors were treated to a preview of one of the penthouse apartments of The Heathcote on Thursday September 15. The spacious and luxurious three bedroom apartment has an outdoor terrace overlooking Weaver Street and beyond, that was almost half the size of the indoor space.
Who says you have to give up the outdoors if you move to a condo!
The penthouse included a state of the art kitchen with top of the line appliances that opened onto a 30 foot dining room and living room with a fireplace. It was easy to imagine hosting holidays and parties at the lengthy dining table.
Other jaw dropping features included a 17’ by 7’ bathroom in the primary suite with separate soaking tub, shower and double sink and another terrace off the bedroom. A 14’ X 9’ walk in closet had been outfitted by California Closets and there was even a separate laundry room with oversized washer and dryer.
Two additional bedrooms with adjoining bath along with a half guest bath and gracious foyer make this a home to rival any single family house in town.
And if that’s not enough, you also get a doorman, a garage with charging stations, a fitness center and an invitation to bring your dog.
The building converted to a condominium on August 1, 2022 and five apartments are now sold or under contract. There are two, three and four bedrooms coming to market soon.
This and several other units are available and ready to view. Learn more here: https://www.theheathcote.net
Tips for a Smooth Transition to the School Year
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- Written by Wendy MacMillan
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It’s that time of year again! The days are cooler, the nights are longer, and the air is filled with the excitement of a new school year. Whether this first week back to school has your kiddos jumping for joy or wringing their hands, we’ve compiled a list of suggestions for making the transition go as smoothly as possible.
~Get a good night's sleep.
*A healthy sleep routine has so many benefits including boosting stamina, focus, and moods!
~Remain organized and follow a predictable routine.
*Try packing up and preparing the night before and creating and posting a visual checklist for your child.
~Plan and eat healthy meals and snacks.
*Eating a healthy diet full of protein and lots of fruits and veggies will help boost energy levels, increase attention span, and keep your immune system strong! Click here for snack suggestions.
~Use mindful techniques to help ease anxiety.
*In addition to relieving tension and stress, mindfulness can also help improve focus and attention. Click here to find mindfulness activities to do with your family.
~Regularly check in with your kids.
*Check to see how they are feeling about going back to school. Try to ask open ended questions and use “active listening” skills. But also express your confidence in your child’s ability to make a smooth transition.
~Communicate with your child’s teacher and other faculty members.
*We are lucky to have such dedicated and responsive teams here in Scarsdale! If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher, counselor, or school psychologist. And don’t forget that Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Services is an invaluable resource for our community!
From preschool through senior year, these tips should help any student start the year off right. Wishing all of our families a happy and healthy school year!
Wendy MacMillan is a former teacher and now a proud mom of two, school aged children. With a background in psychology, education, and mindfulness, Wendy has long been passionate about wellness and helping others.
A Brewery Opens and a French Bistro is on the Way
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Here’s some news about the ever changing restaurant scene in Scarsdale Village.
Beer anyone? Scarsdale now has its own craft beer bar, with 12 beers on tap and another 60 brands of brew available in bottles and cans. There’s a flavor for everyone with clever names like Little Wolf, Zombie Dust, No Pretense and Almost Famous, priced from $7 - $10 a glass. Some brews are local and others hail from breweries as far away as Massachusetts and Vermont.
The inviting space on Boniface Circle include tables and bar stools where you can hang out, meet friends and even enjoy a takeout meal of pizza, a sandwich or sushi along with your drinks. It’s a great place to meet someone getting off the train or to gather for a drink before or after dinner in the Village.
Sim Coe Beer Bar is owned by Jeff Spychala, formerly of the Gun Hill Brewery in the Bronx. He named the bar for simcoe hops, a popular hops used to brew beer.
Sim Coe Beer Bar is open from 12 pm – 10 pm every day and invites you to stop by and taste one of their many appealing brews.
Sim Coe Beer Bar
11 Boniface Circle
Scarsdale, NY
(914) 215-5399
French Bistro Coming to Scarsdale Avenue
Scarsdale Improvement Corporation, the owner of the property at 878 Scarsdale Avenue previously occupied by Metro Diner, offered a few more details on the future of the site.
According to DJ Petta from Scarsdale Improvement, a French Bistro will be opened by a Scarsdale native who spent many years living in Paris and also operated some of the finest restaurants in NYC. The new owner plans to open a restaurant that “channels the warmth, charm, and energy of Parisian dining.”
The deal was brokered by Ashley Badger of Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s Scarsdale along with partners Bob Virgulak and Michael Spremulli, who represented the new restauranteur and worked with Petta to secure the new business.
Petta said, “All of us at Scarsdale Improvement are excited to welcome another restaurant tenant to the Village. This deal moved so smoothly thanks to everyone involved, especially Ashley and her team. We think the French Bistro will be a great fit and are looking forward to all our new restaurants and retail tenants opening for business.”
No details have been provided as yet about the new owner, the menu or the schedule for the opening.
Doggy Paddle
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Before pools close for the season, dogs will have the chance to go for a swim.
The Town of Greenburgh Department of Parks and Recreation will hold two sessions of their “Dog Days of Summer” event on Sunday September 11 from 10 am to 12 noon and 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm. Dogs are invited to jump in at Anthony F. Veteran’ Park at 11 Olympic Lane in Ardsley. Registration is required and the fee is $10 per dog. Proceeds from the event will go to the Friends of the East Rumbrook Dog Park Association.
Keep in Mind:
-Dogs must be on a leash at all times, except while in the fenced in pool area.
-No food or beverage allowed in the pool area.
-No strollers allowed in the pool area.
-People are not allowed in the pool. ONLY dogs.
-Please clean up after your dog.
-No pushing or putting your dog in the pool. Dogs must enter the pool on their own.
-The staff reserves the right to remove a dog from the event if necessary.
Contact Andrea Jacoby at 989-1822 or email ajacoby@greenburghny.com for more information.
