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Written by: Bill Doescher

Published: 28 April 2026

Created: 28 April 2026

Last Updated: 30 April 2026

Hits: 697

Have you ever been to a musical concert when a sixth grade soprano soloist twice stole the show from, as usual, a most sophisticated adult singing group and, also as usual, an outstanding professional orchestra to accompany?

I have and I loved it. The packed audience did, too.

All of it, indeed, beginning to end, including the singing of the National Anthem with the audience at the end.

It happened last Sunday afternoon at the final concert for the New Choral Society’s (NCS) 2025-2026 season in the sanctuary of the Hitchcock Presbyterian Church on Greenacres Avenue in Scarsdale. NCS was celebrating America250 with a concert of American composers, when Raphael Francis LaSalle, 11, the youth soprano soloist, smiling as he sang, and a sixth grader at the Seeley Place School in Edgemont, following in his mother’s and sister’s footsteps, and receiving three rounds of applause for his singing debut. He sang his part on two occasions in the second movement of Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms.

Raphael, with his sister Eleanora, used to hand out the flowers to the NCS soloists after their performances at the concerts. Now, Raphael is on the stage himself, not afraid, poised and professionally singing near Dr. John T. King, the Artistic Director and Conductor of NCS. It all just seemed so natural just like it was supposed to be. So wonderful it brought tears to my eyes.

A star indeed was born last Sunday afternoon. And believe it or not, the youngster, sitting calmly in the front pew before the concert even started, said he wasn’t the least bit nervous, and wondered how his youthful soccer team was doing because he had to miss the game as goalie due to his singing debut with NCS. The youngster was also learning about priorities and doing things one at a time in life.

In the very musical LaSalle family, Mom Emera is a soprano with NCS, and has been involved with NCS since 2021. Sister Eleanora, 14, now a freshman at Edgemont High School, sang a solo with the NCS group back in May 2024. It seems as a family they do a lot of things together. The father, John, is their biggest cheerleader and always on site and serving as an usher for the big show.

Not to be outdone, NCS also had an adult in the spotlight last Sunday. It was Jessica Meyer, who has played the viola in the NCS orchestra for 25 years. The group was honored to commission and play the world premiere of her “In the Hearts of People,” based on text from Eleanor Roosevelt’s 1951 Speech on Human Rights. Like Raphael, she took her bows to the audience’s clapping appreciation. The last piece on the concert was Randall Thompson’s rousing Testament of Freedom based on text by Thomas Jefferson, with the largest brass section the group has had occasion to use in many years.

A new performer recently added to the singing group was Kyle Pfortmiller, bass. Una Tone, Violin 1, was her usual solid, entertaining and energetic performer with a couple of smiles. Dorothy Kroenlein, an original NCS performer, a soprano, was also smiling all the time, and never missed a beat. Debra Hess, an alto, was traveling again from the state of Georgia to sing with this magnificent group of singers. Last, but not least, was Erica Westcott Kelly, an alto and the Executive Director of NCS, smiling and singing with lots of gusto throughout, as well just knowing how fortunate she is to serve in two positions with NCS.

And while we are handing out bouquets, thank you, Dr. King for your constant stewardship over the years.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 17 April 2026

Created: 17 April 2026

Last Updated: 20 April 2026

Hits: 1093

Updated April 20, 2026

(The following letters were submitted by Irena Turner, Gina Chon and Jessy Li)

Dear Scarsdale 10583,

I am writing to share my enthusiastic support of Erica German in her candidacy for the Scarsdale Board of Education. She brings the right balance of experience and skills needed to successfully fill the Board role and has proven her commitment to Scarsdale.

Erica’s dedication to the community has been demonstrated through her consistent involvement by taking on progressively more complex responsibilities within Scarsdale. More recently she has served as Scarsdale’s PTC President and formerly served as Quaker Ridge’s PTA President, to name only a few of her roles in the town.

Analytical Mindset - During her time as Scarsdale’s PTC President-Elect I had the privilege to work with Erica while I served as the PTC Budget Study Co-Chair. Erica consistently challenged us with thoughtful questions on priorities and the budget overall. She brought an analytical mindset to each use-case and encouraged us to think deeper and stay clear on student focused priorities.

Dedicated – Erica’s commitment to the community can be seen in some of these key roles she held in Scarsdale: PTC President (2025-2026), PTC President-Elect (2024-2025), QR PTA President Elect and PTA President (2022-2024), Scarsdale Schools Mental Health Restart Committee (2020), PTA Nominating Committee (2018-2019), VP of Class Parents(2016-2018), and serving on the Interview Committee for the Middle School Principal Search (2017).

Informed –Erica is a trusted and valued advisor to all who know her. She is willing to share her wealth of information that comes from her experience of raising her 4 children, ages 10, 15, 18, and 22.

In conclusion, Erica is the type of person we need on the Scarsdale Board of Education with her proven dedication to the community, analytical mindset, ability to navigate the community and proven track record of getting things done well for Scarsdale. She is trusted, informed and student focused and she knows how to always ‘be on’ with ease and genuine warmth.

Please join me in Voting ‘Yes’ for Erica German on the May 19th Board Election.

Regards,

Irena Turner
8 Spruce Lane

To the Editor:
I am writing in my personal capacity as a Scarsdale resident — not in my role as the Scarsdale Middle School PTA President — to express my wholehearted support for Erica German's candidacy for the Scarsdale Board of Education.

I had the pleasure of working alongside Erica this year — she as PTC President and I as SMS PTA President — and during that time I saw firsthand the qualities that make her exceptionally well-suited for this role.

Erica is someone who is genuinely easy to work with — a thoughtful listener who takes the time to understand different perspectives, and who brings a calm, steady leadership style that helps move conversations forward in a productive way. In meetings that could easily devolve into competing agendas, she holds space for every voice in the room before forming a view.
A defining attribute is her analytical and thoughtful approach to complex issues, such as the capital bond and budget process. She does not rush to judgment; instead, she asks probing questions, considers multiple viewpoints, and works collaboratively toward well-reasoned decisions. These are critical skills for effective board service — and they are skills Erica has demonstrated consistently, not just in theory.

What also sets her apart is the depth and breadth of her experience in this community. A Scarsdale resident for 18 years and a parent of four children — two of whom have graduated from Scarsdale High School — Erica has lived the full arc of a Scarsdale education. She knows what the early years look like and what the finish line looks like. That perspective is rare and valuable. Her volunteer roots run just as deep: she has been an active member of various PTAs since 2009, served on district-wide committees spanning special education, sustainability, technology, wellness, safety, and food services, and currently serves as President of the district-wide PTC. She has attended nearly every public Board of Education meeting over the past two years. This is not a resume built for a campaign — it is a record of someone who has shown up, year after year, because she genuinely cares.

Erica has proven that she is deeply invested in the Scarsdale community. Her commitment is evident in both her actions and her approach — she consistently prioritizes what is best for students, families, and the broader community. This is not performative or political. It is simply who she is.

I am confident that Erica German will bring integrity, insight, and a collaborative spirit to the Board of Education. I strongly encourage the community to support her candidacy.

Regards,
Gina Chon
164 Boulevard

Dear Scarsdale Community,
I am pleased to support Erica German for the Scarsdale Board of Education.
I had the opportunity to work closely with Erica during my time as President of the Edgewood PTA in 2024-2025 while she served in PTC President Elect. Through that experience, I saw firsthand her thoughtful approach, strong judgment, and deep commitment to our schools.

What stands out most is Erica’s ability to listen carefully to different perspectives and work through complex issues in a balanced and constructive way. At the same time, she is not afraid to express her views and provide clear, steady leadership when it matters.

Equally important, Erica leads with integrity and authenticity. She has earned the trust of parents, educators, and administrators through consistent engagement and a track record of meaningful contributions to the district. Her extensive hands-on involvement across the district gives her a clear and practical understanding of the issues our schools face.

Erica will be a thoughtful and effective voice for our community, and I encourage you to support her on May 19.
Sincerely,

Jessy Li
107 Potter Rd
Scarsdale, NY 10583

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 28 March 2026

Created: 28 March 2026

Last Updated: 02 April 2026

Hits: 1471

(Updated April 2, 2026) We received an update from Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest concerning homes in the path of the gas transmission line installed by Con Edison. Last week we reported that the lateral sewer lines from some of the homes along Walworth Avenue and Fox Meadow Road may have been damaged by the recently installed 36” gas transmission line. Repairs are estimated at $35,000 - $42,000 per home.

On Wednesday April 1, Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest reported that Con Edison will be coordinating inspections of the sewer laterals that were crossed during the installation of the gas main along Walworth Avenue and Fox Meadow Road.

Here is a link to an FAQ from the Village of Scarsdale on the issue:

He said he would provide more information as soon as it is available.

Last week we asked Con Edison the following questions - and received the response below:

-What happened to the project? Did it extend to the Bronx? Is the gas line in use?

 -Are Scarsdale residents able to access the gas in that line?

- Is there still a moratorium on new gas service?

- What was the cost of the project?

 -Residents along Walworth Avenue have found that the gas transmission line damaged their lateral sewer lines - and estimate that it will cost each homeowner $35,000 to address the issue.

- Is Con Edison going to come back and do the repairs?

 -What about people who only find out they have an issue in the years to come - when they are attempting to get an inspection certificate to sell their homes?

 -What recourse do residents have?

 -How can a homeowner know if their home was impacted?

Here’s the response we received:

“We halted our work on the Scarsdale stretch of our White Plains-to-Bronx gas transmission line in October 2024. Our work continues on other stretches and we will resume work in Scarsdale at an undetermined date. The line is integral to our maintaining safe, reliable service for customers who rely on natural gas for their heating, hot water and cooking needs. We always seek to complete our projects with as little inconvenience to residents and businesses as possible.”

Con Ed failed to address any of the questions about the damaged sewer laterals and how residents can have these repaired.

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Written by: Joshua Weisbrod

Published: 22 March 2026

Created: 22 March 2026

Last Updated: 22 March 2026

Hits: 827

(This letter was written by Josh Weisbrod)

Today is the first nice Saturday in months. Sun is out, sky is blue, a little chilly but a lovely day to enjoy outdoor activities: a hike in Saxon Woods, a walk in the neighborhood, letting your dog run in the dog park, just sitting outside and reading a book. And, given it is now spring, we also get to enjoy the ever-present orchestra of edgers and leaf blowers. 

I enjoyed their roar on the second half of my walk in Saxon Woods park at 9am. I was treated to their whine when I returned home after the farmer's market at about 12:45. And, I exulted in their buzz as I bundled up and read my book outside. They are everywhere and they never stop. And, thankfully, they're so incredibly loud (Google estimates 80-95 decibels) that we can even enjoy them indoors several blocks away through nose-cancelling headphones. 

In a world with endless stimulation, the weekends present us with a time to relax a bit and avoid the constant pings. And, many of us moved to the suburbs to enjoy the outdoors - whether that's a hike or just taking a stroll after dinner. But, in Scarsdale (and many other communities) you can't even do that without the constant whir of the landscaping machines. It's constant Monday through Saturday from sun-up to sundown. (I know we have a rule saying 10am on Saturday, but how many of us have heard the noise pollution begin before 9am on a weekend?) 

I think we should be able to sit outside on a Saturday and not listen to this. Come to think of it, we should be able to sit outside in the summer post-5pm and not have to listen to it either. Feels like there is something we should do as a community to restore a time when you could enjoy the outdoors (or even sit in your sunroom with the door closed) and not face the omnipresent noise pollution. 

Josh Weisbrod
Scarsdale