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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 25 June 2026

Created: 25 June 2026

Last Updated: 25 June 2026

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Serkan Ceylan and Eugenie RosenthalEvery year at this time, there is a seamless transition of leadership in the 45,000 Rotary Clubs throughout the world, and that includes the Rotary Club of Scarsdale.

At their Installation Dinner on Tuesday June 23, outgoing President Serkan Ceylan and the entire Rotary Club of Scarsdale welcomed Eugenie Rosenthal as their new president. As she assumes this important leadership role, the club looks forward to her vision, enthusiasm and commitment to Rotary’s mission of “Service Above Self.”

Commenting on her installation, Rosenthal said, “I am excited to guide this vibrant community of Scarsdalians—directing grants to so many local non-profits, promoting a spirit of volunteerism, and rolling up our sleeves to do good here and around the world.”

Rotary thanks Serkan Ceylan for his dedicated leadership and celebrate the continuity and strength that define the club.

Learn more at Scarsdale Rotary at https://scarsdalerotary.org/

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 08 June 2026

Created: 08 June 2026

Last Updated: 08 June 2026

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Is Universal Pre-K coming to Scarsdale?

That’s what we wondered after Assemblywoman Amy Paulin announced the full funding of universal full-day pre-K in the NYS FY 2026-27 Budget. The budget officially puts New York on the path to provide full-day pre-K seats to all eligible 4-year-olds in NYS by the 2028-29 school year, by providing a funding increase to a minimum state reimbursement rate of $10,000 per pupil.

According to Paulin, “Pre-K provides our kids with a nurturing environment to build a meaningful foundation for their future K-12 education,” said Assemblywoman Amy Paulin. “Studies show that children who arrive at kindergarten prepared to learn perform better throughout school and complete more years of education. Public pre-K also enables parents of young children to return to the workforce. I’ve advocated for truly universal pre-K for all of NYS’ children for over a decade. Until now, most communities outside New York City either lacked public pre-K entirely because of a lack in funding or received only $5,400 per pupil for a full-day program—far too little to meet the need. With reimbursement now set at $10,000 per pupil, New York has a real opportunity to fully fund full-day pre-K for every 4-year-old statewide. Every child in New York needs and deserves the strong start that pre-K provides.”

So what does this mean for Scarsdale? Will the funding be adequate to offer a full day program for 4 year-olds and does the district have enough space to house another grade of children?

We posed some questions to Paulin and here is what we learned:

What does the new state funding program mean for Scarsdale?NYS Assemblymember Amy Paulin

The UPK funding (Universal Pre K) in the budget creates an opportunity for Scarsdale Schools to receive substantially increased state aid to provide UPK for four-year-olds. In the past there was either no funding available or it was an insufficient amount (either $2700/child for ½ day or $5400/child for full day) to support a program. There was also a very limited amount available at $10K/child through a competitive grant program which Scarsdale had not participated in.

Now the district can receive $10,000 for every four-year-old, without a competitive grant program, which is a much more realistic amount. We realize that $10K/child might still not be enough to fund pre-K in Scarsdale, which, if this is the case, the school district could choose to contribute any additional amount that’s needed.

Is Scarsdale required to offer Pre-K to all four-year-olds?

All school districts in NYS are mandated to make UPK available to all four-year-olds by the start of the 2028–29 school year. Note that parents will not be required to send their children to the district’s pre-K program.

Must the program be inside Scarsdale schools?

No. New York's UPK programs are (and have historically been) permitted to operate through a mix of:

District-operated classrooms in school buildings (White Plains has done this);

Community-based organizations (YMCAs, JCCs etc);

-Nursery schools;
-Child-care centers; and
-Other eligible early childhood providers under contract with the district.

In fact, we have often seen districts partner with existing nursery schools and childcare providers rather than creating all-new classrooms in elementary schools.

So, in short, for Scarsdale:

-The new budget makes $10K/student state funding available for universal four-year-old Pre-K.
-The district is required to have a UPK program for every child by the 2028-29 school year.
-The district would not have to house the program in Scarsdale school buildings; it could contract with private nursery schools or other community providers.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 03 June 2026

Created: 03 June 2026

Last Updated: 03 June 2026

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Assemblywoman Amy Paulin played a leading role in successfully negotiating critical protections for houses of worship, and Jewish institutions such as religious schools and community centers, as part of the New York State budget bill passed on May 26, 2026. (Part QQ of A.10008-C/S.9008-C).

Following intense negotiations surrounding Governor Hochul’s proposed “buffer zone” legislation, Assemblywoman Paulin worked closely with fellow legislators, including Assemblymembers Simcha Eichenstein and Micah Lasher, to craft language that both enhances public safety and withstands constitutional scrutiny.

The final agreement represents a major victory for the Jewish community and other faith-based institutions that have faced an alarming rise in harassment, intimidation, and antisemitic incidents in recent years.

“As antisemitism and hate crimes continue to rise across our state and nation, it is essential that our houses of worship, religious schools, and community institutions have meaningful protections,” said Assemblywoman Paulin. “I was proud to play a role in the negotiations to ensure that the final language in the budget protects vulnerable communities while respecting constitutional rights.”

Throughout the negotiations, the Assembly was focused on ensuring that the legislation would provide real-world protections for Jewish institutions that have increasingly become targets of intimidation and harassment.

One of the most significant accomplishments secured during negotiations was an expanded definition of “religious place of worship.” Under the final agreement, protections will explicitly extend not only to traditional houses of worship, but also to Jewish community centers, yeshivas, and religious schools.

In addition, the new law encompasses perimeters including entrances, exits, sidewalks, driveways and parking lots around vulnerable institutions, strengthening security and enforcement capabilities.

“I thank Governor Hochul for leading the way on and being a champion for this issue,” said Paulin. “Speaker Heastie also has my sincerest thanks for standing with the Jewish members of the Assembly and the broader Jewish community in support of these protections for Jewish New Yorkers.”

The final legislation builds upon existing New York law, which has already been upheld and tested in court, that creates criminal penalties for harassment outside religious institutions and reproductive health centers. The updated penal law Section 240.69 adds new protections by creating a criminal penalty for individuals who, “with respect to an individual who was or is seeking to enter into or exit from a place of religious worship … within fifty feet from a place of religious worship, knowingly or intentionally engages in a course of conduct that places that individual in reasonable fear for their safety.”

“Families, students, and worshippers deserve to feel safe when attending synagogue, school, or community events,” Paulin said. “At a time when the Jewish community has been under sustained attack, this legislation is a tremendous win and sends a clear message that New York stands against hate and intimidation.”
To watch Assemblywoman Paulin’s remarks on the Assembly floor, click here.

Jewish leaders have applauded the new legislation.

Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President, Union for Reform Judaism, said, “Amid the unprecedented rise of antisemitism, Assemblymember Paulin has provided vital leadership to keep our community safer. We appreciate her commitment to ensuring Jews can gather, worship, and live fully, openly, and without fear.”

Michael Mittelman, President, Westchester Jewish Council, said, "We want to thank Assemblywoman Amy Paulin for her leadership as well as her fellow NYS Assemblymembers for this important legislation that will provide critical protections to Jewish houses of worship, learning and gathering that have become targets of unprecedented levels of hate. The protections in this bill, accompanied by the work of law enforcement, send a clear message that hate will not be tolerated and that the safety of our communities remains a priority.“

Daniel Rosenthal, Vice President, Government & External Relations, UJA-Federation of New York, said "We commend Governor Hochul, Assemblymember Paulin and the state legislature for taking decisive action to protect New Yorkers by passing ‘buffer zone’ legislation, ensuring that safety and security remain paramount across our communities. This legislation will protect New Yorkers from intimidation and harassment while maintaining safe access to critical community institutions. UJA-Federation of New York will continue to advocate for polices that protect and safeguard New York’s Jewish community.”

Jonathan E. Blake, Senior Rabbi, Westchester Reform Temple, said, "New York’s Jews, and those who worship, celebrate, mourn, and learn with us in our synagogues and community institutions, deserve to know that they can do so safe from threat or harm. This legislation will ensure that essential measure.“

Elise Dowell, CEO, JCC Mid-Westchester, said, "Our entire community is deeply grateful for Assemblywoman Paulin's leadership in securing the Buffer Zone legislation to ensure protection and safety for those who simply wish to enter and exit religious institutions and community centers. Assemblywoman Paulin's dedication and commitment to advocating for and passing legislation that supports our community is inspiring and appreciated -- not just by her constituents, but by all New Yorkers. Our local and state officials who championed these efforts offer all of us hope that New York will continue to be a place where the Jewish community can feel shielded from threats of violence and intimidation.“

Rabbi Jonathan Morgenstern, Young Israel of Scarsdale, said, "Once again, Assemblywoman Amy Paulin has proven herself to be a steadfast advocate of Jewish New Yorkers and Jewish people everywhere, putting forward common sense legislation that protects freedom and access to worship during this troubling time of rising antisemitic and anti-Israel violence and rhetoric. Jews, and people of all faiths and ethnicities, have the constitutional right to worship, study and pray as we please, without fear of harassment and intimidation.“

Rabbi Jesse Gallop, Temple Israel of New Rochelle, said, "Creating safe buffer zones around houses of worship protects our community, especially our children, from hate and antisemitism. Synagogues, temples, mosques and churches should be places of love, tolerance and acceptance, teaching values that improve our world, not grounds for protest and aggressive behavior. All people should be able to worship in peace and safety.”

Rabbi Lester Bronstein, Rabbi Emeritus Bet Am Shalom Synagogue, said, "Over many years, Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (my assemblywoman!) has conducted herself as a staunch civil libertarian, lifting up the rights and wellbeing of everyone in our midst. Once again she has proven that we can have laws that protect both worshipers and students and all Americans who want to raise their voices in legal protest. We can indeed live together here! Our Jewish community is immensely grateful and indebted to Assemblywoman Paulin, as should be all who love our country and its freedoms. This elegantly crafted ruling shields us from intimidation, even as it strengthens the moral voice of the Constitution for the benefit of all Americans.“

Rabbi Reuven Fink, Young Israel of New Rochelle, said, “This is a great boon for Jewish institutions who have heretofore felt besieged by hate mongers and antisemitism. We thank Amy Paulin for all her amazing leadership!”

Rabbi Chaim Marder, Hebrew Institute of White Plains, said, “At a time of rising anti-semitism, the Jewish community is on edge. In the more recent period, groups of agitators with hate-filled and dangerous messaging have threatened the safety and wellbeing of our synagogues and religious institutions. We are deeply appreciative of Assemblywoman Amy Paulin for her role in helping advance legislation which will keep such groups from menacing and threatening our community members seeking to access our sacred spaces.“

Rabbi Adam Baldachin, Shaarei Tikvah Synagogue, said, “As rabbi of Shaarei Tikvah, a synagogue in Scarsdale, I am so grateful for this legislation that will help protect Jews during a time of rising antisemitism. Assemblywoman Paulin's dedicated efforts will result in a lawful way of protecting our community.”

Rabbi David A. Schuck, Beth El Synagogue Center, New Rochelle, said, “Houses of worship must remain places of prayer, learning, community, and refuge. At a time when Jewish institutions and other faith communities face rising threats, harassment, and intimidation, this legislation offers a necessary and carefully balanced protection. It protects worshippers, students, families, and faith communities from intimidation while preserving the constitutional right to speak, protest, and express dissent. In a free society, both commitments are essential. This bill defends free speech without allowing harassment to become the price of entering a house of worship.”

Rabbi Dani Rockoff, Head of School, Westchester Day School, said, “Jewish schools and houses of worship should always be places of learning, prayer, community, and hope — never places where families fear harassment or intimidation. At a moment of rising antisemitism, this legislation provides meaningful protections and reassurance for our community. We are grateful to Assemblywoman Amy Paulin and all those who helped advance this important effort on behalf of vulnerable faith communities throughout New York.”
Rabbi Sruli Deitsch, Chabad of Bronxville, Eastchester and Tuckahoe, said, "I feel that this legislation provides our community with a vital layer of peace of mind. knowing that there is a legal safeguard to protect our children at school and our families at prayer from harassment. It will give us peace of mind when gathering, learning, and celebrating Judaisim. We are incredibly grateful for this meaningful protection.“

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 20 May 2026

Created: 20 May 2026

Last Updated: 21 May 2026

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Imagine this…. by next summer you could be relaxing in inviting chairs by library pond, spending time with friends in an outdoor pavilion or enjoying a story walk on the grounds of the Scarsdale Library.

Yes, the long awaited landscaping plan for the library finally has a timeline. The next phase of work will begin this June and is targeted to be completed by next spring.

At a meeting at Village Hall on May 19, Elizabeth Bermel reviewed the plans with members of the Village Board, the Village Manager, Capitol Projects Manager Paul Zaicek, Library Board President Diksha Mudbhart, Co-chair of the landscape project committee Terri Singer and others.

The Library Pavilion

Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg explained that the plans were five years in the making. In the interim a large stormwater remediation project took place along Olmstead Road, the pond was totally re-done and a sidewalk was installed on Olmstead Road. With that work complete and $2.2 million in private funds raised, the work can now be done.

The plans, designed by Slade Architecture, are exciting. Most notable will be the addition of an outdoor pavilion with a solid roof and open sides that includes fans, heaters, lighting, electrical outlets and even an AV screen. The pavilion permits seating for 40 people and can be used for meetings, lectures and gatherings.

Surrounding the pavilion will be native plants, shrubs and trees including magnolias, blue spruce, inkberry, junipers, salvia, coneflower, ornamental grasses and more.

The Library Story Walk

Another fun feature is a story walk which is a series of LED frames posted along a path where children’s or illustrated books can be posted – page by page. This allows users to walk along the path and read a book from page to page. The story walk, extending along the westside of the parking lot will also including native plants, trees and shrubs and three seating areas.

Bermel reassured everyone that the plans will not cause a loss in parking which will remain at 114 spaces.

A groundbreaking for the new project will be held in late June and the public will be invited to celebrate the fruition of long-range plans to provide a public garden in Scarsdale.

See more here: