Student Group Seeks to Promote Civic Engagement and Civil Discourse
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- Written by Wendy MacMillan
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Dylan LembergPassionate about politics but discouraged by how divided and angry people have become when discussing “hot topics,” Scarsdale High School Junior, Dylan Lemberg recently started a non-government organization, New York Student Engaged Citizenship (NYSEC), focused on teaching students how to participate in responsible civil discourse and how to be informed and engaged citizens. According to the NYSEC website:
“While it may take time, NYSEC aims to pass New York State Legislation requiring all schools to have a mandatory level of civic and media literacy education within the curriculums.Civic Participation among students and beyond is one of the most vital things in keeping, protecting, and improving our freedom, democracy, and our very own lives.”
Partially due to this important and timely work, Lemberg was just selected by the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale to participate in their “Students Inside Albany” program. LWV describes the program by saying:
“Students Inside Albany is an intensive four-day conference run by the New York State League of Women Voters Education Foundation. The program is designed to immerse students in the process by which public policy is proposed, enacted and changed in New York State and educate them as to how they can influence and affect this process. The conference brings approximately 60 students from across the State to Albany to get a first-hand education about their state government. The highlight for most students is the opportunity to shadow their state representatives for an afternoon, with many students getting the opportunity to attend a session on the Chamber floor. LWVS annually sponsors and funds the expenses for two highly qualified Scarsdale students, selected from an outstanding pool of applicants, to attend the conference.”
Seeming like the perfect candidate for the LWV program, we recently interviewed Lemberg to learn more about his organization and how he hopes it can make a positive impact in the Scarsdale community and in other New York school districts.
Q: What inspired you to start NYSEC?
I think it is safe to say that we struggle, as a society, at having difficult conversations. I have seen friends and family members sitting across from each other at the table, arguing for hours on end and hurting their relationships, simply because they don’t know how to communicate. This struggle to communicate can be observed within all political parties and isn’t reserved to one side or another. As a whole, we seem to lack the ability to have meaningful conversations, to look each other in the eye, to stand in each other’s shoes and recognize all that we share as humans. It is imperative that we learn to talk and I believe it starts with our students.
Q: How do you hope NYSEC can make a difference?
NYSEC, or New York Student Engaged Citizenship, has the goal of improving media literacy, responsible civic discourse, and prevailing civic engagement among students. Overall, the organization aims to teach students how to be a responsible democratic citizen for now and years to come. Considering the current, unwelcoming civic environment, we have heard from students, parents, teachers, and administrators alike, who all agree that Civic Education is of the utmost importance at this time and we hope to help students and schools find a path forward.
Q: How has NYSEC started to advocate for more civic education?
We have spoken at major events and panels for civic education in New York (LIUH envisioning the future to name one) where several principals from Westchester County schools and the New York State Commissioner of Education were in attendance. I have also had the privilege of speaking with Representative George Latimer who has expressed interest in collaborating with our organization. Though we are currently only working with Scarsdale and Pleasantville, we are planning on talking with other schools across Westchester as well. In the past, we have also designed workshops in which students of all ages come together to discuss topics, from politics to toys. The results are better than we have ever imagined and we have managed to create an environment where both teachers and students across grade levels are having responsible conversations about something they may disagree with.
Our end goal is to work with the New York State Legislature in Albany and have a bill introduced allotting funding, experience, and opportunity for schools to teach these much-needed civic lessons. They are more vital than ever.
Q: Has NYSEC already started to make an impact in communities?
As of now, our biggest impact has been within Scarsdale. Along with the Scarsdale Student Government, I largely shaped the design of the up and coming Scarsdale “Hot Topics Room,” a safe space designed for a variety of students to talk about pressing issues that they may not otherwise have a chance to discuss. NYSEC alone has run this exact same room on multiple occasions. This is exactly the NYSEC model as we have envisioned it, a chance for students to talk freely and openly; a chance to learn how to talk.
In our conversation, Lemberg expressed that the work he is doing with NYSEC is something that he is incredibly passionate about and he will continue to work on for the rest of his life. He also made a point to include, “I founded the organization back in 2023, but since then, Oliver Kaiden has come on as a “Vice President,” and has been more valuable than I could imagine. He is a major part of the organization’s function.
For more information about NYSEC and to learn how you can get involved, check out their website here ny-sec.org.
NYSDOT Says Post Road Repairs Will Not Begin Until 2026
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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We’ve been navigating the closed lane on the Post Road south of Fenimore Road for over a year now. A deteriorated retaining wall caused rocks and debris to fall into the right southbound lane so a good stretch of road is closed on this very busy route. It’s a state road so the Village of Scarsdale does not have responsibility for the maintenance.
We reached out to the NYS Department of Transportation to find out when the wall and the road will be repaired and their response is below. It sounds like we are going to wait more than a year for the work to be done.
Here is what they said:
“The New York State Department of Transportation is progressing a project to reconstruct the retaining wall along State Route 22 (Post Road) in the Village of Scarsdale, which was constructed during the 1920s and has suffered extensive deterioration. The project, which will increase the height of the structure to improve resiliency and also include upgraded sidewalks and new landscaping, is currently in the design stages and construction is expected to begin in 2026. NYSDOT will also coordinate with local utilities to safeguard electric, water and gas lines in the vicinity of the wall. The Department will keep the community apprised of further developments.”
Sushi Visits Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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L-R: Rear row Kasey King, LMFT, Jay Genova, LCSW, Chief Steven Del Bene, Lt. Eric LoGiudice Middle Row: Millie Chatelain, LMHC, Megan Harkins, LMHC, Liza Fahey, LMSW, Ginger Veitinger, Maria Vilanova, LMFT, Det. Justin Wilder, Judy Levin, LCSW-R, Mona Longman Front row: Sushi The Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service (SFCS) was honored to welcome a very special guest on February 14, 2025—Sushi, the Scarsdale Police Department’s new mental health support dog. This heartwarming visit marked an important step in the collaboration between law enforcement and mental health professionals in supporting the well-being of the Scarsdale community.
Sushi, a specially trained facility dog, has been introduced as part of the Scarsdale Police Department’s ongoing commitment to wellness and mental health initiatives. Her role is to provide emotional support in various settings, including schools, community events, and crisis intervention situations. During her visit to SFCS, Sushi engaged with staff and clinicians, offering comfort and spreading joy on a day traditionally associated with love and connection. Sushi was joined by several of her Scarsdale Police Department colleagues, including her handler Detective Justin Wilder, Patrol Section Commander, Lt. Eric LoGiudice and Scarsdale’s new Chief of Police, Chief Steven DelBene.
Sushi gives Det. Wilder a high-five. Background: Chief Del Bene and Ginger Veitinger
In thanks for her visit, Sushi received a soft, multi-colored soccer ball from the SFCS staff as a Valentine’s Day present which she appeared to enjoy. "Sushi’s presence at SFCS brought smiles and a sense of calm to everyone she met. We look forward to future collaborations with the Scarsdale Police Department to integrate Sushi’s support into our community outreach efforts." said James Genova, Executive Director at SFCS.
SFCS provides comprehensive mental health services to the Scarsdale community, offering individual, family, and group counseling to address a wide range of emotional and psychological needs. Our programs support adolescents, families, and adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress management, and life transitions. The agency also runs initiatives aimed at youth development, parenting support, and community well-being. By working closely with schools, local organizations, and law enforcement, SFCS ensures that mental health resources remain accessible and effective for all community members.
Looking ahead, SFCS is exploring potential collaborations with Sushi to enhance its therapeutic offerings. This partnership could further strengthen the bridge between mental health services and community-based support, making a tangible difference in the lives of Scarsdale residents.
Seated on floor- L-R: Olivia Barbezat, MHC (back), Millie Chatelain, LMHC, Megan Harkins, LMHC Seated in Chairs: L-R: Mona Longman (back); Lt. Eric LoGiudice, Retired Chief Andy Matturro, Judy Levin, LCSW-R, Liza Fahey, LMSW
This Valentine’s Day visit was a meaningful reminder of the power of compassion and connection in mental health care. SFCS extends its gratitude to the Scarsdale Police Department for their dedication to innovative mental health initiatives and looks forward to future visits from Sushi.
For more information about Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service and its mental health programs, visit here.
Candidate Dara Gruenberg is Committed to Responsible Leadership, Long-Term Planning, and Open Community Dialogue
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Scarsdale will elect three Village Trustees and a Mayor on Tuesday March 18, 2025. The election will take place at Scarsdale Public Library from 6 am to 9 pm. The community is invited to a “Meet and Greet” with all of the candidates nominated by the Citizens Nominating Committee on Sunday, March 16th from 2pm to 4pm at Scarsdale Public Library.
Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg, who will complete her first term of service, has been selected by the CNC to run for a second term.
As a part of our series of candidate interviews, here is an interview with Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg:
Tell us about your volunteer experience, in addition to your first two years as Village Trustee.
I have been deeply engaged in the Scarsdale community since moving here in 2011, dedicating my efforts to civic engagement, public service, and nonprofit leadership. Currently, I serve as Deputy Mayor and Trustee for Scarsdale Village, working closely with fellow trustees, community organizations, Village staff, and residents to improve government efficiency, enhance communication, and help residents navigate local government to address their concerns. I previously chaired the Advisory Council on Communications (ACC) for many years, leading initiatives to make our government more accessible, transparent, and engaging for residents. I also spearheaded the Village’s rebranding project, leveraging the exceptional talent within the ACC to create a fresh, modern, and cohesive identity—all at no cost. Additionally, I served on the Board of Ethics and was a member of the Village’s Downtown Reopening Task Force, helping revitalize Scarsdale’s commercial district in the wake of the pandemic.
My involvement with Scarsdale Public Library has been one of my most meaningful contributions. As President of the Friends of the Scarsdale Library and co-chair of the capital campaign, I helped lead a multi-year effort to renovate and expand our beloved library. Through collaboration with community members, donors, and public officials, we secured essential funding to transform the library into a vibrant, modern hub for learning and connection. I’m incredibly proud that on some days, the library welcomes over 1,000 visitors, reflecting its vital role in our community.
Beyond government and library initiatives within Scarsdale, I’ve been engaged with the Scarsdale Forum, where I served as a board member and chaired the Program and Membership Committees, fostering civic dialogue and community involvement. I’ve also worked with the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale, serving on the board and leading the Village Budget Portfolio, ensuring that residents have access to clear, accurate information about local finances. Additionally, I’ve been active in the Citizens Nominating Committee and co-chaired campaigns for the Scarsdale Citizens Non-Partisan Party, helping uphold the integrity of our village’s non-partisan election system.
Outside of Scarsdale, I have been deeply involved in broader Westchester County initiatives, particularly in healthcare. At White Plains Hospital, I serve as Vice Chair of the Foundation Board and co-chair of the hospital’s $150 million capital campaign, helping to expand and modernize healthcare services for our region. Access to exceptional healthcare close to home is essential, and I am committed to supporting initiatives that enhance medical care for our community. Previously, I co-led a $10 million COVID relief fundraising effort to support frontline workers and critical patient care during the pandemic.
As a board member at Feeding Westchester, I am deeply committed to combating food insecurity, which affects 1 in 3 residents in our county — a staggering statistic! I support the organization’s mission by helping to expand access to nutritious meals through fundraising, advocacy, and community outreach. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of an effort that makes a tangible difference in people’s lives every day.
I have also been deeply engaged with Westchester Reform Temple, where I served as Vice President and a member of the Board of Trustees for almost a decade. I’ve worked on various committees and initiatives aimed at strengthening the temple’s community engagement, supporting educational programs, and fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for congregants of all ages.
My work in Scarsdale and beyond has always been driven by a passion for community building, civic engagement, and public service. Whether it’s working to improve communication between the village and its residents, advocating for institutions like the library, White Plains Hospital or Feeding Westchester, or fostering civic participation, I’m committed to strengthening our community and ensuring it remains a vibrant and welcoming place for everyone.
Did you find anything surprising or unexpected about serving in your first term?
I expected the work to be both challenging and rewarding, but I was pleasantly surprised by how collaborative it is. The level of engagement from residents, the dedication of my fellow trustees, and the professionalism of our Village staff have exceeded my expectations. Local government moves at a pace that balances urgency with careful deliberation, which took some adjustment. However, this experience has reinforced the importance of listening, building consensus, and approaching every issue with an open mind. I’ve found my perspectives evolving on a range of issues through conversations with trustees, Village staff, and community members. Keeping an open mind—and having patience—is essential, especially since much relating to municipal government rarely moves quickly.
What changes did you help to initiate in your first term as Village Trustee?
In my first term as Village Trustee, I have focused on collaboration, problem-solving, and ensuring that Scarsdale’s government is responsive, transparent, and efficient. One of the most impactful changes we initiated as a board was the hiring of our new Village Manager, Alexandra Marshall, the first woman to serve in this role. This was a fully collaborative process, with the entire board working together to conduct a thorough and inclusive search to find the best candidate. Since her appointment, we’ve ushered in a culture shift—moving to a mindset of “how can we get to yes”—which has strengthened communication, accountability, and decision-making within Village Hall.
Enhancing communication with residents has been a key focus of my work as a member of the board. I spearheaded the relaunch of Scarsdale Official, the Village’s weekly newsletter, collaborating with the ACC and staff to ensure residents stay informed about local government matters. I also actively post updates on social media to reach residents where they consume information, making government news more accessible and engaging. In addition, I worked closely with staff and members of the board to improve emergency communication procedures and upgrade software to ensure messaging is more timely, accurate, and effective. Communication is always evolving, and there’s always room for improvement. That’s why I truly value resident feedback—every suggestion helps us refine how we share information and ensures the community stays informed in the most efficient way possible. (If you are not already subscribed for village notifications, please sign up today!
On the services for our residents front, our board and staff worked together to implement weekly recycling pickup—a long-discussed initiative that we brought to fruition in just a few months. We have also advanced several major capital projects as a team, including the sidewalk installation on Olmsted Road, significant playground and field renovations, and improvements to our stormwater infrastructure. In addition, we’ve made meaningful progress on the pool project, moving it from programmatic design to schematic design with significant public engagement. Throughout this process, we have prioritized transparency and preserved optionality for a 12-month-a-year indoor pool facility to best serve our community’s needs. Additionally, collaborating closely with the Scarsdale Business Alliance (SBA), we launched Destination Scarsdale, an initiative designed to promote our downtown and the Farmer’s Market, bolster community engagement, and encourage residents to shop and dine locally.
Beyond policy changes, I see my role as a trustee as being a hands-on problem solver. When we learned that Meals on Wheels of Scarsdale was set to shut down, I stepped in to help stabilize the organization and secure its future. I worked with the office manager and Meals on Wheels president to recruit and build a new board, bringing together a committed group of a broad spectrum of community members to revitalize the leadership and create a more sustainable operational structure. I also assisted in securing funding and connecting the organization with resources to strengthen its long-term viability. Thanks to these efforts, Meals on Wheels of Scarsdale now has a robust board in place and is on a path toward long-term success.
Every one of these accomplishments has been a team effort. None of this work happens in a vacuum—it requires collaboration with my fellow trustees, our dedicated Village staff, and engaged resident volunteers. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together and look forward to continuing to build on this momentum in my second term.
Why have you decided to continue to serve? What do you look forward to?
Scarsdale is an extraordinary community, and I feel privileged to contribute to its future. My decision to continue serving stems from a deep belief in responsible leadership, long-term planning, and open community dialogue. In this next term, I look forward to advancing infrastructure improvements, moving the pool project forward, addressing environmental challenges, and enhancing Village services—all while maintaining fiscal responsibility and strengthening communication with our residents.
I take great pride in my work with the Scarsdale Business Alliance, collaborating with local businesses to ensure our village center remains vibrant and thriving. A strong business district is the heart of a connected community, fostering local engagement, economic growth, and a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. Supporting our small businesses not only preserves the character of Scarsdale but also reinforces the sense of community that makes our village so special. I am excited to continue these efforts and help shape a bright future for our local economy. We are fortunate to have such an active and enthusiastic partner in the SBA. We could not do this work without them.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is serving as the liaison to the Scouts. Attending their events and seeing their incredible work firsthand is truly inspiring. As a former teacher, I find it energizing to engage with our younger residents, hear their perspectives, and learn about their interests. These organizations instill values of civic duty, responsibility, resourcefulness, and resilience—qualities that embody the spirit of our community. The Scouts cultivate a spirit of camaraderie, selflessness and wholesomeness—something the world could certainly use more of today—and I’m grateful for the chance to support their meaningful work.
The Village faces financial challenges to maintain services and infrastructure while keeping reasonable tax increases. As a trustee, what is your view on this balance?
It’s a careful balancing act. Our responsibility is to maintain and enhance essential services while being mindful of the financial burden on residents. That requires strategic long-term planning, responsible budgeting, and a willingness to explore creative solutions. We’ve worked to find efficiencies, seek grants, and prioritize investments that yield long-term benefits. As always, I believe in transparency and engaging the community in financial discussions, ensuring that we make decisions that reflect both our needs and our values.
The Village Board will make a major decision this year on plans for the Scarsdale Pool. Tell us what you would like to see.
The Scarsdale Pool is a cherished community asset, and this project is a rare opportunity to reimagine its future. We need to think beyond simply rebuilding what we know and instead create a vision for the next 50 years—one that prioritizes accessibility, modernization, and long-term financial sustainability. Having helped lead the transformation of the Scarsdale Public Library, I’ve seen firsthand how forward-thinking investment can elevate a community resource and serve generations to come.
Quite frankly, I find it hard to justify spending $30+ million on a facility that sits idle for nine months a year when, with a greater investment, we could create something that benefits residents year-round. At the same time, fiscal responsibility is paramount—we have residents on fixed incomes who rely on us to be thoughtful stewards of taxpayer dollars. The challenge is striking the right balance between visionary investment and financial prudence.
Finding that balance requires a thoughtful, transparent process—one that welcomes creative solutions and diverse perspectives. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I know that if we, as a Board, continue to engage the community, work with excellent professionals, explore all available options, and look beyond the status quo, the best decision for Scarsdale’s future will emerge from the process -- and can be made.
Generations of Scarsdalians before us invested in this community, making it the vibrant and beautiful place we call home today. Now, it’s our turn to ensure the pool, like our other amenities, remains a valuable and inviting resource for the future. Thoughtful planning, robust community engagement, and financial feasibility will be key in shaping the best possible outcome.
With a family and many other responsibilities, how did you find the time commitment for the position?
Like many working parents and volunteers, I’ve learned that balance comes from organization, clear priorities, a strong support system, and also an ability to pivot quickly when things come up (as they often do!) Serving on the village board is a significant commitment, but it’s also incredibly fulfilling. When you’re passionate about something, you find the time to make it work. My family deeply values civic engagement, and their support has been invaluable.
Being present in my children’s lives is my top priority. Every weekend, my husband, Jon, and I sit down with our calendars to map out the week (and sometimes two weeks) ahead, making sure Cornelia and Jake always come first while balancing our professional and volunteer commitments. It’s a constant juggling act, but with careful planning and a supportive partner, I’m able to make it all work—and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m deeply grateful for a community that embraces this work and a family that understands how much it means to me to be able to serve.
Remember to vote on Tuesday March 18, 2025 from 6 am to 9 pm at Scarsdale Public Library.
Forum Report Warns Against the Risks of Artificial Turf
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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After years of community input, analysis and deliberation both the School and Village boards have indicated that they plan to move forward with some improvements to recreational fields and courts in the coming budget year.
The current draft of the proposed FY 2025-26 school budget includes $1,250,000 for field work and the Mayor has indicated that funding for fieldwork is also a priority for the 2025-26 Village budget.
No decision have yet been made on which projects will be taken on first. But in anticipation of the work, the Scarsdale Forum has released a report urging the school and village not to install any additional artificial turf fields and to consider replacing the existing turf fields with grass. The report, dated January 15, 2025, is the work of the Sustainability, Municipal Services, Parks and Recreation Committees of the Scarsdale Forum and is titled, “Health, Safety, Environmental Impacts and Exposure Risks of Synthetic Turf Recreation Fields and Courts.”
The report contends that artificial turf has potential negative health impacts for children and adults who play on them, poses adverse environmental impacts and costs more in the long term than natural grass.
The lengthy report reviews studies on the health risks of exposure to artificial turf materials including plastics and lead along with the greater incidence of injury for those playing on artificial turf. It discusses the increased heat levels on artificial turf and contends that artificial turf exacerbates flooding as it is an impervious surface that cannot absorb storm runoff.
Read the full report here.
