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Written by: Adam Katcher

Published: 15 February 2022

Created: 15 February 2022

Last Updated: 15 February 2022

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At a time when students feel like they have nowhere to go the Scarsdale High School Library has become a refuge. Though typical libraries are silent and staffed with strict librarians who shush students and discourage conversation the SHS Library has proven to be the exception. It’s a place where students who want to work on group projects find space for collaboration and those who want to chat with friends can relax on comfortable furniture. Those who want quiet can find ample spaces in which to study.

The SHS library is a distinctively wonderful community. Some students might not see it that way at first glance, but when viewing from the mezzanine, it is easy to see how the multifocal space allows dozens of high-school tales to coexist.

Walking through the main doors of the library, one sees an open core with several tables swarming with students. On the right, there are more tables, separated by short bookcases. On the left side, large book stacks isolate the tables near the windows. Couches are scattered throughout. Once in the heart of the library, one looks up to see the mezzanine, jampacked with books on one side and tables for work on the other.

The two stories have their own stories. The first floor is the center for collaborative work, whether it be group projects or studying together. There is respectful decorum, but there’s a reasonable buzz in the room. Freshmen surround certain tables, sophomores and juniors others, while seniors mark their territory wherever they can – especially on the couches. The mezzanine is different, as it is reserved for quiet work. With both tables and cubicles, there is lots of space to study in typical-library conditions.

The center for study has not always had this intricately-balanced feel. Whether due to COVID-19-enforced changes or already-in-motion decisions, the library has become a home for students, and not by accident.

Librarians Liz Waltzman and Katja Rossi share great enthusiasm for the dynamic and its evolution, with the former describing her theory on why the library is a popular location: “I think people like to come here because it’s such a comfortable place. It has a nice feel physically, the way it is set up…It’s a very inviting and cozy space.”

Rossi added, “It’s cozy, with books and the wooden tables, couches, and more... It’s nice to see we have all kinds of students here: ninth graders through seniors. I think it’s a nice place – a safe place – to come.”

When talking about the plan for the future of the SHS Library, Waltzman said, “Our other goal has been, for years now, to make the upstairs mezzanine level more of a quiet study area, and I think that that, for the most part, has worked well.”

She explained how the rules and setup have evolved, “We used to be able to eat in the library, and it was more chaotic and messier. Getting rid of that has changed things for the better. We also got rid of almost all of our desktops for a variety of reasons. That also minimized people gathering around them. I do think we were on our way to making the library a better place [before COVID].”

Discussing traffic in the space, Waltzman discussed the gradual reintegrating of students last year. Comparing the traffic now to two years ago, she said, “We get more crowded than we might otherwise because it’s harder for us to enforce the distancing rules, and I think that there’s a level of freedom in here that sometimes is difficult for us to manage. We do the best we can. But I think once the mask restrictions are lifted and people are more likely to go to the learning commons or other places, we may see this go back to where we originally planned to be headed, which was a bit quieter.”

Inevitably, the library’s rise in popularity has not come without some consequences. Waltzman explains, “The only thing I worry about is when it is very crowded, the kids who actually need to get work done, they might feel uncomfortable or get frustrated.”

Rossi followed up by noting, “We do have two classrooms we let people go in if they want to work in a quiet study space.” Waltzman agreed, “If someone needs truly quiet study, we will accommodate it, but it may be that a ninth grader doesn’t know to come ask us that. With the exception of a couple of periods, it is pretty manageable.”

The social and physical architecture of the library is not the only way the SHS library has retained its importance at the high school. For all the SHS Library does for students who are not in class but want to get work done, the library has done an equal amount to make English assignments and Social Studies research projects more interesting or detailed.

Waltzman highlighted this trend, stating, “We have had, more so this year than ever, ninth and tenth grade English teachers coming in for independent reading.”

Rossi added, “We have been doing book talks for classes, and then let them pick and choose their own book, which has been really nice, to give a choice to the students to see the variety of young adult books we have.”

Waltman continued, “They are hopefully reading it because they like it, and not just because it was handed to them for an assignment.”

Students notice the welcoming environment and it’s nearly impossible to find a Scarsdale high schooler who has anything negative to say about the library. It has evolved from just another school library into the go-to hub for students to study, share ideas, civilly socialize, research, and so much more. The library is one of the school’s most complex, and pivotal, communities.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 09 February 2022

Created: 09 February 2022

Last Updated: 10 February 2022

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Christopher MytychScarsdale Village Trustees appointed a new Fire Chief, retained a firm to do a traffic study and set a date for a public hearing on Village code which would prohibit roosters and peafowl in Scarsdale at their meeting on Tuesday February 8, 2022.

New Fire Chief:

After Scarsdale’s Fire Chief Jim Seymour announced that he would take a new position in Peekskill, trustees launched a search to identify Scarsdale’s next fire chief. At the meeting on Tuesday evening they looked pleased to announce that the next chief would be pulled from department ranks and that Captain Christopher Mytych, who has worked in Scarsdale for 13 years, had been selected to serve as chief. Trustees noted that he has served as a training office and a relief officer and said he is courteous, thoughtful and deliberate with a commitment to excellence and public service. Randy Whitestone said he was “impressed with his (Mytych’s) vision for the department and his analytic approach to build a department for the future.” Jonathan Lewis said the role was “critical in ensuring the safety of everyone who lives here.” Lena Crandall said, “He is planning on doing outreach into the community so many of you will meet him.”

Accepting his appointment Mytych said, “Thank you – this is a tremendous responsibility… It’s an honor and a privilege and I thank you once again.”

We asked Mytych to share some information with us and here is what he wrote:

How many years have you been with the department and in what roles?

I have been a firefighter with the Village of Scarsdale for 13 years and have served as Captain for the last four, fulfilling roles as both the Training Officer and Relief Officer.

What did you do before coming to Scarsdale (education/work?)

Before beginning my fire service career, I graduated from Providence College in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. I joined the Purchase Fire Department as a volunteer later that year, which sparked a passion for the fire service. After a brief tenure as a chemical control assistant, I held positions as a fire safety director and emergency communications operator while rising through the ranks in Purchase, concluding with Fire Chief in 2014.

Where do you live - please tell us about your family?Chief Mytych with his wife Eleanor and daughters Madison and Avery.

I have lived with my family in White Plains for the past 12 years. I’ve been married to my wife, Eleanor, for 11 years and have been blessed with two daughters, Madison and Avery. Supporting and setting a good example for my family is the primary motivation in my life.

The trustees all noted that you had a good sense of analytics - what do you think the department can improve and what do you envision for the future of the Scarsdale Fire Department?

In preparing for this role, I became increasingly aware of the amount of efficiency-related data accessible to us. Our staff is comprised of well-trained career and volunteer professionals that respond to over 1,400 incidents each year in a timely manner. We are proud that our response times meet national standards, but the data allows us to determine where we can safely improve. It also helps us determine where our resources are needed most, which sharpens our focus on fire and emergency prevention. We hope that this information will lead to improved service delivery and reduced impacts on our personnel and equipment.

What do you hope to accomplish as chief?

I will do my best to meet the level of fire and emergency protection that our residents expect of the fire department. I hope to increase community engagement through a stronger presence on social media and appearances at Village events throughout the year. I am interested in delivering new fire prevention education programs to community groups as opportunities to congregate return. I am also interested in seeking third party validation for our performance by improving our Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating and pursuing national accreditation.

Anything else?

I am grateful to the Board of Trustees and Village Manager for placing their confidence in me among two other highly qualified candidates. Ensuring the health and safety of my firefighters and our residents is a tremendous responsibility. It is an honor and a privilege to hold this position.

Traffic Study

The Village Board approved a resolution for a study from transportation firm FHO Studio in NY for a “Strategic Mobility and Placemaking Plan to 1) improve mobility and sense of place in the Village Center and its primary arterials including Crane Road, Popham Road, and Fox Meadow Road, and 2) study and recommend traffic calming strategies to reduce the speed of vehicles, decrease traffic conflict and increase pedestrian safety on Sprague Road, these strategies will be applicable to similar roadways.

The purpose of the study is to gather information and propose plans for pedestrian and cyclist routes in and around the Village, and for traffic calming measures to improve safety along Sprague Road, where residents have expressed concern about dangerous conditions. Trustees believe that the tactics recommended for Sprague Road can be adapted for other dangerous areas of the Village.

The Village issued an RFP for the project, interviewed six firms and agreed to retain FHI Studios to do the work at a cost of $93,000.00.

Roosters and Peafowl

At a work session of the trustees on February 1, they discussed proposed legislation to prohibit rooster and peafowl in the Village of Scarsdale. This was in response to complaints of noise and rodents from neighbors who keep roosters. If the new law is passed, resident will have sixty days to relocate their roosters. A hearing on the proposed law was set for March 8, 2022 at 8 pm.

Road Race

Trustees approved the annual 15K and 4 mile road running races to be held on Sunday April 3, 2022 from 9 am to 12:30 pm on a route through Fox Meadow and Greenacres.

Public Comments:

During public comments Jordan Copeland invited the community to come to the Scarsdale Library to see an exhibit on Scarsdale’s Black History. The exhibit was sponsored by the Scarsdale Historical Society and the Scarsdale Library and a video preview can be seen here.

Copeland, who contributed to the exhibit said, “Black people only comprise 1% of our population in a county that is 14% black. They have been mostly excluded from benefiting from this wonderful community. During the early years they were excluded from buying homes. Now we have a more laissez faire approach that has attracted few black residents.” To the trustees he said, “In the decisions you make, consider racial justice, especially as it relates to black people. How can we make our community more attractive to those who are underrepresented here. At some point our strict land use policies and limits on affordable housing has an impact on attracting black residents.”

Susan Levine of Ardmore Road wrote a letter to the trustees complaining about a steep rate hike on electricity rates from Con Edison. She said the cost of electricity doubled since the prior month.

Village Manager Rob Cole responded and said the rates were set by the NYS Public Service Commission and the Village has no control over Con Edison. Justin Arest also sympathized but said an additional rate hike is expected soon.

Here are comments from Mayor Jane Veron:

Hello Scarsdale. Before I get started on Village updates, on behalf of the Board I want to extend a very Happy Lunar New Year to our Chinese community. It is the Year of the Tiger, and we wish you luck, love and health.

We are deeply engrossed in the budget process and thank you for your interest and engagement. Our goal is to afford a more comprehensive, transparent and forward looking process, and we hope that you have appreciated the changes we are making. As I have mentioned before, we view this year as a bridge from past practices to new processes. It takes time to transition, and I appreciate the community’s willingness to iterate with us as we head toward a best-in-class approach.

Thank you also to Department Heads for taking this leap with us. We challenged you to propose budgets in line with the goals and objectives of your departments and the community at large. Our strategic and financial planning framework calls for hyper focus on the four pillars of government: Quality of Life, Infrastructure, Municipal Services and Sustainability, Public Safety and Land Use and Economic Development. We are also taking great care in our role as fiscal stewards, understanding the community’s desire for prudence and care. Although we have asked staff to draft what we call an Aspirational Budget, the Village Board recognizes that there is a limit to how much change can be absorbed in any given year. We have a duty to our taxpayers to exercise sound fiscal judgement.

Earlier this evening, we continued the department head presentations. To increase transparency, we conducted the department head presentations over the course of several days toward the end of the work day and recorded the meetings so that the public could more easily participate. Now that we’ve had full presentations, we will invite back subsets where we need more information and conversation. On February 16 we expect to continue the water rates discussion with Woodard & Curran, will review the leaf vacuuming program analysis, and will reengage on the fund balance policy discussion. We also anticipate a deeper dive into funding recommendations for both capex and operating. The expectation is to also present the second pass budget review.

Tonight we also continued essential policy discussions that will inform how the Board makes budget decisions. Our ever responsive Village Treasurer provided data to advance our conversations on fund balance. She also delivered fully loaded personnel costs so that all of us can understand the true costs.

Despite the intense budget work, we continue to press forward with Village priorities. As you know, this Board kicked off the Village Center Mobility and Placemaking Study with Complete Streets, and we are entertaining the resolution to hire the firm who emerged as the clear leader in advancing this work. We have a strong desire to rethink how we convene in public space and peacefully coexist with motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. We will also advance a Quality of Life initiative to prohibit roosters and peafowl. In a densely populated Village like ours, we need to be respectful of noise concerns as we live in such close proximity.

As your representatives, the Village Board deliberates policy to make Scarsdale the best place to live. But it is really the Village staff who delivers on that promise. I had the pleasure of spending a bit of lunch at the Central Garage and got to thank our staff for putting themselves out there to make sure our Village runs smoothly, even when Mother Nature wreaks havoc. They are the ones who worked through the night to plow and deice our roads. They, along with our extraordinary police, fire and ambulance corps, deserve our appreciation, keeping us safe and sound.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 31 January 2022

Created: 31 January 2022

Last Updated: 19 January 2023

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Below find a letter from a Scarsdale105883 reader who was a recent victim of a check washing scheme, where a check she wrote for $60.00 was “washed and rewritten” for $8,063 and cashed by her bank, Chase. Though the transaction was clearly fraudulent, she has been unable to recoup her funds and was told that it might take 3-4 months! Here is her letter to Chase Bank.

To: JP Morgan Chase:

It has been 15 days since money was stolen from my personal Chase Account using a fraudulent check. After multiple attempts at redress with Chase (with whom I have had a banking relationship for many years), I still have no line of sight as to how Chase will help me resolve this situation. I have included below a brief written statement of the situation to date, which does not purport to be a fulsome description of all relevant facts. However, I hope that it serves to communicate my growing frustration with the continued time and effort I have had to invest in getting Chase to take responsibility for a situation in which its lack of security has caused me harm.

On December 18, I mailed a check for $60.00 that was evidently intercepted or stolen, and subsequently "washed" and re-written, with the amount changed from $60.00 to $8,063.00. It was cashed or deposited on December 30 at a Bank of America, and Chase remitted the funds to cover the check, despite the fact that the check was damaged and the fact that it was unendorsed. I received no notification or alert as to the out-of-the-ordinary nature of this transaction (a Chase representative at the local branch and I searched on the website for a such an alert for a personal account it seems that Chase does not provide such an alert service for personal accounts, which is surprising because many Chase competitors do provide such a service).

When I noticed this fraudulent transaction online on January 1, I immediately called the Chase 800 number, filed a police report, and froze my credit reports with all three bureaus. One of the credit bureau representatives told me I needed to file a complete Declaration/Fraud Report and said he would mail it to me, and he advised that I go to my local Chase branch first thing on Monday and have the branch file it, which I did . I asked if the $8,063.00 would be returned to my account, and the Chase rep from the 800# said that typically a bank will immediately refund amounts in situations like this.

I came to your bank Monday morning at 9am. After discussing the situation with you, I completed the Declaration/Fraud Report and you faxed it to Chase's Fraud Department in Texas. You told me that the $8,063.00 would be returned to my account but that the branch does not have "power" to do so and that the fax would take 2 days to be received by Chase's Fraud Department. I was told that the "escalation department" was notified as well as the Fraud Department.

I went again to the branch on Wednesday to ask if the Fraud Department in Texas had received the fax. I was assured that the fax was sent but if I wanted to confirm I would have to call the 800 number. The branch did not attempt to verify receipt itself. I went back to my office and called. I was on hold for 50 minutes. I tried again to call on Thursday and I was on hold for 29 minutes and finally did get a person, who confirmed that no fax was received from my local branch, at which point I asked to speak with a supervisor, which I did after being on hold an additional 10 minutes, and she suggested that I have my branch office call and ask for a supervisor and get a supervisor's direct email and send the Declaration /Fraud report directly to them. I then went back to my local branch again, and after investing more time in explaining the situation I was able to get the local branch to connect directly to the Fraud Department to make this filing via email to a supervisor.

The branch manager then told me it would take 60 to 90 days for the $8,063.00 to be returned to me, despite the fact that the Chase rep had represented to me that the return of funds would be immediate. It was explained to me that because the thief cashed the fraudulent Chase check at Bank Of America, Chase has to wait for BOA to have their investigation. So, the waiting gets passed down to the client, corporate logjam gets passed down the client, the client has to do the follow ups, and the client does have the use of her $8,063.00 until this archaic method of customer service is complete?

I had to proactively keep calling and stopping by the Chase Branch to get updates. I was told that there "isn't really anything they can do but wait to hear back from Chase's Claims Department. Friday, 1/25/22 I picked up a voice mail from Chase's "Escalation Department". I called them back today, Monday 1/31/22 and was basically told that "they can't do anything... it will take time, probably 3 to 4 months to get my money back." I asked them, why are you calling me ...and do they know the definition of "escalation?" The Escalation Process clarifies the boundaries and channels of decision-making throughout an organization in order so solve the problem quickly. (thank you Google!)

Not only has Chase's lack of security processes and procedures put me in a situation where I am missing $8,063.00, but I am being forced to invest hours of my time to facilitate Chase's own internal communications and to assert and argue for a remedy that ought to be simple and straightforward, in accordance with Chase's responsibilities to me as the custodian of my hard-earned money and Chase's verbal commitment made to me the day I reported the theft.

I respectfully request that Chase return to me the $8,063.00. It is the least Chase can do, and while it will not compensate me for the many hours of time I have had to pour into this regrettable situation, it will at least bring some measure of closure.

Nothing in this letter shall operate as a waiver of claims or rights whether or not asserted here; I reserve all rights at law or in equity.

Sincerely,

Claire Civetta
Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker Houlihan Lawrence

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Written by: Michael Mancusi

Published: 20 January 2022

Created: 20 January 2022

Last Updated: 20 January 2022

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The Raiders vs. Rye on December 10, 2021. Raiders came out on top, 63-51.As the Scarsdale Boys Varsity A Basketball team anticipated their game against New Rochelle on January 19 at home and entered the midway point of their season, players looked back on what they have been doing well and reflected on what could be improved.

Due to strong performances by senior captains Hunter Miller and Dylan Manin as well as standout sophomore Carlos Rodriguez and junior Asher Krohn, Scarsdale’s record of 8-3 is one of the best in recent memory. Under Coach Joe Amelio, young talent has been developing better than ever. According to senior Hunter Miller, this increased depth has been Scarsdale’s biggest strength down the stretch, “I think our team's greatest strength right now is the variety of options we have. We have a deep rotation with many different types of players that are all complementary to one another.” The team’s on-court performance does nothing but further this claim. When watching any game, it is obvious that the chemistry and depth the team has is matched by few other teams. Whether it be seniors Adrian Duval and Michael Levy or juniors Danny Pillete and Jody Alter, the talent coming off the bench is nothing to scoff at. In particular, Coach Amelio is especially proud of sophomore A.J. Booth, saying he is “Very happy with the progress of AJ Booth in just a short few months. Makes timely shots and just a win-first mentality.”

However, not everything has been perfect for this basketball team. Two tough losses against White Plains and Mamoroneck have given the players an opportunity to reflect on some mistakes and correct them. When asked about the team’s weaknesses, Adrian Duval, Dylan Manin and Michael Levy all had the same response: Rebounding. The team understands that some of rebounding has to do with height and Scarsdale is a shorter team in comparison to most of their competitors. However, the part the team can control is their effort to box out their opponents and get good positioning, which they have been heavily focusing on during practices.

One of the biggest challenges this season has been off the court. Navigating COVID and quarantines has been tough. The team had a few positive cases scattered throughout the season, however, no events have been canceled due to COVID unlike other Scarsdale High School teams, including track and field. The main issue for the basketball team is the uncertainty that a player could test positive on any given day. Although this possibility of an outbreak is a real fear, the increased restrictions including masking and social distance protocols have allowed the team to be a little less concerned with the transmission of the virus.

One of the downsides of the pandemic was the no spectator rule at the games. Michael Levy said, “One of the greatest advantages of playing at home is the fact that all the fans come out to cheer us on. Them not being there is a big blow to our team.” However, on Tuesday January 19, the administration announced that each player will be permitted two spectators, and this should boost morale for the team’s playoff push.

What the team has done in such a short amount of time is truly impressive. Last year, the team had only two wins the entire season. This year, they have quadrupled their wins in half the time. Their stellar record is a testament to the coaches and the hard work the players are putting in at practice. As the regular season winds down, Scarsdale looks to the playoffs with high aspirations for success.