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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 04 January 2022

Created: 04 January 2022

Last Updated: 04 January 2022

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Calling the numbers “horrific,” County Executive George Latimer reported a total of 27,692 active cases of COVID in Westchester, more than double the number of cases in the county during the height of the pandemic last year.

With an infection rate of 23.5%, meaning almost one quarter of those tested are positive, the county is witnessing a staggering number of new cases each day. Furthermore, he cautioned, this count does not include those who take home tests or are asymptomatic and have not been tested.

To get an idea of the trend, the County Executive gave the following counts of positive cases over the last five day period for which numbers were reported:

January 2, 2022        2,200 new cases
January 1, 2022        3,300 new cases
December 31, 2021  4,000 new cases
December 30, 2021  3,600 new cases
December 29, 2021  3,400 new cases

In fact, since December 3, 2021 there has been a ten-fold increase in the number of active cases in Westchester. The number of active cases in Scarsdale now stands at 387. Check out all the stats on the COVID-19 dashboard here:

Hospitals are seeing a big increase in the number of admissions as well. Though it is believed that most who are in the hospital are not vaccinated, Latimer said that reporting is not available to prove it.

As of January 3, 2022, 444 are in the hospital with COVID, up from 84 on December 3, 2021, a five-fold increase. And what about the death count? Latimer reported that 30 people died from COVID in December, up from just 7 in November.

Testing

The demand for testing has skyrocketed and far exceeds the number of tests available. There is free PCR testing available for symptomatic people or those who had a known exposure at the County Center. It is by appointment only. Click here to make an appointment:

You can also sign up for a test at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla.

Vaccines

Latimer and Assistant County Executive Ken Jenkins continued to encourage people to get vaccines and to vaccinate children ages 5 to 12. Jenkins gave a shout out to Scarsdale Village Ambulance Corp who is one of the satellite sites offering vaccines to members of the community.

Also at the meeting, Latimer introduced the new leadership of the Westchester County Board of Legislators. Both the chair and vice chair are women, and it’s the first time in the history of the board that it will have female leadership. Catherine Borgia was elected to Chair the Board and Nancy Barr is the new Vice Chair. Barr said, “We are here to serve you. We care about the people we represent.”

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 28 December 2021

Created: 28 December 2021

Last Updated: 28 December 2021

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Citing an explosion of COVID cases County Executive George Latimer held a press conference on Monday December 27 to review the numbers and provide information for the public on how they can access testing.

Latimer, who recently recovered from his own case of Omicron, said that the number of active cases in the county now stands at 16,819, a dramatic increase from about 4,000 cases a week ago. The current infection rate is 13.7% of those tested, up from 2% one month ago. In January 2021, the county reported 11,500 active cases, so cases are now at an all time high. He noted that these statistics only reflect numbers reported through the NYS testing system and do not include home tests, or counts of people who have not been tested at all.

How sick are people getting? Latimer reported that as of December 24, 2021, 214 people in the county were hospitalized due to COVID, up from 50 people on November 24. At the peak of the outbreak last year, 600 people were in the hospital suffering from COVID. Between November 24 and December 24, 2021 30 people passed away from COVID, up from seven people the prior month.

Latimer said, “We cannot deny the impact of COVID in the last few weeks… we saw what was coming and were more prepared.” In response, he “declared a state of emergency three weeks ago, increased vaccination satellite locations and tested many more people.”

He continued, “We have implemented a mask mandate – but we are not enforcing it. We are distributing masks to small businesses throughout the county. They reduce the likelihood that you’ll get COVID.”

About testing, he said, “There has been a tremendous increase in the demand for testing. In the NYS system, in the past two weeks we have had 180,000 tests, a 40% increase over the 128,000 people tested two weeks ago. In the two weeks before that there were 105,000 tests. We have ramped up testing significantly. This does not include at home tests.”

He explained “There is a shortage of tests available …. the county was given 40,000 test kits before Christmas and disseminated them right away. They were sent to EMS, fire, police and health departments to serve the public. The tests helped emergency workers to continue to do their jobs. We distributed the tests to 45 municipalities and let them determine how they could best be used.”

Responding to critics who said there was a shortfall on tests, he said, “There was a very quick increase in demand, in less than three weeks demand for tests has shot through the roof.”

“Over the last six weeks, 400,000 tests were administered. That’s almost half of the population of Westchester County. Some were angry that more tests were not available.” He thanked county personnel who picked up and distributed the testing kits making them available earlier.

Latimer then announced a new testing program at Westchester County Center for those who are experiencing symptoms. This testing will be by appointment only.

Here’s what you need to know:

Westchester County has partnered with Quadrant Biosciences to offer free PCR COVID-19 testing at the Westchester County Center starting Wednesday, December 29. Testing is for anyone experiencing symptoms or anyone who has been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19. The CDC recommends being tested 5 to 7 days after exposure to test. The testing is not for travel.

Appointments are required – walk-ins will not be accepted. The testing is for all ages, including infants. To schedule a test, go to www.westchestergov.com/health. Appointments will only be released 3 days in advance. Keep checking back, as appointments will be added every three days.

COVID-19 tests will be available as follows:

December 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
December 30, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
January 3, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
January 4, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
January 5, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
January 6, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
January 7, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
January 10, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
January 11, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Latimer also reported that the county has received KN95 masks from the state and they will be made available to municipal governments who will make decisions on how they can be distributed.

The County Executive announced that his own inauguration ceremony for his second term will be held virtually on January 3 at 2pm.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 14 December 2021

Created: 14 December 2021

Last Updated: 14 December 2021

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Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanu-El safely welcomed hundreds of synagogue members and local residents during the weekend of December 3-5 to celebrate the holiday of Hanukkah and to formally dedicate their newly renovated Sanctuary. The new Sanctuary, which has been several years in the making, updates the historic worship space that the congregation has gathered in for more than 50 years.

During the formal dedication service, which took place on Friday night December 3rd, Rabbi Jeffrey Brown and Cantor Chanin Becker noted that, “We gather here tonight, particularly cognizant that the term Hanukkah in Hebrew means ‘dedication.’ How fitting that we join together, both to commemorate the Maccabean rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem so long ago and rededicate ourselves to the work of our sacred community as we look ahead to the future.”

Highlights of the new Sanctuary space include:

• A flattened floor to ensure accessibility by synagogue attendees of all ages and physical abilities

• Walls featuring beautifully repurposed wood from the prior Sanctuary as a nod to the past as well as a strong environmental statement about the imperative of recycling

• Even larger windows that fill the room with light and highlight the community’s respect for the natural beauty of the surrounding world

• A striking ceiling fixture that invites peaceful reflection and meditation

• An enhanced multi-access audio-visual system for those who want to connect virtually

Temple President Michael Luskin observed that, “This evening’s Dedication marks a defining moment in the life of our synagogue. In the last 18 months, coinciding with the pandemic, hundreds of families in our community generously stepped forward to participate in our Capital Campaign. Defying anxiety about the state of uncertainty in our fragile world, our community stepped up, and dramatically invested in our congregation’s vibrant future.”

That future was on full display on Sunday December 5th, when the synagogue hosted a festive outdoor Hanukkah (and Sanctuary Dedication) party for young families in its burgeoning Mazel Tots Early Childhood Center and Religious School program. Cantor Becker and Rabbi Brown, in noting the unique relational connectedness that members experience in this 350 family congregation, expressed gratitude. Thanks to the holiday and Dedication, masked members of all ages had a good excuse to joyfully come together to celebrate.

For more information, to schedule an interview with the clergy or to tour the new Sanctuary, call Temple Administrator Fawn Mendel at 914.725.5175 or email her at [email protected].

Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanu-El strives to be a sacred community where members feel connected, engaged and enlightened.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 08 December 2021

Created: 08 December 2021

Last Updated: 08 December 2021

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Scarsdale Mayor Jane VeronScarsdale greeted the holiday season with a Christmas tree and menorah lighting at Boniface Circle on Friday December 3. According to Margot Milberg, “The SHS acapella group “For Good Measure” sang, as well as carolers from Hoff Barthelson and the Westchester Chordsmen. The crowd enjoyed hot chocolate, popcorn and pretzels. There were fun activities for the kids and colorful, festive decorations.

Rabbi Blake from Westchester Reform Temple gave beautiful opening remarks to welcome people, light the Hanukah menorah and to remember Steven Sondheim. Mayor Jane led off the celebration and included lots of young children with the lighting of the tree. It was magical when they switched on the lights and the tree was illuminated. The carolers added a beautiful holiday touch and the arrival of Santa in the firetruck generated lots of excitement for the kids. It was a wonderful community event.”Rabbi Jonathan Blake remembered Steven Sondheim

Scarsdale Mayor Jane Veron said, “I love this event! There is nothing better than seeing our community join together in celebration. We missed being live last year as we had to tune in (congregate) virtually, but we are back tonight stronger than ever. Neighbors, friends, family, your presence creates such a wonderful energy and excitement - such a wholesome goodness - and I feel privileged that I get to participate in this joyous occasion.

Light the ‘Dale is very near and dear to my heart, and I am so proud that it is now an enduring institution. Six years ago, we had no big holiday community event. I was a new Trustee, and a handful of us gathered here as we watched the Mayor switch on the lights. Truthfully, it was kind of lonely and quiet. That had to change. The following June we pulled together a group of community volunteers and created Light the ‘Dale. It was a pilot project, of sorts, that exceeded our wildest expectations, and now the Village has officially adopted the event and made it our own.

An acapella performance by From Good MeasureSo, you see, we are innovative here in Scarsdale - always seeking to make things better. As we look around the Village sparkling with holiday lights, we see examples of our experimentation. We tested sidewalk al fresco dining and the Dine the Dale tent, expanding venues for our community to enjoy the buzz and beauty of our Village. You embraced these changes so we made outdoor cafes permanent and are planning to upgrade our popular Dine the ‘Dale tent, courtesy of the Scarsdale Business Alliance. The Village is being transformed, and the vitality is palpable. Nothing beats the positivity and good will of our residents.

There are many to thank for making this event possible. I assure you, the flawless execution is the result of countless hours of planning and hard work.

Thanks goes to ….Veron greets a young resident

Scarsdale Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation
Scarsdale Village Manager’s Department
Scarsdale Department of Public Works
Scarsdale Police Department
And to SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS
Scarsdale PBA and Police Department
Scarsdale Fire Department
Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps
Weinberg Nature Center
Scarsdale Library
CSEA

We also express our appreciation to Rabbi Blake and to our carolers from Hoff Barthelson, Scarsdale High School’s For Good Measure, and the Westchester Chordsmen.

Let’s welcome in the holidays together with one of our Scarsdale own lighting the tree and the menorah. I can’t wait to find out who will be the lucky one.”

Photos by Olivia Halligan
Walter's hotdogs were a big hit.The Christmas tree and wreath on Polar Bear LaneA menorah for Chase Park