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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 31 October 2018

Created: 31 October 2018

Last Updated: 01 November 2018

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National strife came too close to home this weekend with the Shabbat massacre on Saturday October 27 that killed 11 people in a synagogue in Pittsburgh. Those of us who had been consoling themselves with the idea that Trump’s rhetoric was pointed at the Mexican border or the Middle East woke up to the realization that his angry words and hate speech could quickly become our problem too. We can no longer say, “It can’t happen here.”

With so many synagogues in our vicinity, locals fear that the random act of violence in Pennsylvania means that we are all at risk and can no longer deny that anti-Semitism is on the rise.

A vigil was held at Congregation Kol Ami on Sunday with a keynote address from David Harris, CEO of the American Jewish Committee. His words are below along with comments from the leadership at Westchester Reform Temple and Westchester Jewish Family Services. Read their insights and recommendations for what you can do to combat this deeply disturbing trend, in addition to voting on Tuesday November 6.

David Harris, CEO of the American Jewish Committee

After Pittsburgh, We Need A Coalition Of Conscience

We knew anti-Semitism was out there. We knew it was growing. More and more people felt uninhibited in expressing their hatred and bigotry.

Deadly attacks against Jewish targets had already occurred in other countries, from Belgium to Bulgaria, Argentina to Panama, Turkey to Tunisia, and France to Denmark — not to mention Israel. Yet American Jews nonetheless lived with a kind of innocence: surely nothing on the scale of Pittsburgh was conceivable here.

That innocence has been shattered, of course. It has happened, and 11 Jews, pillars of the proud Pittsburgh community, were murdered in a house of worship by a killer intent on destroying Jewish lives.

Many are understandably dazed, depressed and disoriented. If it could unfold in Pittsburgh, it could take place anywhere. The 11 are us, and we are they. Whether we knew them or not, they were probably not more than two degrees of separation from us, and to look at their photos was to see pictures of our own family, our friends, our neighbors and, yes, ourselves.David Harris

The immediate response has been heartwarming. Solidarity events and memorial services are being held across the country. In one remarkable example, a countywide gathering was announced in White Plains on Sunday at noon. Four hours later, the synagogue was overflowing, with as many as 1,500 people crammed into a space that could barely hold 1,000. And among them were dozens of elected officials and interfaith partners.

And many world leaders have expressed their solidarity, support and grief. We have heard from officials in Austria, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, Singapore, Sweden and the UN, among others, who say they stand with the Jewish community. As one wrote: “Anti-Semitism is our worst existential enemy, and we must fight it with every conceivable means.”

But therein lies the looming question. Once the gatherings are behind us, the tweets become a fading memory, and the “thoughts and prayers” are filed, what’s left? Are we back to business as usual? How do we fight this age-old pathology “with every conceivable means?”

Needless to say, it would be gratifying to know that the likes of a Jonas Salk were working on a vaccine against this dreaded social disease. Well, many of us have been trying to do just that, but haven’t yet come up with the magic formula, as Pittsburgh painfully illustrates.

But there are still things that can be done.

First, the threat of anti-Semitism has to be acknowledged. Sounds obvious, doesn’t it? But I could write a book on the last 18 years, as we met with one world leader after another trying to convince them of the growing magnitude of the problem. While some listened, too many others didn’t, suggesting we were exaggerating the danger or misunderstanding its nature.

Second, combating anti-Semitism requires recognizing the main sources of the menace, and they are three: the far right, the far left and jihadists. Some, for a variety of political reasons, would rather downplay one or more of these wellsprings, but all pose a grave danger — and all need to be confronted head-on.

Third, political rhetoric has consequences. When elected officials resort to incendiary language, or turn to coded words and wink-and-nod gestures, the effects can be profound. Public discourse in the United States today, in the realm of politics and beyond, continues to head to the gutter. Opponents become enemies, conspiracy theories abound and social media becomes the great enabler. If leaders don’t act responsibly and bring us back from the brink, we will all pay a heavy price.

Fourth, this is the time for a coalition of conscience to emerge — to stand up proudly and loudly for the values of decency, civility, mutual respect, bipartisanship and unity. If nature abhors a vacuum, so does democracy. If that coalition doesn’t stand up and stay the course, then, as we’ve seen, others, with very different agendas, will fill the space.

Fifth, for all the blessings of America, and they are practically infinite, violence has become too much part and parcel of our landscape. It takes many forms — from the language of incitement and confrontation, to the number of lethal weapons in the wrong hands; from those who get a rise from in-your-face encounters imbued with physical danger, to those who fall through the cracks of the systems designed to identify social malcontents; and, of course, to those, of different motivations, who unleashed Charleston, San Bernardino, Sandy Hook and Fort Hood.

And sixth, most immediately, as many people as possible — Jews and non-Jews alike — should consider attending synagogue services this weekend. We’re calling it #ShowUpForShabbat. It’s a way of demonstrating unity and shared destiny, of saying “no fear.”

It’s a message to the haters that their America is not ours. Our America champions democracy and pluralism. It celebrates, not bemoans, our diversity. And it mourns, not exalts, what happened in Pittsburgh last Shabbat morning.

The Leadership of Westchester Reform Temple

“We are all devastated at this despicable act of hatred and violence that goes against all that we hold sacred as Jews and Americans. Once again, we find ourselves mourning. Once again, we must confront Anti-Semitism. Once again, we feel the wrenching pain of unchecked gun violence.

Most of all, our hearts are with the families and loved ones of the victims, as well as the injured police officers who bravely came to their defense.

We will continue to do all that we can to support a hurting Jewish community in need. As we learn more about the situation, we will apprise our congregation of the ways in which WRT can be a source of strength and comfort to our brothers and sisters at Tree of Life.”

Seth Diamond of Westchester Jewish Community Services

We're all deeply saddened by the terrible tragedy that occurred this weekend in Pittsburgh. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with the families of those who were killed and injured. Just as after the church shooting in South Carolina and the school shootings in Newtown, CT and Parkland, Florida, we once again find ourselves in the challenging position of trying to help our children and ourselves cope when hearing about acts of violence.

WJCS mobilized immediately upon finding out about the synagogue shooting, doing what we do best: counseling and comforting our community. Our Jewish Programs staff, in consultation with our Trauma team, has been in close contact with rabbis and other Jewish leaders and has had professionals at synagogues and day schools. UJA and Westchester Jewish Council have asked those throughout Westchester who need assistance to contact us. We have also offered help, through UJA, and have been in contact with the Pittsburgh Jewish Family and Children's Services.

Guidelines for Families in the Wake of a Hate Crime

When hearing frightening news, we all struggle with feelings of fear, anxiety, vulnerability, anger, and sadness. As an agency with expertise in trauma and child development, WJCS offers the following recommendations from our mental health professionals:

Take care of yourself. Stay calm and follow healthy habits. Eating well, sleeping well, and exercising can help you better manage stress and anxiety.

Reassure your child of his or her safety. Let children know that schools, law enforcement agencies, and government workers are actively working to ensure that all institutions in our area are safe and secure.

Make time to connect and talk. Sharing your feelings with others--whether it's with family, friends, or a mental health professional--can be very helpful. Be sure that children have the opportunity to share their feelings and be prepared to answer questions in a developmentally appropriate way.

Observe your family members' emotional states. Monitor their moods as well as sleeping and eating behaviors. Some may be open to articulating their fears while others emotionally disconnect or appear anxious without saying why.

Limit media exposure. Our 24/7 news cycle can reinforce and exaggerate scary thoughts for both adults and children.

Maintain normal routines. Following your regular schedule provides comfort and security.

Spend quality time with loved ones. Schedule some fun activities for yourself as well as with your children.

If sadness persists, on your part or that of your child’s, seek professional consultation.

Jospeh Kaidanow and Millie Jasper from the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center

To say once again, "our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families," rings hollow. It does not adequately convey the deep sorrow, pain and anger that we feel. We mourn any death. How do we mourn death when it happens in the very place we seek solace, peace, and respite from the world?

We send our heartfelt condolences, love and support to the Tree of Life, New Light and Dor Hadash Congregations as well as to the brave police officers who came to their defense.

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center solemnly pledges to fight antisemitism and racial hatred by redoubling its efforts to educate our youth, create upstanders and defend human rights with the hope of preventing such horrors in the future.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 24 October 2018

Created: 24 October 2018

Last Updated: 24 October 2018

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We received 275 responses to our survey about a potential dog park and here are the results:

Of those who responded, 72.1% are dog owners.

Asked if they support the establishment of a dog park in Scarsdale, 80.5% said yes.

However, the site for the dog park remains a matters for discussion.

When asked where the dog park should be placed, here are the answers we received:

Weinberg Nature Center 47.65%

Drake Road Park 21.8%

Crossway 36.4%

George Field 17.5%

Other 15.0%

We received 138 comments. Here are an array for you to read. We will share all the comments with the Village Board for their review:

A dog park would add so much to the community feel of Scarsdale. It would get people out of their neighborhoods on a frequent basis and encourage socializing across all generations!

With the lack of sidewalks all over this town it’s the least they can do to have a safer place to take dogs. It’s also an opportunity to regulate dog permits which most do not have and can bring in income to village.

It's hard to believe that we have to fight so hard to get such an obviously important thing like a dog park in Scarsdale. A dog park would be such a great addition for us dog lovers. I don't use the baseball fields, the pool, the tennis courts, the soccer fields, the track, the schools, or any of the other facilities that I pay crazy amounts of taxes for. Why shouldn't I be able to take my dog to a neighborhood dog park and socialize with my Scarsdale neighbors? I'm sick of these people in Scarsdale who are always so selfish that they say NIMBY even if it can't realistically have any negative impact on them.

I think there should be two areas for small and big dogs. I also suggest that there should be rules to keep the dog park clean and friendly for people. There would of course also have to be people to uphold these rules but I am sure there will be enough dog owners who worry and care about their dogs for that. It would be nice if it were in an environment friendly spot for the dogs and humans so that they could enjoy the experience more. Another good idea would be if there was a pamphlet or something similar to provide dog owners the required knowledge to prevent dog fights and injuries. I think there are of course other methods but these are just my ideas.

Who will have access to the dog park? Is it for residents only? We are near the Saxon Woods Golf Course (which is open to the public) and have had people let their large/untrained dogs run free... Scaring our children and neighbors and causing residents to call the police. This is an unnecessary drain on our resources. We believe a dog park especially if non-residents would have access would be a liability. There are many paths to walk your dog on a leash and most responsible dog lovers that purchase large dogs that need a lot of exercise fence their yard to let their dog out off the leash.

I use Ward Acres in New Rochelle 64 Acres. I have seen the cost or not only starting it up but also the maintenance. You would be better served to join with New Rochelle get discounts for Scarsdale residents and help support that. Gary Matzkin
10 Griffen Ave.

It would be so nice to have a local dog park so my dog can play with her neighbors instead of dogs from another community.

At a time when high taxes and the loss of deductibility are adding to the downward pressure on home values in Scarsdale, I would encourage our elected representatives to focus on expenditures that will enhance property values and improve the quality of life for all residents of Scarsdale. Investing in our schools, fields, roads, community services and village infrastructure will pay dividends to all residents. A dog park will not do so. In fact, it has the potential to meaningfully increase traffic and noise, and create safety concerns that could have the opposite affect on property values. If we truly have excess tax revenues available for lower level projects that benefit a limited population within Scarsdale, then it is time to discuss reducing property taxes, which most certainly will benefit us all.

There is already an "unofficial" dog park on a piece of property next to the Red Maple Swamp in Greenacres. With minimal improvement it could prove to be suitable.

Do not destroy the value and purpose of Weinberg Nature Center by placing an inappropriate activity like "dog park" anywhere near the one place in the Village reserved as a large preserve.

Drake Edgewood Park is also inappropriate for reasons of access, parking and neighborhood intrusion. The same can be said of Georges Field. Crossway is perhaps the only appropriate location with adequate parking and space. Nevertheless that too is an inappropriate location because it is already maxed out as a recreational facility and would also by it's location invite non-residents. IMHO, a "dog park" serves to benefit the conscience of pet owners, moreover, there are ample "dog parks" nearby.

Building and administrating a dog park is a bigger job than it seems. First off, there is no good space for the park and parking. If it’s at Drake Field, I’d fight it tooth and nail. I love Drake Field as is! Secondly, the Village is thinly staffed and would probably need to add personnel to administer the place, liability insurance would also be a consideration.

I have gone to Ward Acres in the past. It’s a huge dog park. Everyone thinks their dog is friendly and wonderful, but the truth is the dogs trend “ jumbo size”, are aggressive and their owners don’t watch them.

I’d probably try the park if it was built, but feel the Village should pursue other priorities.

I think that part of our concept of 'Scarsdale Village in a Park'needs to include elements of nature other than flowers and trees. While we do have some wild animals in our village, dogs and cats are even more a part of our natural context. We should find ways for them to exhibit their fun loving natures without being tied only to leashes.

The objections to a park at the Weinberg Nature Center are silly. The area is already busy from the center, a busy road and the onramp to the Hutch. A dog park is not going to make it any noticeably busier. And the noise issue is nothing. Most dogs don't bark when having fun, and even the few who do are barking in play, which is a tone that is not bothersome during daytime hours.

There is an empty area at Crossway after the outfield wall of the fenced in baseball field. There is plenty of parking, a wooded buffer b/w it and homes, and the baseball field is only sporadically used so it is unlikely to disrupt anybody.

Walking my dogs has been a wonderful addition to my life. I expected the exercise part would be great and of course being with my furry friends is fun. What I did not know until I had a dog is that it allows me to meet many neighbors and ones I normally would not meet. Dog owners vary in age, but all love their dogs and most want to have social opportunities for their dogs. It would be so wonderful to let the dogs run and play together at times, rather than just run around themselves and their owners on leashes getting all tangled up. I also do see some elderly dog owner who can at times have difficulty managing the exercise needs of their dogs so I would think this would be a great way for their dogs to get exercise and their owners to socialize.

I do think we need to have permits that offer a significantly reduced rate to Scarsdale residents. Open to the public dog parks that I have been to tend to have some scary looking dogs and owners who don't pay much attention.

Keeping a dog park sanitary is the biggest priority. I have been near many in NYC and they average from dirty to disgusting. Where ever it goes, the greatest concern is the smell. Dog parks are well-known to smell like dog poop, so having one located near anyone’s residence or places of public congregation should be prohibited.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 15 October 2018

Created: 15 October 2018

Last Updated: 15 October 2018

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The Scarsdale Forum Sustainability and Municipal Services Committees have released a joint report recommending that Scarsdale Village discontinue the use of toxic chemicals on all village properties and adopt an official organic landscape management policy. This supports the committees' finding that the use of toxic pesticides in our landscape can lead to significant, harmful health and environmental consequences.

For many years, the Village of Scarsdale has maintained an organic program for most of its properties; the committees recommend that these practices now should be extended to the few remaining locations where toxic chemicals continue to be used. These chemicals may include insecticides, rodenticides, herbicides, fungicides and synthetic fertilizers.

Committee members learned that, since 2009, Scarsdale has, at times, worked with Osborne Organics, which specializes in organic landscape management, to provide customized programs for village properties. While village staff and landscaping contractors largely have implemented these programs, they occasionally have applied certain hazardous chemicals in localized areas. One notable example is the Scarsdale pool complex, where such chemicals are used to treat flowering clover to discourage bees. When using the pool facility, many residents, particularly children, touch grass with bare feet and hands, increasing their exposure to these substances. In their report, committee members endorse a non-toxic method to eradicate clover and suggest organic alternatives to harmful chemicals used elsewhere.

Specifically, the report states that:

The use of toxic chemicals at the pool complex and any other village properties should be discontinued; and
The elimination of this practice should be codified, along with a requirement to implement organic landscape management practices on all village properties.

According to Municipal Services Committee Chair Madelaine Eppenstein, "Scarsdale is fortunate that, over the years, current and prior park superintendents and staff have understood the importance and effectiveness of organic landscape management. Thanks to them, public properties have thrived. It is now time to codify this practice villagewide to further ensure the health and safety of our residents, pets, wildlife and environment."

The report also recommends that Scarsdale should encourage residents to learn more about organic landscaping practices and promote more sustainable options for residential properties. "The toxic products that many residents and their landscapers apply to their individual properties affect neighbors, local wildlife and local waterways," said Michelle Sterling, co-chair of the Sustainability Committee. "The village should encourage the use of organic landscape management as a benefit to the entire community."

Darlene LeFrancois-Haber, Sustainability Committee co-chair, said, “I think it’s important to note, and for residents to understand, that aside from behavioral issues children are at increased risk of pesticide-induced harms based on physiologic and body size issues. Specifically children’s’ cells are turning over faster (they are growing!) and therefore more susceptible to the “hit” of toxins which may translate into downstream harms; and also, relative to their weight, they breathe and drink and eat more thereby increasing the concentration of these toxins when controlled for outdoor exposure time. And same argument, amplified, goes for fetuses. Unfortunately exposure to these pesticides is happening to all of us, pesticides are carried into our homes and remain active there for months, unable to be broken down by sunlight, rain, etc.. We don’t see it, but these toxins are measurable in our bodies, and over 750 studies have been compiled documenting harms of these pesticides that have then been the basis for guideline and consensus reports, recommendations statements, and reviews, including a 2012 report from the American Academy of Pediatrics. The basis for harm, is well captured I think in this quote: “Pesticides can cause harm to humans, animals, and the environment because they are designed to kill or otherwise affect living organisms.” Environmental Protection Agency.

A copy of the full report is available here.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 10 October 2018

Created: 10 October 2018

Last Updated: 10 October 2018

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Tyler SickThis in from the Westchester County District Attorney:
Tyler Sick, the former Edgemont wrestling coach has been sentenced to ten years probation following his guilty plea in July to two counts of Rape in the Third Degree, class E felonies, for having sex with a victim under the age of 17. Sick appeared before Westchester County Court Judge Susan Cacace. Among the conditions of his probation, Sick surrendered his teaching license and will have to register as a sex offender. Sick was a teacher in the Bronx.

Assistant District Attorney Mary Clark-DiRusso, Deputy Chief in the Special Prosecutions Division, addressed the court saying the sentence was agreed to at the request of the victim’s family.

Sick petitioned the court to allow him to move permanently to North Carolina where he has family. It is now up to the North Carolina state probation authorities as to whether they will accept the transfer of his probation. In the meantime, Sick must remain in Westchester until that decision is made. A Sex Offender Registry Act (SORA) hearing is scheduled for Nov. 27, 2018.

Two Bronx Men Indicted for Mail Theft in Tarrytown

Two Bronx men, Defendants Sean Dash (DOB 02/24/97) and Jade Williams (DOB 05/14/99) were arraigned Thursday October 4 in connection with mail theft in Tarrytown. They were arraigned on the 32-count indictment today before Westchester County Court Judge Barry Warhit. Each man has been charged on the following two felonies:

· Grand Larceny in the 3rd Degree, a class D felony
· Criminal Possession Of Stolen Property in the Third Degree, a class D felony

And the following misdemeanor charges:
· 14 counts of Criminal Possession Of Stolen Property In The Fifth Degree
· 13 counts of Petit Larceny
· 1 count of Attempted Petit Larceny

Jade Williams alone is charged with two vehicular violations.

The indictment alleges on May 18, 2018 at approximately 2:35 a.m., Tarrytown Police observed a man acting suspiciously in front of a mailbox located just blocks from the Post Office. A second man was in a vehicle acting as a lookout. On investigation, police found a “garbage bag” full of assorted mail and a mailbox key in their car. The garbage bag contained 14 separate victims’ mail which had been stolen from a second mailbox located directly in front of the Post Office. One victim was the Village of Tarrytown School District which had $44,380.91 worth of checks in the mail. The two were arrested by Tarrytown Police.