White Plains Hospital Junior Leadership Council Event Helps Students Explore Careers in Healthcare
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Members of the White Plains Hospital medical team and Junior Leadership CouncilOn April 15, White Plains Hospital’s Junior Leadership Council (JLC) brought local high school students, parents and medical professionals together at Scarsdale High School for its first “Careers in Healthcare: From Nursing to Neurosurgery & Beyond” event.
The free event drew nearly 200 attendees – including 137 high school students and dozens of parents and caregivers—from more than 35 schools across Westchester County.
Designed and led by JLC members, the evening gave students a firsthand look at the wide range of career opportunities within healthcare—and the many paths to get there.
The program kicked off with a panel moderated by White Plains Hospital Board Member and Foundation Vice Chair Dara Gruenberg and featured White Plains Hospital physicians and medical professionals across disciplines, including emergency medicine, neurosurgery, colorectal surgery, nutrition, nursing, and healthcare administration.
Panelists answered questions from JLC students, sharing personal stories, career insights, and perspectives on the present and future of medicine. Panelists included Frances Bordoni, EVP, Ambulatory & Physician Services and Business Development; Registered Dietitian Liz DeRobertis; Family Nurse Practitioner Martha Ferrara; Neurosurgeon Dr. Alexandra Kammen; Cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. James Peacock; Ertha Small-Nicolas, AVP, Patient Care Services; Dr. Kimberly Yee, Colorectal surgeon; and Dr. JK Rasamny, Chief of Otolaryngology and President of the Hospital’s Medical Staff.
Pictured Above: White Plains Hospital physicians and medical professionals leading “Careers in Healthcare’ Panel From left to right: Dara Gruenberg, White Plains Hospital Board Member and Foundation Vice Chair; James Peacock, MD, MS, Cardiac Electrophysiology, Arrhythmia; Ertha Small-Nicolas, AVP, Patient Care Services; Frances Bordoni, EVP, Ambulatory & Physician Services and Business Development; Kimberly Yee, MD, Colan and Rectal Surgery; Liz DeRobertis, MS, RD, CDE, CDE, Nutrition & Weight Management; Alexandra Kammen, MD, Neurosurgery; Martha Ferrara, Cardiac Electrophysiology, Family Nurse Practitioner; and Dr. Jk Rasamny, Chief of Otolaryngology and President of the Hospital’s Medical Staff
Following the panel, students broke into smaller sessions for more in-depth conversations with additional clinicians and healthcare professionals from White Plains
Hospital to explore specialties from endocrinology and gastroenterology to emergency medicine and practice management. These interactive discussions gave students a chance to ask candid questions about the interdisciplinary team’s career journeys and their personal perspectives and practices, including how they manage the pressure in a hospital environment and what advice they would give their younger selves.
Pictured Above: Ertha Small-Nicolas, AVP, Patient Care Services and Dr. Dean Straff talk with students about the rewards and pressures of working in the White Plains Hospital Emergency Room
“We are deeply grateful to our healthcare team for sharing their time and expertise, and to our Junior Leadership Council members and student participants for bringing such energy and enthusiasm to the evening,” said Laura Romeo Sobel, Director of Ancillary Programs & Volunteer Services at White Plains Hospital. “By opening doors for students to engage directly with our clinicians and leaders, we are both investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals and helping them see the many paths available to make their own impact. This program is one way we are working to strengthen connections across Westchester County and
beyond and support the health, education, and well-being of the communities we serve.”
Participating students and parents appreciated this forum to explore real-world careers and the approachability and insight of the Hospital specialists on hand. “My biggest takeaway was that medicine is not just about science; it is also about patients and how medical professionals make them feel,” said Guy Golan, a Junior at Blind Brook High School who attended the event.
Pictured Above: Dr. Kimberly Yee talks with students about life in the White Plains Hospital Operating Room
White Plains Hospital launched The Junior Leadership Council in September 2025 with 19 students representing 13 local high schools. Guided by Gruenberg, Dr. Peacock and Laura Romeo Sobel, Director Ancillary Programs & Volunteer Services, the Council provides hands-on exposure to healthcare through experiences such as CPR training, clinical tours, and physician interviews, while also empowering students to serve as health ambassadors in their communities.
For more information about how high school students can get involved in healthcare, please visit Volunteer Opportunities | White Plains Hospital or contact [email protected]
I Am More Scarsdale Announces, “Style With Purpose” Spring Event On April 29
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I Am More Scarsdale is proud to announce its upcoming “Style with Purpose” Spring Shopping Event, taking place on Wednesday, April 29 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at its boutique located at 6 Spencer Place in Scarsdale Village. In partnership with Moms in Training and Blood Cancer United, the event will raise funds to support life-saving blood cancer research and provide critical resources for patients and their families.
Blood Cancer United is dedicated to advancing innovative research, improving access to care, and supporting individuals and families impacted by blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Through programs like Moms in Training, the organization empowers communities to come together in support of patients while raising awareness and funding for cutting-edge treatments.
As part of the event, I Am More Scarsdale will proudly feature David Stesner Arthouse, showcasing a curated collection of bold, expressive artwork translated into luxury home and lifestyle accessories. Known for his vibrant, butterfly-inspired designs, Stesner’s work blends fine art with functional design, offering guests a unique opportunity to shop statement pieces that bring creativity and sophistication into everyday living.
Guests are also invited to explore I Am More’s latest spring fashion collection, featuring elevated, effortless pieces designed to inspire confidence and versatility. The event promises a day of style, community, and purpose, where shopping directly contributes to meaningful impact.
“At I Am More, everything we do is rooted in purpose,” said Marcy Berman-Goldstein and Abbey Solomon, co-founders of I Am More Scarsdale. “This event is a reflection of what we believe in—bringing together style, community, and meaningful impact. We are honored to partner with Moms in Training and Blood Cancer United to support patients and families, and to create an experience where every purchase gives back.”
“I create luxury art and products from butterflies’ vivid imagery—harmony, joy, beauty, and life—as metaphors for human emotions, crafting vibrant, urban pop luxury for everyday use,” said David Stesner. “I am thrilled to partner with I Am More Scarsdale for such a meaningful and impactful event, bringing art, community, and purpose together in support of a cause that truly makes a difference.”
“We’re so excited for this opportunity to collaborate with I Am More and David Stesner Arthouse to raise awareness and funds for Blood Cancer United and Moms in Training,” said Lauren Medalie, MIT Team Captain. “I Am More has been a partner since the beginning, and we are excited to come together as a community to shop in support of this important cause.”
How to Participate
Shop In-Store:
Visit I Am More Scarsdale on April 29 between 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM. A portion of all in-store proceeds will be donated to Blood Cancer United.
Shop Online:
Customers can also support the cause by shopping online or purchasing gift cards at www.iammorescarsdale.com. Please include “MIT” in the order notes to ensure proceeds are allocated to this initiative.
Donate:
Additional tax-deductible donations can be made to support patient care, research, and family services through Moms in Training Blood Cancer United Team Page.
About I Am More Scarsdale
I Am More Scarsdale is a women’s boutique located in Scarsdale Village, dedicated to empowering women through fashion while supporting philanthropic initiatives. The boutique curates a collection of clothing, jewelry, and accessories from emerging and women-owned designers, with a mission to inspire confidence and give back to the community.
Operating as a philanthropic business, I Am More’s ownership forgoes a salary to donate profits to the organizations it supports. The boutique has been recognized as one of Westchester’s trendiest retail destinations and has received the Best of Westchester award for Best Women’s Empowerment Shopping. Owners Marcy Berman-Goldstein and Abbey Solomon have also been recognized by the Westchester County Business Journal as powerful women leaders for eight consecutive years.
Learn more at: www.iammorescarsdale.com
Instagram: @iammore.scarsdale
About David Stesner Arthouse
David Stesner is a contemporary artist known for his bold, expressive work that blends fine art with a fashion-forward sensibility. Recognized for his signature butterfly motifs and vibrant use of color, Stesner has built a distinctive visual language that is both striking and emotionally resonant.
Through David Stesner Arthouse, his original artwork extends beyond the canvas into a curated collection of luxury home and lifestyle accessories. Each piece transforms his highly detailed designs into functional, statement-making objects that bring art into everyday living.
Stesner’s work has been exhibited in galleries globally and featured in high-end retail environments and luxury spaces, continuing to resonate with collectors and design enthusiasts alike. His artwork has been acquired by celebrities and members of royal families across the UAE, and is included in the permanent collection at the St. Regis Hotel in Doha, Qatar, where it is currently on display. In addition to his fine art practice, Stesner has collaborated on special exhibitions with brands such as Lamborghini and organizations including the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, and has contributed his work in support of numerous charitable foundations.
Learn more at: https://davidstesnerarthouse.com
Instagram: @davidstesner | @davidstesnerarthouse
About Moms in Training | Blood Cancer United
Moms in Training is a community-based fundraising and fitness program of over 100 women in Westchester that supports Blood Cancer United. Participants train for endurance events while raising funds to advance research and provide support services for patients and families affected by blood cancers.
Blood Cancer United is committed to accelerating cures, improving patient outcomes, and strengthening support systems for those navigating diagnosis and treatment.
Learn more at: Instagram: @momsintraining_bcutd
Swedish Death Cleaning: Why Wait
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(The following was submitted by Robin Murphy of Maid Brigade)
Swedish death cleaning has to be one of the worst phrases ever invented. It sounds grim, a little alarming, and definitely not like something you’d casually bring up over coffee. But once you get past the name, the idea itself is surprisingly smart.
The basic concept is simple: get rid of things you no longer need before they become someone else’s problem later. That may sound dark, but I actually think there’s something generous in it. Also something liberating.
What I like most about it is the question hiding underneath: why wait?
Why wait for a move, a renovation, retirement, or some imagined future stretch of time when you’ll finally have the energy to deal with the overflowing cabinet, the crowded closet, or the drawer full of mystery cords and expired coupons? Why not make things easier on yourself now?
We tend to think of decluttering as one of those projects for “someday,” something we’ll get to when life calms down. But maybe life feels calmer because we do it. Maybe getting rid of what we don’t use, don’t love, and don’t need is not just about being organized. Maybe it’s about making your home easier to live in.
I’m not talking about a giant weekend purge with labels and bins and 14 matching baskets. I mean one shelf. One drawer. One small corner that has been mildly insulting you for months. Enough to create a little more breathing room.
That, to me, is the appeal of Swedish death cleaning. Not the death part. The why wait part. Why wait to feel better in your home when you could be enjoying the relief this week?
Robin Murphy is the owner (along with her husband, Gary) of Maid Brigade, a Westchester-based professional housecleaning company. After 30 years in the business, she’s learned that a clean home isn’t about perfection. It’s about health, sanity, and making life easier. She can be reached at [email protected] or 914-741-0552.
Attorney James Farnsworth Passes Away Unexpectedly at 61
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James R. Farnsworth, 61, died unexpectedly on March 30, 2026. James was a devoted husband, father and friend, and an accomplished attorney whose cheerfulness and fun-loving nature abounded.
James was born in Englewood, New Jersey, and remained a lifelong Springsteen fan who had tickets for three upcoming shows. James was a huge sports fan, especially of the Yankees and the Rangers, and filled his home with memorabilia. Like his parents, Charles and Kathryn Farnsworth who pre-deceased him, and his wife Sara, James attended Oberlin College, after which he received his J.D. from New York University School of Law. James thrived as a lawyer, rising to become the Chief US Compliance & Regulatory Counsel at Capgemini, who also was recognized by his peers to become the President-Elect of the Association of Corporate Counsel – New York City.
James traveled extensively, including relocating temporarily to Paris and returning to attend the Olympics, and socialized regularly with friends and colleagues, lighting up each room he entered. James is survived by his loving wife of twenty years, Sara, his children Ella and Emery whom he adored, and an extended family including sister Ann and brothers John and William. James proudly coached sports teams for Ella and Emery, for whom he maintained professional-quality spreadsheets and statistics. A celebration of James’s life will be held at Scarsdale Congregational Church, 1 Heathcote Road, Scarsdale, NY, on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 11 a.m. The family invites all who knew James to attend.
The Ambassador Files Suit to Maintain the Ethical Culture Society Claiming They Received No Notification of Application to Raze It
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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In recent years, developers frequently file applications with the Committee for Historic Preservation (CHP) to demolish Scarsdale homes in order to replace them with larger manses. And often these applications are approved with the committee finding that the homes do not meet the Village’s criteria for preservation. When the CHP does deny an applicant permission to demolish a home, the applicant can appeal to the Village Board of Trustees in the hope of winning approval to raze the property.
However, a complaint filed in NYS Supreme Court on February 24, 2026 presents a new twist on the preservation laws. In this case, the Committee for Historic Preservation approved the demolition of a property, and now the owner of the facility next door is petitioning to annul that decision.
The case involves an application filed by Sunrise Senior Living to take down the Ethical Culture Society building on Saxon Woods Road, in order to replace it with a senior living facility. The property is adjacent to The Ambassador, another senior living facility that would presumably compete with the new entrant.
After the Committee for Historic Preservation approved the demolition in October, lawyers for the Ambassador tried to appeal the decision to the Village Board of Trustees. Keane & Beane, attorneys for the Village of Scarsdale said that Sunrise does not have the right to appeal the decision because it does not own the property in question.
A letter from Nicholas M. Ward-Willis of Keane & Beane said, '….the property that is the subject of the application, and therefore the "property in question" is 7 Saxon Woods Road. Mr. Sharma is not the owner of that property, but rather the owner of an adjacent parcel located at 9 Saxon Woods Road. Accordingly, while Mr. Sharma may consider himself aggrieved by the Decision, he does not meet the definition of "owner" under the Village Code and therefore lacks standing to appeal the CHP's Decision to the Board of Trustees.'
Attorneys for the Ambassador also filed a FOIL request for recordings of the CHP meetings and meeting notices, claiming they were not notified of the public hearing. On January 2, 2026 the Village responded, 'Scarsdale Village Code § 182-3E(3) provides the CHP “may hold a public hearing on a completed application when it deems the same to be in the public interest.” Thus, the CHP did not hold “public hearings” on the dates in question because such hearings are not required to be held.'
The Village responded with copies of the mailing labels advising neighbors of the CHP meeting. But the one for the Ambassador was sent to their loan servicer in Houston, Texas.
The complaint filed by lawyers for the Ambassador claims that the CHP's decision was made “in violation of the open meetings law.” It says, “Petitioners received no notice of and did not otherwise have knowledge of the planned demolition until the COA was already approved.” “As a result of being illegally denied notice, Petitioners were deprived of their procedural due process rights to participate in the CHP meetings, present comments, and raise their concerns regarding the proposed demolition of this beloved structure.”
Furthermore they claimed the destruction will have “Immediate direct adverse impacts” on the Ambassador’s “property value, aesthetic environment and legally protected interest and will negatively affect the quality of life of the Ambassador’s residents.”
They also claim that there were no records of the CHP meetings and minutes. “In addition to depriving Petitioners notice of the CHP public meeting, Respondents failed to maintain an audible record of the CHP deliberations, (and) did not publish any articulated findings or minutes…”
The complaint charges the Village of Scarsdale with failing to provide notice of the meeting to the news media saying “New York's Open Meetings Law establishes mandatory dual notice requirements for public meetings. OML § 104(1). The statute explicitly provides that "public notice of the time and place of a meeting scheduled at least one week prior thereto shall be given or electronically transmitted to the news media and shall be conspicuously posted in one or more designated public locations at least seventy-two hours before such meeting." Id. Courts have interpreted these requirements as conjunctive, meaning both forms of notice are mandatory, not alternatives. See, e.g., White v. Battaglia, 79 A.D.2d 880, 881 (4th Dep’t 1980)….Failure to provide notice to the news media more than one week in advance of the September and October 2025 CHP meetings violated OML § 104.”
The story was in fact covered on Scarsdale10583, though there was no “official notification” posted on the site. You can see the article here.
Letter from Neighbors
The Ambassador is not the only party objecting to the demolition. Scarsdale10583 received a letter from neighbors on Saxon Woods Road objecting to the demolition and construction of another 125 units.
The letter says, “Are you aware that the Ethical Society and The Ambassador has flooded 4x in the past five years, with the 2022 flood causing 8 months of remediation at The Ambassador. Our houses have flooded more than ever since The Ambassador was built. There is still debris from the flood in the Saxon Woods creek (umbrellas, benches, clothes and other junk.) How do they plan to fix our flood problem when the sheer addition will make it worse. It cost me $10K to remove mold from my basement.”
“The parking situation caused by The Ambassador is already dangerous. And despite many calls to the Village nothing has been done. Cars are parked on the side of the road and emergency vehicles cannot arrive to our neighborhood.”
“The Ethical Society was once part of the fabric of our quiet neighborhood and that was ruined 15 years ago when the Ambassador was built. Amba promised 200 trees to hide the commercial look. A promise he failed to deliver and he was allowed to neglect on.”
“Families have resided here for 50 plus years and our once quiet neighborhood is no more. The addition of 125 more units will destroy it. Please help us.”
