Vote for Westchester County Executive on February 11, 2025
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To the Editor,
Vote February 11 for Ken Jenkins in the Special Election for County Executive!
Now that Trump has returned for a second term, the question on many people’s minds is what this means for Westchester Democrats. While the national party is in the midst of electing a new chair and determining its direction, here in Westchester there should be no doubt that Democrats have been delivering solid results with excellent leadership over the last seven years.
Ken Jenkins, once our Deputy County Executive, has been elevated to the position of County Executive by the Board of Legislators, now that George Latimer has been sworn in as our U.S. Congressman. Jenkins is now running in the February 11 Special Election to serve for the remaining months of Latimer’s 2021-2025 term.
Jenkins served for 18 years as a member, including four years as Chairman, of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, before serving as Deputy County Executive, where he worked in partnership with Latimer to cut taxes while maintaining essential services, substantially reduced crime, and secured millions of dollars to address infrastructure needs in Westchester. With their administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and economic growth, Moody’s Investors Service upgraded the County’s financial outlook from stable to positive, and S&P Global Ratings increased the County’s bond rating to AAA, levels that had previously declined under the Republican predecessor, Rob Astorino.
Early Voting for the Special Election begins February 1. Early Voting polling locations are the same as those used in November’s general election. However, be aware that polling locations on Election Day, February 11, will likely be different since polling sites will be consolidated for this election. Please be on the lookout for the announcement of those Election Day polling sites. Voters can also vote early by mail, but the application for an early mail ballot must be RECEIVED 10 days before the Special Election (https://elections.ny.gov/request-ballot)."
Westchester needs to elect Ken Jenkins for County Executive to keep the momentum set by his former partner in the executive branch, County Executive George Latimer. You have the opportunity to vote for Jenkins in the Special Election on February 11.
Since this is a special election which is only days away, turnout is likely to be uneven. Scarsdale is the reservoir of good voters. Let’s show our stuff by voting either early or on February 11th. Every election is important!
Alissa Baum and Myra Saul
Scarsdale Democratic Town Committee
NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli Advises New Yorkers to Use Their Gift Cards
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Over $21 Million in Unused Gift Cards Recovered by DiNapoli’s Office in 2024
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli is urging New Yorkers to keep track of gift cards received during the holidays. When gift cards aren’t used for five years, their balances may be turned over by retailers to the Comptroller’s Office of Unclaimed Funds (OUF). In 2024, the office recovered over $21 million from gift cards, more than three times the amount received in 2014 ($5.8 million). New Yorkers are encouraged to spend holiday gift cards early this new year and remember to check for unclaimed funds.
“Tis the season of giving, not losing, so please spend those gift cards and check to see if you have unclaimed funds,” DiNapoli said. “Many New Yorkers don’t realize gift cards may have their balances transferred to the Office of Unclaimed Funds after five years of inactivity. Last year, we recovered over $21 million worth of lost money from unspent gift cards.”
Statewide, New York City residents are owed the most in unclaimed funds stemming from gift cards, cumulatively totaling nearly $48 million, followed by Long Island residents at $11.4 million and Hudson Valley residents at $7.8 million.
DiNapoli’s office returns an average of $1.5 million in unclaimed funds every business day and works with retailers to identify the owners of unused gift cards. Retailers can provide OUF with a name if the person registers the gift card online, if they have been issued a refund, or if the card was purchased with an existing store account. If the owner’s information is not known to a New York retailer, it will report the card details, such as card number and balance, which can be used by the gift card owner to claim the balance from OUF.
OUF will begin returning some money more quickly in 2025 due to legislation just signed into law. Certain newly acquired unclaimed funds of $250 or less may be returned to their rightful owners without requiring them to fill out a claim form. If OUF can confirm the identity and mailing address of an entitled owner, those payments will be mailed by check directly to them. If gift cards are registered with retailers before they are turned over to OUF, returns could be expedited.
DiNapoli reminds gift card recipients to read the fine print on the card for details about any fees and expiration dates and to register the card with the retailer.
The Comptroller’s office has more than $19 billion in unclaimed funds.
The Most Borrowed Books in Scarsdale in 2024
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When you get together with a Scarsdale friend, after inquiring about their health and their kids, the conversation will inevitably turn to what they are reading. Benefitting from one of the best local libraries around, Scarsdale residents have ready access to print books, e-books and audio books, all available with their library card.
What did they read in 2024? We asked our librarians for lists of the most borrowed books, e-books and audiobooks for 2024, here is the list of the most borrowed books by Scarsdale patrons in 2024.
Share your favorite reads in the comments section below.
Print Books:
Fiction
1. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
2. The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
3. The Women by Kristin Hannah
4. The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
5. The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
6. Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
7. The Hunter by Tana French
8. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
9. The Truth about the Devlins by Lisa Scottoline
10. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Non-Fiction
1. Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon by Michael Lewis
2. The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann
3. Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia
4. The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt
5. The Fund: Ray Dalio, Bridgewater Associates, and the Unraveling of a Wall Street Legend by Rob Copeland
6. Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing up by Abigail Shrier
7. The Genius of Israel: The surprising Resilience of a Divided Nation in a Turbulent World by Dan Senor and Saul Singer
8. How To Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David Brooks
9. Build the Life you Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier by Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey
10. The Best Minds: A Story of Friendship, Madness, and the Tragedy of Good Intentions by Jonathan Rosen
ebooks
1. Funny Story by Emily Henry
2. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yaros
3. The Women by Kristin Hannah
4. The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride 5. The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
6. Table for Two: Fictions by Amor Towles
7. Iron Flame Rebecca Yaros
8. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
9. The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese 10. The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Audiobooks
1. Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
2. Funny Story by Emily Henry
3. The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
4. The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride 5. James by Percival Everett
6. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
7. The Women by Kristin Hannah
8. All Fours by Miranda July
9. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elson
10. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yaros
Visit SPLReads for reading recommendations and so much more!
Happiness Comes Gift-Wrapped in Little Moments
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(The following was written by Mindfulness Coach Pragya Jindal)
As the holidays approach, Scarsdale's streets are aglow with festive lights, and the cheerful buzz of community events fills the air. Yet, many of us find ourselves caught in a familiar cycle of “I’ll be happy when…” We tell ourselves that joy lies just beyond the horizon—when our child gets into their dream college, when we finally buy that perfect home, or when we achieve the promotion we’ve been working toward.
The truth is, our minds are experts at tricking us into believing that happiness exists only in some future moment. The conscious mind, always a problem solver, constantly searches for problems to fix. In doing so, it often leaves us feeling unhappy, frustrated, or worried. It replays worries on a loop—distracting us even during moments that should bring joy. At a warm holiday gathering with friends or family, we might find ourselves drifting into thoughts of deadlines, unresolved issues, or tomorrow’s to-do list.
But the holiday season offers a unique chance to pause and re-train our minds to find joy in the small, beautiful moments that surround us right here in Scarsdale.
Take a leisurely stroll through the village to admire the festive window displays and twinkling lights. Spend an afternoon ice skating with your kids, or share laughter with friends over hot cocoa at a cozy neighborhood café. Let the crackling warmth of a fireplace, the scent of pine wreaths, or the giggles of grandchildren remind you that life’s greatest joys are often quiet and unassuming.
True happiness isn’t found in chasing grand achievements but in appreciating life’s small, everyday wonders. A heartfelt conversation, a walk in the crisp, frosty air, or the way holiday music makes every corner of our community a little brighter—all of these hold the potential for deep contentment.
This season, let’s give ourselves the gift of being fully present. The problems can wait, but the beauty of these “here and now” experiences will not.
So, as you savor a warm drink at Starbucks or admire the charm of decorated homes in Fox Meadow, take a deep breath and let the simplicity of the moment bring you peace.
Remember, happiness isn’t a distant destination—it’s already here, waiting for you to notice.
Pragya Jindal
Mindfulness Coach
www.powerofyourmind.life
Charity and Hilarity on February 8th
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During the challenges of the Covid era while we many of us were considering new challenges, skills or hobbies – or even just looking for a fun and safe evening out – Comedy Greens, a local amateur comedy troupe, was born. Led by their ring leader, Russ Flicker, a group of local moms and dads began writing material, practicing, meeting, re-writing comic gold (or sometimes bronze) after work and on weekends culminating in several backyard comedy shows in town. Through word of mouth, a supportive community and donated audiovisual and lighting, the shows had 150-200+ people bringing chairs and enjoying a great old fashioned, if not always wholesome, show bringing neighbors together for a good laugh. Mostly intentional.
Shows performed outdoors with a bring-your-own-chair and anything else delivered a fun experience but also led to some weather challenges and didn’t include traditional tickets. Also, friends and neighbors who act as both audience members but also sometimes as “guest writers” who occasionally join the writing, laughing, practicing sessions have suggested the events be used to raise money for charity since the first show. All of which has now led to the Comedy Greens first indoor performance to raise money for charity!
The Comedy Greens are hosting two shows, both the evening of February 8th, to raise money for research to find a cure for Type I Diabetes and other autoimmune diseases. The shows are at the theatre in the JCC of Mid-Westchester, adjacent to the Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center. You must buy tickets in advance, but beer and wine is included in the ticket price with no additional cost, which Russ quickly points out “is really for the comedians as much as the audience!” The show includes Lori Rothman, Dan Brown, Mike Mantzouris, Phil Smith, Frank Murtha, Doug Krohn, Rebecca Berman, Andrew Rich and Russ Flicker. To buy tickets please visit http://jccmw.ticketleap.com/the-comedy-greens/ to support this worthy charity where the comics and the audience are all neighbors!
