Words of Advice and a Recipe from Scarsdale's Evelyn Stock

Evelyn Stock has lived in Scarsdale for forty-two years – and during that time has held leadership positions in most of the Village organizations, and many County and State organizations as well. Committed to public service, Stock is a role model for everyone in town and continues to serve in too many ways to list. Anyone who has had the pleasure of working with her will remark on her sharp intellect, honesty, ability to identify the issues and her terrific sense of humor. Stock makes both new and old residents of Scarsdale feel like they belong and inspires them to step up and contribute.

Stock’s talents go beyond the boardroom to the kitchen where she is known for her first-rate confections. Read to the end of this interview and you’ll find a sweet treat!

When did you move to Scarsdale and what drew you to the community? My husband, Howard, Elisabeth, my two-year-old daughter and I (Andrea was born in 1973) moved to Scarsdale in May of 1970. Everything was in flower; it was like coming to paradise. The reputation of the schools was a draw as was having a friend who lived here. We had also looked in Larchmont but we felt we clearly got the most for our money in Scarsdale.

How have things stayed the same/changed since you first moved in? Much is the same--people still move here for the schools, for the Village services, and for the easy commute to New York City. The community still welcomes those who wish to serve and for me, at least, it is still a place where neighbors care about and support one another. The support my family received when my husband was sick and dying was awesome.

At the same time, things have also changed—the obvious ones physical ones—Heathcote Five Corners, the Village Center, houses being built on every and any available plot of land. And so many houses being torn down or added to—my friend says the Scarsdale houses are on steroids. But the residents also have changed. In 1970 Scarsdale was a more financially diverse community, lots of teachers lived here as did policemen and firemen from NYC. Not too many people looking for homes can afford the prices and the taxes now. We paid what we considered then an incredible amount for our first house. It sold for more than 15 times that amount several years ago. More seniors remained in their homes then and did not feel pressed by high taxes to leave when their kids graduated from high school.

As a parent, how did you find the school system? For the most part it was good and generally responsive to the needs of my kids who were very different from one another. Although we all recognize not every teacher is good for every kid, most of the teachers really cared and were available and supportive. I felt it got better as the years went by. The district has remained committed to preparing kids not only for college but for life. I think the best testimony to its success is how many of our high school graduates have returned to Scarsdale to raise their children.

A school district with an excellent reputation often lives up to expectations because it draws those who value education and who are willing, even at great sacrifice, to support the schools. And as parents, they are involved in their children’s education. What better recipe for success?

What attracted you to service on the school board? How many years did you serve? It was a logical destination given my years in the PTA and the Scarsdale League of Women Voters. (The League studies and comments each year on the school budget.) I used to say I had climbed on a conveyor belt when I became a class mother and either school board or Village board was the destination. I served the customary six years.

What are some of your most vivid memories of that time? School related vivid memories include meetings that lasted long after midnight. lots of meetings, the community uproar over the “brown anodized replacement windows,” the superintendent search when Dr. Sobol left to become NYS Commissioner of Education, and working to get the bond issue for the new construction approved by the voters. The controversy about the windows was unbelievably difficult for the board members. Hiring Dick Hibschman to be our new superintendent was a coup. Board members were out every night for months trying to enlist support for the bond issue, and I can still feel the jubilation we felt when the bond passed.

Community memories include the ongoing discussion about downtown development and parking, parking, parking. I served on a committee to study downtown development. I worked with great people but the report was put on a shelf. I continue to be disappointed that the Village has done little to deal with the flooding problems in my neighborhood. The problems have been known for years but only after the devastating flooding of 2007 did the Village begin regular maintenance of the storm sewers.

I know you have served on almost all of the major committees in Scarsdale….What were some of your favorites and why? I guess they were all favorites—PTA, the LWV, School Board, the Planning Board, the Adult School, Westchester Reform Temple, Scarsdale Foundation, the Village and School Board nominating committees. Plus, of course, the committees and boards outside of Scarsdale (Southern Westchester BOCES for 14 years, Westchester Putnam School Boards Association, President of the LWV of Westchester and then New York State, Westchester Women’s Advisory Board. Fair Campaign Practices Committee, Women’s Research and Education Fund).

Why—Each committee brought me in contact with people with different interests. I learned a lot. Also, I have had the opportunity to meet and work with the best people--volunteers are the best people, and many of them became and still are my friends.

Which ones did you find to be tiresome? All of my commitments at one time or another have been tiresome. Fortunately, I had the support of my husband and my children (even though they were not always good about taking and giving me messages).

Were you surprised when you were nominated for the Scarsdale Bowl? Yes, there were lots of people ahead of me whom I felt were deserving and I was still relatively young. And the previous year I had been named to the Westchester Hall of Fame.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the number of assignments you have accepted? Frequently! Especially when a number of things must be completed at the same time. I once told my husband that I wanted to run away. Realizing he was hurt, I said I was not planning to run away from him—he could come with me.

I know you enjoy serving as a mentor to younger residents– what would you tell newcomers to Scarsdale about getting involved? I have been blessed to live in a community which values volunteer work. It has been my privilege to encourage others. I tell both new and old residents to volunteer with something they find interesting. Their circle of friends will no longer be confined to neighbors or those whose children are the same age. And making a difference, even a small one, feels good. It can become addictive. And as much as they give, they will get far more in return.

As Chair of Westchester County Fair Campaign Practices you have deliberated over many controversial issues. Can you describe one that was particularly challenging? There were many and continue to be many but, years ago, we had a candidate who complained that his opponent claimed to be pro-choice when he was the “only” candidate who could rightfully make that claim. After much deliberation, the Committee decided it was not our role to decide the definition of pro-choice, rather it was up to the candidates themselves to explain their version of “pro-choice” to the voters

You are also famous for your baking and have taught a baking class at the Scarsdale Adult School. Can you share a recipe with our readers? Famous—no! I admit to having some really good recipes, one of the best is for Lemon Squares. It is guaranteed to be foolproof providing you follow the recipe and make sure your oven temperature is right.

Lemon Squares

Lemon Squares have been my signature confection for at least 35 years. They have appeared at numerous events and are expected to be served at all of my parties. I first saw the recipe in a recipe book published by a Baltimore Museum--they were called Lemon Cheese Squares. I was intrigued since there was no cheese in the recipe.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine in food processor:

• 2 C flour
• 1/2 C confectioners sugar
• pinch of salt
• 1 C unsalted butter

Process until ingredients form into a ball.

Pat evenly into a 10 x 13 inch metal pan.

Bake for about 20 minutes. The crust should be barely golden.

Meanwhile mix together in the food processor (I do not wash the bowl):

• 4 eggs
• 5 T flour
• 2 C sugar
• Juice of 2 medium size lemons (about 5 T)
• Grated zest of 1 lemon or 2 if a more pronounced lemon taste is desired.

If there are bubbles, wait a minute for them to settle.

Pour over partially baked crust. Bake 25 minutes more. Top should be set but not brown. Cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar and cut into squares. (I trim the edges for a clean look--they get eaten by family and anyone walking through the kitchen.) Sometimes, instead of powdered sugar, I have frosted the squares with a thin icing of lemon juice and powdered sugar.

Lemon squares can be frozen.