Letters from Buchen, Finger, Miller and Rubin in Support of the Non-Partisan Slate
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Joaquin Alemany, Randy Whitestone, Lena Crandall and Justin ArestTo my Scarsdale Neighbors: Our Village elections are fast approaching and I want to urge all my fellow residents to re-elect Justin Arest to a second term as Village Trustee.
For nearly two years, I and a group of dedicated residents have had the pleasure to work with Justin as members of the Scarsdale Cable Television Commission of which I have been a member for ten years and its chairman for the last two years. The Village Code established this commission authorizing it to negotiate and recommend to the Mayor and Trustees new cable television franchise agreements with our cable providers, Verizon and Altice (Cablevision). Justin was appointed by two successive Mayors as the Trustee liaison to the Commission. The role of the Trustee liaison is to provide feedback to the Board. As did his predecessors, Justin does far more.
Justin’s involvement has been an invaluable asset to the work of the Commission. Justin has not only attended every meeting and participated in every conference call – his ongoing advice, input and recommendations have been important in the preparations for face to face negotiations with the cable providers. His background as an attorney and businessman have uniquely combined to provide the Commission with a priceless partner in seeking the best cable television deal for village residents, businesses and non-profit organization during the next 5-10 years.
Additionally, Justin was instrumental in helping the Commission secure funds from our cable providers for our Library’s cable television facilities upgrade to enhance residents’ television access to their events and programming on Scarsdale’s Public Access cable channels.
Beyond his involvement with the cable commission, Justin’s astute analysis of issues and proposed solutions and his proven business acumen and legal skills in addressing village wide matters, make his continued involvement with our Village government invaluable. I urge all our residents to reelect Justin by voting Row B on March 18th.
Michael A. Rubin
33 Crossway
February 25, 2020
To the Editor:
Dear Sirs: Elections for Village office approach in March and I would like to offer a recommendation and request for support for my good friend, Randy Whitestone, Scarsdale's nonpartisan system and the other candidates on the Citizen’s Nominating Committee (CNC) non-partisan slate as well.
I have known Randy for twenty five years, first meeting while working on the Fiscal Affairs Committee of the then TVCC. He made valuable contributions to our committee reports over several years and demonstrated a complete understanding of the village accounts. There were always many people who were willing to append their name to the reports without ever attending a session, but Randy was one who was willing to share the actual work. He has always been the type of person who draws other people into groups, and into conversations, wherever he happens to be, be it our book club, the train posse of people who meet on the tracks every morning, a working committee, or cocktail party. He invites people around him to join in and respects their views. I think that he would make an excellent contribution to our Village Board, willing to hear people out.
The other CNC candidates for Trustee should be known already to the community for their ongoing work and experience. Justin Arest has been the liaison to the Overhill Neighborhood Association, of which I am a member, and has provided a willing ear to our group, showing up for evening meetings to hear our complaints and comments. His real estate experience is very valuable to understanding the complex issues of development on the Freightway site currently before the Board.
Lena Crandall has always been a voice for the environment and sustainability in the community, having been active on the Friends of the Parks for many years before joining the Village. She has demonstrated that she has the even temperament required for Village Board service.
The Village Justice, Joaquin Alemany, is running unopposed for another well-deserved term on the slate.
Finally, I would encourage all citizens to turn out and vote for the CNC’s non-partisan slate on Wednesday March 18th at the Scarsdale Congregational Church, One Heathcote Road. Participation gives our political system the support it deserves having served our Village well for many decades.
Sincerely,
David E. Buchen
2 Circle Road
February 24, 2020
To the Editor:
It is again that season where all good women and men need to come to the aid of the Village of Scarsdale and support the Non-Partisan Citizens’ team running for trustees and village justice. The ticket includes Justin Arest, Lena Crandall, and Randy Whitestone for trustee and the Hon. Joaquin Alemany for Village Justice. The depth and breadth of the slate is illustrated by their background and experience which will be summarized in a brochure to be circulated in due course to all residents. It is worth noting briefly the following:
Justin Arest, a current trustee, has both the professional and community experience that we need. Even before becoming trustee he was active in community affairs including the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Freightway Steering Committed, and the Library’s Building and Campaign Committees. As trustee he has had leadership roles in overseeing the budget process and as Chair of Personnel heading search committees. Justin served as liaison to neighborhood associations, advisory councils on communication and Technology, the Board of Appeals, Board of Architectural Review, Board of Assessment Review, Cable Commission, and others.
Trustee Lena Crandall, who retired from the practice of law to raise her family and to be involved in the Scarsdale community, is also running for a second term. She too has had leadership positions on the board including having chaired the Village’s Sustainability Committee and co -chaired the Recreation Committee. She is liaison to the Conservation Advisory Council, the Advisory Council on Youth, Friends of Scarsdale Parks, Junior League of Central Westchester, Advisory Council on Senior Citizens and neighborhood Associations. Crandall has served the Scarsdale Forum, Friends of Scarsdale Parks, The Scarsdale Woman’s Club and the Bronx River Parkway Reservation Conservancy.
Randy Whitestone, a twenty-five year resident of Scarsdale has been nominated for a first term as Village trustee. He has deep family roots here going back to 1928 when his grandparents moved to Scarsdale. His civic involvement includes having chaired the Scarsdale Forum’s village Fiscal Affairs Committee and served as a member of its Audit Committee. He has served on the Citizens Nominating Committee, Scarsdale Foundation Bowl Committee, and on the Arthur Manor Association board of directors.
Joaquin Alemany is our current Village Justice, who previously served by filling the remainder of the term of the Late John Galloway. He was also an Acting Village Justice in the Village of Sleepy Hollow and an Administrative Law Judge for the Westchester County Human Rights Commission and the Westchester taxi and Limousine Commission.
With the important issues currently facing the village it is more important than ever to vote for those who have demonstrated their significant qualifications and their dedication to the Village of Scarsdale by their past efforts. Vote for the nominees of the Scarsdale Non-Partisan Committee.
Dorothy M. Finger
Sheldrake Road
February 25, 2020
To the Editor
Once again, the Non-Partisan system is being challenged.
For many years, when choosing trustees of our Village government and also the School district, Scarsdalians have looked to neighbors with demonstrated experience, skills and an interest in serving the community. A Citizens Nominating Committee elected by the community at large serves as the vehicle for vetting and then proposing individuals who could fill these unpaid positions without regard to political affiliation. All residents are encouraged to give suggestions for candidates to the Nominating Committee.
While to some this system may appear somewhat complicated, it generally functions well in our community which abhors politicking over local matters and prides itself in broad participation by interested residents, all in the context of volunteerism. We have been fortunate that this non-partisan system has produced skilled candidates who can oversee and supplement our professional management.
This year the Nominating Committee has proposed two candidates who have completed one two-year term and are eligible now for one more term: Justin Arest and Lena Crandall. On the slate to replace a retiring current Trustee is Randall Whitestone, who should bring fresh perspectives to the Board.
I for one believe in non-partisanship for Scarsdale and am grateful that these highly qualified individuals are willing to serve. Vote Row B on Wednesday, March 18th at the Scarsdale Congregational Church, One Heathcote Road.
Bill Miller
Popham Road
February 25, 2020
Local Boy to Appear in Caroline, or Change on Broadway
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Ten year-old Jaden Myles Waldman, formerly of Scarsdale, is currently rehearsing to perform in the Roundabout Theatre production of Caroline, or Change. Written by Tony Kushner, the musical is set in Lake Charles, Louisiana in 1963 and tells the story of African American maid Caroline and her relationship with Noah, a young boy in the Jewish family for which she works. The backdrop is the American south at a pivotal time in the fight for racial equality. Jaden is now rehearsing for the role of Noah and learning to sing the score, composed by Jeanine Tesori.
We had lunch with Jaden in midtown Manhattan during a break in his busy week. We walked and he arrived by scooter, which Mom Stacie says makes it easier for Jaden to get around town.
Due to the six-day a week rehearsal schedule, Jaden and his mom have sublet an apartment near the theater district so that he could get to work on time without having to commute from Connecticut, where the family now lives.
Stacie explained that Jaden is not missing his schoolwork during the run of the play. Roundabout has two highly skilled tutors that work with him three hours a day so that he keeps up with his fourth grade class. She says that the tutors are excellent and sometimes even give Jaden extra work.
This is not Jaden’s first gig -- he has performed in many commercials, recently co-starred on an episode of the Amazon Prime series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and will appear in HBO’s miniseries The Plot Against America in March. Jaden has recently done film work and he played the principal role of Ben in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular twice. Caroline, or Change, however, marks his Broadway debut and his first musical; he seemed to be thriving with the vocal coaching, dance instruction and the intensive acting lessons involved in learning his role.
Previews begin March 13th and the show opens April 7th. As an alternate, Jaden is guaranteed to perform each week and also has to be at the theater for all performances. It seems like a lot to ask a boy of ten, but Jaden was clearly enjoying it.
What about his Dad and sister back home in Connecticut? Stacie said with help from her mother and wonderful neighbors, sister Carly has been managing just fine.
Watch for Jaden Waldman in the Roundabout Theatre production of Caroline, or Change at Studio 54 beginning March 13, 2020.
Ira Wilson Passes Away at 81
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Ira Wilson of Wilson and Son Jewelers in Scarsdale passed away at the age of 81 on February 5, 2020 surrounded by his family. He was a leader in the jewelry business and well known and trusted in the community.
Wilson’s grandfather Morris founded the store in 1905 and Ira was the third generation of the family to run the business. Today the business is run by Ira’s sons Michael and Matthew Wilson.
In a note to the community, Wilson’s wife Lynne wrote, “It is with great sadness that we inform you that our father, Ira Wilson, has passed.
Dad was 81 when he passed peacefully early this morning, surrounded by family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who was a truly unique individual.
Ira was our patriarch – he was in the jewelry industry for seven decades and was a kind and gentle soul. He was a mentor to all he worked with, and was loved by all. His customers and employees were his family, and he will be missed by all the lives he touched.
Though his loss is painful, we are grateful for his lessons of compassion, integrity and family values. We will always cherish the time we had with him and he will live on through our work and great memories. We love you, Dad.”
“No man is a failure who has friends.” – It’s a Wonderful Life
“The richest man in town!” – It’s a Wonderful Life
The following tribute was contributed by the Scarsdale Business Alliance:
“On behalf of the entire Scarsdale Business Alliance, the Zacharia Family/ZACHYS would like to pay tribute to the passing of a “Founding Father”- Ira Wilson. As a business that has stood shoulder to shoulder with the Wilson Family for 7+ decades, we feel that Ira Wilson and his family have created an unrivaled presence in our village. Class, elegance, integrity and prominence are all traits that Ira and his family have always stood for. Over the years we have watched Scarsdale Village change, but a single constant has been a legacy that Ira Wilson has created …. the continuity of a family business that has continued to draw people to our special town. Ira will surely be missed by all, and we can take comfort in the fact that his spirit will live on with his loving family as they continue the tradition of being a world class destination. Rest in peace and our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Wilson family.”
Services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, at Temple Beth Abraham in Tarrytown. Shiva will commence immediately following the service and burial until 5:30 p.m. and again on Saturday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Wilson’s memory be made to the White Plains Hospital Medical Center or Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts.
Marcy Berman-Goldstein to Receive Rising Star Award from Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service
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Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service (SFCS) has selected Marcy Berman-Goldstein to receive its annual Rising Star Award in recognition of her volunteer leadership and contributions to many Scarsdale organizations. The annual Rising Star Award recognizes leaders in the Scarsdale Community who have demonstrated dedicated, impactful and active community service.
The Award will be presented to Berman-Goldstein at the SFCS 2020 annual benefit gala, Centennial Celebration, Thursday, May 14, at the Scarsdale Golf Club. Tickets to honor Berman-Goldstein can be purchased here.
"This award recognizes that Marcy has become one of Scarsdale’s most active and valued civic volunteers, and business leaders, over the years. The commitment, creativity and energy with which Marcy approaches her multitude of roles and initiatives has earned her the respect and acknowledgement of the Scarsdale community and of the organizations she serves," said James Genova, LCSW, executive director, Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service.
"Marcy’s involvement is driven by her desire for the betterment of our community and to see those around her thrive. Her leadership style is defined by a recognition of the inherent value of teamwork. Marcy’s volunteer efforts are deeply influenced by her care for the rich history, intrinsic character, and promising future of our Village."
Marcy Berman-Goldstein
Berman-Goldstein has consistently given back to her community throughout her time in Westchester. She is co-owner, with Abbey Solomon, of I Am More, a clothing store in Scarsdale Village that is devoted to empowering women to feel confident, supporting women-owned businesses and designers, and giving back to local and women’s philanthropic organizations. Berman-Goldstein and Solomon operate I Am More as a philanthropic business, foregoing their salaries to donate profits to charity. Since its inception, I Am More’s philanthropic events and donations have benefited more than 40 organizations, with over $150,000 in cash and tangible items.
In addition to running her business, Berman-Goldstein is co-president and a founding board member of the Scarsdale Business Alliance (SBA), a vibrant and collaborative non-profit organization of Scarsdale merchants, dedicated to supporting the Village of Scarsdale and its local businesses. Berman-Goldstein has been integral in the SBA’s establishment and growth, committing countless volunteer hours to ensuring that Scarsdale remains a dynamic village, and that the merchants have a voice in the community.
In 2019 alone, Berman-Goldstein helped lead two initiatives that engaged the community and helped drive traffic to businesses in Scarsdale Village. In the Spring, she introduced, organized, and ran the first ever Health, Beauty & Wellness Fair in Scarsdale Village, which was attended and enjoyed by more than 700 people. Then in the Fall, Berman-Goldstein was also co-creator and chair of the Scarsdale Music Festival, which attracted thousands from Scarsdale and surrounding communities, far exceeding anyone’s expectations.
Berman-Goldstein also has been a member of the Junior League of Central Westchester since 2010, a local nonprofit women’s organization committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. She helped develop the league’s sponsorship program, establishing integral relationships with many executive directors and owners of Westchester County businesses and corporations, and ran several of the annual fundraising events.
In addition to work for her community, Berman-Goldstein is a board-certified radiologist, specializing in women’s imaging. She completed her residency and fellowship training at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York City in 2005, and remained on staff until 2017.
Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service
Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service (SFCS) is a nationally recognized family service agency accredited by the Council on Accreditation. The agency has been an anchor in the community for almost 100 years, providing counseling services and supportive programs to local individuals and families in all stages of life. Our mission is to strengthen and support family life and to contribute to the well-being of our residents. We believe families matter and that healthy families are the cornerstone of a healthy community.
For more information, please click here or call (914) 723-3281.
Former District Clerk Lois Rehm Passes Away at 83
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Lois Q. Rehm, 83, of Eastchester died on Sunday January 26, 2020. She was the Assistant to the Superintendent of Scarsdale Schools and simultaneously District Clerk for the Scarsdale Board of Education and retired after 30 years of service in 2014. She was a longtime member of the Village Lutheran Church.
Upon her retirement she told Scarsdale10583, "I enjoyed my stay, working with all the fine board members and superintendents. I have learned a lot from everyone and found my fellow staff members to be wonderful and collegial." She served under at least four superintendents, Dr. Thomas Sobol, Dr. Richard Hibschman, a short stint by Dr. Francis Murphy and 16 years with Dr. Michael McGill. Rehm wore many hats, exemplifying the concept of multitasking before anyone coined the term. Over the years her job grew to encompass the roles of secretary to Dr. McGill, the Board of Education as well as District Clerk.
With prior experience as a legal secretary and paralegal, Rehm maintained the complex and ever-changing agendas for the Board of Education, quietly keeping the whole community on track. She ran the board and budget elections, managed the entire list of Scarsdale district voters and even the schedule for Dr. McGill.
Terri Simon, who served on the Board of Education of 2001-7 offered the following about Rehm: “Lois was a special person of real quality, who served our community with intelligence, skill, extraordinary discretion, impeccable competence and great class. Decades of School Board members will remember her many kindnesses with great affection.
At her final Board of Education meeting on June 23, 2014, here's what Board President Suzanne Seiden said about Lois Rehm:
"How can we possibly say thank you and goodbye to Lois Rehm?
Lois is the heart and soul of Scarsdale.
Lois knows everything.
Lois is a bit like Corporal Walter Eugene O'Reilly of MASH fame—fondly known as
"Radar." To remind you Radar got his nickname because he heard the choppers
before anyone else and seemed to know what people wanted from him before
they could say it.
Lois is our Radar.
Lois always knows what is about to happen before the rest of us.
Lois anticipates what we need before we even think to ask."
Rehm was the wife of the late Rev., Dr. Merlin Dale Rehm and mother of Theodore Rehm (Elsa Valentine) and Christian Rehm (Camille Ellsworth). Cherished grandmother of Sierra Lee, Logan Manuel, and Arwen Gabrielle Rehm. She is survived by her sister Marian Schroeder, Alyce Bergbower, and the late Harvey Quandt, and Phyllis Orth.
The family will receive friends at the Westchester Funeral Home, Inc. Eastchester Friday, January 31, 2020, 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Funeral Ceremony, Saturday February 1, 2020 at 10:00 am at Village Lutheran Church, Bronxville. Interment to follow at Kensico Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may contribute to the Village Lutheran Church, www.vlc-ny.org. To sign the online guestbook visit www.westchesterfuneralhome.com.
