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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 23 April 2020

Created: 23 April 2020

Last Updated: 25 March 2021

Hits: 5469

The Subin family of Scarsdale has been anything but bored during this crisis. In fact, they are practically in a frenzy of activity ---performing hundreds of acts of kindness during this difficult time. It all began with baking – when SHS sophomore Brianna Subin decided to bake some cookies to thank the local police department. Not satisfied with baked items, she realized she could organize others to provide lunch for all of Scarsdale’s police, fire, ambulance workers and pharmacies. And then, it expanded beyond food – to gift cards, clothing and toys for those in need here in Westchester and beyond.

Explaining this ambitious venture Brianna says, "During COVID-19 our family wanted to give back by baking snacks for those who serve and are in need. The concept quickly grew to inspire others to donate in many different ways, including ordering restaurant meals, making cards and gifts."

Soon the whole family got involved. Mom Melissa, a former tennis professional, is in charge of business development, her sister Melanie is in charge of fulfilling the orders and sponsorships. Brianna’s brother, 13 year-old Benji Subin, helps out with merchandising, baking and assisted in the development of the website. Father Herb Subin, a personal injury attorney, is baking, handling the finances and social media.

The mission of Bake Back America, Heroes Helping Heroes, is to serve as a fulfillment center and clearinghouse for those who wish to give back to the people who are fighting the Corona crisis. Contributors can give in a variety of ways: they can simply donate money which will be used to fund and deliver meals to a selected organization or they can bake themselves and work with BakeBackAmerica to get their donations to the right place. Restaurants with excess food can also contact BakeBackAmerica to deliver meals to those in need.

In the past few weeks their work has grown exponentially. They have delivered over 6,000 meals, baked goods, PPE, creative cards and beaded bracelets to key cities throughout the country with a concentration in New York City and the suburbs. They have also done deliveries in other hard-hit states like Washington, Michigan, Florida, NJ, CT and are expanding daily.

Several families are working with teachers of children with second to seventh grade classrooms to bake and make bracelets and cards.

Beyond baked goods and lunch, BakeBackAmerica has asked Scarsdale residents to clean out their closets and donate clothes, games and toys to families in need. Bake Back America will be doing pick-ups throughout the week in Scarsdale and will send these donations along with baked goods and bracelets and cards to the 175 people at the Coachmen Family Shelter in White Plains this coming weekend. Top of the Line Drapery will contribute 500 masks for the shelter, McDonalds in Hartsdale will contribute 200 meals, the White Plains Fire Department will bring a fire truck for kids to see from their rooms and Meredith Grossbach is spearheading the baking and beading for the weekend event.

In addition, Scarsdale Firefighters will be delivering masks provided by Bake Back America to elderly homebound or underprivileged residents. Take a look at the impressive list of recipients here: 

One grateful pharmacist wrote,

Yesterday, the pharmacy department received a food donation and we are so grateful for that. It means a lot during this pandemic that we have patients who do think of us and appreciate what we are doing for the community. I know you also mentioned that you were donating supplies and food for other organizations and front line workers so thank you for that as well, you are doing an amazing deed for the entire community. We cannot thank you enough for the meal you provided for us! Everything was delicious!"

Sincerely,
Gina Lee, RPh, Doctor of Pharmacy

Brianna SubinThe family is invigorated by the work, and through it, they are teaching their kids and volunteers to develop empathy, to be organized, set priorities and realize the rewards of giving to others.

If you are interested in giving funds or getting involved, visit bakebackamerica.com to see how you can donate, or bake or perform other acts of kindness for your community.

The Subin family is busy paying it forward and would love more volunteers, donations, and food from individuals or corporations. To get started, click here or email [email protected].

Benji Subin

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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 28 April 2020

Created: 28 April 2020

Last Updated: 28 April 2020

Hits: 2012

(This letter was sent to Scarsdale10583 by the Scarsdale Library Building Committee)
The Library Building Committee reports that the Olmsted Road construction site is open and work is progressing. Governor Cuomo’s executive orders on construction created some confusion but have been clarified, and municipal and government projects can remain open. It is a day-to-day effort. The Village has distributed detailed guidelines for safe workspaces during the COVID-19 health crisis and confirms they are being followed. As of this writing, there have been no cases of coronavirus reported by the contractors​.

Thanks to careful management and prudent oversight by Director Beth Bermel and Village Capital Project Manager Paul Zaicek, among others, the Library has available savings and other funding sources that cover all costs ​without any new burden to the Village taxpayers. ​This is true, despite the fact that just prior to the pandemic, the project was facing a potential delay of two months and cost overages of a little more than 3%--not at all unusual on large construction projects. Extension contracts also have been successfully negotiated with all project team members with favorable terms for Scarsdale.

Keeping the project on pace allows the Village to control costs; ​we are lucky to be making progress, and the Building Committee has reason to be hopeful. For example, a delayed delivery of light fixtures coming from Canada was causing a domino effect of other slowdowns but they arrived on-site last week, and have now been installed.

While we are thrilled that the building construction is on track to be substantially completed sometime this summer, the full impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the Library reopening remains unknown. A host of issues could arise, like the furniture delivery could be delayed or NYS could extend closures of public libraries. The Library is committed to safe and successful project completion and full transparency to the community and we look forward to a time when we can safely gather and learn together again, hopefully some time in the late fall.

We continue to be grateful to Scarsdale taxpayers, the FOSL and the many generous donors who have helped make this transformation a reality for everyone. Thank you to the community for your patience and trust.

Photos here show tremendous progress, allowing us to visualize the improvements underway! Hopefully, people have driven by and caught a glimpse of what is coming. The glass-wrapped reading gallery that faces the pond has captured everyone's imagination. Who wouldn’t want to sit out there and enjoy a good book?

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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 16 April 2020

Created: 16 April 2020

Last Updated: 16 April 2020

Hits: 2630

As recently stated by Fordham University President, Father McShane, we are in “a moment of peril and a moment of great goodness.”

I will start with the peril that we still face. We are beginning to hear that we reached the apex as well as hearing early discussions about easing the restrictions that have been somewhat successful in constraining the spread of the Coronavirus. It is still important for us to continue to be diligent to battle the virus as victory is not yet won. As Governor Cuomo expressed yesterday, “we are controlling the spread of the virus, [but] progress will be incremental.” He continued, “The worst is over, if we continue to be smart.”

Our path to normalcy may begin as early as next month, but this is a path, not an immediate resumption of regular activities. The pandemic will not be over until there is a proven vaccine. It is important that we continue to listen and follow instructions to protect against a relapse or second wave of infection. We have worked collectively to make real progress and our collective efforts will determine our course until an effective vaccine is available.

Moving on to the great goodness we have seen. The generosity of spirit that we have seen has been nothing short of extraordinary and is necessary to continue to save lives and help those in need. Please keep doing what you have done. I will now provide other ways in which we may help each other through this trying time.

Plasma and Blood Donations
People who have recovered from COVID-19 may have high levels of immunity in the form of antibodies. Their plasma can be used to help save the life of another struggling to survive. Please consider donating plasma if you have recovered from the Coronavirus. Mount Sinai and White Plains Hospital/Montefiore have regional locations that will be accepting plasma donations, and you may volunteer to have your blood tested for high levels of antibodies. If you are interested, please contact Mount Sinai or White Plains Hospital/Montefiore.
White Plains Hospital/Montefiore screening will take place at Scarsdale Medical Group’s office at 259 Heathcote Road.

Blood donations have been dramatically reduced due to social distancing and the cancellation of blood drives. Many people have asked me how they can help and this is a very straightforward way in which we all may contribute. Those interested in donating blood may reach out to: AABB (www.aabb.org), America’s Blood Centers (www.americasblood.org), American Red Cross (www.redcrossblood.org), Armed Services Blood Program (www.militaryblood.dod.mil), or Blood Centers of America (www.bca.coop). Thank you to all who donate for your life saving generosity.

Needed PPE
There is real ongoing need for personal protective equipment (PPE) at medical centers and for first responders. Please consider donating any PPE you may be able to share with our first responders, including Scarsdale Police, Fire and Volunteer Ambulance Corps; White Plains Hospital; or other medical providers. Constituents may donate goods, services, or space to New York State’s response to the COVID- 19 public health emergency by emailing [email protected].

Mental Health and Mindfulness During Crisis
Governor Cuomo announced yesterday that New York State has partnered with Headspace to provide New Yorkers with free meditation and mindfulness resources. As the Governor’s announcement noted, “We can't underestimate the impact this public health crisis has on mental health. New Yorkers can access a collection of free guided meditations, along with at-home mindfulness exercises and additional resources to help address rising stress and anxiety. Visit www.headspace.com/ny.”

New Yorkers may also call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling. New York State has been actively engaged in providing mental health resources to assist residents struggling during this highly unsettling time.
Health Insurance

New Yorkers without health insurance can apply through NY State of Health through May 15, 2020. Residents must apply within 60 days of losing health insurance coverage. New York State of Health may be accessed at www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov.

Village Budget Update
The Village will hold a public budget hearing this evening and must adopt its budget no later than May 1st to comply with NY State requirements. The filed tentative budget has been posted on the Village website and will be addressed at the budget hearing this evening.

The approach the Village has taken to manage its current fiscal and the FY 20-21 budgets is to: (i) identify near-term threats to revenues, (ii) prepare a downside analysis to identified revenue threats, (iii) identify primary sources to fill expected revenue gaps, and (iv) identify secondary sources to fill the downside revenue gaps. The Village Manager and Treasurer have accomplished these goals and the Village Board has supported staff’s recommended approach to manage this time of economic strain.

The Village Board has stated that it is seeking to make thoughtful and responsible adjustments to the FY 20-21 budget based on data that becomes clearer over the coming weeks and months. The Village will also continue to search for ways to recognize the financial strain that many residents are dealing with at this time.

Social Distancing
Please be diligent in social distancing when outside of the home. Governor Cuomo announced the state is increasing the maximum fine for violations of the state's social distancing protocol from $500 to $1,000 to help address the lack of adherence to the protocols.
It is critical for management of the pandemic that we strictly adhere to social distancing – for our own benefit and for our friends and neighbors, especially those who are most at risk. Also, inform your children of the importance of social distancing. Thank you for your diligence – whether on line at a store or walking. It is up to each of us.

Landscaping
New York State has clarified guidance on landscaping. Please note that only work which is “for maintenance and pest control purposes has been designated as essential.” Therefore, please have your landscapers refrain from planting decorative plants – though you are welcome to do so yourself.

Leaf Blowing
I would like to remind all residents that the local leaf blowing ban goes into effect on June 1st. Please be sure to limit use of gas-powered leaf blowers starting in June.

A number of people have asked whether leaf blowers may spread Coronavirus. To date, the NYS Department of Health has not issued any guidance that indicates that the virus may be spread by leaf blowers. Should the NYS Department of Health issue guidance that may link leaf blower use to the spread of the virus, the Village will immediately accelerate its ban on the use of leaf blowers.

Census
The Census is underway. Participation in the census is important as federal dollars are allocated based on census data. I was informed yesterday that Scarsdale’s participation rate so far is strong with over 60% of residents submitting census surveys so far. For those that haven’t yet completed their census surveys, please do so. Thank you.

Concluding Remarks
The Village remains committed to providing essential services and preparing for the difficult weeks ahead as well as the time in the not too distant future when we return to a new normalcy that is rooted in the past while incorporating learnings from the current adjustments we are all making.

While I know the uncertainty of the weeks ahead weigh heavy on residents’ minds and hearts, we must continue to have hope and take comfort in the strength of our community and its resilience. Reach out to neighbors and friends to say hello and just connect. Together we will face this and together we will overcome the adversity. We need each other more than ever and while we cannot be together we can be “together apart”. Be well and please stay home.