Message to Our Membership | |
|
Dear Members,
This is my last President’s Welcome message for the Forum Focus as we pass the honor to Sarah Bell, our incoming president. I was fortunate to have such an active and dedicated Executive Committee, along with the Board of Directors composed of committee chairs and directors-at-large.
As you have read in the Forum Focus, the entire year of my presidency was chock-full of community-based events, programs with exciting speakers, and thoughtful and well-researched reports that cover nearly every aspect of communal life in Scarsdale. So many people assisted to make this happen. Our village is better because of the Forum, and the Forum is better because of the village. We also have many Forum members working behind the scenes, in areas such as finance and audit, communications, hospitality, policy, and the like – we are grateful for their service as well.
Please be sure to attend our annual meeting on this Thursday evening, May 4, at the Scarsdale Library’s Scott Room. We’ll have nibbles and networking at 7:30 PM; the meeting will start promptly at 8:00 PM (the meeting will also be streamed via Zoom). After a brief business meeting, our featured speaker will be Dr. Drew Patrick, the newly appointed Superintendent of Schools. Come to hear his vision for Scarsdale Schools – you will find this fascinating even if you don’t have children in the schools. See you there!
With warm wishes,
Susan Douglass, President
susanudouglass@gmail.com
| |
Notes from the Board of Directors | |
|
NEW: Annual Membership RENEWAL Start Date May 1, 2023
- Last year the Scarsdale Forum Board of Directors approved changes to simplify the annual membership renewal process.
- Now all memberships will start on May 1st of each year and end on April 30th of the following year. If you have not already done so, please renew your annual membership by or before the end of this month -- April 30, 2023.
-
Your annual $50 individual membership fee is tax-deductible and may be paid online by credit card or PayPal by "joining" HERE.
- Or, if you prefer, payment of your annual $50 individual membership fee can be made by check payable to Scarsdale Forum, Inc. Payments by check should be mailed to Scarsdale Forum, P.O. Box 86, Scarsdale, New York 10583.
- You are also invited to make a tax-deductible gift to the Scarsdale Forum. Please contact the Forum’s Treasurer, Matt Martin, at (917) 697-2747 or by email at: matthew.martin@pattoneakins.com if you have any questions.
Renewing or lapsed members should go here: https://www.scarsdaleforum.comMembership/renew
Residents who wish to join should go here: https://www.scarsdaleforum.com/Join
Your support of the activities of the Forum is greatly appreciated!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
REMINDER: SCARSDALE FORUM ANNUAL MEETING
MAY 4, 2023, Register Here, Sign and Send Proxy Here
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
VISIT THE FORUM AT THE SCARSDALE MUSIC FESTIVAL JUNE 3!
Also on June 3: NEXT Forum SPEAKER PROGRAM
Saturday JUNE 3, 2023, 2:00-3:30 pm Greet CHRIS WHIPPLE at the
Scarsdale Library Scott Room or Zoom live streaming
Co-sponsored by the Scarsdale Library, Scarsdale Forum, and Yale Westchester Alumni Association: REGISTER HERE
| |
COMMITTEE and BOARD UPDATES | | |
|
Development-strategic planning
The Committee will be working on the development of a strategic plan, with goals, objectives, and actions designed to ensure that the Forum continues to carry out its mission and purposes well into the future. Forum members interested in participating are welcome to join us, and should contact Committee Co-Chairs Barry Meiselman at barwest2@aol.com and Ed Morgan at eamlaw@optonline.net.
| |
|
Downtown Revitalization
The Downtown Revitalization Committee will be meeting to discuss updates in the Village Center. The Committee continues to review the village's plans for spring and summer, and also discuss the parking, traffic and accident situation. Please join us and weigh in on these important topics. If you are not yet a member of this committee, please join us. Contact Chair Susan Douglass, susanudouglass@gmail.com.
| |
Education
The Education Committee is in discussions with the Scarsdale School District on two Forum study topics. The first topic, "Profile of an SHS Graduate," will be an examination of the skills and dispositions necessary for a graduate of Scarsdale High School to be successful beyond high school and into the workforce. The second topic will look at operational, financial and sustainability issues related to transitioning the district's bus fleet to electric vehicles. It is anticipated that this second topic will draw on the strengths and contributions of several Forum committees, such as Education, Sustainability, Finance, and Municipal Services. The Education Committee's latest innovative Report, New Strategies for Promoting Well-Being and Addressing Mental Health Issues within Scarsdale's Schools is available here. Join the Education Committee to participate in these exciting studies by contacting Chair Barry Meiselman at barwest2@aol.com, or by joining the Education Committee online at the Forum website.
| |
|
Recreation
The Recreation Committee continues to evaluate current conditions and usage of our parks, fields, paths, green spaces and recreational facilities. Forum member and wider community input is welcome. Our goal is to provide timely feedback to the village so that it may budget accordingly. In addition, our committee is committed to partnering with the Scarsdale Fiscal Affairs and Municipal Services groups on the Pool Complex Project. We hope Forum members from all neighborhoods will join this dynamic and active group and provide feedback. If you would like to participate. Contact Chair Erin Rudensky, ejzerring@aol.com.
| |
Scarsdale Fiscal Affairs
The Board has passed the 2023-24 Village budget which will increase Village taxes on the average home by 3.17%. Click on ClearGov for details. The Committee prepared a comprehensive Report commenting on the Tentative Budget before it was passed, and recommending how the Board should prioritize competing financial needs and wants and how to pay for them. Join the Committee to participate. Contact Chair Anne Hintermeister, ahintermeister@gmail.com.
| |
Municipal Services
Municipal Services is working on a study of the traffic issues on the Post Road consistent with our committee's prior recommendations made in the most recent Municipal Services Report on village-wide traffic safety and implementation of complete streets, Zero Vision, and safe routes to schools policy and design. We look forward to community input. The committee also plans on follow-up with the Sustainability group and the Conservation Advisory Council regarding the status of Scarsdale's participation in New York State's Climate Smart Communities program; prior Forum recommendations on further restriction of gas leaf blowers; fall leaf collection; and the degradation of the Village tree canopy despite code amendments meant to preserve it. Education of the public on the dangers of widespread pesticide use on private property is another issue of continuing committee focus in view of the recent Village code amendment's broad pesticide ban on public property. Contact Chair Madelaine Eppenstein, meppenstein@eppenstein.com.
| |
Sustainability
The Committee supports initiatives for an environmentally sustainable and healthy environment that provides quality of life for village residents. Related to Committee Reports in 2018 and 2019, we supported the recent village code amendment covering "Pesticide Use on Village Property." The new local law bans chemical pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers, etc. on Village properties and allows only organic landscape practices. Recognizing the absolute inter-dependency between the health of our environment and our own health, the Committee continues to support a number of potential green initiatives including, but not limited to, those geared toward recycling, green energy, storm preparedness, and NY State's Climate Smart Community initiative. A recent Report focuses on the promotion of mulch mowing, the elimination of street leaf pile vacuuming, and a total ban on the use of gas blowers. Contact Chair Darlene Le Francois Haber, M.D., dlefranc@montefiore.com.
| |
|
Zoning and Planning
The Committee's focus continues to be on supporting the long term growth and development of our Village to improve quality of life and sustainability by providing thoughtful analysis and recommendations for existing and proposed codes. Together with five other Forum committees (Downtown Revitalization, Education, Municipal Services, Scarsdale Fiscal Affairs, and Sustainability), Zoning and Planning co-authored a Report of recommendations in response to the NYS Governor's Housing Compact plan, which was eventually removed from the state budget. Topics currently being prioritized include: elevation of structures in flood prone areas; requirements for new buildings to utilize heat pumps; installation of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations downtown and at other locations; and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The Committee has a supporting role working closely with other Forum committees including Municipal Services, Downtown Revitalization, and Sustainability. Anyone interested in joining the Zoning and Planning Committee or learning more contact Chair David Fenigstein, Fenigstein.david@gmail.com.
| |
County Fiscal Affairs
In mid-October 2022, the County Executive released the proposed capital budget, which makes investments in environmental conservation, flood mitigation, the County Parks System, and affordable housing. In November the operating budget was released, with details on the various programs and services the County provides and how they'll pay for it through sales tax, property tax, and other revenue. Those draft plans were handed over to the Board of Legislators who had to amend and pass them by early December. Our committee Report was distributed to the legislators within this tight time frame. For more information please reach out to Chair Tim Foley at tim@commanderfoley.com.
| |
Community Events, News & Resources | |
|
School Budget & Bond Vote and School Board Election
Tuesday, May16, 2023 at Scarsdale Middle School
Deadlines are near so see Board of Ed website Here for more information
about voting eligibility, registration, and obtaining absentee ballots
Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service: Starry Night Gala on May 11, 2023 at Scarsdale Golf Club 6:30 pm. Rising Star Award Honorees: Lisa and Jordan Copeland. Tickets, donations, silent auction, etc. available Here.
* * *
SCARSDALE FOUNDATION OFFERS SCHOLARSHIP AID
Students who graduated from Scarsdale High School or lived in Scarsdale during their high school years and who have completed their 1st, 2nd, or 3rd years of college are invited to apply to the Scarsdale Foundation for tuition assistance. For the 2022-2023 academic year, the Foundation awarded need-based grants totaling $148,000 to 33 students attending private and state-supported colleges and universities. Applications for the 2023-2024 academic year should be submitted online from the Scarsdale Foundation’s website: www.scarsdalefoundation.org (click on the Scholarships link). Completed applications must be submitted by Wednesday, June 1, 2023. Questions should be directed to Scholarship Committee Co-Chairs Anne Lyons and B. Kathleen Munguia at scarsdalefoundationscholarship@gmail.com. The Scarsdale Foundation welcomes contributions from the community to augment the funds available for distribution each year. Donations may be made online by visiting the Foundation’s website or mailed to the Scarsdale Foundation at P.O. Box 542, Scarsdale, NY 10583.
SAVE THE DATE: THE SCARSDALE MUSIC FESTIVAL IS BACK ON JUNE 3, 2023!
* * *
SCARSDALE FORUM invites you to join us as we tackle the subjects described in more detail in the Committee Update section. Members may consider joining any one, several or all Scarsdale Forum committees listed on the website. No prior experience with the subject matter is required. The Scarsdale Forum offers programs, activities, and events to support community quality of life, social engagement, and dialogue with village government.
VILLAGE BOARD MEETINGS and WORK SESSIONS: Village Board meetings are regularly open to the public at Village Hall or via Zoom webinar at https://zoom.us/j/93183703358, or call in using 1-929-436-2866 and entering the Meeting ID 931 8370 3358. The Zoom login uses the same ID. Sign up for updates here. Check the Village Board calendar here.
| |
|
Scarsdale Forum Inc.
www.scarsdaleforum.com
Scarsdale Forum Inc. is the 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to community education through discussion and analysis of issues relevant to Scarsdale residents. Since 1904, Scarsdale Forum has contributed meaningfully to village affairs through written reports, prominent speaker programs, social gatherings and other public events. Membership is available to all Scarsdale and Mamaroneck Strip residents, regardless of citizenship status. The Forum Focus newsletter is distributed to Scarsdale Forum members generally during the first week of each month. Pertinent information should be sent to communications@scarsdaleforum.com one week prior to publication to be included in the coming issue. Media Contact: communications@scarsdaleforum.com
| | | | |
