Lawmakers Comment on ICE Killing in Minneapolis
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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Below find statements from Assemblywoman Amy Paulin and State Senator Shelley Mayer on the ICE Killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin
"I am outraged and heartbroken by the killing of Alex Pretti in Minnesota, a tragedy that follows the horrific and unjust death of Renee Good. These incidents of ICE violence are devastating, and cannot be without consequence. No enforcement mandate can justify the taking of human life or the abuse of power by government agents.
Enough is enough. We cannot look away while ICE engages in conduct that results in death. This is a betrayal of the Constitution, the rule of law and of our shared humanity. We cannot accept flawed attempts at legal justification for illegal actions. There must be a full, fair, and 
independent investigation into these killings and into the broader pattern of unlawful ICE actions. We all have a responsibility to speak out, to protest peacefully, and to demand accountability. This cannot continue, and we must resist any system that treats human lives as expendable."
State Senator Shelley Mayer
“For the second time in a matter of weeks, an American was killed in our streets at the hands of federal ICE agents. I am deeply disturbed by the videos I saw, and I know others are as well. For the love and for the future of the United States, this armed invasion of an American state and city cannot continue. I call on the New York Republican members of Congress to urge Trump to withdraw ICE; and I demand an immediate, full, and transparent investigation by Minnesota law enforcement, including the full release of all video and evidence related to the incident. This cannot stand. ICE must leave Minnesota.”
Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner
"A suggestion for every municipality: Fly our American flag at half-staff as an expression of mourning and protest of the tragic wrongful ICE killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. If we don’t speak out, we will lose our democracy. We are being warned. Democracy only works if people stay engaged, not numb. The American people can course correct. If enough flags around the nation are placed at half -staff our national leaders will notice."
Troop 4 Scouts Earn Language Award
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- Written by: Rebecca Ludwig
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On Saturday, January 10th, eight Scarsdale Scout Troop 4 scouts earned the Interpreter Strip, a scouting foreign language award. Half of the participating scouts earned it in more than one language. Local volunteers, who are native in French, Mandarin, and Spanish. assessed the scouts to attest their aural, oral, and written proficiency in those languages. Amongst several requirements, the scouts were required to:
- Carry on a five-minute conversation in the relevant foreign language,
- Translate a two-minute speech, address, or article
- Translate 200 words from an article.
Congratulations to the polyglot scouts!
French
Delfina Kirkendall-Rodríguez, Tiago Rodríguez, and Julia Ruiz Fraile.
Mandarin
Tian Dong, Christian Kirkendall-Rodríguez, Delfina Kirkendall-Rodríguez, Andrew Li, and Jayden Li.
Spanish
Christian Kirkendall-Rodríguez, Delfina Kirkendall-Rodríguez, Tiago Rodríguez, Tomi Rodríguez, and Julia Ruiz Fraile.
Additionally, nearly 30 Troop 4 scouts worked on earning their Camping, Citizenship in the Nation, Family Life, Golfing, Law, Personal Fitness, Programming, Radio, Reading, and Sustainability Merit Badges. Scouting America’s nearly 140 badges allows scouts to enjoy learning about the arts, crafts, civics, community service, history professions, sports, and STEM.
Troop 4 Scoutmaster Heather Kolb and Asst. Scoutmaster for Merit Badges and Special Projects Mayra Kirkendall- Rodríguez sincerely thank all Hitchcock Presbyterian Church parishioners for kindly allowing Troop 4 to use their facilities. Many thanks to all the merit badge counselors who led the merit badge sessions, the foreign language assessors, and to the parent volunteers who lent support during this busy day.
Esther Sloan, 50-Year Resident of Scarsdale, Passes Away on New Year's Eve
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Esther Sloan of 4 Tompkins Road died of natural causes at the age of 96 years old on December 31st, at the family home where she and her husband, Irving, a longtime social studies teacher in the Scarsdale public schools and Village Historian, lived for more than 50 years.
Esther was one of four children born and raised by Anna and Morris Gendelman in the East Village of Manhattan, surviving her siblings, Helen, Irving and Ottie, her husband of more than 50 years, Irving, and the remaining members of her family’s generation who were the children of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe.
Coming to America with no formal education, they raised their family to be committed to professional achievement and financial success, while at the same time, maintaining their strong Jewish identity.
Whereas her husband, Irving, was a well-known, quite active member of the local Scarsdale community, Esther was just as comfortable living somewhat in his shadow, taking pride in his many accomplishments and local popularity.
Esther was an accomplished professional in her own right whose laboratory research in the naissance of hematology is credited with the discovery of several clotting factors in close collaboration with Dr. Robert Rosenthal at Beth Israel Hospital in Lower Manhattan and later, at the Hospital for Joint Diseases in Harlem.
Following Irving’s passing in 2008, Esther continued their commitment to the Scarsdale Teen Center, to the Scarsdale Public Library and to Bet Am Shalom synagogue in White Plains.
Esther leaves her son, Philip, his wife, Debra, their daughter, Ali, her nieces, nephews, and their spouses, as well as her beloved grandnieces and grandnephews.
Rabbi Akiva Nelson of Bet Am Shalom Synagogue of White Plains will officiate a graveside service at Sharon Gardens Cemetery in Valhalla on Friday afternoon, January 2nd (Time TBD), followed by Shiva at 4 Tompkins Road in Scarsdale until sunset. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Esther’s memory to the Yivo Institute for Jewish Research https://www.yivo.org/
For additional information you may call BK Munguia at: 914.325.2729
Bringing Mah Jongg to the Next Generation
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Martha Kaiser and Hadley MillerMah Jongg is no longer your grandmother’s game. A new generation of enthusiasts are calling tiles, racking, doing the Charleston and making new friends at the table.
But how to learn the game? It takes a bit of instruction. Recognizing the need, two Scarsdale friends saw an opportunity to teach others the game and host gatherings to play.
Scarsdale’s Hadley Miller and Martha Kaiser recently launched “Parlour Mahj.” We attended one of their events at local restaurant Micheline and asked the two to share their story.
What is Parlour Mahj? What was the genesis of your idea?
The Parlour is a modern, community-driven mahjong movement offering classes, private group sessions, and elevated mahjong events. The idea grew out of our own experience learning and loving the game. We saw how mahjong brought people together across generations and neighborhoods. We realized there was a need for a warm, stylish, welcoming space dedicated to teaching, gathering, and playing.
Why do you think Mah Jongg has become so popular?
Mahjong checks all the boxes: it’s social, mentally engaging, endlessly satisfying, and deeply connecting. People are craving connection and shared experiences, and mahjong gives a sense of ritual and camaraderie in a world that moves so fast. It’s also screen-free, which many find refreshing.
What were some of your initial activities?
We began by hosting small learning groups in our homes and at local partners’ venues. The classes ranged from absolute beginners, guided play for new players, and open play tables for those looking to practice. From there, we expanded into private events, collaborations with local businesses, and beautifully curated mahjong gatherings that blend play with hospitality.
How do you plan to extend the business?
-We’re growing in a few directions:
-More classes with daytime and evening series, for all levels.
-Signature “Parlour Events” that combine mahjong with food, style, and community-building.
-We are hosting a spa and Mahjong retreat in the Berkshire’s this February. (Mention this article for a discount!)
-Start ‘em Young! We will be adding more youth classes 2026!
Over time, we hope to make The Parlour a go-to resource for mahjong in Westchester. A place where people learn, connect, and just have fun!
What has surprised you about launching a business?
The community enthusiasm! We knew people loved mahjong, but the number of messages, referrals, and “I’ve always wanted to learn!” moments have been incredible. We’ve also been pleasantly surprised by how many local businesses want to partner. It's reminded us how supportive our area can be.
Tell us about yourselves — what did you do before you became moms and games women?
Before The Parlour, we worked in many fields… Entertainment, Digital Products, Wellness, Cognitive Neuroscience and Child Development. Once we became moms, we found ourselves craving both creativity and community. Mahjong became a joyful outlet and eventually a business. The Parlour lets us blend our professional backgrounds with something we truly love: building community through gathering.
Give our readers a few Mah Jongg tips — and common foibles to avoid.
-Don’t stress during the Charleston. Look for a section that feels workable and build from there, one step at a time.
-Take your time. There’s no need to rush. Stay alert for joker exchange opportunities!
-It’s never too early to play defensively. Pay attention to what others discard or expose. Those clues can help guide your own decisions.
-Have patience and commitment. Especially as you’re learning, give yourself grace. Choose a line, stick with it, and let yourself settle into the rhythm of the tiles.
Anything else?
Just that we’re so grateful for the warm reception. We can’t wait to welcome even more players to The Parlour community!
Check them out on Instagram here or email them at parlourmahj@gmail.com.
Obituary: Barbara Lee Smith Crowder - Tennis Was Central Throughout Her Life
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Barbara Lee Smith Crowder
Barbara Lee Smith Crowder, 93, of Eagle, Idaho, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025. Born July 1, 1932, in Kewanee, Illinois, to the late Dale and Alice Smith, she was known for her lifelong commitment to service, her passion for tennis, and her warm, welcoming smile.
Barbara Lee spent her early years moving with her family before living in Idaho, where she graduated from Boise High School in 1950. A gifted athlete, she became Idaho State Singles tennis champion at 16 and later won both the State Singles and Doubles titles. She went on to earn a B.A. in history from Carleton College.
After college, Barbara Lee moved to New York City, where she met her devoted husband of 53 years, R. Perry Crowder. They made their home in Edgemont, New York, where they raised three children. Deeply committed to education and community life, Barbara Lee served as president of the local PTA, spent six years on the Edgemont School Board, including two as president, and held leadership roles with the Scarsdale Adult School and the Edgemont Group on Learning Disabilities, among others. She also served as an elder and committee member at Hitchcock Presbyterian Church.
Upon retirement, Barbara Lee and Perry relocated to Pinehurst, North Carolina, where they spent 16 years enjoying travel, forming lasting friendships, and continuing their cherished annual vacations to Chatham, Massachusetts, and Captiva Island, Florida. These trips became treasured traditions for their children and grandchildren. After Perry’s passing, Barbara Lee moved to Idaho to be closer to her daughter Jean.
Tennis remained central throughout Barbara Lee’s life; she played until age 81 and delighted in introducing the game to generations of family. When she retired her racket, she embraced ping-pong, which brought her great joy into her 90s.
Barbara Lee is survived by her children Jean (Kyle) Murphy, Lynn (David) Porter, and Andrew (Karen) Crowder; four grandchildren, Brett (Carlyn) Murphy, Megan Porter, Caroline Crowder, Kelly Porter, and her great-granddaughter Sloane Murphy. She was preceded in death by her husband Perry Crowder, and her sister, Donna Kay Smith Price. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Paramount Parks of Eagle and Bluebird Hospice for their compassionate care.
A private celebration of her life will be held by the family.
Please visit Barbaras’ memorial webpage at www.bowmanfuneral.com.
