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 notoriety.
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.
10 New Members Elected to Citizens Nominating Committee
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Andrew Sereysky and Ralph Geer manned the poll. at Scarsdale Public LibraryTen new members were elected to serve on the Scarsdale Citizens Nominating Committee (CNC) on Thursday November 13, 2025. These new members will join current CNC members for a total of 30 Scarsdale residents serving on the CNC. Together, the CNC will vet and nominate a slate of non-partisan candidates to run in Scarsdale’s March election for three open Village Trustee positions.
A total of 236 votes were received, 97 mail in ballot and 139 in person votes at the Scarsdale Library. In 2024, 342 votes were cast.
For the first time, Scarsdale Village would not provide the metal ballot boxes, and that left CNC Procedure Committee Chair Ralph Geer scrambling to find a last minute solution. He turned to Amazon, and voila, he was able to secure these new ballot boxes in time.
For next year, the Technology Class at Scarsdale Middle School will create wood ballot boxes that can be locked – and used for elections for the Citizens Nominating Committee and the Scarsdale Board Nominating Committee.
Here are the names of the newly elected members of the CNC:
Fox Meadow
Cynthia Crowe
Chao Huang
Edgewood
Michelle Florence
Jordan Kennedy
Quaker Ridge
Dr. Peter Sherman
Joseph Roth
Greenacres
Alison Milam
David Fenigstein
Heathcote
Richard Reuter
Mike Mikho
And here is the complete list of the membership of the Citizens Nominating Committee:
Edgewood
2026 Anne Gilhool
2026 Brian Badsma
2027 Dan Kovel
2027 Ryad Vachha
2028 Jordan Kennedy
2028 Michelle Florence
Fox Meadow
2026 Beth Altschuler
2026 Allison Zolot
2027 Brian Culang
2027 Daniela Retelny
2028 Cynthia Crowe
2028 Chao Huang
Heathcote
2026 Vacant Spot
2026 Thippawan Jittiwasurat
2027 Caryn Margolis
2027 Emily Mervis (2 year term)
2027 Eugenie Rosenthal
2028 Mike Mikho
2028 Rick Reuter
Quaker Ridge
2026 Alex Forschner
2026 Lia Tchorni
2027 Jeff Weiland
2027 Scott Group
2028 Peter Sherman
2028 Joseph Roth
Greenacres
2026 Casey Lehman
2026 Joe Zakierski
2027 Matt Easton
2027 Alli Seiden
2028 Alison Milam
2028 David Fenigstein
A Dazzling Display by the SHS Class of '26
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The Scarsdale High School Class of 2026 was resplendent in vibrant costumes on Halloween morning. They emerged out of the darkness on a chilly day and assembled at the Brewster Road entrance to pose for photos and enjoy a bagel breakfast.
In the crowd we saw trolls in hot pink wigs, the Grinch, Christmas elves, bumble bees, the cast of Glee, Chips Ahoy, 
the Lorax, Average Joe basketball players, astronauts, pickles, Minions, the Devil, Waldo, a herd of cows and the farmer, and many more.
Among the most amusing were three dressed as the NYC Mayoral candidates, Andrew Coumo, Curtis Sliwa and Zohran Mamdani.
The faculty got into the act too, almost upstaging the kids! The Deans, Administrators were decked out as Cruella de Vil, Batman, Elphaba and Glinda, Frida Cahlo, the King, the Pope, a witch and a cowboy.
As the bell l struck 8 am, the entire class stretched out for a group photo.
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- Jonathan Thaler's Gallery of Nature Photographs
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