New York Botanical Garden CEO Beholds Black Oak in Scarsdale
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NYBG CEO Jennifer Bernstein and Bill Roberts in front of an historic black oak tree at 21 Autenrieth Road. The life of the tree will be endangered by a renovation to the home that was approved by the Board of Architectural Review. (Photo Credit: Cynthia Roberts)
Jennifer Bernstein, CEO and President of the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), came to Scarsdale this week to behold the healthy and historic black oak tree at 21 Autenrieth Road.
Ms. Bernstein elucidated the extraordinary value this oak adds to our Scarsdale ecosystem:
“Mature trees like this beautiful black oak provide critical environmental services including oxygen, shade, stormwater mitigation, and wildlife habitat. Scarsdale is a part of the Bronx River watershed, and like all communities within the watershed, the treatment Scarsdale affords its mature trees has ramifications beyond its borders. NYBG strives to educate our surrounding communities that healthy trees and healthy yards contribute to a healthy river and ecosystem.”
During her visit Ms. Bernstein stressed the particular value of oak trees and recommended that residents read Professor Douglas W. Tallamy’s 2021 book, The Nature of Oaks. According to Professor Tallamy, “Oak trees support more forms of life and more fascinating interactions than any other tree genus in North America.”
Unfortunately, the future of this oak tree is threatened because the Scarsdale Board of Architectural Review (BAR) recently voted to approve a development plan for the house at 21 Autenrieth Road that includes constructing a new garage and driveway in the front yard near the tree. Neighbors had presented expert evidence that the most protective measure for this tree would be to keep all construction disturbance out of the tree’s 58-foot dripline, but the approved project will bring disturbance within 25 feet of the tree.
Scarsdale Democrats Encourage Locals to Get Involved
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George Latimer and Amy Paulin at a fundraiser for the Scarsdale Democrats on August 8, 2024.Buoyed by a surge in the polls for the Democratic presidential ticket, the Scarsdale Democrats held their final summer fundraiser at the Scarsdale home of State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin on a rainy Thursday August 8, 2024. Though it won’t be the last summer event for the group, it will be the last one at Paulin’s home, as she has announced plans to move to New Rochelle later this year.
Congesswoman Grace MengAbout 50 party members assembled to hear remarks from Assemblywoman Paulin, Congresswoman Grace Meng from Queens and County Executive George Latimer, who is the Democratic candidate for Congress in NY CD16, which includes Scarsdale. They all spoke about the challenges facing Democrats in this election. The big takeaway of the night is that election victories don't just happen; it takes organizing and volunteer participation and Myra Saul, Chair of the of Scarsdale Democrats encouraged everyone to swing into action. She also announced that Alissa Baum, former president of the Scarsdale League of Women Voters, will join her as co-chair for the 2024-2026 term.
Saul told the group that she had just returned from two weeks abroad where, “the good vibrations emanating from the Harris campaign, including the various successful zooms, the Georgia rally, the selection of Tim Walz as Kamala’s running mate and the Tuesday joint event have changed the dynamics of this year’s election for Democrats up and down the ballot.”
Saul recognized Henry Neale, who stepped down as a District Leader that night. She said, “Henry grew up in Scarsdale and attended Scarsdale public schools. He became a District Leader in 1976, the year he and his wonderful wife Sue, who left us too early and also was a District Leader, bought a home here. Henry’s tenure probably sets a record for longevity as a Scarsdale District Leader—48 years. He also was chair of our committee for several years in the early 90’s. As a District leader, Henry has been invaluable to the Committee in providing us with his keen political insights. It was Henry who convinced me that I should run to become chair and I will always be grateful to him for his confidence in me.”
She introduced Amy Paulin, George Latimer, Shelley Mayer, Susan Cacace, Democratic Candidate for District Attorney, Ken Jenkins, Deputy County Executive, and County Legislators Ben Boykin, who represents Scarsdale, Terry Clements and Judah Holstein from New Rochelle. She noted the presence of former Mayor Jon Mark and former village Trustees Kay Eisenman and Seth Ross.
Ken Jenkins, Grace Meng, Amy Paulin and Shelley Mayer
Also at the event were Justin Brasch from the White Plains Common Council and judicial aspirants Brent Broge, Diane Clerkin, John Collins, Collen Duffy, Jane Lippmann, Kyle McGovern Rachel Tanguay, Maryanne Scattaretico-Naber and Josephine Triovini for Supreme Court and Natasha Ginsburg, Sheralyn Goodman and Kimberly Ragazzo for County Court.
Introducing Congresswoman Grace Meng, Saul said, “Grace Meng was elected in 2012 to NY’s 6th congressional district situated in Queens, which is the most diverse county in New York State. As a child of immigrants, she has never forgotten where she came from or who she fights for. She is the first and only Asian American elected member of Congress from New York. Prior to her election to Congress, she served in the New York Assembly. From 2017 to 2020, she served as a Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee, where she supported Democratic wins and worked to improve outreach to groups too often ignored by both parties. As New York’s senior member and Vice Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, she fights for federal programs that improve the lives of working and middle class families.
As we all know, the path to flip the House runs through New York State. We have several important races here which are a must win for Democrats, including CD-17 to our immediate north where our speaker at last year’s fundraiser, Mondaire Jones, is in a battle to unseat MAGA Mike Lawler.
Scarsdale Democratic Leaders
With respect to the House races in our area specifically, Congresswoman Meng is a DCCC Regional Vice Chair. She played a key role in Tom Suozzi’s race to regain his Congressional seat that includes parts of Queens and Long Island. Congresswoman Meng’s charge was to help Suozzi energize the Asian American Pacific Islander community, which comprises 20% of the electorate in the District, in a culturally competent and authentic manner. Obviously, both she and he were successful!
So much is at stake in the upcoming election. This crowd knows those perils, but that is not enough. We need to stop the MAGAs at the voting booth. Here is Congresswoman Grace Meng to give us her impressions of the battle to take the House and our role in this endeavor.
Closing the event, Saul asked the audience to get involved. She said, “The Scarsdale Committee hopes that you will become active in our committee and attend our meetings. The highlight of these meetings is surely the opportunity to meet with and discuss issues with our local electeds.
Besides talking to friends and encouraging them to vote for Democrats, figure out your own game plan for 2024. What floats your boat—do you like to phone bank, write texts, write postcards, go out canvassing? If you want some advice, Scarsdale Democrats can help. The message is do something! You will be glad you did. With our collective energy and renewed focus with our excellent nominees at the top of our ticket, we will go out there and win. Let’s do it!”
Reach out to the Scarsdale Democrats scarsdaledems@gmail.com or visit their website here. scarsdaledemocrats.org.
Scarsdale Remembers Lucien Oades and Kenneth Arbeeny
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Scarsdale lost two residents in the past few weeks, Lucien Oakes, a rising senior at Scarsdale High School and Kenneth Arbeeny, age 71who passed away on June 29, 2024.
On July 1, 2024 the community received the following email from the Scarsdale Schools regarding Lucien Oades:
Dear Parents, Colleagues and Community Members,
It is with deep sadness that I am writing to our community today to once again share terrible news. We learned earlier today that Lucien Oades, a rising senior at Scarsdale High School, passed away following a medical incident. Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with Lucien's parents and sibling; his extended family; his teachers; his friends, their families, and the Scarsdale High School community. We also extend our love, care and concern for those grieving with and for Lucien's brother Sebastian.
Kenneth Arbeeny
Kenneth Arbeeny
Kenneth Arbeeny was a lawyer, a father of three and a Fox Meadow resident. He served as a Volunteer Firefighter for Scarsdale Company 2 for 13 years. His friends offered the following remembrances:
Jim Buck said, “Ken was an absolute gentleman who was deeply committed to his family, community especially Scarsdale Fire Company 2. He always had a kind word for all. He will be deeply missed.”
Sang Han said, “Ken was so generous. Every kid knew to go to the Arbeeny house at Halloween for the best light-up toys! He truly brought light to the lives of his fellow Scarsdalians.
(From Legacy.com)
Kenny leaves behind his beloved wife, Maureen Grealish Arbeeny, his three devoted children Allison Rickard and husband Timothy Rickard, Audrey Arbeeny and Andrew Arbeeny, as well as two special grandchildren Paul and Kennedy Rickard who affectionately called him "Papa". In addition, he leaves his sister Valerie Nemer, and three sisters in law Kathy Cochran, Anne Grealish and Meagan Melville and special niece Madi Melville. He also cherished all his cousins, nieces, nephews, and his many close friends including his "brothers" Joe Finazzo, Knud Hansen and Doug Wisner.
Kenny was born in Brooklyn, New York, on May 24,1953, to parents Theresa Salgado Arbeeny and Daniel Arbeeny. He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School and Binghamton University ('74), before attending New York University (MPA, '76) and Boston College Law School (J.D., '78). Kenny had a long and accomplished career as a Real Estate Attorney spanning over four decades and completed leasing transactions in most major office buildings in New York City. He was most recently of Counsel at Sullivan & Worcester and prior to that was at Beau Dietl & Associates.
Kenny was also heavily involved in his community, serving as a Volunteer Firefighter for Scarsdale Company 2 for 13 years, as a member of the Board of Directors of The AHRC New York City foundation for many years and as a baseball and softball coach for 26 seasons. He lived a life in keeping with his favorite quote: "Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you think" (Longfellow). Kenny gave everything to his family, friends, and community. While he was passionate about coins, classic cars, and his beloved New York Mets baseball team, he truly cared about his family and friends and was so generous of his time and expertise to everyone around him. His was a legend in so many ways and will forever be remembered for his generous spirit.
(Top photo: Shelley Grafstein)
Scarsdale Remembers Bill Miller
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William S. Miller (Bill) died at home on July 18, surrounded by loving family and just shy of his 92nd birthday. He was born July 23, 1932, the son of Cecile and Mark Miller.
Bill and his sister, Sara Feldman who predeceased him, grew up in the Bronx under the shadow of Yankee Stadium where he first heard the roars of the crowd, and became an obsessive baseball fan . When he was eight years old, the Millers moved to New Rochelle. Bill attended Harvard College where he developed a life-long interest in politics. He graduated magna cum laude in 1954 and continued on to Harvard Business School graduating with distinction in 1956 with a focus on negotiations and collective bargaining. Following service in the U.S. Army Finance Corps, he joined Miller Cardboard. He became Principal Owner and was its President for more than thirty years until he sold the company in 1995.
Throughout his career Bill was actively involved in a multitude of volunteer activities in Scarsdale and was President of the Scarsdale Board of Education and President of Westchester Reform Temple. In 2013 he was honored by the Scarsdale community with its highest award for volunteerism, the Scarsdale Bowl.
Bill married Ann Rosenthal in 1958 and they had four children, Elizabeth Miller Guggenheimer (Randy), Mark R. Miller (Tonya), Dr. Rachel L. Miller (Kent) and
Dr. Steven W. Miller. The family enjoyed wonderful summers together at their vacation home in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.
Following Ann's death, Bill married Stephanie Pollack Singer in 2000 and welcomed her children, Dr. Debra Beth Singer and Dr. Marcy Singer Gabella (Dr. William Gabella) to the family. Both families had been close for many years and Bill often said, "my family is my pride and joy".
Their blended family now includes nine grandchildren, Laura Guggenheimer (Dr. Aaron Deutsch), Brian Guggenheimer, Sam Miller, Benjamin Miller, Andrea Becker, Andrew Stein, Daniel Stein, Isaac Gabella, Joshua Gabella and two great grandchildren.
Bill was a compassionate, committed and highly ethical person who will be missed by all. The family would appreciate donations made to the Caring Community of Westchester Reform Temple or to Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service in his memory. Funeral Services will be held at Westchester Reform Temple on Monday, July 22, 2024 beginning at 11:30 AM.
Emily DaSilva Marries David Jimenez-Katsman in Los Angeles
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Emily Hope DaSilva (SHS ‘08) and David Gabriel Jimenez-Katsman were married on May 25, 2024 at Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, California. Rabbi Jonathan E. Blake of Westchester Reform Temple officiated the Jewish wedding ceremony.
The couple met on Hinge in November 2019, and shared a few dates before the pandemic hit—but David was undeterred by the forthcoming lockdown. Emily returned home to Scarsdale for five months, while David planned virtual dates, sent her sweet surprises, and even got her number one celebrity crush to slide into her DMs to say hello.
Upon her return to Los Angeles, David recreated an iconic rom-com movie scene by scooping Emily up at LAX with a blaring boombox over his head, blasting Peter Gabriel’s In Your Eyes. Ever since, their life together out west has been filled with vibrant dinner parties in their Mt. Washington home; weekend walks around the Silver Lake Reservoir; evening salsas and merengues; premieres from Hollywood to Cannes; advocacy for progressive local causes; and frequent visits to their hometowns, Toronto and New York.
In December 2023, David convinced Emily he won a trip to Kauai in a holiday raffle at work, and the two of them left just a few days later. Emily thought nothing of it, since her sisters slipped to her a fake proposal plan they learned from David over Thanksgiving dinner. But when the couple landed in Hawaii, David whisked Emily to a beach, where to her surprise was a hidden photographer, and a ring in his pocket.
The groom, 34, is a Partner at Sugar23, where he manages writers and directors for film and television. He received his Masters of Laws at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in 2011, with a concentration in litigation and alternative dispute resolution. He received his Bachelor of Laws at Durham University in 2010, with additional business administration studies from the Schulich School of Business in Canada. The groom is the son of Elina Katsman and Felix Jimenez.
The bride, 33, is the founder of Reorganized, a non-profit dedicated to mobilizing youth voters, as well as the Chief Client Success officer for Votivate, a political data company. She serves on the Executive Board of Directors of the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, and as the treasurer on the Board of Directors of the American Civil Liberties Union, California Action. She graduated from New York University in 2012, with a Bachelor of Arts magna cum laude in Dramatic Literature. Emily is the daughter of Peggy and Russell DaSilva. The bride’s mother is the CEO of PIMCO Prime Real Estate (formerly Allianz Real Estate). The bride’s father is Senior Counsel at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP.
