Scarsdale's Tommy Hess to be Honored by the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation
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Tommy Hess, an advocate for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, past president of the young professionals in NYC and first recipient of the Young Humanitarian award will be recognized with the Foundation’s Community Impact Award at this year’s Quest for a Cure Gala. The event is scheduled for October 5, 2024, at Brae Burn Country Club in Purchase, New York.
Tommy's journey with ulcerative colitis began on May 25, 1994, when he was just about to celebrate his 21st birthday. Instead of a joyful surprise party planned by his family, he faced a life-threatening situation in his hospital room at Mount Sinai. A team of doctors burst in, declaring an urgent need for surgery to save his life. That day marked the beginning of a long and challenging battle against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Following the unexpected surgery, Tommy spent a month recovering in the hospital, which included a second operation and battling a severe infection due to a ruptured colon. His health struggles continued for years, with Tommy enduring six surgeries, various medications, and debilitating arthritis in his 20s—a difficult side effect of IBD that made even simple tasks like sitting or standing a challenge.
Thanks to advancements in treatment, the support of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, and the love of his family and friends, Tommy has been enjoying good health since his last surgery in 2017. His resilience and determination have made him a beacon of hope for many living with similar conditions.
The upcoming Quest for a Cure Gala promises to be a memorable evening filled with purpose and community spirit. Chaired by fellow Scarsdale resident Jesse Edelman, the event will feature a silent auction, cocktails, dinner, awards, and entertainment, drawing over 300 supporters from Westchester, Fairfield Counties, and beyond. It is the largest annual fundraiser for the Connecticut/Westchester Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, aimed at raising critical funds for IBD research and support services.
Tickets for the Quest for a Cure Gala are priced at $375 for individuals and $3,750 for a table of ten. Those interested in attending or supporting the mission can find more information at https://onecau.se/cw2024gala.
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to finding cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis while enhancing the quality of life for affected individuals. Over the years, the foundation has invested more than $350 million in vital research initiatives, educational programs, and support services for the estimated 3.1 million individuals living with IBD and their families.
For further inquiries about the event or the foundation, please contact Jennifer Jara at Jjara@crohnscolitisfoundation.org or (475) 422-6178.
Should Fishing Be Permitted in Scarsdale?
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Is fishing legal in Scarsdale? That's the question now that the activity has become popular at Library Pond, which is home to largemouth bass, bluegills, carp and some enormous snapping turtles. Local dad, Brian Culang and his son were turned away from the pond by Scarsdale Police who said that fishing was not allowed. Culang questioned the rule as he thinks fishing is a healthy activity, preferable to playing video games inside, and appears to be harmless.
Below is a letter he wrote to the Scarsdale Police and Rec Department to find out more:
I recently visited Harwood Park with my son, who brought along a freshwater fishing rod to enjoy the afternoon outdoors. However, we were approached by SPD and informed that fishing was not allowed at that location due to Village code. (The officer could not have been more professional and we appreciate his service to be clear!)
I reviewed the Scarsdale Village Code but could not find any specific regulation prohibiting fishing in town. Could you please direct me to the relevant section that restricts this activity?
I did notice a sign posted at the park that reads "No Fishing"; it appears to be unofficial, lacking any Scarsdale or NY state markings.
I would like to ensure that we are not enforcing rules that actually aren't on the books! And if there is a town code against fishing, the good news is that I think I found a meaningful civic project for me and my son to work on together!
Thank you for your assistance.
Best regards,
Brian Culang
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 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.
