JCC of Mid-Westchester Hosts Annual Benefit, A Salute to the Arts
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On Thursday, March 30, 2017 the JCC of Mid-Westchester will host its Annual Benefit, this year entitled A Salute to the Arts. The event will be held from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at the JCC at 999 Wilmot Road in Scarsdale. "Now, more than ever, the JCC needs the community to support its mission and growth" says Benefit co-chair Laura Sheppe Miller, a Scarsdale resident. Adds co-chair and fellow Scarsdale resident, Elise Flagg, "I am thrilled that we are focusing the spotlight on the Arts this year so that more people will have the opportunity to join us and learn about the wonderful programs at the JCC and its important presence right here in our back yard".
The event will also honor Peter Rothschild, past Board President, board member and longtime supporter of the JCC Mid-Westchester. Peter is a managing partner at RF Investment Partners and a resident of Scarsdale. A Salute to the Arts will feature the story of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, as told through film, musical performance, and dance.
Over 250 community members and supporters are expected to attend this highly anticipated event. A Salute to the Arts will celebrate the arts in various forms, featuring the JCC Dance School; Josh Aaronson, author; and Itamar Zorman, violinist. Additionally, the work of three artists will be displayed in a gallery setting; items will be for sale with a percentage of the proceeds benefitting the JCC of Mid-Westchester.
"JCC of Mid-Westchester has been a center for culture and arts for over 60 years" says Executive Director Karen Kolodny. "The benefit this year helps us to bring attention to our gem of a theater, the Bendheim Performing Arts Center. We are privileged to have this amazing space in our facility and honored to share it with the community. It is just one of the many elements that make the JCC a unique and special place for the Westchester community."
Westchester Theatre of Dance, under the direction of JCC Dance School Director, Jayne Santoro, will perform to Johann Pachelbel's "Cannon in D," with choreography by Mimi Wallace.
Josh Aaronson, Academy Award-nominated film producer 
and director, and co-author of the book "Orchestra of Exiles: The Story of Bronislaw Huberman, the Israel Philharmonic, and the One Thousand Jews He Saved from Nazi Horrors", will present an excerpt of the film based on his book.
Violinist Itamar Zorman will perform to a backdrop of images from the original Israel Philharmonic. Itamar has appeared with The Israel Philharmonic, The American Symphony Orchestra in Carnegie Hall, The Tokyo Symphony, Jerusalem Symphony, Haifa Symphony, and St. Petersburg Philharmonic. His participation was secured in cooperation with the Westchester Philharmonic.
The artwork of Tova Snyder and David Stahl will be on display and for sale, along with the "Passage to Israel" exhibit, a traveling gallery that features various renowned Israeli artists.
JCC of Mid-Westchester provides numerous programs and services to the Westchester community, providing stimulating lectures, concerts and panel discussions for active adults to aging-in-place seniors and those who are residing at local assisted living facilities; gymnastics, swim, dance and fitness programs for all ages; a home for special needs programming for children, teens and an adult special needs community gardening projects; a flourishing nursery school and day camps for children from age 2; speech, occupational and physical therapy for children; and the "Witness Theatre," an innovative intergenerational journey for Holocaust survivors and high school students. Just as important it welcomes people from all backgrounds and religions.
For tickets call 914-472-7672 or click here.
Scarsdale Historical Society Gives $100,000 for Library Renovation
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The Scarsdale Historical Society has provided a $100,000 grant to the Friends of the Scarsdale Library to assist in the renovation of the Library. "The Scarsdale Historical Society is very pleased to be able to assist in this important community project. We look forward to continuing to work with the Library on developing a Scarsdale History area as part of the renovated library," said Randy Guggenheimer, Scarsdale Historical Society President.
"We're thrilled by this gift, which will immediately be doubled through a one-to-one match offered by two very generous donors," said Library Board President Terri Simon. "The Historical Society's commitment underscores community recognition of the Library's enduring value not only as a repository of materials, but as an active place of research for Scarsdale now and for generations to come."
"The Historical Society and the Library have had a successful partnership for many years. We are grateful for the continued support and look forward to collaborating on many future projects," said Elizabeth Bermel, Director of the Scarsdale Public Library.
The Scarsdale Historical Society has previously given grants to the Library for digitization of the Scarsdale Inquirer newspaper and for funding summer internships. The Scarsdale Historical Society and the Library are working together on a "Bring Your Scarsdale History" event which will take place this spring.
About the Scarsdale Historical Society
The Scarsdale Historical Society exists to discover, preserve, and disseminate historical information as well as inspire others to learn about and contribute to the history of Scarsdale and the Central mid-Westchester region.
Volunteers Needed to Serve on Village Boards and Councils
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The Personnel Committee of the Village Board is asking residents interested in volunteering to serve on Village Boards, Councils and Committees to submit their names for consideration. New terms will begin April 3, 2017. Candidates interested in serving on any Board, Council or Committee should apply.
Trustee Jane Veron, Chair of the Personnel Committee, said interested residents are encouraged to submit their own names, together with a listing of community service and relevant professional background. It is also helpful for Scarsdale residents to provide written suggestions of individuals who should be considered for appointment. Please submit contact information including email addresses. The information may be submitted in one of two ways:
• Via the Village Website – At www.scarsdale.com, click "Government", then "Boards and Councils". Under "Quick Links", open the "Boards, Commissions, and Councils Online Application" and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Via Village Hall – Alternatively, the information may be forwarded to Trustee Jane Veron at Scarsdale Village Hall, 1001 Post Road, Scarsdale NY 10583
All materials should be received at the Village website or Village Hall by March 8, 2017. Residents should feel free to contact the Personnel Committee Chair, Jane Veron e-mail at jveron.villagetrustee@gmail.com. You may also contact the Village Clerk, Donna Conkling at 914-722-1175 or via e-mail at dconkling@scarsdale.com for further information.
Pursuant to the general policy adopted by the Village Board, guidelines for membership on Scarsdale's appointed Boards, Councils and Committees cover four areas:
1. Residency
Boards, Committees and Advisory Councils are comprised of residents of the Village. While comments from outside the community can be sought as needed, actions recommended or taken by Boards, Committees and Advisory Councils should ultimately reflect the views of Village residents.
2. Professional or Business Affiliation
Various professional skills and training are required by Village law or deemed desirable by the Village Board of Trustees for the successful fulfillment of some Board, Council or Committee charters.
3. Civic Interest and Involvement
The majority of the members of Village Boards and Councils are appointed by reason of demonstrated interest in Village affairs, through volunteer involvement. Scarsdale is the beneficiary of a long history of voluntary civic endeavors. Since the overriding purpose of Boards, Committees and Councils is to assure the continuation of high community standards, it is appropriate that members on Boards, Committees and Councils be those residents who have demonstrated willingness and initiative to work in support of this objective.
4. Specialized Knowledge
Certain Boards, Committees and Councils benefit by having one or more members with specialized knowledge. For example, the Cable Television Commission benefits by having people with knowledge of the communications industry; the Advisory Council on People with Disabilities would benefit from the experience of residents with disabilities; the Advisory Council on Youth would benefit from people who have worked with young people.
The following are the terms of office, and responsibilities for members appointed to the Boards, Councils and Committees:
BOARD OF APPEALS - (5 years - one term). Rules on appeals from zoning requirements, including setbacks; on permits for construction of swimming pools and tennis courts, and on non-conforming uses.
BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW - (3 years - two terms). Its basic purpose is to preserve the character and appearance of the Village. Review of all applications involving construction of buildings, or additions to, or reconstruction of existing buildings affecting the exterior appearance.
PLANNING BOARD - (5 years - one term). Advises Village Board on master planning; rules on applications for sub-division of lots, street designations, construction in wetland areas and non-residential buildings.
BOARD OF ETHICS - (5 years - one term). Possible conflicts of interest or other
issues of ethics affecting Village personnel are referred to this Board by the Board of Trustees.
CABLE TELEVISION COMMISSION - (5 years - open-ended terms). Administers and monitors the Cable Franchise Agreements with the Village and encourages use of the cable access channels.
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL - (2 years - open-ended terms). Advises the Village Board on such matters as programs, areas, facilities, public relations and other matters pertaining to conservation of the environment.
COMMITTEE FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION - (3 years - two terms). Determines if a structure located in the Village for which a permit for demolition has been requested is a structure of historical importance.
LIBRARY BOARD - (5 years - one term). Responsible for the administrative and operating policies of the Scarsdale Public Library. Operates independently of the Village Board and selects its own President.
ADVISORY COUNCIL ON PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES - (2 years - open-ended terms). Advises and assists the Village Board in matters of concern to residents with disabilities. Assists with programs and activities, increases public awareness of the needs of the disabled, acts as liaison with other Advisory Councils, and promotes participation in community affairs by disabled persons.
ADVISORY COUNCIL ON HUMAN RELATIONS - (2 years - open-ended terms). Considers and recommends actions at the request of the Village Board to foster mutual respect and understanding among all members of the community.
ADVISORY COUNCIL ON PARKS AND RECREATION - (2 years - open-ended terms). Promotes the recreation program in the Village and advises the Village Board on the use of Village parks for recreation and passive uses, recommends the use or non-use of all open space, and acts as a liaison between the Village Board and the community on all matters relating to recreation and parks.
ADVISORY COUNCIL ON SCARSDALE SENIOR CITIZENS - (2 years - open-ended terms). Advises and assists the Board of Trustees in all matters concerning the senior citizens of the Village of Scarsdale.
TOWN BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW - (5 years – open-ended terms). This Board reviews property tax grievances filed with respect to property tax assessments.
ADVISORY COUNCIL ON TECHNOLOGY - (2 years - open-ended terms). This Council has a broad mandate in advising the Village Board and staff on technological matters. It provides advice, explores strategic options, and develops recommendations on how the Village Board can best utilize technology, including the Internet to improve efficiencies.
ADVISORY COUNCIL ON YOUTH - (2 years - open-ended terms). Advises and assists the Board of Trustees in responding to the needs of Scarsdale's young people and works to generate a favorable climate for growth and development of youth in the community.
JUDICIAL QUALIFICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE - (5 years - two terms). The Committee's function is to assist the Citizens' Nominating Committee and the Mayor, respectively with the selection of individuals who are qualified for the offices of Village Justice and Acting Village Justice.
REPRESENTATIVE TO SCARSDALE ARTS COUNCIL - (2 years - open-ended terms). At-large representative (total of 4 appointed by the Village Board) to the Scarsdale Arts Council Board. The Council's mission is to encourage the arts to flourish in Scarsdale by, among other methods, improving communication among arts programs and by attracting grant support and to raise public awareness and participation in the arts.
Bingo for the Scholarship Fund was Great Fun!
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Almost 50 parents and children attended the Fourth Annual Bingo night on March 2. The energy in the room was electric as kids and parents alike sat on the edge of their seats, waiting for that final number to be called by Craig Fuehrer, who strong voice made him the ideal announcer. Winners were able to choose from a bevy of items at the generous prize table. For those who needed refreshments, candies, cookies and drinks were readily available and provided renewed commitment to the game.
Since its inception over 65 years ago, the SHS PTA Scholarship Fund for College has helped to make college a reality for more than 800 Scarsdale students. 100% of the funds raised each year goes directly towards the tuition payments of graduating high school students. The impact of this committee is significant; last year it awarded $87,00 in grants. Committee members appreciate the community's support of this important resource.
Scarsdale Attorney Files Amicus Brief for ADL Challenging Trump's Travel Ban
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Scarsdale attorney John B. Harris is the principal author of an Amicus Brief to the U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit on behalf of the Anti-Defamation League ("ADL") objecting to President Donald Trump's recent executive order to ban travel into the United States from seven majority-Muslim nations.
The brief is not a typical synopsis of legal issues. Rather, it is a review of the United States' long history of welcoming immigrants and the tragic consequences of times when America turned away from its core values, such as when the United States turned away Jewish refugees desperately seeking safety aboard the St Louis during World War II, excluded immigrants from China and interned Japanese Americans.
The brief quotes luminaries in American history such as John Winthrop who "admonished the future colonists of Massachusetts to always remember that their new community would be "as a city upon a hill." It recalls Walt Whitman, Emma Lazarus and John F. Kennedy who in his book "A Nation of Immigrants" wrote, ""America has always been a refuge from tyranny. As a nation conceived in liberty, it has held out to the world the promise of respect for the rights of man."
Harris' law firm, Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz in Manhattan, submitted the brief on behalf of ADL where Harris is the Chair of the ADL Legal Affairs Committee. He said, "The U.S. has been and should be a beacon of hope for refugees from war-torn countries and for victims of persecution."
