CNC Announces Party Slate: Steves for Mayor - Harrison to Pass on 2nd Term
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The Scarsdale Citizen's Nominating Committee, the body that nominates candidates to run for the Scarsdale Citizen's Non-Partisan Party, has announced their slate of candidates for Mayor and Village Trustees for 2013.
Here is the line-up:
Mayor: Robert Steves, 2 Fairview Road
Trustee: Stacy Brodsky, 4 Burgess Road
Trustee: Thomas B. Martin, 262 Fox Meadow Road
Trustee: William Stern, 20 Rural Drive
Surprisingly, Trustee Robert Harrison, who is currently serving a two-year term on the Board was not on the list. See below for a statement from Harrison on why he decided not to run again.
Mayoral candidate Bob Steves is currently completing four years as a Scarsdale Village Trustee and has served as the Deputy Mayor, and Chair of the Finance and Municipal Services Committee. Steves works as the Assistant Treasurer of Fordham University and from 2000-2004 he was the Treasurer of CUNY. He has been a very active member of the Scarsdale community and served on the Scarsdale School Board and as School Board President. He also served on the boards of Scarsdale and Edgemont Family Counseling Service, Scarsdale Student Transfer Education Plan (STEP) and the Immaculate Heart of Mary School of Religion; chaired the Scarsdale Bowl Committee and was president of the Greenacres Neighborhood Association, a rec coach and a Cub Scout leader. Steves and his wife Kathy have lived in Greenacres for 26 years and Kathy now serves as the President of the Greenacres Association and also runs the Friends of the Scarsdale Library Book Sale.
According to Jon Leslie, "Bob personifies what I think the Mayor of Scarsdale should be," and commenting on his nomination Steves said, "I am extremely appreciative of the nomination and am hopeful that I will be able to continue my service to the community as mayor and to continue to work with my extraordinary colleagues on the board."
Trustee Stacey Brodsky is completing her first two-year term on the Board and has now been nominated to run for a second term. In Scarsdale she has volunteered as a member of the Board of Architectural Review, the School Board Nominating Committee, as the President of the Heathcote PTA, on the Board of the Scarsdale Library, as Vice Chair of the Scarsdale Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol, on the Board of the League of Women Voters Scarsdale and as a member of the Scarsdale Bowl Committee.
She is a graduate of Vassar College and Hofstra School of Law where she graduated first in her class. She is also a certified teacher. She began her law career at Schulte Roth and Zabel and then worked at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. She later was a partner at Lankler, Siffer and Wohl in New York. She is the mother of two daughters, Isabel and Nell, both graduates of Scarsdale High School and is married to David M. Brodsky.
We asked Brodsky to comment on her re-nomination and here is what she shared: "Of all of the volunteer roles I have had, I enjoy most the experience of serving as a Village trustee and I am very appreciative of having been nominated by the CNC as a candidate for a second term. For all of my first term, in addition to other assignments, I have chaired the Law Committee, where I have been responsible for handling the process by which new Village laws are considered and passed. During my chairmanship, the Village Board passed a new Fair and Affordable Housing law, substantially liberalized the generator law, and is well on the way in considering a more robust set of Historic Preservation laws. But the work of the Board is entirely collaborative and, additionally, one Board's work often builds upon extensive groundwork by a previous board, as was the case with the FAH law, and will be the case if and when we amend the preservation law. And that is among the aspects I really like about serving as a trustee. We strive to work together as a team to get the job done."
Also on the ballot are two men who will run for their first terms as Village Trustee:
Thomas B. Martin is a long-time Scarsdale resident who grew up here and has lived in the Village as an adult on Fox Meadow Road for 29 years. He has expertise in finance and owns Circle Advisers, a wealth management firm. He is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross and Fordham University Law School. He is also an alumnus of Archbishop Stepinac High School and is Vice Chair of their Board of Trustees. He lives in Scarsdale with his wife Kathy and youngest child and has five grandsons.
William Stern is a 40-year Scarsdale resident was also nominated to run for Village Trustee. We asked him to introduce himself to our readers and here is what he said.
"My wife and I have lived in Scarsdale (currently in Quaker Ridge) for the past 40 years and have raised three children here. One of our daughters lives in Heathcote and also enjoys the benefits that Scarsdale has to offer. Living in Scarsdale has been a gift for my family in terms of its educational system, recreational facilities, safety and other amenities and services. The Board of Trustees has the responsibility to see that the town continues to offer these advantages to current and future generations. That is one of the main motivations for me to get involved.
Personally, I have a Bachelors (City College) and Masters (Columbia) degree in Electrical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Physics (Columbia). My expertise is in power generation, transmission and distribution as well as radio frequency , microwave
communication and generation, lasers, masers, atomic physics and quantum electrodynamics..
I run a medical device company which manufactures neurological ultrasound for the diagnosis of stroke and management of sickle cell disease. The company also manufactures a hospital hydrotherapy pool designed for women to labor in and give birth in.
I am a trustee of the Irish Jewish Museum in Dublin and have hobbies ranging from museums, book collecting, archaeology, and history including the study of other cultures around the world.
My hope is that I can contribute my expertise to the Board and help keep Scarsdale the amazing community it is."
Bob Harrison, who is serving his first term as Village Trustee, opted not to run for a second term. We reached out to Bob to learn more, and here is an excerpt from a letter he wrote to the members of the CNC about his decision and forwarded to Scarsdale10583:
To the Members of the Citizens Nominating Committee:
After much deep thought and conversation with my wife, Terri, family members and friends, I have decided not to have my nomination considered for a second two year term as a Village Trustee.
As I would move into my mid 70's with a second two year term and after 33 years of volunteer work in Scarsdale, I feel that I could not devote the time in good conscience to serve the community as a Village Trustee. Terri and I have a " bucket list " that includes extensive travel, spending more time with our four grandchildren (two in Scarsdale and two in Philly) and spending time at our newly purchased condo on the ocean in Hollywood, Florida.
Now that I am an outgoing trustee and not a potential nominee candidate, I can offer some thoughts on filling my position. I would urge the CNC to consider filling my open trustee position with a resident with strong financial background and business expertise and a commitment to Scarsdale and volunteer work. I have encouraged several residents to apply for a trustee position. ....
In conclusion, Terri and I will continue to live in Scarsdale and will be available for volunteer work but on a much reduced pace after I have attended over 3,000 Village and organizational volunteer meetings, Scarsdale charity events and youth sports coaching practices and games. ......
I thank the CNC of two years ago for giving me the opportunity and honor to listen, respect and serve the residents of our great Scarsdale Community as a Village Trustee.
Bob Harrison
65 Fox Meadow Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583
The election will be held on March 19, 2013 at Scarsdale Village Hall.
Junior League Revitalizes Grace Church
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The Junior League of Central Westchester's (JLCW) new members partnered with the Samaritan House Women's Shelter, which is part of the Grace Church Community Center (GCCC). This shelter provides transitional and emergency housing for up to 19 homeless women. Comprehensive services include individualized treatment for those who suffer from substance abuse, domestic violence or HIV/AIDs. The partnership of these two non-profit organizations provided a wonderful opportunity to better the lives of women in the community of White Plains by enhancing the living space at the shelter and creating kits to help transition residents into housing.
As part of the new member class project, the JLCW collaborated with the Samaritan House on three projects. First, the members redecorated and revitalized the living room located at the Samaritan House, by adding wall art, curtains, rugs, a flat screen TV and other forms of entertainment for the women. The new JLCW members secured donated paint from Wallauer's Paint and Design Center, located in Scarsdale, and spent an afternoon painting the walls. Second, the members diligently collected items for welcome wagon move-in kits from local businesses and active members of the JLCW. These kits contain items for the residents when they transition out of the shelter, into more permanent housing. Often, the women of the shelter do not have basic necessities for their new homes, which is why the kits are so important. The kits include such things as linens, dishes, cutlery, cleaning products and toiletries. Third, the new members presented the revitalized living room as well as the move-in kits at a brunch on December 15, 2012. The event was for residents and staff of the Samaritan House as well as new and active JLCW members.
GCCC Coordinator for Volunteers and Community Relations, Emily Gallagher stated that, "the Junior League's commitment to our less fortunate neighbors is 
truly awe-inspiring. We are so grateful for the hard work and dedication of the JLCW and look forward to partnering with them for years to come."
In the Fall and Spring of each year, the JLCW holds informational coffees for women interested in membership. JLCW members join as a class and meet with current JLCW members to learn more about projects and the organization. Each new member class organizes its own volunteer project, which is to be completed by the end of their training session.
"This was a great way to learn about the community," explains new member Lisa Ferree. "I really appreciate the work that GCCC does for the women at the shelter and I am so impressed by how the local businesses support the effort of JLCW and their community."
About Grace Church Community Center (GCCC)
GCCC is a non-sectarian, community-based non-profit organization whose mission is to assist Westchester County's neediest and most at-risk residents, especially those who are under-served by other resources. GCCC is one of the largest social services agencies in Westchester County and has been providing shelter and support for individuals and families for over 30 years. The agency operates eight critical community programs, including the Samaritan House Women's Shelter ("Samaritan House").
About the Junior League of Central Westchester
The Junior League of Central Westchester (JLCW) is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is both educational and charitable. Headquartered at historic Wayside Cottage, the JLCW has served the communities of Eastchester, Greenburgh, Scarsdale and White Plains for over 65 years. Its approximately 250 active and sustaining members are accomplished collaborators who identify community needs and develop effective and responsive programs to serve those needs. The JLCW invites women of all races, religions and national origins who are committed to volunteerism to become members. Additional Information at www.jlcentralwestchester.org.
Perform An Act of Kindness Each Day in February
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This letter was submitted by Linda Hillman Chayes, Chair of the Scarsdale Community Support Council: Like communities around the country and the world, the Scarsdale community was deeply saddened by the tragic events that took place in Newtown, Connecticut on December 14. To find a constructive response for such a horrific event, the Scarsdale Community Support Council is proposing that our community respond to this tragedy by finding ways to strengthen our connections to each other. Many of you have heard about Ann Curry's 26 Acts of Kindness campaign to the Newtown tragedy (http://www.facebook.com/26acts) which has gone viral on the Internet. We would like to take Ann's concept and transform it into a community project for Scarsdale. To that end, we would like to encourage every Scarsdalian to perform an act of kindness for each day in February.
We believe that the right start is for all of us as a community to make suggestions about the kind acts we engage in. We invite you to write to Scarsdale10583 or mail@scarsdalechamber.org with your suggestions for acts of kindness. Also, visit https://www.facebook.com/ScarsdaleKindness to share your ideas and see more acts of kindness:
Here are a few ideas:
1. Smile at someone
2. Hold a door open
3. Tell someone they did a good job!
4. Yield a parking space to someone
5. Donate to a food pantry
6. Check in with a neighbor
7. Be a good role model
8. Go above and beyond for someone
There are, of course, many responses to this recent tragedy. Many groups and individuals are hard at work on legislative, policy and advocacy issues. Religious and mental health organizations are working to help with the overwhelming sense of loss and hopelessness that comes from such a traumatic event. Our Council felt that a community-wide action would be most helpful to the healing process as well as a way to honor the memory of those lost on December 14.
The Scarsdale Community Support Council is comprised of representatives from local clergy, police, Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service, Scarsdale schools (mental health professionals, the administration, and the PTA), Village Board, Chamber of Commerce, the senior community, the Scarsdale Forum and other civic organizations. The Council, which came together in order to coordinate responses to emergencies in the community has another mission as well which is to promote the social and emotional well-being of our community.
Please help us make February an acts-of-kindness month.
Linda Hillman Chayes
Chair, Scarsdale Community Support Council
Hitchcock Church Begins a Year of Centennial Celebration
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Hitchcock Presbyterian Church began their centennial year on Sunday, January 6, with "Celebrate 100!", a program for its Centennial Year. The "symbol" of the Celebrate 100! program was rendered as a banner (see picture) and presented at the Chancel as the Choristers and Clergy processed.
Holding the banner was a Co-Chair of the Celebrate 100! program, assisted by Pastor John Miller. During announcements, the basic outline of the year's special program was listed. Though no fundraising will be done and no regular programming will be replaced, many additional activities will be developed as celebrations during the year. In addition to the customary banners, name tags, photos, videos and visual celebrations, there will be a trip to Israel in February, major new works of music, the return of former senior pastors of the Church and the generation of new books to capture high points of the Church's history and a treasury of testimonials of appreciation by former and current members of the Church.
The high point of the year will be a Celebrate 100! Weekend, beginning on Friday, October 4. After two days of activities that will engage former members and current members, a grand banquet on October 5 will be followed by a Celebratory Sunday Service on October 6.
Hitchcock Memorial Presbyterian Church was organized in 1913 and remains the only religious institution in the Greenacres neighborhood of Scarsdale. The Greenacres Association had been formed the previous year in 1912, and the Church became a neighborhood house for a wide range of activities by residents of Greenacres, Hartsdale and Edgemont as the population in those areas grew over the next fifty years.
Religious backgrounds of all kinds have been welcomed from the Church's founding and members represent many religious and ethnic groups. Today, the only other institutions in the Greenacres neighborhood are the school and the public safety building. Members and visitors to the Church today come from Scarsdale, Hartsdale, Edgemont, White Plans, Elmsford, Pleasantville, Dobbs Ferry, Ardsley, Bronxville, Eastchester, New Rochelle, Yonkers and beyond and the congregation includes Caucasians, Asians and African Americans. A Japanese language congregation also worships at the Church.
At the Church's founding, the congregation and Pastor George Smyth believed outstanding music was required. Over the intervening century outstanding musicians have been drawn to the Church. It is considered in historic character to give special emphasis to music for the Church's several choirs in the Centennial Year, to Celebrate 100! under the direction of Dr. John King.
Merrell and Lynne Clark are Co-Chairs of the Celebrate 100! program, joined by a steering committee of long term and relatively new members and clergy. Members of the steering committee are John Clapp, Marla Dierking, Bill Doescher, Dr. John King, David Kroenlein, Dr. John Miller, Gensina Olson, Kea Park and Beverly Thornhill.
The first sermon of the Celebrate 100! Year was preached by Rev. Elizabeth Smith-Bartlett, the Church's Minister of Christian Formation and Nurture. People who are interested in religion may enjoy the sermon as it illustrates a line of Christian thought associated with Epiphany Sunday (12th Day of Christmas) and encompasses the "interruptions" implied in the Epiphany and in "Celebrate 100!" themes. Read it here.
Hitchcock Presbyterian Church
6 Greeancres Avenue
Scarsdale NY 10583
914-723-3311
http://www.hitchcockpresby.org/
This article was contributed by Merrell Clark
Photo of Elizabeth Smith-Bartlett, credit Lawrence Tsuyuki
Greenacres Remembers Ellen Frantz
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Ellen Frantz, a longtime kindergarten teacher at the Greenacres Elementary School, passed away on December 20, 2012 at age 70. Frantz and her husband Steven were both educators in Scarsdale, where he served as the Principal of Fox Meadow Elementary School until his retirement in 2006. Steve and Ellen met when they were both teaching at Edgewood Elementary School and their daughter Amber is also in the family business, currently teaching third grade at the Heathcote Elementary School.
Ellen taught kindergarten in the district for 41 years, most of those at Greenacres where she was a favorite among teachers, parents and students. She had an extra large classroom with a fireplace where kids gathered round to hear stories and share.
We spoke to a few of her colleagues at Greenacres about Ellen and here is what they said:
Teacher-in-Charge Cindy Sansone, a long-term staffer at the school said, "Ellen was a devoted kindergarten teacher who constantly worked on revamping and improving the kindergarten curriculum. Ellen was always current. She affectionately called her students gooseberries."
Deb Krisanda a colleague of Frantz who has taught at Greenacres for many years said, "Ellen was always about the children - she loved their company and learned from them as she endeavored to open their hearts and minds to LIFE ... through stories, art, nature and mathematical problems to be pondered and solved throughout the day! She cared about all of their selves ... who and how they were intellectually, emotionally, and socially! To me, Ellen was a mentor and friend who truly inspired me to be the best teacher I could possibly be!"
Helene Quirk, a kindergarten teacher at the school sent us the following, "Ellen Frantz was a dedicated and wonderful kindergarten teacher who I worked alongside with for about nine years prior to her retirement. Ellen was the kind of teacher who was extremely passionate about her work and I learned a great deal about teaching kindergarten from her. She had an amazing ability to reach her students and meet their individual needs. Ellen believed in engaging her students in projects that were creative and meaningful as well as challenging and fun. She adored her students and they adored and looked up to her. Ellen was so good at what she did that she made it look easy. To this day, some of my favorite projects are the ones Ellen had shared with me during the years we worked together. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to work and learn from Ellen. She was a master of her craft."
Nancy Closter, Greenacre's art teacher added, "I was sorry to hear of Ellen's passing. She was a wonderful, loving, kind teacher. I remember children always sitting on her lap or by her side. They felt so secure with her. She was a wonderful listener and had the best advice about life, a true treasure to the Greenacres faculty."
A memorial/celebration is scheduled for January 25 at 5:00 p.m. at the Fox Meadow Tennis Club 14 Wayside Lane, Scarsdale. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT.
Share your recollections of Ellen Frantz below:
