Scarsdale Democrats Rally in Support of Cait Conley for CD-17
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Alissa Baum and Myra Saul, Co-Chairs of the Scarsdale DemocratsOne of the hottest Congressional races to watch is happening north of Scarsdale, where Democrats are determined to win back Congressional District 17, now represented by Republican Mike Lawler. Though Scarsdale residents cannot vote in that race, many local Democrats have focused their energy on supporting Democratic candidate Cait Conley who won the Democratic primary.
Conley is ready for the fight. She is a decorated combat veteran and national security expert who attended West Point and served 16 years as an active duty Army officer, deployed six times to keep Americans safe and later led counterterrorism efforts on the White House National Security Council and at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
On Thursday July 23, Scarsdale Democrats gathered for the Scarsdale Democrats annual fundraiser at the home of Joy Brownstein and David Chalfin in Sherbrooke Park. State Assemblymember Amy Paulin led off the event, urging the group to “help the Scarsdale Democrats to help the greater community.”
Congressman George Latimer, who represents Congressional District 16, came directly to the meeting from Amtrak. He said, “Being in Congress is not a nice place now. Usually you say “send in the Marines”- now why don’t we say, “Send in the Army.” He urged the crowd to turn the tables by “Giving us Cait Conley and a few more Democrats.”
Myra Saul, Co-Chair of the Scarsdale Democrats commented on the dire state of our democracy, saying, “It is safe to say that things have not gotten better since our last summer fundraiser. The Trump presidency is in free fall –from a disastrous war of choice, an economy that does not work for too many Americans, cuts to 
Michelle Lichtenberg, Amy Paulin and Susan RossMedicaid and SNAP benefits, corruption, incompetence and tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy. All that and his attacks on immigrants, science, the arts and the rule of law have made him so destructive to our democracy. Throughout it all, the Republican Congress has shrunk from its responsibilities of oversight and has been his unquestioning partner. And, in the wake of so many failures and seeing his approval rating plummet, Trump’s latest strategy is to sow doubt in the sanctity of our elections and threaten federal interference in them. “
Saul continued, “We cannot be distracted or intimidated. Tonight, we turn to the midterm elections because this is our opportunity to start a new dialogue between the executive and the legislative branches of government. That dialogue that can only start with a Democratic Congress.”
Alissa Baum introduced Conley, saying “And this is where our featured speaker, CD-17 Candidate Cait Conley, comes in. She is in THE key race to help Democrats get the House back by defeating Republican Congressman Mike Lawler.
Conley is a compelling speaker, who clearly honed her skills in the military. She gave a rallying cry for support, saying this election is about “The values that define us as a nation… we are talking about the future of American democracy and the future of America itself.”
“We are fighting against greed corruption, racist and cruel ideology. In Rockland, Haitians who are here legally and pay taxes … who work in our hospitals and as caregivers are having their TPS status revoked.”
Cait Conley“I did six tours of duty and I am here to fight for an America where people live in hope, not fear… where the rule of law applies to the President.”
“Mike Lawler votes Donald Trump’s way. The war is costing us American service members and we are paying the price at the pump.”
About Lawler she said, “While he got paid, we got screwed.”
“America’s best day as a nation are still ahead of us but we have to do the work.”
“When I was in an airborne unit where we jumped out of an airplane, the most senior paratrooper was the first one out the door – because courage is contagious. When it comes to sacrifice, risk and even harm, that is courage. Ordinary people have met the moment and prevailed. Because America was worth fighting for. This country is up to us. When we choose courage, we prevail.
We’ve got one heck of a fight on our hands. It’s a fight I can win – but I cannot win on my own. Please choose courage.”
Co-chair Myra Saul said, “Let’s turn back to the election. “Wanting” a return to democracy and the rule of law isn’t sufficient. Nor is ‘wishing’. Democratic candidates need your money —yes—but they also need your energy. Volunteer for a candidate. Get involved. Do something. This is the way to bring about change and get our country back!!! Our email is scarsdaledems@gmail.com.
Joy Brownstein, Ira Schuman and Dave Chalfin
Also in attendance were Democrats from throughout the county including, “State Senator Shelley Mayer, County Legislator Jenn Puja, County Legislator Judah Holstein, White Plains Mayor Justin Brasch, Former County Legislator Ben Boykin, Former Scarsdale Mayor Jon Mark, Scarsdale Village Trustee Tim Foley, and former Scarsdale Village Trustee Seth Ross.
Ben Boykin with George and Robin LatimerCandidates for State Supreme Court included: Justice Maria Rosa, a current Supreme Court Justice seeking re-election; County Court Judge and Acting Supreme Court Justice George Fufidio; Alden Wolfe, current majority leader in the Rockland County Legislature; Bill Gianaris; Sara Beaty; Natasha Ginzburg; Josephine Trovini; and Rye Town Judge Jane Lippman.
Judicial aspirants included: Michelle Calvi for Westchester County Court and Judith Berger Efaro for Westchester Family Court.
Scarsdale Comes Together for Annual Fireworks Spectacular
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On Thursday evening, July 2nd, Scarsdale came together for a vibrant celebration of all things red, white, and blue. The Scarsdale Pool Complex was the perfect backdrop for the Scarsdale's famous Annual Fireworks Spectacular, bringing everyone together for a night of music, fireworks, and true community spirit.
The excitement started at around 5:00 PM as families and friends packed the grass with blankets and lawn chairs. While children splashed in the water, the pool staff and lifeguards kept a careful eye on everything to make sure that everyone stayed safe amidst the fun.
A Special Night for the Westchester Band
At 7:30 PM, the Westchester Band commenced. The concert was led by Alan Hollander, who celebrated his 25th year conducting this incredible group. He began playing with the band when he was just twelve years old, sharing that music has always been his true passion and love. The band features talented musicians of all ages, from local teenagers to senior players. They played plenty of American classics, and the crowd cheered and gave applause at the end of every single song to celebrate our community's musical talent and commitment.
Fantastic Fireworks Light Up the Sky
As the sun set, the sky came alive at 9:30 PM with a breathtaking fireworks display. Bursts of bright color filled the air, sending waves of excitement through the crowd. Children and adults alike were delighting, "oooh"ing and "aaah"ing at every spark and clapping at the end. From teenagers chatting along to their friends to families relaxing in festive outfits, everyone embraced the 4th of July holiday spirit. Between the heartfelt tunes from the band and the dazzling show in the sky, it was a spectacular summer night that Scarsdale will remember for a long time.
Scarsdale Library's Landscape Project Breaks Ground
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Privately Funded Initiative Will Add New Outdoor Community Spaces
The Scarsdale Library officially broke ground on its new Library in the Park landscape project on June 29, 2026 marking the start of a transformative expansion that will create vibrant outdoor community spaces, and is expected to take approximately six months to complete.
More than 50 attendees, including members of the Landscape Committee, current and former Library Board members, Village trustees and staff, Library administration and staff, project engineers, designers, advisors, Friends of the Scarsdale Library, and generous donors, came together for the groundbreaking ceremony held at the site of the future plaza. The project, made possible entirely through private donations, represents a significant investment in expanding the Library's ability to serve the community.
Guests enjoyed refreshments provided by Boleria Brazilian Bakery Café at the Library before hearing remarks from Library Board President Diksha Mudbhary, Mayor Justin Arest, Library Director Beth Bermel, Friends of the Scarsdale Library Co-Presidents Daniela Retelny and Toby Milstein Schulman, and Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg.
Library Board President, Diksha Mudbhary opened the ceremony thanking all in attendance. She also noted how fitting this project is for the library. "Libraries have always been places where people come to discover, learn and connect. Today they are also vibrant civic spaces that bring communities together in new and meaningful ways. The Library in the Park reflects this evolution beautifully."
Phase One of the project will feature a new outdoor pavilion and plaza, adding approximately 60 outdoor seats for gathering, programming, and community events while preserving all 114 existing parking spaces. The project also includes a renovated main entrance with new seating walls and a reconfigured traffic flow designed to improve accessibility and enhance the visitor experience.
Key contributors to the project include the Library's Landscape Project Committee, co-chaired by Margot Milberg and Terry Singer; Village Capital Project Manager Paul Zaicek; Department of Public Works Superintendent Jeff Coleman; Landscape Architect Donna Maiello and her team at DTS Provident Design; Greg Bencivengo and Hayes and James Slade of Slade Architecture; construction managers Nancy Barbera and Dean Sproch of Savin Engineers; general contractors Richard and Joe Abirzk of AR Brothers Construction; and Brian Adwar and Paul Amato of Adwar Video.
Library officials emphasized that the project has been thoughtfully designed to maintain existing parking capacity while improving the campus's accessibility, functionality, and appearance.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor Justin Arest said the project reflects the values that have long defined the Scarsdale community. "Seeing generation after generation using the same library is a wonderful reminder of why places like this matter," he said. "Today's celebration is about more than just an incredible, beautiful landscaping project. It is another example of what makes Scarsdale so special. Dedicated volunteers, outstanding staff, generous donors, and talented professionals all coming together to make projects like these possible. That spirit of partnership and generosity is one of our community's greatest strengths."
Friends of the Scarsdale Library Co-President Daniela Retelny also recognized the extraordinary generosity of the community members who made the project possible. "We are deeply grateful to every individual and family who contributed to making this vision a reality," she said.
The Friends of the Scarsdale Library raised more than $2.2 million through the Library in the Park capital campaign to support the initiative. The new open air pavilion will feature lighting, audiovisual technology, ceiling fans, and heaters, allowing it to host programs and community events throughout much of the year. The space is expected to host book talks, children’s events, lectures, movies, and other Library programs.
Library Director Beth Bermel credited the Library's staff with building the community support that helped make the project possible. "I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the Library staff, "she said. "They are the reason that the Scarsdale community supports the Library so robustly. Having a building, or a pavilion, or even books on the shelves means nothing without dedicated, welcoming, responsive staff in all departments striving to meet community needs and high standards. The hard work of Library staff inspires confidence in the institution, and for this I am grateful."
She also expressed appreciation for the community members whose philanthropy funded the entire project. "A heartfelt thank you to the Friends of the Scarsdale Library and our amazing, generous donors," Bermel said. "We could not do this without you."
A second phase of the project, currently anticipated to begin in 2027, will introduce additional landscape and environmental improvements, including a StoryWalk®, garden lounges, invasive species removal, expanded sidewalks, upgraded stormwater infrastructure, and a redesigned refuse area.
Together, these enhancements will transform the Library campus into a welcoming outdoor destination that extends Library programming beyond its walls while creating new opportunities for learning, gathering, and community connection for generations to come.
Maroon and White Signing Day
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Stella Van Arsdale signing to Rochester.On Wednesday, May 6th, Scarsdale High School held their athlete signing day, for students who are going to continue playing sports for their college. The event started off with acknowledging the athletes who won a section championship during the winter season. Then shifted over to the athletes playing in college. Alex Israel signed to Colgate for rowing. Henry Lamberg signed to St. John’s for baseball. Stella Van Arsdale signed to Rochester for soccer. Emily Baron signed to Mount Saint Mary College for volleyball. Rachel Rakower signed to Caltech for track. Oliver Bandsma signed with the Coast Guard for rowing. Koji Hirata signed to the University of Toronto for baseball. Kieran Lee signed to Williams College for swim and dive.
Alex Israel signing to Colgate.
Henry Lamberg signing to St. John’s.
Emily Baron signing to Mount Saint Mary College.
Rachel Rakower signing to Caltech.
Oliver Bandsma signing with the Coast Guard.
Koji Hirata signing to the University of Toronto.
Kieran Lee signing to Williams College.
Five Scarsdale Track and Field Athletes Bring Home State Championships
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Following an incredible year for the track and field team, 13 runners earned the opportunity to compete at the state championships which took place this past weekend at Webster High School in upstate New York.
The number of qualifiers for the state championship was the highest ever in the team’s history. Five individual qualifiers and two relay teams– the girls 4x400 team and the boys 4x800 team– each earned the right to race at the state championships.
In the end, following a fierce weekend of competition, five athletes became state champions. Representatives from the boys 4x800 meter relay team and Andriana Pettinelli in the girls 800 meter race, took home first in their respective events.
The boys 4x800 meter team consisting of seniors Charlie Rich, Nathaniel Lynch, Yuhan Cruz and junior Brandon Lin came into the race ranked #4 in New York State. After the team raced to a 7:52, just two weeks ago which helped them qualify for states, the boys together finished with a time of 7:46.49, good enough for second overall in the race behind Long Islands’ Port Washington. Despite finishing in second overall in the race, Scarsdale did win Class A, which is why they are being celebrated as state champs. Right behind Scarsdale were our downstate neighbors from New Rochelle, who as a relay team, ran a 7:48.02.
On the flipside, sophomore superstar Ana Pettinelli also brought home a state title following a strong run in the girls 800 meter relay. Pettinelli’s time of 2:07.40 was good enough for first overall in the state and exactly one second ahead of the second place finisher, Olivia Solomon from New Rochelle. Melinna Santee from Horace Greeley also finished sixth, concluding the race with a time of 2:10.74 and helped to make sure Section One was well represented across the leaderboard.
Pentinelli also finished second overall in the 1500 meter relay race, finishing with a time of 4:21.09.
The girls 4x400 meter relay team of Leia Patel, Rachel Rakower, Alice Nicassio and Ziying Su, finished with a time of 4:07.93, a personal record as a relay team. Last, Anna Van den Broek, who is having an amazing season for Scarsdale, qualified for states as a freshman, which in track and field, does not happen often. While at the state championship, Anna brought home a personal best in the girls high jump. Truly incredible stuff.
Along with the five track athletes who became state champions across the two events, the Track Team joined the Boys Tennis Team, who captured the NYS title.
