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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 20 March 2025

Created: 20 March 2025

Last Updated: 20 March 2025

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Like many other religions where observers take part in fasting events to make time for reflection and to grow closer to God, during the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world fast each day to express their spiritual discipline, attain piety, to seek forgiveness, and to empathize with those less fortunate. After sunset, it is customary to break this daily fast with prayer and a festive meal called an iftar.

Since iftars are oftentimes celebrated with families and friends alike, on Thursday, March 13th, the Scarsdale High School Muslim Club held their third annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner inviting the entire Scarsdale community to join them for a special potluck dinner. The warm and inclusive environment saw attendees excited to meet with each other, students helping out at every turn, and young children delightedly playing with new friends.

As one of the club's co-presidents, Kamila El Moselhy, explained, “This was the third annual dinner and our largest turnout yet! Our first year hosting the dinner (2023) we had the dinner only open to Scarsdale high school families and students, so we had about 100 people there. The following year (2024) was the first year we were allowed to open it up to the entire Scarsdale community and we had about 150 people in attendance. This year our turnout was unbelievable with close to 200 people there! I am so happy with how the Community Iftar keeps growing and reaching more members of our community.”

El Moselhy went on to explain that the entire SHS Muslim Club helped to organize the community gathering, where attendees signed up to bring a dish (including cuisine from different cultures around the world) for everyone to share. Some of the delicious additions to the feast included chicken biryani, shawarma on rice, butter chicken, pizza, samosas, kathi rolls, and so much more.

El Moselhy believes that, “This dinner is just such an important event because it really reminds our community members, both kids and adults, that there is a place for everyone in Scarsdale and it allows others who are not Muslim to help us bring joy to our community. I am a senior this year and graduating in June, but I am hopeful that this tradition will continue and grow.”

Daniyal Naeem, another of the club’s co-presidents, shared, “The Community Iftar is important to me because it is a chance for me to get together and meet the Muslim community in Scarsdale. Each year I meet so many new people and it helps me remember that I have a whole group of people who support me. Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces when they see the big turnout and all of the delicious food gives me such an awesome feeling. A highlight for me this year was when someone came up to me and told me that her children look up to me because of my achievements and they hope to run the Muslim Youth Club too!”

When asked, “Why is a dinner like this important to you?” the club’s third co-president Rehma Qadir remarked, “I grew up with many of my peers not knowing much about my religion and holidays, and I believe this dinner is a good step in the right direction to create more awareness about the Muslim community in Scarsdale in a fun and social environment. Qadir added, “I think it’s important that we build on the small community we have and extend a hand out to others who may not be of the same religion in order to unify the overall Scarsdale community.”

The successful event, attended by young children, students, parents, faculty, and school board members alike, is sure to be back by popular demand next year. Until then, the SHS Muslim Club wishes a Ramadan Mubarak to all those who observe.

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Written by: Dave Taber

Published: 08 March 2025

Created: 08 March 2025

Last Updated: 08 March 2025

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Senior guard Brandon Gibbons (5) takes a contested short jumper.The Scarsdale High Boys Basketball season came to a close on Wednesday March 5, 2025. The 3rd-seeded Raiders battled the 2nd-seeded New Rochelle Huguenots in the semifinals of the AAA Section 1 boys basketball playoffs at the Westchester County Center. New Rochelle came out on top 52-49 in a hard-fought game that was close throughout.

Photos by Dave Taber of Shots of the Game
To see more game photos and/or download photos, please visit https://www.shotsofthegame.com/

Senior guard Jake Sussberg (1) takes a jumper against multiple New Rochelle defenders.

Senior Daniel Hoey (13) drives to the hoop against Malik Gasper of New Rochelle.

Jake Sussberg (1) goes for a right-handed layup from the left side.

Jake Sussberg (1) takes a fallback jumper.

Daniel Hoey (13) leaps to block a shot.

Senior Logan Mancusi (11) attempts to block a shot.

Daniel Hoey (13) makes a difficult layup against 2 defenders.

Senior Lev Stahl (24) takes an outside shot.

Daniel Hoey (13) challenges the shot by Bryce Seward of New Rochelle.

Senior Finn Miller (2) takes a short floater.

Lev Stahl (24) whips a pass to Jake Sussberg (1) .

Jake Sussberg (1) backs down his defender.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 22 February 2025

Created: 22 February 2025

Last Updated: 22 February 2025

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Scarsdale will elect a Mayor and three Village Trustees on Tuesday March 18, 2025. This week we are introducing you to David Goldschmidt a candidate for Village Trustee who was selected by the Citizens Nominating Committee.

See below for his thoughts on living in Scarsdale and serving the community as a Village Trustee.

How long have you lived in Scarsdale? What brought you here and what do you like about it?

My family moved to Scarsdale in 2003 after living for 10 years in the North End of New Rochelle. As our family grew, we needed more space and were drawn to Scarsdale to stay within the area. We formed many close friendships in the neighborhood and we never considered moving elsewhere. We spent countless days exploring the neighborhood pushing strollers, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere left a lasting impression.

My wife, Ellen, and I are proud parents to Daniel (married to Rachel), Josh (married to Yael), and our youngest, Allison. All our children loved growing up in the Heathcote area. Though they attended Westchester Day School in Mamaroneck, they took full advantage of the great services Scarsdale offers, including the library, the pool and recreational sports, where they connected with even more kids. I truly enjoyed these activities because both the parents and children were so welcoming to our family. As a sign that my kids loved growing up here, last year, Daniel and Rachel moved back to Scarsdale with their two-year-old daughter, Olivia, and we are now a three-generation family in the neighborhood.

What do you do professionally and how might your skills assist the board?

For the past 37 years, I have worked as a capital markets lawyer at the Skadden Arps law firm. Until recently, I served as the Global Head of the Capital Markets practice, managing over 120 lawyers worldwide. As a lawyer, I help clients navigate complex laws and provide strategic advice on achieving their business goals by outlining risks and benefits of various alternatives. My focus is on ensuring they make informed decisions, ultimately becoming their trusted advisor. As a manager of a legal practice, I developed strategies for growth and expansion for the group while creating a collaborative environment. I also promoted mentorship, ensuring that the next generation of lawyers received the training they needed. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is the importance of listening - whether to clients, colleagues, or even opposing lawyers. Only by truly listening to people’s concerns can you form a strategy to achieve a client’s objectives or manage a team effectively. This skill is essential for any Village Trustee. We have to listen to residents, village professionals, and outside experts to solve the issues facing the Village.

Have you done any previous volunteer work? Tell us about it.

I am very involved with our synagogue, the Young Israel of Scarsdale, serving in various roles and having served as president of the synagogue from 2001 to 2003. During my time as an officer, I was part of the team that furnished the interior of the newly built synagogue. My listening skills were tested extensively, as there were many differing opinions on design and furnishings. I was also responsible for hiring the synagogue's first rabbinical intern, Rabbi Jonathan Morgenstern, who is now the Senior Rabbi of the synagogue and he has been with the community for over 25 years. I was also active at the Westchester Day School in Mamaroneck, where my children attended elementary school. I served as a Trustee and later as an officer of the Day School. In 2012, I became Chairman of the Board during a challenging time marked by increased competition and a tuition crisis. We hired a new headmaster and restructured our costs and scholarships to address the rising cost of providing a high quality education. Both of these experiences taught me the value of listening to people, incorporating good suggestions, and explaining why some ideas might not be feasible. Leadership, I learned, isn’t necessarily about making decisions unilaterally; it’s about synthesizing diverse perspectives and convincing others to support a shared vision.

Why did you decide to step up for service on the Board now?

The Village of Scarsdale functions well, thanks to the outstanding professionals and dedicated volunteers who make Scarsdale such a great place to live. However, we face challenges that require attention. These include aging infrastructure, supporting new construction without compromising the village’s character and charm, and ensuring that our water and sewer systems can handle increased demand. We cannot afford to be complacent; we must continue to improve and enhance our community. The current board is addressing key issues like storm drainage, road maintenance, and the upgrading of parks, fields, and pools. These efforts will continue, but we must also remain mindful of the costs to residents, particularly younger, newer families. Our goal is to ensure that Scarsdale remains an attractive place for families to settle and raise the next generation. I would like to be part of ensuring that goal. I have always believed in giving back to the community. I grew up with that lesson and I have stood by it, volunteering at various institutions since first moving to Westchester. Scarsdale is my home and I want to make sure that the next generation of Scarsdale residents will have the ability to enjoy the benefits of this great neighborhood.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 02 February 2025

Created: 02 February 2025

Last Updated: 05 February 2025

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Chief DelBene is sworn in by Chief Matturro, while DelBene's family looks on.Scarsdale’s finest, along with members of the fire department, school board, the village board, former Mayors, government officials, retired officers and captains and officers from across the county, convened at Scarsdale Library on Thursday January 30th, 2025 for the transfer of power from Police Chief Andrew A. Matturro to Chief Steven DelBene. The parking lot overflowed and the Scott Room was standing room only as the community convened to honor the departing chief and to congratulate Chief DelBene on his promotion to lead the department. Matturro has served in Scarsdale for the past 25 years, the last ten years as Chief of Police. He assumed the top job in a similar ceremony in 2015 when Chief Brogan retired.

The ceremony was officiated by Lieutenant Eric LoGiudice who gave a lengthy opening, individually acknowledging many in the room.

After an invocation by Reverend Kelly Rogers, Chief Matturro gave his farewell remarks, again thanking many in the room along with the mentors who helped him along the way. He noted that he started his career in 1984, which is the same year that Steve DelBene was born, and as January 30 was the day, he wished DelBene a happy birthday. Matturro said that he had worked for four village managers and five mayors and only taken one sick day in 40 years. As both he and DelBene played football in high school, he left with a quote from Vince Lombardi who said, “I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious.”Chiefs DelBene and Matturro

Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest said it was a “bittersweet moment in the history of the Police Department today, as we formally bid farewell to Chief Andrew Matturro as he completes an extraordinary career of service, and we welcome Lieutenant Stephen DelBene as he steps into his new role as Chief of Police.”

He said that he and Matturro had “developed a relationship built on candor, mutual respect and a shared commitment to this community.” He praised Matturro for prioritizing “the safety and well-being of the people of Scarsdale and the selfless men and women who protect it.” He continued, “Your leadership has been defined by professionalism, compassion and an unwavering dedication to ensuring that our Police Department is one of the finest, not only in the region but the country. Under your leadership, both the village board and I have always felt absolute confidence that our community was safe, well protected and in the best hands. Beyond that, I have learned a great deal from you, your deep institutional knowledge, your steady handed moments of challenge, your warmth and compassion and yes, your occasional dry humor, have all been part of what has made working with you such an honor and a privilege. You are one of a kind, and you will certainly be missed on behalf of this village, the many village boards and mayors you have faithfully served under as police chief, and of course, on a personal note, I extend my deepest gratitude thank you for your unwavering service, your steadfast guidance and your valued friendship.”

The Scarsdale Color GuardTo DelBene he said, “This is a day of well-earned recognition for you and also your family. your support system, your years of service, leadership and forward-thinking approach to law enforcement have brought you to this moment. From Police Officer to Sergeant to Lieutenant, you have taken on each new challenge with skill, professionalism and a deep commitment to both your fellow officers and the community you serve. Your steady leadership, the deep respect you command within the department, your open-minded approach and steadfast professionalism are just a few of the many reasons the village board was proud to entrust you with the role of Police Chief.”

He concluded, “As we mark this important transition, I want to acknowledge the mix of emotions that comes with the change in leadership. We bid farewell to a chief who has set an exceptional standard, and we embrace a new chief who is more than prepared to the rise to rise to the challenges ahead. Chief Matturro, we are deeply grateful for your service and legacy and Chief DelBene, yes, it's time to get used to that title. Congratulations. We look forward to this chapter and the journey ahead with you at the helm.”

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(Photo credit for photo gallery: Marc Jessamy)

Village Manager Alex Marshall came next. She said, “I’m not just saying this because he brings fresh cookies to Village Hall. Chief Matturro has put an amazing 36 years into the Scarsdale Police Department, and Scarsdale is a better place because of him, although he will be deeply missed.”Mayor Justin Arest and Village Manager Alex Marshall

About Chief DelBene she said, “The first time I met Steven DelBene was at a ceremony recognizing his promotion to Lieutenant. I could tell from his excitement and the way he spoke about the department that this is someone who is passionate about policing and cares deeply about the Scarsdale community…. Over these past two years, I've had the pleasure of working with him on everything from traffic safety issues to emergency communications to community event planning. He's handled large scale projects, rolling out critical technology improvements for our Police Department, and continues to explore new tools to make the department even better. He doesn't shy away from any problem, even small ones, like fixing a parking meter, which is actually very hard to do if you've seen one of our old meters.”

Following the march of the Color Guard and his oath of office, DelBene took the mic. After thanking the Village for entrusting him with the job, he turned to his family. Choking back tears he thanked his wife for giving up her career in order to accommodate his. He said, “My success is your success.” Turning to his two young children he said, “Being a dad is the greatest job I will ever hold. You two are my heart.” He thanked Chief Matturro for taking a chance on a 21 year-old kid when he hired him.

Former Scarsdale Mayors Marc Samwick and Jonathan MarkHe called the Police Officers “the backbone of our Village,” and noted that though none of them live here or have any personal connection to Scarsdale they are committed to making it safer every day. He thanked them for their service, pride and dedication. He said, “Scarsdale’s extraordinary values are what makes it so special, and said, “I am honored and excited to serve as your Chief.”

School Superintendent Andrew Patrick, School Board President Suzie Hahn and School Board Member Ron Schulhof