Scarsdale Gets Almost Six Inches of the White Stuff Just After Christmas
- Details
- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 87
Scarsdale received almost six inches of snow, in the first big storm of the season when it snowed overnight from Friday December 26 into the morning of December 27, 2026.
The Department of Public Works was poised for the downfall. They began salting the roads on Friday afternoon, and cleared the roads with snowplows until 11 am on Saturday. Well done!
Here is the report from Village Manager Alexandra Marshall:
"Public works crews were called out at 4:45PM and began snow removal operations. Due to snow earlier in the week, the ground was already salted before the storm began. Crews salted all roadways during the event as well. Public Works staff wrapped up operations by 11AM on Saturday, December 27. We received approximately 6 inches of snow throughout this weather event."
Scarsdale Forum Hosts County Executive Ken Jenkins
- Details
- Written by: Madelaine Eppenstein
- Hits: 324
The Scarsdale Forum hosted County Executive Ken Jenkins at its final membership meeting of the year on December 17, 2025 at the Scarsdale Library. The Forum membership also honored retiring County Legislator Ben Boykin, who has often appeared as a guest speaker before the Forum. Mr. Jenkins addressed the proposed County budget including tax ramifications and other issues of interest to Scarsdale residents. The CE referenced some of the budgetary recommendations made in the Forum's recent County Fiscal Committee's report (available on the Forum's website. Also attending the event were newly elected County District 5 Legislator Jenn Puja, Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest, and several current and former Scarsdale Village trustees.
Photo Credit: Lisa VanGundy
(Forum President Jill Spielberg, County Legislator Ben Boykin, County Executive Ken Jenkins, Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest, and David Raizen, President of Scarsdale Village Ambulance Corps.
Hoff-Barthelson Music School to Host Winter Open House on January 11, 2026
- Details
- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 317
Hoff-Barthelson Music School, located at 25 School Lane in Scarsdale, invites children, families, and adults of all ages to discover the joy of music learning at its Winter Open House on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 1:00–3:00 pm. A snow date is scheduled for Sunday, January 25, 2026.
During this engaging, hands-on event, guests will have the opportunity to sample private mini-lessons with the School’s distinguished faculty, explore a wide range of instruments, and experience the personalized, student-centered approach that has made Hoff-Barthelson one of the nation’s premier community music schools.
Visitors interested in expanding their musical understanding are encouraged to stop by the Musicianship and Composition Drop-in, where they can meet Dr. Derek Cooper and learn more about the School’s dynamic classes for both children and adults.
For those ready to begin—or continue—their musical journey—personalized advisement and placement will be available through one-on-one meetings with Deans Christopher Kenniff and April Johnson, with on-site enrollment support provided by the Registrar.
“Our Winter Open House is a wonderful opportunity for prospective students and families to experience the warmth, creativity, and connection that define our community,” said Dean Christopher Kenniff. “Whether you’re exploring an instrument for the first time or returning to music after many years, we’re here to support your growth with exceptional teaching and a welcoming environment.”
Space is limited, and advanced registration is required. Guests may reserve their spot by visiting the School’s website, www.hbms.org.
About Hoff-Barthelson Music School
Founded in 1944, Hoff-Barthelson Music School is one of the nation’s premier community music schools and a leader in music education for students of all ages, levels, and backgrounds. Located in Scarsdale, NY, the School is renowned for its exceptional faculty, comprehensive curriculum, and nurturing environment that fosters both artistic and personal growth. Guided by its mission to inspire excellence and welcome all, Hoff-Barthelson offers individualized instruction, ensemble experiences, and performance opportunities that cultivate a lifelong love and understanding of music.
Hoff-Barthelson Music School to Host Winter Open House on January 11, 2026
Light the Dale Brings Holiday Magic to Scarsdale
- Details
- Written by: Sharon Higgins
- Hits: 731
Despite the chilly evening, a wonderful crowd of Scarsdale residents bundled up and headed to the Village Center on Friday, December 5 for the annual Light The Dale celebration. From the moment the festivities kicked off at 5pm, the air was filled with holiday music, laughter, and the scent of delicious treats. Hosted by the Scarsdale Parks and Recreation Department, the event was a heartwarming success and a true community celebration.
Boniface Circle buzzed with activity as community sponsored booths handed out goodies, crafts, and treasures. Food trucks lined Chase Road, serving up delicious hot bites that added to the festive atmosphere. Fan favorites included the Scarsdale Fire Department and Volunteer Fire Company, who shared popcorn, pretzels, and plenty of smiles, while Sparky the Dalmatian mascot offered high fives and hugs to delighted children. Scarsdale Action for Youth drew a crowd at their spinning prize wheel, and the Police Department won over everyone with steaming cups of hot chocolate. The Ambulance Corps showcased fun gear, and the Weinberg Nature Center offered seeds for residents to pot and take home. A fantastic face painting booth added an extra splash of color and cheer.
At 5:15pm, the crowd gathered for the long-awaited lighting of the village tree and menorah. The Scarsdale High School a cappella group, For Good Measure, opened with festive songs, followed by the Scarsdale Middle School Vocal Group. The highlight came when both groups joined together for a joyful, blended performance. Mayor Justin Arest welcomed everyone and introduced Rabbi Jonathan Blake of Westchester Reform Temple, who offered blessings for the season. A surprise guest, Congressman George Latimer, shared warm wishes and even led attendees in a crowd-pleasing sing-along of “Let It Snow.”
Then, the moment every child waited for arrived: Santa Claus rolled in on a roaring fire truck, settling into his sleigh for photos and Christmas wish-lists. Before he arrived, there was a drawing of a name from the audience to have the honor of pressing the big candy cane striped button that lit up the Village tree and menorah.
George Dragisity, a second grader at Fox Meadow School was selected and he drew cheers from the crowd as the lights sparkled to life.
Meanwhile, a Scarsdale “Polar Express” trackless train delighted families on Harwood Court, complete with holiday music, inflatable decorations, and even a magical dusting of snow.
Though the temperature hovered around 30 degrees, spirits were anything but chilly. The glow of holiday lights reflected off smiling faces, and laughter echoed through the Village.
Even on a wintry night, the Light the ‘Dale event filled the Village with warmth, joy and a wonderful sense of community, making the season feel especially bright.
Commenting on the event, Scarsdale Supervisor of Parks and Recreation Brian Gray said, “The Light the Dale Tree and Menorah Lighting to bring in the holiday season is an “all hands on deck” event for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation.
This year we begin set-up at 1PM on Thursday and work all day Friday setting up. This year’s cold temperatures definitely played a factor in staff comfort, but we warn them ahead of time to keep an eye on the weather and dress accordingly. We provide a hand and toe warmers as well as a warming tent for those that need a quick break from the cold temps. Thankfully the cold was all we were dealing with and it wasn’t windy, snowing or raining.
Power logistics is a job in itself, as we do not only light the tree and menorah. Each activity booth has a power need, as well as the over 25 inflatable’s, snow machines and lighting we deploy throughout the venue. This is performed through power on the light poles, our main power box in Boniface and numerous low-noise generators.
The following Village Departments are instrumental in the success of the event:
-Village Manager’s Office
-Department of DPW
-Facility Maintenance Department
-Police Department
-Fire Department
-Scarvac
Other Village Sponsored organizations assist with activity/refreshment booths including:
-Scarsdale Library
-Scarsdale Action for Youth (Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling)
-Weinberg Nature Center
-Scarsdale Department of PRC
In addition to department full time starr, we hire many part timers to assist with activity booths, trackless train, Santa’s arrival, set-up and break-down and clean-up (overall approximately 25 staff members).
I thank all staff, volunteers and elected officials that make this event a success. Happy Holidays.”


The Little Mermaid: A Hit on Land and Sea
- Details
- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 1256
ArielTalented student voices, skilled dancers, bright costumes, beautiful sets, colorful stage lighting, a skilled orchestra and large video screens lit up Scarsdale High School’s new stage with the SHS Drama Club performances of The Little Mermaid from November 21-23, 2025.
The spectacular performances were a fitting opening for the long awaited $5 mm auditorium which re-opened with state of the art technology, new seating and décor last year.
It was a complex and ambitious production, coordinating the actors, the orchestra, and a large tech crew to produce what Director Barbara Malecki called, “the largest scale endeavor to date, a huge feat for our tech crew.”
Abigail Loeser as Ariel, sang, danced and held the spotlight as the beautiful mermaid who fell for Prince Eric, (Sergey Yanovsky). They made a sweet pair who held the audience in suspense, waiting for the magical kiss that could bring Ariel above the sea.
Uma Scher as the sorceress Ursula was a show-stopper, as she taunted Ariel who she used as a pawn in her battle for Atlantica with the powerful King Triton (Peter Robelon). With Flotsam (Alex Klatsky) and Jetsam (Rowan Baer) circling her skirt and stirring up mischief they made a powerful trio, singing “Daddy’s Little Angels.”
James McNally gave a deft and wicked and comic performance of Chef Louis singing “Les Poissons” wielding a knife as he chased Sebastian the crab (Daniel Bornstein) around the stage in an effort to fry him for dinner. Bornstein, who is a freshman, perfected his Caribbean accent and moves and had everyone signing along to his rendition of “Under the Sea.”
Ursula
The show featured many song and dance numbers by the Meristers in bright costumes. They were expressive and entertaining and had great stage presence. The sailors on the boat rowed and crooned and the entire ensemble performed without a hitch.
Though we couldn’t see the orchestra in the pit – their overture launched the show and they provided a perfect accompaniment to the score.
Commenting on the show, Director and Chemistry Teacher Kevin Viviano said, “Personally, I would add that I am humbled and privileged to have worked with such a fantastic group of students on this production. It’s always rewarding to work collectively on something, outside of the classroom, where grades aren’t the driver of success-but a shared goal of putting on a production we are all proud of is.”
A round of applause for the 100 members of the cast, crew, orchestra along with the costume designers, choreographers and stagehands who pulled off a major production feat to initiate the new auditorium at SHS.
See the program and credits here:
Prince Eric

Chef Louis
Sebastian and Chef Louis
King Triton
Flotsam, Ursula and Jetsam
- School Budget Statements: SHS PTA Says "Make Students the Priority," and C.H.I.L.D Requests Data
- Amy Paulin to Hold Rally in Scarsdale to Urge Governor Hochul to Sign the Medical Aid in Dying Act
- SHS Students Bring Community Together at Charity Dinner
- Free Organ Recital by Internationally Acclaimed Organist Paul Jacobs
