Greetings for the New Year from Scarsdale's Leaders
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We made it to the end of another year in Scarsdale. As we say goodbye to 2025 and greet 2026, we asked our community leaders for their hopes for the coming year. Here are comments from Mayor Justin Arest, Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg and the Scarsdale School Board.
Share your holiday hopes below.
Mayor Justin Arest:
As we commemorate Scarsdale’s 325th anniversary alongside our nation’s 250th, I look ahead to a year of tangible progress rooted in our shared commitment to stewarding the Village for future generations.
My hope is that we remain focused on the foundations that keep us strong: prioritizing public safety, breaking ground on our pool complex and fields, and continuing to invest in vital infrastructure. We also have a unique opportunity to look beyond traditional projects to identify ways to grow our revenue base. By engaging in a 
Mayor Justin Arestthoughtful community dialogue to envision the future of the Freightway site, we can explore how to transform a challenge into a sustainable asset that benefits both the Village and our schools.
Working together does not mean uniformity; it means shared purpose. When we approach our goals with respect, transparency, and a willingness to listen, we continue to make progress on the issues that matter most. By honoring the enduring spirit of Scarsdale, 2026 can demonstrate that a community grounded in service and cooperation is capable of achieving great things while preserving what makes our Village so special.
I wish everyone a happy and, most importantly, healthy 2026.
Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg:
Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg My hope for the new year is that we embrace what unites us and lead with empathy and kindness. In doing so, we create a community that is stronger, more connected, and more compassionate, recognizing the unseen challenges people carry. Let Scarsdale stand as an example of how collaboration and respect can guide a community forward in 2026.
Scarsdale School Board:
Dear Members of Our Community,
As we welcome the New Year, the Board of Education extends our warmest wishes to our students, families, educators, staff, and community members. A new year brings renewed hope, fresh opportunities, and a shared commitment to learning, growth, and success.
We are grateful for the dedication, resilience, and partnership that define our school community. Together, we continue to support academic excellence, student well-being, and an inclusive environment where every learner is valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.
We are excited for the opportunities the New Year will bring and confident that, working together, we will continue to build a strong and supportive educational system.
Thank you for your continued trust and support. We wish you and your families a happy, healthy, and successful New Year.
With appreciation,
The Board of Education
Jim Dugan, President
Colleen Brown, Vice President
Amber Yusuf
Suzie Hahn
Leah Dembitzer
Robert Klein
Laura Liu
The Scarsdale Board of Education 2025-26
NYS Assemblywoman Amy Paulin:
I am grateful that the Governor is signing my Medical Aid in Dying legislation in 2026, and predict it will give suffering families peace of mind during their most vulnerable time. I also predict that the $7 billion in federal budget cuts to New York State's health institutions will negatively impact many residents' healthcare, but I am committed to fighting for creative solutions to protect the quality of our healthcare system. On a personal note, I am thrilled that my daughter is engaged and will be married in 2026 and wish her happiness and joy. I remain hopeful that the Mets will survive after losing Nimmo, Alonso and Diaz, and wish they would win a World Series in my lifetime.
Supporting Scarsdale's Financial Futures
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(The following is Sponsored Content from J.P. Morgan)
Jacqueline Falciglia on Creating and Safeguarding Generational Wealth: Helping families build, protect and plan for lasting legacies at the Scarsdale J.P. Morgan Financial Center
At the J.P. Morgan Financial Center in Scarsdale, Senior Private Client Banker Jacqueline Falciglia is known for her thoughtful approach to helping families navigate the complexities of wealth creation and preservation. For Jacqueline, it’s about understanding each client’s story, priorities and the legacy they hope to create—then establishing tailored financial plans that address their needs today while focusing on building generational wealth for the future.
Jacqueline isn’t just a banker; she’s a neighbor, a trusted resource and someone passionate about helping Scarsdale’s families build and protect their wealth for generations to come. She’s often seen at local events, connecting with residents and supporting community initiatives.
A Personal Touch to Holistic Financial Management
With more than a decade in the industry, Jacqueline recognizes that every family’s financial landscape is unique; and effective lifestyle planning goes far beyond numbers and traditional banking. By working closely with investment advisors, estate planners, accountants, travel designers and family lawyers, she ensures every detail aligns with her clients’ goals.
“My clients often have complex financial landscapes,” Jacqueline explains. “It’s about understanding their story, their goals and the legacy they want to create—whether that means structuring trusts for future generations, starting a new business or optimizing year-end tax strategies.”
Tailored Strategies for Every Milestone
“My clients need financial strategies as unique as they are,” Jacqueline says. This keen understanding leads her to craft personalized strategies, whether it’s everyday banking or sophisticated lending. Her commitment to understanding each client’s ambitions and lifestyle has made her a go-to resource in Scarsdale.
With the start of the new year, Jacqueline encourages clients to reflect on their financial plans and review their progress. “This is the perfect time to get ahead, whether you’re thinking about travel, tackling portfolio challenges, navigating evolving markets or simply seeking peace of mind for the year ahead. My goal is to help clients make informed choices that protect their wealth and create lasting impact—so they can focus on enjoying the life they’ve worked hard for.”
A Relationship Built on Trust
For affluent families, financial planning isn’t a once-a-year task—it’s an ongoing partnership built on a shared vision for the future. For Jacqueline, the most rewarding part of her work is building long-term relationships rooted in trust and understanding. She values the opportunity to support families through life’s transitions and milestones, offering steady guidance along the way.
If you’d like to connect with Jacqueline and her team of J.P. Morgan Private Client financial experts to learn more, we welcome conversations at the Scarsdale Financial Center.
More About Jacqueline Falciglia
With 10 years of experience in the financial industry, Jacqueline joined J.P. Morgan in 2018, bringing with her a wealth of experience from Northwestern Mutual and a BBA in Finance from Baruch College. She leads with compassion, building lasting relationships based on trust, care and a deep understanding of each client’s unique journey. Jacqueline recently embraced the joy of becoming a new mom and is savoring every moment of this exciting new chapter. In her free time, she loves traveling and making memories with her family.
Holiday Happenings
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So many wonderful holiday events on the calendar for the coming month. Keep these in mind
Westchester Band Concerts
The Westchester Band will perform two concerts at Scarsdale Library, featuring Sounds of the Season. Concerts on December 11 and December 18 at 7 pm.
New Year's Eve Brandenburg Concertos at St. James the Less
Ring in the New Year with all six of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos led by former St James the Less Music Director, Matthew Lewis. This masterpiece, forgotten and unpublished for over 100 years, almost lost during WWII, and today's most popular Baroque work, will be performed by an all-professional orchestra on the eve of a promising new year. Returning once again this year is a dinner that includes champagne, dessert and non-alcoholic beverages in our festive setting at St James the Less.
$125, dinner included
Halloween Parade for Scarsdale's Youngest Trick or Treaters
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The kids could not have been cuter at the annual Halloween Parade in Scarsdale Village on Wednesday October 29, 2025. Babies in strollers, newly minted walkers, toddlers, and pre-schoolers ran around Chase Park dressed as monsters, witches, cartoon characters, princesses, K-Pop Demon Hunters, lady bugs, bumble bees, Minnie Mouse, bunnies, knights and unicorns. Parents got into the act too wearing costumes that complemented their kids. We met a former Broadway costume designer who created incredible costumes for his kids.
Everyone lined up to parade the around Harwood Court for some trick or treating – and then were greeted by an awesome Bubble Man who showered the crowd in thousands of bubbles and foam.
The event was run by the Scarsdale Recreation Department – who showed up in costumes to distribute treats. Rec Supervisor Brian Gray marveled at the weather on a perfect October day for a parade.
Happy Halloween!
Scarsdale Democrats Urge Voters to Vote Row A
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(The following letter was contributed by the Scarsdale Democratic Town Committee)
To the Editor:
County elections sometimes get a short shrift in Scarsdale, but these elections often have more direct impact on everyday life. This is especially true for this November’s off-year election, where three important county positions will be filled. This election gives Scarsdale voters an opportunity to set the tone and assert their values for this and future elections.
Unlike the chaos and pettiness in Washington, Westchester government operates to serve all people in the county with sound policies and fiscal responsibility. This year, two longtime officials, our current county clerk and county legislator, will not be running due to retirement and term limits, respectively. There presents us with a unique opportunity to continue Westchester’s legacy of competent Democratic leadership with officials who will bring new energy and ideas to these positions.
The Scarsdale Democratic Town Committee urges voters to cast their ballots for the entire Democratic slate of candidates on Row A.
Early voting starts Saturday, October 25 and lasts through Sunday, November 2. Any Westchester resident may vote at any early voting location in the county during the early voting period. See here a complete list of early voting locations and hours:
If you vote on Election Day, November 4, you must vote at your assigned polling location.
Vote for Ken Jenkins for County Executive
Ken Jenkins, elected as County Executive in February in a special election to fill the spot vacated when County Executive George Latimer was elected to the U.S. Congress, is seeking reelection.
Jenkins’ experience for the job is unmatched, having served as Deputy County Executive under Latimer and, prior to that, as a member of the Board of Legislators for 18 years, including four years as Chairman.
Jenkins has been able to continue and further the legacy of his predecessor by holding the line on taxes, working to build affordable housing, protecting a woman’s right to choose, reducing crime, and restoring aging infrastructure and protecting the environment. Rather than becoming embroiled in partisan debate, Jenkins knows his job is to make sure that the County government operates smoothly to the benefit of all residents.
Vote for Tom Roach for County Clerk
Tom Roach, having served as mayor of White Plains for 14 years, is running for Westchester County clerk to succeed the retiring Tim Idoni. Prior to serving as mayor, Roach served on the White Plains Common Council and was an attorney in private practice.
As mayor, Roach has managed to keep White Plains taxes below the tax cap while investing in the police and fire departments, adding services for residents, and introducing innovative technologies to make it easier for residents to access city services. The county clerk safeguards Westchester's land and court records, issues pistol licenses, issues IDs, and holds naturalization ceremonies, among other services. Roach will use his experience to protect this sensitive information and to continue to give residents excellent county administrative services.
Vote for Jenn Puja for County Legislator
Jenn Puja is the youngest woman to be elected to the White Plains Common Council and is the Executive Director of the Westchester/Putnam Central Labor Body AFL-CIO. She is running to represent us in the County Legislature, to take the seat long held by Ben Boykin, who can no longer serve due to term limits.
Puja has long been a supporter of workers’ rights, expanding affordable housing, and promoting sustainability. Puja recognizes the importance of fiscal responsibility and intends to “hold the line” on taxes while investing in needed capital improvements. Puja is a visible and available member of the community and will make sure to address the needs of her entire district which includes Scarsdale and West Harrison in addition to a majority of White Plains.
Scarsdale and the County are in good hands with these Democratic candidates. Vote Democratic Row A All the Way!
Respectfully Submitted,
Alissa Baum and Myra Saul
Co-Chairs, Scarsdale Democratic Town Committee
