Skip the Stuff Law Would Reduce Waste
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- Written by: Scarsdale Conservation Advisory Council
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A new law enacted by Westchester County prohibits food service businesses from providing single-use utensils, straws, napkins or condiments unless customers specifically request them. Also included are cup sleeves and beverage lids while single-use plastic beverage stirrers and sticks are banned. When an item is requested, it can be provided only individually, not in multi-item packages.
This law, which applies to restaurants, delis, food trucks, and delivery apps whether customers dine-in or take out, is designed to reduce the waste generated by these items. Plastic utensils, straws and condiment packets cannot be recycled because they are made from types of plastics that are not recyclable and/or because their size and shape jam machinery--they must be placed in the trash. Chopsticks and napkins can be recycled in food scrap recycling.
Participating in this waste reduction initiative could not be easier. By simply not requesting the items mentioned above, we can reduce waste and help our environment while also helping small businesses save money.
For more information see here.
Financial Expert Haley Sacks Provides a Wealth of Knowledge
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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Haley Sacks and Sarah EisenWhen I picture a financial advisor, I envision a middle-aged man with graying temples and penny loafers. But that's not who's teaching millennials how to manage their money today. This new generation of financial experts is reshaping the industry—and they're anything but traditional.
Daniela Retelny, Haley Sacks, Toby Milstein and Sarah EisenMeet next-generation money guru Haley Sacks, better known as Mrs. Dow Jones. The 35-year-old author, social media phenomenon, and podcaster has built her brand around helping younger generations build long-term wealth without sacrificing life's little niceties. She was interviewed in Scarsdale by Sarah Eisen, co-anchor of CNBC's Squawk on the Street, about Sacks' new book, Future Rich Person.
Presented by the Friends of the Scarsdale Public Library on July 14, the event drew an engaged audience eager to hear Sacks' practical advice on saving, investing, and planning for the future.
Sacks opened with a question that immediately caught everyone's attention: "How many of you know where the passwords to your accounts are in case someone dies?" To ensure loved ones can locate financial assets and avoid frozen accounts, she recommended using a secure shared password manager, such as 1Password, to store account information and passwords.
Eisen then asked Sacks, "What surprises you that people don't know?"
Sacks replied, "Never give up control of the money – you give up power over your own life."
Discussing her own financial journey, Sacks admitted, "I grew up around money but I made every mistake in the book. I thought a 401K was a running race." She continued, "But I realized I was totally capable. I read so much…. One good financial book can change your life….I supplemented my knowledge by staying updated."
Asked what people need to get started, Sacks emphasized that the first requirement is cash flow. "First you need cash flow…. an income stream." She also stressed the importance of negotiation, particularly for women, saying, "And women need to learn to negotiate. You get paid 30% more if you look good."
When discussing budgeting, Sacks advised, "Understand your savings rate. Put 50% towards needs, 30% towards your wants … see what gives you value, and 20% in savings or investing for the future you." She added that building wealth doesn't require giving up life's pleasures, whether it's a weekly mani-pedi or even a Birkin bag.
On investing, Sacks encouraged a disciplined, long-term approach. "You don’t have to be a stock market genius. You can buy index funds. Day trading doesn’t work – you’re not going to beat the odds. Don’t invest in IPO’s … they pop and then they bust. If you think you found something that’s going to make you get rich quick, you’re already too late."
She also advised, "Younger investors should put money in their retirement accounts and when you retire, pull your money out of the market."
When asked how much people need to retire comfortably, Sacks highlighted the rising cost of medical care, saying, "The cost of healthcare is staggering – the average retired couple spend $300,000 for healthcare."
On estate planning, she recommended hiring an estate attorney and placing your home in a living trust.
Her broader philosophy was summed up in another piece of advice: "Optimize yourself for wealth, preservation and growth. Choose your now – enjoy life along the way. Instead of planning for the pasture."
Eisen also discussed ways families can build generational wealth by taking advantage of Trump Accounts. She explained that for children born between 2025 and 2028, families can receive a $1,000 contribution by enrolling in the program. She noted that some employers are also contributing to children's accounts and encouraged families to open 529 college savings plans as well.
Throughout the evening, both Eisen and Sacks shared practical strategies for strengthening financial security while enjoying life in the present.
Sacks' new book, Future Rich Person, may prove to be one of the smartest investments a reader can make.

Haley Sacks, Author of "Future Rich Person" to Speak at Scarsdale Library
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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The Friends of Scarsdale Public Library will hold a book talk on July 14, 7–9 PM at Scarsdale Public Library featuring NYT best-selling author and social media phenom Mrs. Dow Jones (Haley Sacks) in conversation with CNBC anchor Sara Eisen. They’ll discuss Haley’s new book, Future Rich Person, blending sharp humor and practical finance to help attendees rethink money and pursue financial freedom.
Wondering if this is right for you or a loved one? This conversation will be great for college-aged and recent grads, adults working on building savings, or planning long-term finances. Also great for anyone ready for a fresh mindset shift.
What you’ll learn:
-Modern money mindset: practical habits, “money dates,” and mindset shifts to stop money shame and plan long-term.
-Earn & negotiate: strategies for raises, side income, and career decisions that grow wealth.
-Smart basics: pay down high-interest debt, build an emergency fund, and set automated systems.
-Simple investing & taxes: plain-language investing for busy people and tax-smart moves to keep more of your money.
-Real-world protection: clear explanations of estate planning, prenups, and building generational wealth.
Click here to get your ticket now as this will sell-out!
Rotary Club of Scarsdale Installs a New President
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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Serkan Ceylan and Eugenie RosenthalEvery year at this time, there is a seamless transition of leadership in the 45,000 Rotary Clubs throughout the world, and that includes the Rotary Club of Scarsdale.
At their Installation Dinner on Tuesday June 23, outgoing President Serkan Ceylan and the entire Rotary Club of Scarsdale welcomed Eugenie Rosenthal as their new president. As she assumes this important leadership role, the club looks forward to her vision, enthusiasm and commitment to Rotary’s mission of “Service Above Self.”
Commenting on her installation, Rosenthal said, “I am excited to guide this vibrant community of Scarsdalians—directing grants to so many local non-profits, promoting a spirit of volunteerism, and rolling up our sleeves to do good here and around the world.”
Rotary thanks Serkan Ceylan for his dedicated leadership and celebrate the continuity and strength that define the club.
Learn more at Scarsdale Rotary at https://scarsdalerotary.org/
NYS to Offer $10K a Year Per Student for Universal Pre K: What Will It Mean in Scarsdale?
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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Is Universal Pre-K coming to Scarsdale?
That’s what we wondered after Assemblywoman Amy Paulin announced the full funding of universal full-day pre-K in the NYS FY 2026-27 Budget. The budget officially puts New York on the path to provide full-day pre-K seats to all eligible 4-year-olds in NYS by the 2028-29 school year, by providing a funding increase to a minimum state reimbursement rate of $10,000 per pupil.
According to Paulin, “Pre-K provides our kids with a nurturing environment to build a meaningful foundation for their future K-12 education,” said Assemblywoman Amy Paulin. “Studies show that children who arrive at kindergarten prepared to learn perform better throughout school and complete more years of education. Public pre-K also enables parents of young children to return to the workforce. I’ve advocated for truly universal pre-K for all of NYS’ children for over a decade. Until now, most communities outside New York City either lacked public pre-K entirely because of a lack in funding or received only $5,400 per pupil for a full-day program—far too little to meet the need. With reimbursement now set at $10,000 per pupil, New York has a real opportunity to fully fund full-day pre-K for every 4-year-old statewide. Every child in New York needs and deserves the strong start that pre-K provides.”
So what does this mean for Scarsdale? Will the funding be adequate to offer a full day program for 4 year-olds and does the district have enough space to house another grade of children?
We posed some questions to Paulin and here is what we learned:
What does the new state funding program mean for Scarsdale?
NYS Assemblymember Amy Paulin
The UPK funding (Universal Pre K) in the budget creates an opportunity for Scarsdale Schools to receive substantially increased state aid to provide UPK for four-year-olds. In the past there was either no funding available or it was an insufficient amount (either $2700/child for ½ day or $5400/child for full day) to support a program. There was also a very limited amount available at $10K/child through a competitive grant program which Scarsdale had not participated in.
Now the district can receive $10,000 for every four-year-old, without a competitive grant program, which is a much more realistic amount. We realize that $10K/child might still not be enough to fund pre-K in Scarsdale, which, if this is the case, the school district could choose to contribute any additional amount that’s needed.
Is Scarsdale required to offer Pre-K to all four-year-olds?
All school districts in NYS are mandated to make UPK available to all four-year-olds by the start of the 2028–29 school year. Note that parents will not be required to send their children to the district’s pre-K program.
Must the program be inside Scarsdale schools?
No. New York's UPK programs are (and have historically been) permitted to operate through a mix of:
District-operated classrooms in school buildings (White Plains has done this);
Community-based organizations (YMCAs, JCCs etc);
-Nursery schools;
-Child-care centers; and
-Other eligible early childhood providers under contract with the district.
In fact, we have often seen districts partner with existing nursery schools and childcare providers rather than creating all-new classrooms in elementary schools.
So, in short, for Scarsdale:
-The new budget makes $10K/student state funding available for universal four-year-old Pre-K.
-The district is required to have a UPK program for every child by the 2028-29 school year.
-The district would not have to house the program in Scarsdale school buildings; it could contract with private nursery schools or other community providers.
- Paulin Secures Key Buffer Zone Protections for Houses of Worship in State Budget Negotiations
- Pavilion, Story Walk and Native Plant Garden Coming to Scarsdale Library
- School Board Names New President, Welcomes New Faculty and Celebrates Tenure Milestones for 22 Educators
- Voters Deserve Transparent and Data-Driven Information
