After a Heated Fight, Latimer Wins Big in Democratic Primary
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Paulin cheers on Latimer on election night.Westchester County Executive George Latimer has defeated incumbent Congressman Jamaal Bowman in a hard-fought primary race for the Democratic nomination to represent NY Congressional District 16. Latimer scored a resounding victory, getting 63.4% of the 67,937 votes in Westchester County, but losing to Bowman in the Bronx where Bowman received 6,682 of a total of 7,989 votes cast. Overall, Latimer came away with 58.4% to Bowman’s 41.6%.
In the race for the Democratic nomination for District Attorney, Susan Cacace had 58% with 10% of the vote for Adeel Mirza and 31% for William Wagstaff.
On Tuesday night June 25 hopeful supporters gathered in the cavernous lobby of a Westchester Avenue office building about an hour before the polls closed for the Latimer watch party. They joined early attendees, like the gaggle of eager young interns and a crew of seasoned union members donning bright t-shirts. By the time the race was called for Latimer, around 9:45 pm, the space was jam-packed and loud. On hand to introduce Latimer, Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins, elicited proud screams as he called out each city and town in the District. All were represented.
Latimer took the stage offering an immediate welcome and a call for unity. His 10-minute victory speech flowed with the easy cadence of a seasoned public speaker and was defined by his humility and gratitude.
He said, “Tonight we turn the page, and say we believe in the inclusion of everyone. You are included no matter what your demographic is. It doesn't matter your age, the color of your skin, your religion, sexual identity, whether you’re a Met fan or a Yankee fan, we will govern so everyone is included. We will consider the needs of everyone in the district. We see in this room the men and women of labor, they represent the secretaries, plumbers, carpenters, firefighters, and the people like my mom and dad, who work with their hands. We’re all included. There are many countries in this world run by different kinds of systems. Out of all of the forms of government, this form of government is the best hope that we have for the greatest number of people to have the greatest possible future. We have to fight to make sure we do not vilify each other, and that we remember we are all Americans. We have serious issues to deal with, from climate change to immigration. We will argue and we will debate, but we must come together and understand the necessary for unity.”
“Now I ask you to give me a chance to go to Washington, and you've given me that first major step. I have never viewed an election as a blank check from you to me. Rather, it is a promissory note from me to you. And if I can work at the maximum capacity I have, backed by talented people and my colleagues in the district, then I will deliver on my promissory note. Starting tomorrow morning, I will prepare to be the best congressman I can be, because that is what you voted for. God bless and have a good night.”
Taking nothing for granted in the heavily Democratic district, Latimer reminded his supporters that he would need their votes in the general election and that he was elected to serve. In November he will run against former Scarsdale Mayor Miriam Levitt Flisser who has the Republican Party nomination.
Commenting on the victory, State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin said, “I am thrilled that George won. We need someone who will be an effective leader and someone with integrity. Someone we can trust on what matters to us, and George is that person. CD-16 is very diverse, including a large Jewish community that is being confronted by anti-semitism across the globe. George has always been a uniter. The extremism and divisiveness have to go. He will be fantastic.”
Former Scarsdale Mayor Marc Samwick and his wife Cynthia attended the celebration for Latimer.Myra Saul, who heads the Scarsdale Democratic Committee said, "The focus of the national press regarding our recent congressional primary would lead one to believe that the primary was all about the large sums of money spent during the campaign and the Israel-Hamas war. It wasn't. The problem with Mr. Bowman was that his rhetoric, views and votes, which predated the war, were a mismatch for our district and Scarsdale in particular. lkll;pok,mHis statements about the war only added to the notion that he needed to be replaced. George Latimer has been an ubiquitous figure in Westchester politics for years, capped by two successful runs for County Executive. He has been an excellent steward of our county; Scarsdale Democrats trust that he will support President Biden's agenda and will work with Republicans where possible. The Scarsdale Democratic Town Committee was one of the earliest local committees to endorse Latimer and did so enthusiastically.
Now that the primary is over, Scarsdale Democrats hope that all Democrats will unite to work for victory for President Biden and all of our candidates up and down the ticket this November. Our big tent party needs everyone to defeat Donald Trump and his congressional followers for many reasons--not the least of which is the preservation of our democracy, the protection of women's rights to bodily autonomy and to keep our Western and other alliances strong."
Scarsdale resident and volunteer Michelle Silberberg said, “While there was a lot of money spent on the race, this victory was the result of a grass roots effort to get out the vote for George Latimer. Many individuals as well as organizations came together to support Latimer whose views are more aligned with the district.”
At his campaign headquarters in the Bronx, Bowman expressed his frustration with the results and blamed outsized contributions from Jewish lobbyists who objected to his stance on Israel. According to reports $16 million in funding poured in to back Latimer, making the vote more of a referendum on Israel than a Congressional district in New York. Locals were barraged with postcards, door knockers and phone calls urging them to vote on a date that many leave town for vacation.
The campaign, along with Latimer’s long history in Westchester succeeded in winning him a resounding mandate from his constituents.
In his concession speech, Bowman said, ““This movement has never been about one person. This movement was never just about me. It was never just about NY-16. It was never just about this race and this moment. This movement has always been about justice, it has always been about humanity, it has always been about equality, and it has always been about our collective liberation.”
Early Voting Times and Locations for the Democratic Primary
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Eager to cast your vote for the Democratic primary? The official election date for the hotly contested Democratic primary race for NY Congressional District 16 is Tuesday June 25, 2024. But registered Democrats can vote early for incumbent Congressman Jamaal Bowman or Westchester County Executive George Latimer. Also on the ballot are three Democratic candidates running for Westchester County District Attorney to replace Mimi Rocah who decided not to run again. They are Susan Cacace, Adeel Mirza and William Wagstaff.
Here are the voting hours and a list of nearby locations where you can cast your vote early, beginning on Saturday June 15, 2024.
Days and Hours for Early Voting as follows:
Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Sunday, June 16, 2024 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Monday, June 17, 2024 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Friday, June 21, 2024 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Sunday, June 23, 2024 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Westchester County Early Voting Centers (Near Scarsdale)
Eastchester Public Library, 11 Oakridge Place, Eastchester, NY 10709
Greenburgh Town Hall, 177 Hillside Avenue, White Plains, NY 10607
Mamaroneck Town Center, 740 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY 10543
New Rochelle City Hall Annex – 90 Beaufort Place, 90 Beaufort Place, New Rochelle,
New Rochelle United Methodist Church, 1200 North Avenue, New Rochelle,
Westchester County Board of Elections, 25 Quarropas Street, White Plains
Saturday is Golden Day for the 2024 June Primary
Federal, State, County, Local Primary Election: Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Early Voting: Saturday, June 15, 2024 to Sunday, June 23, 2024
Saturday, June 15, 2024 (Golden Day):
Last day NYS voter registration form must be received by the Board of Election by mail or in person.
Those with a NY.Gov ID may register using the new NYS Board of Elections Online Voter Registration portal.
Check your voter registration status at the NYS Board of Elections Voter Lookup Service.
For more information, view the NYS Board of Elections Voter Registration Process webpage.
Any questions please contact lwvsvoterservice@gmail.com
Follow this link for all twenty-five (25) designated Westchester County Early Voting locations and early voting hours. Completed absentee or early mail ballots may also be submitted at Early Voting polling sites. Please note that early voting locations may differ from election day polling assignments.
AFYA Foundation Receives Medical Equipment from Cape Cod
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Supplies were loaded in Cape Cod.
Walkers, crutches, hoya lifts, wheelchairs, boots, hospital beds and canes were donated.
Over the Memorial Day weekend AFYA Foundation, a Yonkers-based global healthcare charity, received a large donation of durable medical equipment from Cape Cod. It is symbolic that it was organized by a war veteran Lt. Colonel (Ret.) LTC(R) Jason Cullinane, who both collected the supplies and drove the truck to AFYA.
Danielle Butin, a Scarsdale native, is Founder and CEO of AFYA Foundation. AFYA has a large base of support in the Scarsdale community. The non-profit provides healthcare supplies globally to areas affected by conflict and disaster. This batch of supplies is destined mostly for Ukraine, where ongoing conflict has created a critical need for medical assistance. “The AFYA Foundation is dedicated to supporting Ukraine over the long term. These durable medical equipment items will significantly help in meeting the rehabilitation needs of thousands. By combining donations of supplies and funding, AFYA can achieve its most substantial and supportive impact."-Danielle Butin, Founder and CEO AFYA Foundation.
Starting in March LTC(R) Cullinane organized and spearheaded a community-wide donation drive on Cape Cod. The initiative received an overwhelming response, with residents and the Local Freemasons at Cape Cod HELP (capecodhelp.org) contributing lifts, hospital beds, wheelchairs, bandages, and other essential medical equipment. The effort collected over 100 walkers, over 50 pairs of crutches, 3 hoya lifts, 5 wheelchairs, dozens of boots, hospital beds, canes, and over a dozen large bins filled with essential medical items. David Hill of the Local Freemasons said “Cape Cod HELP always has plenty of donated durable medical equipment available for free to anyone who needs it. We were delighted to participate in this medical equipment drive.”
"Seeing the community come together to support those in need has been truly inspiring," said Jason Cullinane. "As a veteran, I understand the devastating impact of war, and I am grateful to everyone in Falmouth who contributed to this cause. It's our way of showing solidarity with the people of Ukraine and providing them with the necessary resources to save lives and alleviate suffering."
The effort received wholehearted support in Scarsdale. Max Grudin, Ph.D has helped to coordinate the delivery to Afya. Says Dr. Grudin: “Afya Foundation is a charity with local roots and a global reach. Many thanks to Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Cullinane for his energy to raise awareness on Cape Cod and to drive the medical supplies himself with his wife and two young children. It is symbolic that they have done it over the Memorial Day weekend. I was frankly astonished to hear how many Cape Cod residents and organizations have answered the call. Every single donated item is a story of human support and care. Cape Cod - thank you very much! We are also grateful to Nick Buchen for helping with unloading the truck, to the Village administration for coordinating the parking as well as to the Congregational Church for providing the parking space”.
The Cullinane-Honjo family extends their heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in the donation drive, the Masons, The Falmouth High School Cheerleaders, individual donors as well as those who donated their time to load and organize the supplies. This initiative is a testament to the power of community and the profound impact collective action can have in addressing global crises.
Click here to donate. And for more information on how to contribute to future initiatives, please contact:
Jason Cullinane
Email: jason.cullinane@gmail.com
Phone: (650) 776-1052
AFYA Foundation
Website: www.afyafoundation.org
Email: info@afyafoundation.org
Phone: (914) 920-5081
About AFYA Foundation:
Afya Foundation is a non-profit organization that collects and delivers medical supplies, hospital equipment, and humanitarian provisions to healthcare facilities in regions experiencing dire need due to conflict or disaster. Founded in 2008, Afya has made a significant impact by bridging the gap between surplus in the U.S. and urgent needs across the U.S. and worldwide.The Cullinane-Honjo family extends their heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in the donation drive, the Masons, The Falmouth High School Cheerleaders, individual donors as well as those who donated their time to load and organize the supplies. This initiative is a testament to the power of community and the profound impact collective action can have in addressing global crises.
Scarsdale Schools Education Foundation Hosts Relaunch Event
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When the going got tough during school budget discussions this year, we wondered what happened to the Scarsdale Schools Educational Foundation (SSEF). Launched in 2012, the SSEF was established to allow for the use of private funding to fill in gaps in the school budget when tax dollars alone would not suffice. Their mission is to “enhance innovative learning in our classrooms, expanding creative uses of technology and add new equipment and facilities.”
In the intervening years they raised substantial funds that facilitated major improvements in the schools. Most notable is the vast fitness center underneath the gym at Scarsdale High School which is used for physical education classes and team training. The state of the art Design Lab, which is the setting for STEM instruction is another standout addition to the school funded by the SSEF. At the elementary schools, the SSEF funded makerspaces and at the middle school was the beneficiary of renovations to the library. Annual social entrepreneurship grants financed innovative work by Scarsdale students.
However in recent years, several factors aligned to slow the progress of the foundation. First, the leadership that fueled the effort aged out of the schools after their children graduated and moved on. The COVID crisis forced the district to overcome great obstacles to continue to deliver an education to the students. Last, a crisis in the district administration that resulted in the resignation of the superintendent temporarily took the focus off community collaboration.
Now the effort is being relaunched by a group of community leaders, headed by Megan Simon, Scott Zemachson, Elinor Etkes, Erica Crisses and Dave Shuster.
On Wednesday evening May 29, 2024 they held an event to announce the relaunch and to enlist community support. On hand was the district administration who outlined the importance of the foundation and their visions of what it may allow the district to accomplish. Simon introduced the initiative and welcomed a large group of supporters and the administration.
Superintendent Drew Patrick showcased the district’s new strategic plan which is illustrated below and will guide future initiatives funded by the SSEF.
Assistant Superintendent Edgar McIntosh stressed the district’s focus on teaching students “to adapt, collaborate across cultures and conflicts and approach challenges with resilience, tenacity and empathy.” He said, “We look to prioritize learning experiences that foster these qualities.” At the high school this now translates into the science research program, project-based learning and the international learning and exchange programs. He said, “We are interested in designing more opportunities for students and to scale them to reach more students including design experiences, bringing global thought leaders to the district and incentivizing student led design.” He suggested that the support of the SSEF could allow changes to learning spaces to support innovative thinking.
At the middle school he called for “SMS Pathways to Passion.” This initiative would reorganize the quarterly courses to allow students to identify an area of passion and learn about it in well suited spaces.
He noted that many of the elementary school playgrounds are outdated and the equipment is aging. He proposed a student design challenge to come up with innovative equipment which could then be built and installed at the schools.
He concluded with, “Thank you for your partnership and commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators. Through your ongoing support, we can make a significant impact on their futures and the world they will inherit.”
Scott Zemachson urged everyone to get on board, welcoming even the smallest donations. He said, “Pennies, nickels and dimes equal quarters. Please make this part of your annual contribution. Everything we donate makes a difference.
He announced that QR codes had been set up to making giving easy. Learn more here about the SSEF here and click here to start giving.
Legally Blond Jr.: A Hit for the SHS Class of 2024
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The SHS Class of 2024 presented three performances of Legally Blond Jr. on the weekend of May 17-19, 2024 and it was a hit for those who participated and those in the audience. The musical was the work of the students – with student directors, student choreography, set design, production and a student led orchestra.
In lead roles were Ariana Koenig as Elle, Dillon Harris as Emmet, Peter Silver played Warner, Matthew Kolb played Callahan and Kyle Pidedjian who brought down the house as the heart throb UPS man.
The play was directed by SHS Seniors Oryna Bludova and Jack Finegold who managed 90 of their classmates who participated in the production.
Commenting on how it went, Bludova said, “Jack and I are overwhelmed with how well the play went. We've directed together before in the winter, directing Return of the Script as one of Drama Club's winter plays, but directing the senior show is a completely different experience.
As people who are pursuing theater in college, we obviously cared about the quality of the show, but that wasn't our main objective. The senior show is about bonding with the grade, we wanted to make the show the best that it could be without sacrificing the fun. We were over the moon to see how proud everyone looked in their final pose on stage.
Directing had its ups and its downs, but we were really proud of how increasingly committed the cast grew to the show throughout the process. We remember how hard it was to get through the first couple of run throughs, making the cast remember something they learned over a month ago. But eventually we started getting videos from cast members practicing their parts on their breaks at senior options.
The energy that the cast brought out during the Friday performance was electric and they were able to keep it up there all the way through Sunday. We are so proud of the way that it turned out and are thankful so many seniors decided to take part in it.”
Directors: Oryna Bludova and Jack Finegold
Choreography: Caitlin Higgins and Lily Quirke
Vocal Musical Direction: Rebecca Gross and Samantha Loeser
Costume Designer: Ava Shandler
Producers: Mr. Kevin Viviano and Maya Orad
Pit Orchestra Direction: Vasilije Dragovic
Technical Director: Dr. David Graybill
Cast
Margot-Drew Siegel
Serena-Randee Smith
Pilar-Monica Afran
Kate-Caroline Calvert
Gaelen-Sasha Levenson
Elle Woods-Ariana Koenig
Saleswoman-Kay Fitzgerald
Store Manager-Taylor Mann
Warner-Peter Silver
Grandmaster Chad-Thomas Kronenberg
Winthrop-Matt Rothenberg
Lowell-Yelena Sahakyan
Emmett-Dillon Harris
Aaron-Matthew Margolin
Padamadan-Etel Malka
Enid-Julia Kosakowski
Vivienne-Abby Underweiser
Callahan-Matthew Kolb
Paulette-Rachel Coplan
Whitney-Ella Mulfinger
Dewey-Matthew Knudson
Brooke Wyndham-Taylor Mann
Sabrina-Sydney Geringer
Prison Guard-Constance Argenson
Kyle-Kyle Pidedjian
Kiki The Colorist-Maya Regenstreif
Cashier-Etel Malka
Stylist-Ariella Fishman
Judge-Constance Argenson
Chutney Wyndham-Lana Wesier
Ensemble: Lola Ansell, Constance Argenson, Harmony Bowes, Abby Etra, Sammy Fenigstein, Kay Fitzgerald, Will Gettinger, Sydney Geringer, Ellis Geringer, Sophie Hoffman, Shayna Klingsberg, Thomas Kronenberg, Jade Kraut, Matthew Knudson, Tamara Latzman, Ella Mulfinger, Matthew Margolin, Julia Kosakowski, Etel Malka, Braden Matsuz, Griffen Miller, Riley Meltz, Abby O’Conell, Kaitlyn Perry, Yelena, Sahakyan, Kate Sanchez, Ava Schnipper, Hadley Shearer, Dylan Stein, Arianna Makrakis Toniolo, Cameron Weismer.
Photos by Michelle Sterling
