Parents Urge Alternatives to Smartphones at Upcoming Device Fair
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Two parents came to the mic at Village Hall on October 14 to discuss their initiative to change technology norms in Scarsdale. As founders of IRL NY’s Scarsdale Chapter they are advocating for a tech reset.
Ariana Green explained: “When I worked as an attorney for tech companies, I learned that many Silicon Valley executives opted not to give their own kids devices, or later, social media. What they knew about what was best for their own kids – their brains and their emotions – is what the general population is finally getting to wise to now.
Lisa Berman and I started the Scarsdale chapter of IRL NY because we want to join other communities around the nation in a tech reset.
We are aligned with Scarsdale alum Jonathan Haidt’s widely popular book, The Anxious Generation, which urges parents to come together and support each other in setting new technology norms.
Haidt suggests that families agree to wait until kids are at least 16 for social media. For parents to track and communicate with kids before then, there are now an array of alternative devices designed with kid safety in mind. Most of these are only sold online, but on November 22, we are hosting Scarsdale’s first Alternative Device Fair at the Scarsdale Library, and vendors are flying from throughout the country to allow us to interact directly with the devices, understand their features and ask questions face-to-face. Brands coming include Bark, Gabb, Pinwheel, Troomi, and Lightphone, among others.
Social science research shows that when 25 to 30 percent of a community makes a change, norms can change. If enough families gift their kids alternative devices instead of smartphones, and if we urge people to slow down on iPad text groups and the like, our community can shift. We can help our kids avoid a life on addictive devices and social media for that much longer, as their brains are wiring.
We are inspired by the grassroots movements popping up in towns throughout the country and chose to join our neighbors in bringing IRL to Scarsdale. There are chapters in Rye, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Rye Neck, and Nyack, with more on the horizon. We are part of the executive committee strategizing for our region, and we are inviting the River Towns, New Rochelle, Yonkers and beyond to join us at our device fair and to join our movement.
I have come to believe that the best thing I can do for my kids – other than trying my hardest in the day-to-day of parenting – is to ignite a local push to meaningfully change how we operate here with respect to tech.
If each of uses our own circle of influence to push for change, fewer of us will have to hear from our kids: “But everyone’s getting phones with social media in sixth grade.” Or if we do hear that line, we can soon confidently tell them: “That’s just not true.”
Lisa Berman outlined additional initiatives the two are working on with school leaders and parent organizations to spread the word. She explained, “We are encouraging families to think critically about when they are giving their kids smartphones and access to social media. Right now, many children in Scarsdale get their first smart phone or watch in elementary school or early middle school. We are interested in pushing back that norm so that more families are waiting until high school or 16 years old to give their children access to social media and smart devices.”
Learn more and sign the pledge here:
How Can the Government Shutdown Affect You?
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We’ve been waiting to see if and how the dysfunction in Washington will affect us here in New York. The Federal Government regulates many important services that are now in peril due to budget cuts and the government shutdown, If you have questions about how your healthcare, social security, postal delivery, air travel and more might be impacted, see the FAQ below from Congressman George Latimer with information on what to expect.
Another threat to New Yorkers is the possiblity of skyrocketing health insurance premiums due to the expiration of tax credits for the Affordable Card act in the budget bill before Congress. An email from Senator Kristen Gillibrand explains, "Without an extension, Affordable Care Act enhanced tax credits will expire at the end of 2025, causing 20 million Americans to see a sudden increase in their health insurance costs. This includes at least 1.6 million New Yorkers, who will face an average yearly increase of $1,360 in the amount they pay for their premiums, with people in some counties experiencing far greater increases. Gillibrand emphasized the immense strain that this will put on working families and the dire need for Republicans to work with Democrats to address the looming health care crisis and end the government shutdown. Enrollees in New York State are already receiving notices of premium hikes ahead of the start of open enrollment on November 1st, underscoring the importance of extending the subsidies immediately."
A county-by-county breakdown of the expected premium increases for the lowest-cost ACA plans can be found at gillibrand.senate.gov/trumphealthcareincrease.
Government Shutdown Information and Resources from Congressman George Latimer:
The federal government shut down on October 1, 2025. While the government remains shut down, my office will continue supporting NY-16's residents and will keep you informed as Congress works on a plan to fund and reopen the federal government.
Are you wondering what to expect during a government shutdown? Are you seeking services through the federal government that are unavailable due to the shutdown? Are you an impacted federal employee seeking support? My office has gathered answers to frequently asked questions about the government shutdown. As negotiations to reopen the government continue, my team will keep this webpage with the latest information for people impacted by the shutdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have a pending case with a federal agency through your office. How is that impacted by the shutdown?
My staff will continue to submit inquiries to federal agencies on behalf of constituents, but it's important to note that responses will vary from agency to agency. Some agencies may process cases and others may not. Delays should be expected. Caseworkers on my team will provide constituents updates on their casework as soon as they are available.
Can I still book tours through your office for my upcoming trip to Washington D.C.? What happens to the tours I have already booked?
During a government shutdown, the Capitol Visitor Center will be closed and there will be no public tours of the U.S. Capitol. All Library of Congress buildings, the U.S. Botanic Garden, the White House, the National Archives, the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Treasury, and the FBI Building will also be closed to the public. Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are also closed.
If you have a tour scheduled through our office and have questions, please call 202-225-2464.
I would like to have a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol. Can I still purchase one?
No. The U.S. Capitol Flag Office will be closed during the shutdown and flag requests cannot be processed.
Will federal employees be paid for the days they are furloughed?
Yes, the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act requires retroactive pay for furloughed employees following the end of a government shutdown. Benefits such as health insurance continue during a shutdown furlough; however, federal employees may need to wait until they are returned to pay status before they can adjust their benefits.
What should government contractors expect?
Government facilities will be closed. No new contracts or modifications will be issued, and there will be delays in the acquisition process for procurements.
How will this impact members of the military?
All active-duty military personnel will continue to carry out their assigned duties, but they will not receive pay until the government reopens. Civilian personnel who are necessary to carry out excepted activities will continue to work, but they will not be paid. Any civilian personnel who are not considered essential will be furloughed.
I am on Medicare. Will I still be able to see my doctor?
Medicare benefits will continue during a government shutdown and healthcare facilities will still accept Medicare patients.
I am on Medicaid. Will I still be able to see my doctor?
Medicaid benefits will continue during a government shutdown and healthcare facilities will still accept Medicaid patients.
Will I be able to file a Medicare claim?
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will experience staffing shortages, which will affect the agency’s ability to process claims in a timely manner. You should expect delays in the processing and payment of Medicare claims.
I am a health care provider and accept Medicare patients. How will I be affected?
Because CMS will experience staffing shortages, the agency’s ability to perform administrative tasks and process payments may be impacted. Providers may experience delays in receiving payments from Medicare.
Will Federally Qualified Health Centers continue operating?
Day-to-day operations will depend on the clinic’s individual funding and you should contact your preferred health center for further guidance.
My kids are enrolled in a Head Start program. How will they be affected?
Day-to-day operations will depend on the program’s individual funding. You should contact your child’s Head Start program for further guidance.
I rely on food from Meals on Wheels. How will I be affected?
Federal funding for Meals on Wheels programs could be delayed, which could force programs to reduce, delay, or suspend services altogether. Operations will vary at different Meals on Wheels programs. You should contact your preferred provider for further guidance.
If I have an interview or appointment with U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), should I attend?
Yes. Biometrics appointments and interviews continue to be scheduled and conducted.
I have a pending application with USCIS. Will it continue to be processed?
USCIS will continue to operate as usual, including accepting and adjudicating immigration-related applications and petitions, but there may be some delays.
I am a business owner and am hiring new employees. Can I use E-Verify to verify a new hire’s eligibility to work?
No. E-Verify services will be suspended during the shutdown. However, federal law still mandates timely Form I-9 completion for new hires. Employers may continue to use the new alternate document review process for remote Form I-9 document verification during this time.
Can I apply for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck and Global Entry?
TSA PreCheck applications will be accepted. However, Global Entry appointments for enrollment will be canceled.
I have flights booked for an upcoming trip. How will this affect my travel?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials operating ports of entry are considered essential workers and will report to work. Ports of entry–-including airports–-will remain open, and inspection of noncitizens seeking to enter the U.S. will continue. In prior shutdowns, there have been some delays and long wait times at TSA checkpoints.
TSA agents are also deemed essential workers and will also be required to report to work and work without pay until the government reopens. Travelers should expect long wait times at TSA checkpoints.
Will the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) be operating if there is a natural disaster?
During prior shutdowns, most of FEMA's workforce was able to be dispatched to emergencies, but their funding source–the Disaster Relief Fund–is currently under extreme stress and in urgent need of additional funds. Employees at FEMA are not expected to be put on furlough; however, limited funds may impact FEMA’s ability to respond fully to an emergency. FEMA is currently limiting rebuilding projects in order to preserve funds for life-saving emergency response.
I have a trip planned to a national park in the near future. What should I expect?
All of the country’s 425 national park sites will be closed during the government shutdown. In previous shutdowns, some states have used their own funding to keep parks and other sites open—though visitor centers and restroom facilities were closed.
Will my mail still arrive?
In the event of a government shutdown, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will continue to deliver the mail.
Will post offices continue operating?
USPS operations will not be interrupted in the event of a government shutdown, and all post offices will continue to operate as usual.
Will I continue to receive my Social Security or Supplemental Security Income checks?
Yes. During a government shutdown, recipients will continue to receive their Social Security and SSI checks.
I lost my Social Security card. Can I request a replacement card?
Yes. The SSA will continue to issue original and replacement Social Security cards in the event of a government shutdown but expect delays due to decreased staff capacity.
I have a hearing scheduled. Will that still occur?
Yes. The SSA plans on continuing hearings and deciding cases as scheduled.
I submitted an application. Will that be processed?
Yes. SSA plans on processing applications for benefits, including appointments, corrections, requests for appeals, and post-entitlement actions.
For detailed guidance from the SSA on the potential lapse in Federal appropriations and resulting partial shutdown of agency operations, click here.
I have an upcoming international trip and need to request or renew a passport. What should I expect?
The New York Passport Agency will remain fully operational. Passport applications will be processed and emergency passport appointments will be honored.
For more information on how to request an emergency appointment contact our office at (914) 323-5550.
I am a United States citizen living abroad. Will the local United States embassy be open?
During the 2018-2019 partial shutdown, United States embassies remained open to some degree, but U.S. citizens living abroad should prepare for delays in any application or processing requests as staff furloughs may occur.
Please note, hours of operations and service impacts may vary at each facility. You can check which embassies and consulates may be impacted here.
Will VA clinics and hospitals continue operating?
Yes. You will still be able to get your prescriptions filled and make appointments with medical providers in the same way you did before the shutdown. All Veteran Health Administration (VHA) agencies will remain open and functional during a government shutdown.
I am a veteran. Will I receive my pension on time?
Yes. You will receive your pension checks on time.
I am a disabled veteran. Will I receive my benefits on time?
Yes. You will receive your disability benefits on time.
I am a veteran student who receives benefits under the GI Bill or the Veterans Educational Assistance Program. Will I continue to receive payments on time?
Yes. You will receive your GI Bill benefits on time. If you are under the Veterans Educational Assistance Program, you will receive your payments on time, as well.
Will I be able to use grants.gov to search for and apply for grants on behalf of my organization?
Grants.gov will remain operational and WILL provide limited assistance to applicants; however, response times may be delayed.
Will applications submitted through grants.gov be processed and reviewed throughout the shutdown?
This varies between different grant-making agencies and offices. Please contact your agency or office of interest for further guidance.
Will funding awards be announced during the shutdown?
Agencies that are closed during the shutdown will not announce awards.
Additional questions?
You can contact our office at 914-323-5550. My team is monitoring phones and will do all they can to help constituents find answers and resources.
CHP Considers Applications to Raze Six Homes and a Church
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An application to demolish 24 Eton Road was approved.The recent Committee for Historic Preservation meeting at Village Hall on September 16th held all the things that make our local board meetings interesting; developers, concerned neighbors, paid consultants, and lawyers.
In order of appearance the CHP reviewed several 8 local structures, of which 2 were holdovers from an earlier meeting as the board reached out to Professor Andrew Dolkart, the Village’s go-to consultant for architectural historic matters. The first item on the agenda was 74 Carthage Road, one of the holdovers, which is a modest mid-century home that through local legend had ties to Yoko Ono. At an earlier meeting the board and neighbors discussed the home at length and unfortunately Professor Dolkart found the home unremarkable and the Architect, although a designer of note, wasn’t a master. The approval for demolition was granted.
The second home on the agenda was 21 Barry Road, of which there were a bevy of concerned neighbors sharing their passion to prevent the demolition of this structure as Barry Road still retains most of its architectural fabric and almost all of its homes are original structures. Professor Dolkart agreed and the developer, Chris Knopp, has altered the plans from the previous meeting and instead of demolishing the home, plans on performing a major renovation with an addition at the rear and sides of the structure and raising the roof height at the front. The proposed revisions to the home will be heard by the Board of Architectural Review at a future meeting, as the intricacies of the project are not the purview of the CHP.
Next on the agenda were both 80 Garden Road and 88 Garden Road. These homes currently sit at the contested site of the proposed development at 80 Garden Road. The home at 80 Garden Road was quickly reviewed and demolition was approved. The home at 88 Garden Road was discussed more in depth, especially with some of the older news and local lore of the home being tied to a love interest of JP Morgan. In the end the certificate of demolition was granted. Surprisingly none of the neighbors came to object to the demolition of these structures but have chosen to be vocal at the Planning Board level. The same builder and architect also presented the following home on the agenda, 17 Highland Way. A concerned neighbor from Larch Lane came to speak of the charm of this home as well as its thoughtful site placement. The Chair commented that the home looked like a “charming structure that you would find on Nantucket”, but in the end the certificate of appropriateness for demolition was granted.
A team of attorneys from Cuddy and Feder along with an architectural historian presented 24 Eton Road, a home in Greenacres that was originally constructed in 1911. This large farmhouse had received numerous additions over the years and much of the original fabric has been lost or altered. There was an interesting exchange between the committee chair and the historian when the expert was asked what he thought of just the original portion of the structures front elevation and he responded that “he loved it”. After much discussion between the board members the demolition of the home was approved as many of the modifications have undermined it historic integrity.
The architect and developer of 80 Garden Road and 17 Highland Way returned to present 54 Drake Road, a 1953 ranch style home that had little provenance. The board reviewed its architect and chain of occupants, but in the end a certificate of appropriateness for demolition was granted as well. 
The evening ended with a lengthy presentation about 7 Saxon Woods Road, a property which borders White Plains and hods two structures, a stone cottage built in 1907, and a mid-century church-type structure constructed in 1963. The church was designed by Harry Wenning, an architect with a notable history. The presenters, led by an attorney from Zarin and Steinmetz, were acting on behalf of Sunrise Senior Living, who were going to present to the Planning Board later in the week. Much time was given to their architectural historian who focused on the church structure, which was more of a templated structure using glue laminated beams which were marketed shortly after World War 2. They shared a sampling of these vaulted churches which appear around the country, with as they claimed they has little architectural significance. After much discussion the Board decided to reach out to Professor Dolkart for his opinion on the matter. The application for 7 Saxon Woods Road will be on the next CHP agenda and it will be interesting to see what Dolkart’s opinion is as the structure is identified as a potential landmark in the Village of Scarsdale’s 2012 Cultural Resource Survey Report which he co-authored.
Latimer Delivers More Than 55 Speeches on House Floor
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Representative George Latimer (NY-16) has delivered more than 55 speeches on the House floor since taking office in January. The speeches have been on a variety of topics including recognizing prominent people from the district who have passed away, detrimental actions by the Trump Administration, bringing attention to local issues and organizations, and even a nod to Stephen Colbert’s “Meanwhile…”.
Specific topics included: tariffs; FEMA; cuts to Medicaid, food programs and the Department of Education; Ukraine policy; environmental policies and numerous other key issues.
“Members of the House have a unique opportunity to give a speech every day on a topic that is important to them. I have decided to use this opportunity to bring attention to a number of issues facing our district and country,” said Rep. Latimer. “This is another way I am communicating directly to our district and constituents.”
Watch his speech on food prices here and on 9/11 here.
All of Congressman Latimer’s speeches can be found on YouTube here.
Gun Control is Suicide Prevention
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The following was submitted by Assemblywoman Amy Paulin:
September is Suicide Prevention Month. What many people don’t realize is that firearms are the leading cause of suicide in the United States. More than half of all gun deaths each year are suicides. This reality underscores why we must address suicide prevention and gun control together.
We hear about shootings so often it’s almost numbing — in supermarkets, office buildings, churches, schools, synagogues. My heart breaks for the innocent victims and their families in the most recent tragedies at the 345 Park Avenue office building in New York and Annunciation Catholic Church in Minnesota. No one and nowhere is immune.
What we know is that when we limit gun access, we limit gun deaths. Japan proves this point. A nation of more than 120 million people, it sees roughly 10 gun deaths in an entire year. By comparison, the United States, with a population of 340 million, suffers nearly 40,000 gun deaths annually. Ten versus forty thousand. And suicides represent the majority of those deaths. Between 2018 and 2024, approximately 57% of gun deaths in the U.S. were suicides. New York has some of the most stringent gun control laws in the country, but we must do better when it comes to preventing suicide. And it comes down to one thing: access.
I’ve introduced two bills to restrict gun access. A.1210 would establish a mandatory ten-day waiting period for all firearm purchases. This “cooling-off period” would give people time to reconsider impulsive actions, including suicide. Research shows most suicide attempts are made within hours of the decision, and states with waiting period laws have significantly lower suicide rates.
I’ve also introduced A.198, which would establish a voluntary waiver of the right to purchase a firearm. This approach, already in place in states like Washington, has proven highly effective in reducing suicides by allowing individuals to impose a self-selected pause. By delaying access to guns, we save lives.
As Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, I’ll keep fighting for stronger state gun laws, and I’m confident New York will continue to lead. But we face a Congress that prioritizes gun manufacturers over people. Blood is on the hands of those in Washington who block meaningful federal gun control laws and limit what we can do in Albany.
How many times can we send “thoughts and prayers” while innocent people are killed? In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, let’s hold accountable those in elected office who allow easy access to guns — and demand real solutions instead of empty words.
— Assemblywoman Amy Paulin
