Remain Committed to Common Purpose, to Common Good, and to Each Other
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These remarks were delivered by Scarsdale Village Trustee Randall Whitestone and the Arthur Manor Fourth of July Celebration
What a great parade – it’s wonderful we can all be together again. Thank you to the marchers, the Arthur Manor Neighborhood Association, and the police and fire departments for helping make this celebration happen.
As we gather, we should take a moment to think about what it means to be together on this day. For independence, and INTERdependence, go hand in hand.
This nation, this village, sprang from the beliefs of a group of fierce individualists. But those individualists knew they needed one another – and many others – to accomplish their goal of forming a new country against the opposition of the most powerful empire on earth. Individuals alone couldn’t achieve that.
The Declaration of Independence, transforming “these united colonies” into “the thirteen united States of America” was the expression of that ideal, with its authors’ intellectual passions fired by the likes of Locke, Rousseau, and New Rochelle’s own Thomas Paine.
As Paine famously wrote in his “Common Sense,” published in January 1776, “It is not in numbers, but in unity, that our great strength lies; yet our present numbers are sufficient to repel the force of all the world.”
Our nation, our community, and the world, have had an extraordinarily difficult this past year and a half. This is a period that will be viewed by future historians as a testing time, a time that has frayed communal ties and provoked doubts about our common path forward.
But in uncertain times we need each other more than ever – Scarsdale has demonstrated just that over the decades and centuries, across revolutionary and world wars and past pandemics. Ours is a village rooted in that history, and it only survived that history through the sacrifices of all the generations that came before us. In fact, it could be argued that after the troops of General Washington and British General Lord Howe marched through Scarsdale, the opening shots of the Battle of White Plains, just three months after the Declaration of Independence, were fired in Greenacres.
To be true to those roots, and to the ideals of the Declaration, we need to remain committed to common purpose, to common good, and to each other. We need to reaffirm our commitment to a sense of community.
Sixty years ago today at Boniface Circle, Scarsdale Mayor Alden C. Smith delivered a remarkable Independence Day speech. It was a speech both of its time and somewhat timeless. Six months into John F. Kennedy’s term as president, it viewed America’s role in the world through a Cold War lens, emphasizing the need for the United States to remain a beacon for emerging nations in a global competition with Communism, as expressed through the struggle for Civil Rights in the South and the Space Race.
But Mayor Smith’s words also reach across six decades to remind us why we need each other, and our common ideals, and our commitment to community.
Said the Mayor: “The ways in which we are alike and the courage of the Colonists who wrote the Declaration of Independence are fine things to talk about, but how are these things useful to us today ⎯ how can they be made into tools that will secure our present and reward our future? … we can cite our differences, but differences have never given men unity or understanding or compassion. But, knowing the ways in which we are alike and building on them, expands our tolerance of one another and our ability to help other men.”
…Every man, woman and child should be taught our goals as a nation. In the free exchange between the electing and elected it is our duty to assure that we have proper leadership. But to do this we must learn to think in terms of greater causes and not just in terms of self and what is good or easy or comfortable.”
Mayor Smith concluded, “…on this day when we celebrate our independence ⎯ our freedom ⎯ and every American should be proud and conscious of his heritage, we should solemnly vow to pursue in our daily lives the paths which will assure that we pass on to coming generations the heritage bequeathed to us.”
Worthy words indeed.
So my appreciation again to everyone who took the time this morning to honor our nation’s independence, and who took a moment to think about how we got here and how we can best go forward together toward a brighter common future.
Thank you.
Girls Varsity Golf Team Wins Sectionals
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Sophomore Ellie Bowen qualified for the sectionals.The Scarsdale Girls Varsity Golf team won back-to-back section titles, as the Raiders continue their dominant stretch.
After a 14-2 season with losses to Rye and North Rockland, Scarsdale won the Section 1 Title at Whippoorwill Club. Scarsdale easily defeated Rye, Wappingers, and Suffern shooting 371 compared to 407, 481 and 494 for the latter, respectively.
Scarsdale’s victory was fueled by the elite play of its juniors, including Jacqueline Lu and Skye Bruan. Both qualified for sectionals, as did Sophomore Ellie Bowen. Lu finished second with a score of 79; Bruan finished fourth with a score of 83; Bowen finished 18th with a score of 103. Lu and Bruan would have made states had it not been canceled since they finished top 9 with their individual scores. Lu lost the individual title by three strokes to Ursuline’s Sofia Nogalo and believes she can reach that goal if she can minimize small mistakes. “I was a little disappointed with how I played,” she said. “I really wanted to win the individual title but I made some stupid errors throughout the game and Sofia from Ursuline played well,” she added.
The seniors were able to make their last mark for the club, helping Scarsdale win important matches including victories vs. Edgemont and Byram Hills, which helped keep Scarsdale’s momentum into the postseason. After Covid stopped their season in 2020, the seniors were able to shine one more time before passing the torch to the younger players.
Those younger players, including freshmen Evelyn Black and Anjali Schoetz, also played key roles for the Raiders. Black and Schoetz’s clutch play helped propel Scarsdale to the Section 1 Title. “We couldn’t have done it without [them],” said Lu.
Despite having less experience due to the pandemic, the team was able to pull through and win the title. Seeing as so many of Scarsdale’s key players will be returning, it’s easy to get excited about their potential for next year. With this year’s title under their belt, the returning players can build on this experience and pass along advice to the new varsity players in 2022 and help them continue a winning culture for the Raiders.
Roster:
Emily Aaron
Catherine Drohan
Zoe Kulick
Julie Gross
Lydia Doherty
Ella Schulhof
Jenna Schwartz
Skye Bruan
Jacqueline Lu
Lindsey Adler
Ellie Bowen
Andie Farber
Leila Kerr
Molly Klein
Sydney Rossano
Danielle Scheiner
Audrey Schonfeld
Evelyn Black
Audrey Cheng
Natasha Pereira
Anjali Schoetz
Lana Weiser
Jewish Community Rallies Against Hate
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On Monday, June 7th, hundreds gathered at the Jewish Community Center of Mid-Westchester to stand together against anti-Semitism and all forms of hate.
People of all ages and religions were in attendance, as was a heavy police presence.
“Sadly, anti-Semitism has recently reared its ugly head again,” said Bill Schrag, President of the Westchester Jewish Council who sponsored the event. “It’s time to speak up to make sure the oldest form of group hatred doesn’t gain a foothold in our own backyard,” he added.
One of the main messages echoed throughout the night was that anti-Semitism should concern everyone, not just those who practice Judaism. Ken Jenkins, Westchester County’s Deputy Executive, continued this sentiment throughout his speech: “We’re here together to show how strongly we are against anti-Semitism and all forms of hate... If we’re standing shoulder to shoulder, there’s nothing we cannot do.”
In a touching twist, the second-grade class of Westchester Day School got the crowd engaged by singing a few songs. “I’ve told my staff before, ‘never have me go after a bunch of cute kids singing a song!’” joked Kathy Hochul, Lieutenant Governor of New York. Hochul continued on to say, “I want these children to grow up in a world where they are told what anti-Semitism is by their parents and grandparents as a historical fact, that they never have to live the indignity of being assaulted or spit upon or walk into a yeshiva or a synagogue where there are horrible words on a wall.”
George Latimer, Westchester County Executive: "Anti-Semitism is not a Jewish problem, it is a human problem."
Mark Fang, Executive Director of Yonkers' Commission on Human Rights: "Perhaps the Jewish experience in America can inform the Asian American path to a true assimilation and humanism, the humanism and assimilation you have achieved. Maybe this is the time that God has brought us together with a new formula, an American formula of assimilation."
Mimi Rocah, Westchester’s District Attorney, gave her speech with a very clear message: “Hate has no home in Westchester County. The rise in crimes targeting Jewish community members around the country is obviously very concerning and it will not be tolerated here,” she exclaimed.
After an increase in anti-Semitic incidents, it’s evident that the politicians, law enforcement, and citizens of Westchester County are united in their efforts to protect the Jewish community.
Head Shop Opens in Hartsdale
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While Trustees ponder how to handle the potential for marijuana sales within the Village of Scarsdale, Hartsdale has recently become home to a new hookah and vape shop, or as we called it in the old days, a head shop.
The new store has opened at 205 East Hartsdale Avenue, smack in the middle of a shopping strip that is frequented by families and children and senior citizens. Along with a refrigerator full of cold drinks and shelves lined with snacks, the store features a large display case of hookah pipes and supplies, cigarettes of every brand, electric cigarettes, vape pens and vape juice. What else? There are CBD gummies, hemp and a full case of cigars. If it is legal to smoke it, you’ll find it here.
The front window is lined with bongs and it is called “Hartsdale Tobacco and Candy,” sending mixed messages to kids. The store is the owner’s second location, with the first located in the Bronx.
In 2019 Scarsdale revised their Village Code to control the location of similar shops. The code prevents the sale of ENDS (e-cigarettes) within 1,000 feet of schools, nursery schools, daycare centers, houses of worship, playgrounds, parks and libraries. However, this code would not prevent the opening of a tobacco, hookah shop or marijuana dispensaries in some retail locations along Scarsdale Avenue, including Garth Road and Wilmot Road.
In the meantime, Fox Meadow and Greenacres residents who frequent Hartsdale reacted to the opening of the new smoke shop. One Greenacres mother pointed out that Hartsdale was the first place she permitted her tweens to walk to alone, and she was concerned that this shop was inappropriate. She worried about the type of clientele it might attract and the fact that it’s open late at night. She feared that ultimately a store like this could “destroy the neighborhood.”
A long time Greenacres resident was equally as critical of the decision to open the shop. She said, “The opposite of charming and inviting. 
Hartsdale, with its limited and uninteresting range of retail shops, has always had trouble attracting foot traffic. This will help perpetuate that status quo and might serve to repel the suburban family set.”
When she saw the shop, Andrea Seiden said “I am shocked. It's so jarring to see alluring hookah pipes next to a pizza shop in a small town that has worked so hard to revitalize itself and offer good restaurant options for families.
Another resident acknowledged the challenges of filling retail sites in our towns. Conincidentally, this week Chase Bank announced that they will close their Hartsdale branch. Pointing at an empty storefront he said, “would you rather have a vacancy or a smoke shop?”
Commenting at a Village Board work session on the sale of cannabis in Scarsdale, Andrew Sereysky said “the cat is out of the bag.” Marijuana will be available in White Plains and New Rochelle, a smoke shop has already opened in Hartsdale and this is really a revenue call. We could be looking at $750,000 a year (from sales tax.)” Wendel Gendel from the Scarsdale Drug and Alcohol Task Force also commented at the work session, highlighting the risks these shops pose for local teens.
What do you think about the presence of this new retailer and how would you feel about a similar shop opening in Scarsdale?
Share your thoughts in the comments section below or email us at scarsdalecomments@gmail.com and we will add your thoughts to this article.
White Plains Hospital Unveils Center for Advanced Medicine and Surgery
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On Wednesday June 2, White Plains Hospital (WPH) opened the doors to its most significant campus addition to date: the new Center for Advanced Medicine and Surgery (CAMS) – a 252,000-square-foot, nine-story outpatient center located at 122 Maple Avenue, at the corner of Maple and Longview avenues, in White Plains. This facility features state-of-the-art operating rooms, endoscopy, ambulatory and procedure suites, wound care delivered through hyperbaric chambers, advanced imaging, non-invasive diagnostic testing and specialty physician offices.
CAMS is the largest dedicated outpatient facility for White Plains Hospital and one of the largest in Westchester County. Connecting to both the main Hospital and Center for Cancer Care, CAMS is the latest addition to the Hospital’s ongoing campus transformation, which included a new Center for Cancer Care, completed in 2016, and the Hospital’s new lobby, inpatient tower, and operating room renovation, completed in 2015. Since 2015, approximately 622,000 square feet have been renovated or added to the Hospital and its offsite locations.
“As the past year confirmed, having access to advanced care right here in our community is critical,” said Susan Fox, President and CEO of White Plains Hospital. “This new facility represents an important step forward in expanding access to comprehensive care delivered by top healthcare professionals in diverse specialties. It also furthers our commitment to enhancing the patient experience, providing the latest advancements in treatment and technology to better serve the needs of our community.”
Dr. Kaare Weber, Chief of Surgery; Josh Caspi, Board Member; Frances Bordoni, SVP Ambulatory & Physician Services and Business Development; Peter Lehrer, Board Member; Leigh Anne McMahon, EVP Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer; Tom Roach, Mayor of White Plains; Dr. Philip Ozuah, President & CEO Montefiore Medicine; Congressman Mondaire Jones; Susan Fox, President & CEO White Plains Hospital; Michael Divney, Board Member; Larry Smith, Chairman of the Board, William Null, Board Member, Joe Guarracino, EVP, Chief Administrative Officer & Chief Financial Officer; Joe Mannino, Vice President, Facilities Management & Construction.
The new Center for Advanced Medicine & Surgery will feature ambulatory surgery, endoscopy suites, wound care delivered through hyperbaric chambers, and cutting-edge imaging such as the first and only PET (positron emission tomography) MRI scan in Westchester. This technology provides a higher level of detailed views than traditional MRI, allowing for more precise diagnosis and treatment. The Center will also feature top physicians in such specialties including: Orthopedics; Urology; Pain Management; Ears, Nose and Throat; Thyroid; Colorectal; Vascular; Plastic; and Bariatric care; as well as a comprehensive new Heart and Vascular Program.
Dr. Philip Ozuah, President and CEO of Montefiore Medicine, added, “The new Center for Advanced Medicine & Surgery is a tremendous achievement. As a Health System, we are focused on advancing our long-held mission of providing exceptional care to our extended communities. White Plains Hospital has quickly become the tertiary hub for advanced care in the Hudson Valley. Later this year, the cardiac surgery team from Montefiore will begin performing cardiac surgery at White Plains Hospital. This new facility will allow for local patient access to these surgeons, who will be working side by side with area physicians supporting a comprehensive cardiac program and represents just one more example of our commitment to providing local access to world-class physicians and advanced services.”
Features of the new Center for Advanced Medicine & Surgery include:
Enhanced Patient Experience: The patient drop-off driveway is integrated into the building’s design, allowing for convenient drop off. Two pedestrian bridges will connect the outpatient facility to the main Hospital and the Longview Parking Garage for optimal convenience and seamless access.
Design and Construction: The project was designed in accordance with the principles of sustainable construction to support energy efficiency, water efficiency, light pollution reduction, and indoor air quality. The project’s architect is Perkins-Eastman; the facility was built by Turner Construction; the structure utilizes 2,800 tons of steel and 1,100 glass curtain wall panels.
Smart Building Features: The building will feature a robust IT infrastructure designed to facilitate current and future medical technology and telemedicine. An intelligent infrastructure will support automatic building management, energy efficiency through technology and real-time data collection.
The move-in for departments and programs in CAMS will be in a phased approach beginning on June 7.
Floor by Floor Layout:
Level 2: Advanced Imaging
Level 3: Surgical Suites
Level 4: Endoscopy & Procedure Suites
Level 5: Women’s Imaging
Level 6: Non-oncologic Infusion Suite, Pre-Procedure Testing, Urology
Level 7: Heart & Vascular Program - Cardiology, Electrophysiology, Vascular surgeons and Future Home of Cardiothoracic surgeons
Level 8: Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Surgery and Interventional Pain Management
Level 9: The Carl Weber Center for Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine, Surgical Specialties including: bariatrics, colorectal, ENT, endocrine and plastics.
About White Plains Hospital
White Plains Hospital is a proud member of the Montefiore Health System, serving as its tertiary hub of advanced care in the Hudson Valley. The Hospital is a 292-bed not-for-profit health care organization with the primary mission of providing exceptional acute and preventive medical care to all people who live in, work in or visit Westchester County and its surrounding areas. Centers of Excellence include the Center for Cancer Care, The William & Sylvia Silberstein Neonatal & Maternity Center and The Ruth and Jerome A. Siegel Stroke Center. The Hospital’s Flanzer Emergency Department is the busiest in Westchester County, with more than 64,000 patient visits a year. White Plains Hospital performs lifesaving emergency and elective angioplasty in its Joan and Alan Herfort, MD, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and Marie Promuto Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory. White Plains Hospital has outpatient medical facilities across Westchester, including multispecialty practices in Armonk, New Rochelle, Somers and Yorktown Heights; and Scarsdale Medical Group locations in Harrison and Scarsdale.
The Hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission and earned its recognition as a Top Performer for Key Quality Measures® in 2015 and 2013. The Hospital received Magnet® designation in 2012 and 2016 from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The Hospital earned a three-year accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), one of 16 hospitals in the nation, and the Hospital's Bariatric Surgical Center is accredited as a Comprehensive Center under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). White Plains Hospital has also received full accreditation for its breast cancer program from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) and The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP®) recognized White Plains Hospital as a top 10% performing hospital for achieving meritorious outcomes for surgical patient care in 2019. In 2021, White Plains Hospital received the Outstanding Patient Experience Award from Healthgrades® for the sixth time and was the only Hospital in Westchester to be awarded with an A Safety Grade from the Leapfrog Group for the 5th consecutive time.
