Pay It Forward; Give It Away Rather Than Throw it Away
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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(This article was submitted by Greenacres resident David Fenigstein)
Let’s face it, we live in a world of over consumption. Some of that is by our own choice, as we want the latest and greatest, and some is simply because products have a limited lifespan and eventually need to be replaced. Either way, whenever we add something new to our lives, something needs to be removed, which usually means it's sent to the trash either to be buried or burned or in the best case scenario recycled. However, I have found an even better way of avoiding throwing items into the trash and the best part is it’s easy, free and the best part... someone comes to your house to take it away!
Recently I replaced my 20+ year old garage door opener with a new more quiet one which also happened to have cool new features such as battery backup and remote open/close. Was there something wrong with my old opener except for age and a noisy motor...No, it still worked perfectly fine. So instead of hauling it off to the metal bin at the recycling center (metal should not go in the trash BTW), I posted it on Craigslist for free. I had been thinking that no one would want a used contraption such as this, but low and behold after I posted it I was flooded with offers almost instantaneously. Within a day, the opener was picked up and off to a new owner, a school teacher who had the same model opener which recently quit on him and he had since been lifting the door manually due to the cost of a new one. So as the saying goes, “One Man’s Trash is another Man’s Treasure”, and what I have learned after doing this for many items from furniture to tires to kids toys is that you can basically give anything away for free.
My wife and I have posted countless items on Craigslist as well as Facebook Buzz that we no longer need, but still have plenty of useful life. There are plenty of other places to donate as well. It’s easy to give things away for free, but just requires a bit more work than tossing it in the trash. In the end though it helps others to donate, is better for our environment than adding it to the trash, and is also so much more satisfying to know that your items are getting a second life. Driving around town, I see so many items put to the curb that are perfectly good and could be used by others. Of course there is a chance someone will drive by and take it, but most likely it will end up getting tossed - versus a 100% certainty that if you post it online, someone who wants or really needs your item will take it!
Some may be concerned about strangers coming to your house and I do usually ask a few questions on Craigslist to know that the person is really interested before giving my address but have never once had an issue. Most importantly, the items you are posting are free so you don’t need to meet anyone or collect payment, you simply leave it somewhere outside for them to grab it, like a front porch, lawn or curb. So the next time you are ready to get rid of something, give posting a try. I bet you’ll feel better knowing your stuff is going to someone who actually wants it and you are not only helping the environment, you are helping others!!
Note from Joanne at Scarsdale10583.com - if you have something you would like to give away, send us a photo, description and contact information to scarsdalecomments@gmail.com and we will post it for free.
Scarsdale resident Miriam Popp commented, "I will add that the White Plains area Freecycle group is very active. I have given away old but usable appliances like a window AC, gently used children's clothing, men's clothing, college Russian language books and many miscellaneous household items that I was sure no one would want. It creates a lot more space in the house and is gratifying to put these items to good use! People on this site are not picky and are grateful to get these items. There is a lot of need in the local area. Baby items seem to be in particular demand. I have had no safety issues. I leave items by my front door. The biggest frustration is that people picking up are not always punctual."
Scarsdale Village Government Wants Your Help!
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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The following was submitted by submitted by the Scarsdale Village Advisory Council on Communications:
Scarsdale is a special community full of residents who give freely of their time in many arena, and our local government is no exception. Ever wonder about “how” and “why” decisions are made in Scarsdale Village government? Do you want to know the best way to contribute to how things are run in our Village? Become a member of a Village board or council!
Scarsdale has a decades-long tradition of volunteerism and civic engagement. If you are interested in taking a more active role in our local government beyond the public comment session of board meetings and public hearings, here is your chance.
At the beginning of each year, the Scarsdale Board of Trustees’ Personnel Committee invites all residents to lend their voice, experience, and skills to help shape myriad areas of Village life. Village Staff and Board members rely on insight and recommendations from resident volunteers. Community input is what makes government effective, responsive, and inclusive in resolving problems, addressing current needs, expanding successful programs, and preparing for what lies ahead.
Resident volunteers continually impact our community in a meaningful and positive way, and Scarsdale’s boards and councils are responsible for more than many realize.
Want to improve how the Village communicates with its residents? Join the Advisory Council on Communications. Think the Village should be doing more to engage kids? Join the Advisory Council on Youth. Want to impact zoning decisions or the character and feel of neighborhoods? Join the Zoning Board of Appeals or the Board of Architectural Review. There are many ways to contribute. One need only raise a hand.
Here are the ways to get involved:
-Join an Advisory board or council to review timely issues and topics and offer advice to aid in decision making.
-Join a Decision-making board to review resident applications and requests, issue approvals/rejections with relevant conditions.
Listen to the words of three longstanding volunteers in Village government, describing their experiences:
"In addition to offering a great education for children, Scarsdale provides a real community atmosphere for families and empty nesters. By contributing my time and volunteering to village boards and councils, it makes me feel good that I'm doing my part to help foster this community spirit that has always been such a positive trademark of Scarsdale."
-- Andrew Sereysky, Walworth Avenue, Member of Cable Commission and Advisory Committee on Communications
"I've lived in Scarsdale since 1972 and at each stage of my family's life here, I've connected with my community & tried to contribute to relevant organizations. I've made many friends, expanded my network & set an example to my children. It has been a rewarding use of my time & experience & I am proud to make a difference."
-- Carol Silverman, Spier Road, Member, Advisory Council on Scarsdale Senior Citizens and Advisory Council on Communications
“I derive much personal satisfaction from volunteering in my community. My middle school kids are proud of my contributions, and I know that my work really has a positive impact on all Scarsdale residents.”
-- Barry Meiselman, Post Road, Member of Advisory Council of Communications and Zoning Board of Appeals
Are You Up For The Challenge?
Descriptions for each volunteer board and council, including duties, time commitments, and more information are available online. Residents can learn about eligibility and access the application here. There is something for everyone depending on your availability and interests! When individuals apply, they are asked to select their top three choices for service. A member of the Board of Trustees will reach out to applicants based on openings to gage their level of interest as well as particular skill sets in determining the best placement. While most positions are filled in the spring, the process does occur on a rolling basis if openings become available throughout the year. Feel free to reach out to Trustees Waldman or Whitestone. rwaldman@scarsdale.com or rwhitestone@scarsdale.com.
Just do it! You won’t regret it!
Share Some Love for Valentine's Day
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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Valentine’s Day is coming up on Sunday February 14, and this year, more than ever, we all need to share some love. Take a look at the great gifts local retailers have in store and venture out to shop in person or call to place your orders.
Current Home
Home is where the love is this Valentine’s Day and Current Home has exactly what everyone needs to make time at home special. Current Home is the go-to destination for a large selection of Valentine’s Day gifts sure to delight everyone in the family.
This Valentine’s Day, wrap up someone you love in Current Home’s bestselling machine washable throws. They can be customized in many colors and make a perfect gift.
Price: $190
Send someone you love Current Home’s love tabletop sculpture - made of high quality mirror acrylic, this sculpture is ideal for a shelf or table. Available in gold or silver.
Price: $58
Current Home
Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center
1096 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale
(914) 723-2462
NYC: 1189 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY
(212) 601-2656
www.currenthomeny.com
I Am More Scarsdale
I Am More Scarsdale is a unique women’s retail boutique in Scarsdale Village, featuring the hottest new trends in fashion, accessories and jewelry. Here are just a few of the cheerful Valentine’s gifts you’ll find at I Am More in Scarsdale Village:
Squeeze De Citron Bags
Made from 100% recyclable plastic, these bags are extremely durable with a rigid structure, are water-proof and have long handles for easy use as a shoulder bag or handy-carry. Their unique texture and colors make them perfect for any lifestyle activity. 
Retail Price: $140
Spring Sweaters
Spring is on the horizon and it's time to start thinking about putting away the heavier layers in favor of some lightweight, pretty, classic and novelty spring sweaters. I Am More sweaters start at $99.
I Am More Scarsdale
6 Spencer Place, Scarsdale
914-723-6673 (MORE)
www.iammorescarsdale.com
Scent Fluence Aroma Design Studio
Experience the influencing power of scent! Find the perfect scent for your home or space or the perfect Valentine’s Day gift!
- Explore our curated library of over 65 exclusive scents
- Try our innovative line of scent diffusion systems
- Select from a range of fragrant gift giving items including;
Gift sets, Candles, Soaps, Scented Hand Sanitizers, Scent games for the whole family
- Ask about our private virtual or in person scent library tours
- Find out about our safe and social distance special events
- Phone orders and curb side pick-up available
Scent Fluence Aroma Design Studio
22 Harwood Court, Scarsdale
914-338-5070
Open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm
https://www.scentfluence.com
Keep in Mind
Standing Room Only
Bring home a delicious Valentine’s Day dinner from Standing Room Only. Check out their daily menu here and call 914-372-4002 to order.
Candy Rox
What’s Valentine’s Day without chocolate? Shop Candy Rox in Bronxville for Valentine’s Day chocolate and candy: 66 Pondifled Road, Bronxville, (914) 779-6750, www.candyrox.com
Valentine’s CabaretTo celebrate at home, watch Chill Bucket Productions third annual Valentine’s Cabaret: Endless Love, virtual on February 12, 2021 at 8 pm EST.
Chill Bucket Productions returns to present their annual Valentine’s Cabaret as a virtual event premiering on Friday, February 12, 2021, with continued access through Sunday, February 14, 2021, streaming on ChillBP.com.
This year’s Valentine’s Cabaret theme, Endless Love, honors the resilience of our music theatre community and reminds us of the power of that endless love to get us through almost anything. Hosts Dakota Martin and Jeff Rocco will guide an audience on a concise journey exploring the theme of boundless love and its relation to strength, courage, friendship, romance, and everything in between. By curating a variety of musical selections, Martin and Rocco hope to encourage and enlighten audience members while also putting a much needed smile on their faces and warming their hearts.
Tickets start at $10 and will offer a pay what you can tiered scale. Streaming licenses will be sent digitally to access the cabaret and are available at www.chillbp.com or by calling 914-708-9312.
Ellen Plum Withdraws Application to Serve as Village Trustee, CNC Seeks Candidates
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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Last week, the Citizens Nominating Committee announced their slate of candidates to serve as Mayor and Village Trustees. The CNC selected former Village Trustee Jane Veron for Mayor, current Village Trustee Jonathan Lewis to run for a second term, and Sameer Ahuja and Ellen Plum to run for their first terms.
Scarsdale10583 published statements and biographical information about Veron, Ahuja and Lewis last week but Plum did not forward her responses in time for publication.
On Monday January 25, 2021 CNC Chair Eric Lichtenstein learned that Plum had withdrawn her application citing personal reasons. Commenting on her decision, Plum said, "As it turned out, the Village BOT meeting times were in direct conflict with another Board on which I currently serve. I regret having to withdraw my name. The members of the CNC whom I briefly met, and the people on the 2021 slate headed by Jane Veron, welcomed me warmly and we all seemed to have the same commitment and drive to serve our wonderful Scarsdale community. This was purely a scheduling issue."
As soon as he got the news, he convened the CNC committee to talk through plans moving forward. The CNC is now soliciting applications from the entire Scarsdale Village for the open position. The applications are due by 8 pm on Sunday, January 31, 2021.
The Citizens Nominating Committee will meet on Monday, February 1st at 8pm for new applicant presentations.
If you are interested in being considered to serve as Village Trustee, contact Eric Lichtenstein at 917-864-1122 or by email at
edlichtenstein@gmail.com or Steve Pass at 917-744-5026 or by email at smpass@gmail.com.
School Board Nominating Committee Announces Election Results
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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Eleven candidates have been elected to join the Scarsdale School Board Nominating Committee for 2021. The following candidates were elected:
Edgewood – Alan Meizlik and Valerie Phillips
Fox Meadow – Zachary Altschuler and Lauren Kitain
Greenacres – David Fenigstein and Jennifer Teigman
Heathcote – Lauren Breslow Hammer and Jennifer Goldfarb
Quaker Ridge – Stephanie Israel, Stacey Strauss and Mauri Zemachson
A total of 555 votes were cast in the election, all by mail-in ballot.
Vote totals by neighborhood were as follows:
Edgewood – 119
Fox Meadow – 151
Greenacres – 149
Heathcote – 32
Quaker Ridge – 104
This year’s new SBNC members will join the continuing members of the committee, each serving a three-year term on the SBNC followed by a 2-year term as part of the SBNC Administrative Committee.
The SBNC will have its first meeting on January 24, 2021, and by the end of March it will nominate two candidates for the Scarsdale Board of Education to fill the seats currently held by Pamela Fuehrer (completing her second term on the Board of Education) and Alison Singer (completing her first term). All Scarsdale residents are welcome to propose Board of Education candidates to the SBNC chair at sbncchair@gmail.com. The SBNC Board of Education candidates, along with any other candidates who may choose to run, will stand for public election May 18, 2021 at the same time as the school budget vote.
