Forum Focus
December 2019


Message to Our Membership
Dear Neighbors,

There's snow in the forecast for the beginning of this week and holiday traditions scheduled for the end. There's no denying it: winter's on its way.

That means we've also begun planning for Winterfest , the annual mid-winter party for Scarsdale Forum members and their guests, which will take place February 1 at the Scarsdale Woman's Club. Please mark the date on your 2020 calendar and read below for more information on this year's event.

Additionally, as many of you consider end-of-year contributions, I'd like to remind you that the Scarsdale Forum is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit, meaning that any contribution over and above your membership dues is tax-deductible. These donations support our programming year-round and the important work of our committees to promote civic dialogue on the issues that directly affect our village life. You can make a donation online now and any amount would be greatly appreciated.

Tim Foley

December Programs
Andrea Stewart-Cousins to Speak at December Meeting

Join us on Thursday, December 12 to hear State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins discuss what to expect when the state legislature convenes next month. Leader Stewart-Cousins has represented Scarsdale for years, but she also is a trailblazer and an historic figure in New York State government. In 2012, she became the first woman, and African American woman, to lead a New York State legislative conference. In 2019, she shattered the glass ceiling again when her peers elected her as temporary president and majority leader of the state senate.

This program will take place at the Scarsdale Woman's Club (37 Drake Road) and all members of the public are welcome. Refreshments will be available at 7:30 pm and the program will begin at 8:00 pm; please RSVP via our Facebook page .

Special Events
Join Us at Winterfest 2020

We invite you to chase away the winter blues with a festive evening of food, drink, and lively conversation with your neighbors at Winterfest 2020 .

The event will take place on  Saturday, February 1  at the Scarsdale Woman's Club, beginning at 7:00 pm.  Highlights of the evening will include a catered buffet dinner, musical entertainment, desserts prepared by members, and home brewed beers created by Bruce Wells.

The cost is $50 per person, and limited to members and their guests. Due to the popularity of Winterfest, reservations are encouraged. To register, visit scarsdaleforum.com/winterfest by  Monday, January 27 . We also are looking for volunteers to assist with setup and clean up, donate dessert, and provide musical entertainment during the evening. If you're interested in offering your services, please fill out our online volunteer form. 

Committee Updates
County Fiscal Affairs

The County Fiscal Affairs Committee met with a representative from Ben Boykin's office in late November to discuss the 2020 budget. (Boykin is chair of the Westchester County Board of Legislators.) It now is working on its draft report and expects to finalize the document shortly. If you have any questions, contact Richard Pinto at richardpinto.nyc@gmail.com .

Education

All Scarsdale Forum members are invited to the next Education Committee meeting on Wednesday, January 8 at 8:00 pm, at 45 Woods Lane, during which the group will discuss its report topic for the year. Email the committee co-chairs Nan Berke ( ntberke@gmail.com ) and Jordan Copeland ( jordancopeland@me.com ) for more details.

Municipal Services

The Municipal Services Committee currently is reviewing a draft report on traffic safety and expects to release it this month. For more information, contact Madelaine Eppenstein at meppenstein@eppenstein.com.

Community Events
Scarsdale's 2019 Holiday Events

The Scarsdale Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Department is sponsoring two special events later this week to ring in the holiday season.

First, the "Light the Dale Holiday Tree Lighting" will be held on Friday, December 6 at 5:00 pm in Boniface Circle. Join your neighbors to listen to carolers from Hoff Barthelson Music School, enjoy treats and hot chocolate, and welcome Santa. Then, take part in a "Holiday Breakfast" on Saturday, December 7 at 9:00 am in the high school cafeteria. Santa will greet all who visit to share breakfast prepared by the Scarsdale Fire Department. The event, which will feature holiday crafts, as well as prizes and giveaways, costs $8.00 per person; register via the recreation department's webpage by Tuesday, December 3.

The Bee Is Back
All residents are invited to support the Friends of the Scarsdale Library Spelling Bee on Friday, January 31, 2020. Come see your neighbors showcase their spelling and trivia skills at this special fundraiser, which will take place at 7:30 pm at Scarsdale High School, and be hosted by Scarsdale's own Ed Coleman, radio voice of the New York Mets.

You may form a team, sponsor the event at a variety of levels, or buy tickets to attend. The spelling bee will feature 15 adult teams and five high school teams (all teams consist of three members). Spectator admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 18. For more details, visit scarsdalelibrary.org.

 Scarsdale Forum Inc.

Scarsdale Forum Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to community education through discussion and analysis of issues relevant to Scarsdale residents. Since 1904, it has contributed meaningfully to village affairs through written reports, public speaker events and committee discussions. Membership is available to all Scarsdale and Mamaroneck Strip residents, regardless of citizenship status. 

Forum Focus generally is distributed to Scarsdale Forum members in the first week of each month. Story ideas should be sent to communications@scarsdaleforum.com one week prior to be included in the coming issue.


Media Contact
Diane Greenwald

Forum Focus Editor
Laura Halligan
laurabhalligan@gmail.com