Forum Focus
February 2021
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Message to Our Membership |
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Dear Members,
There are always new opportunities for the Scarsdale Forum to engage in community dialogue, to work for the public good and to help effect positive change. This year is no different, even with the ongoing challenges facing our families and the Village in these unique times.
Please note: We recently mailed members the 2020-2021 Yearbook, a Scarsdale Forum tradition, to make it easier to look up the Scarsdale Forum calendar, contact information should you want to reach members of the board and committee chairs, and so much more. Also access the website Yearbook version by clicking here.
With sincere hopes for your safety, health and happiness,
Madelaine Eppenstein
meppenstein@eppenstein.com
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2021 Upcoming Meetings and Programs |
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SAVE THE DATE
Thursday February 11, 2021 Membership Meeting,
State of the Village with Mayor Marc Samwick
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Sunday March 7, 2021 Sunday Speaker Series: A conversation with Robert Marchant, Author of
Westchester: History of an Iconic Suburb
Moderated by Jordan Copeland
More Information and Registration here
Registration opens on February 7
This is our last Sunday Speaker event of the season. Admission is Free, Registration is Required. Sponsored by Scarsdale Forum, League of Women Voters Scarsdale, Scarsdale Historical Society, and Scarsdale Public Library. Registrants will receive an email with the Zoom link
approximately one hour before the event on March 7
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Thursday March 18, 2021 Membership Program
County Board of Legislators Chair, Hon. Ben Boykin
All Forum meetings and events will take place over Zoom beginning at 8:00 pm until further notice, a virtual format that keeps us well connected with each other on the issues of importance to our community. Registration required, login information will be made available to all who register. If you have any questions Contact
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Downtown Revitalization
The Committee met on January 21, 2021 on Zoom. Among ideas for potential initiatives needing more study were outdoor murals such as seen in neighboring villages, alternative holiday decorations for the year-end holiday season such as lighting displays used at the NY Botanical Garden, events in the Village Center in warmer weather such as Tarrytown's "First Fridays," and using the “Dine the Dale” dining tent for public programs and events during off-hours. Discussed also: plans for incremental upgrading of Boniface Circle park such as movable tables and chairs, and landscaping. The Committee looks forward to a Village Board work session on improvements to our gateway green spaces, the Village Green at Chase Park and Boniface Circle, the concept of creating pedestrian zones in the Village Center, and other issues relating to downtown revitalization in which the Committee hopes to participate.
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Education
The Education Committee has engaged in ongoing dialogue with the Board of Education's Community Engagement Committee regarding short term opportunities expressed in its Proposal for the Formation of a School Community Communications Committee. In addition, the Committee is currently contemplating new areas for study. Topics that are being considered include an examination of how the current school curriculum addresses "Civics Education on Election Issues," and "Alternative Truths, Disinformation and Critical Thinking" at all school levels. Contact Chair Barry Meiselman, barwest2@aol.com.
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Fiscal Affairs
Village budget season has begun in earnest. Committee members got a look at the 2021-22 budget at the Village’s "first pass" meeting on January 21, 2021. Members also attended two day-long Board meetings with Village department heads and are reviewing proposed budget work papers. Meetings will continue during February (2/2 and 2/10) followed by Briefing Sessions on February 24 and March 3. The Committee traditionally prepares a report commenting on the proposed budget and plans to meet this month to start work on a draft. There is plenty of time to join the Committee and weigh in on the budget issues facing the community this year. Contact Chair Anne Hintermeister, ahintermeister@gmail.com.
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Municipal Services
The Municipal Services Committee met to discuss its comprehensive agenda on January 6, 2021 on Zoom, in a follow up on its traffic safety report recommendations to the Village Board: installing more visible traffic calming signage and signals, enacting a lower, 25 mph speed limit on certain linear segments of roads until the lower area speed limit is permitted under state law, continuing Village work with state legislators on area speed limit amendments, and increasing enforcement, among other recommendations. Several Village Board Trustees participated. The Committee is looking forward to attending Village Board Work Sessions on this important subject. Please contact Chair Madelaine Eppenstein, meppenstein@eppenstein.com.
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Sustainability, Climate Resilience and Municipal Services
The Sustainability, Climate Resilience and Municipal Services Committees are working on a report to the Village with recommendations on limiting the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers by landscapers working in the Village. Contact Climate Resilience Chair Tim Foley, timothy.d.foley@gmail.com, or Municipal Services Chair Madelaine Eppenstein, meppenstein@eppenstein.com, or Sustainability Chair Darlene LeFrancois Haber, dlefranc@montefiore.com. |
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FEBRUARY 2021
Thursday February 11, 2021 Scarsdale Forum
Public Membership Meeting
State of the Village with Mayor Marc Samwick
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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
Madelaine Eppenstein
meppenstein@eppenstein.com
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