By Abigail Sprague
Oct. 16, 2025: Bereavement Center of Westchester Tree House (BCW Tree House) is pleased to announce changes to its Board of Directors, bidding a fond farewell to departing members while extending a warm welcome to new leadership. The organization proudly names Wendy Halley of Bronxville, NY, as Chair of the Board.

Wendy Halley
A dedicated BCW Tree House board member since 2020, Ms. Halley brings both experience and passion to her new role, advancing the Center’s mission of providing a safe, supportive environment for individuals navigating grief and healing. “I am deeply honored to assume the role of Chairperson for the Bereavement Center of Westchester Tree House,” Ms. Halley stated. “I am equally delighted to welcome our newest board members, Laura Frerer-Schmidt, Jill Frizzley Bethea, Maureen Stapleton and Lori Deutsch whose talents and commitment will be invaluable to our work. I also extend heartfelt gratitude to MK O’Shaughnessy, our outgoing Chair, for her extraordinary service to BCW Tree House since 2017, including six years of exceptional leadership. Her dedication has greatly strengthened both our Board and our impact.”
The newest members, Ms. Bethea, Ms. Frerer-Schmidt, Ms. Stapleton and Ms. Deutsch, bring a wealth of experience, fresh perspectives, and enthusiasm that will help expand BCW Tree House’s presence in the community.
Since moving to Bronxville in 2017, Ms. Bethea has sought an opportunity to serve a local charitable organization. “I have attended many BCW Tree House events,” she noted, “and have always been impressed by their ability to bring people together to support such a vital cause. I look forward to helping expand BCW Tree House’s mission in Bronxville and beyond.”

Jill Frizzley Bethea
Ms. Frerer-Schmidt shares a deep commitment to the organization’s goals, bolstered by decades of professional work with nonprofits. “Throughout my 30-year career in media, I collaborated with numerous organizations devoted to charitable giving,” she shared. “One of my most meaningful experiences was partnering with Lauren Bush Lauren to create FEED, an organization dedicated to providing children with proper food and nutrition. I have seen firsthand how a supportive environment can transform lives, and I am honored to contribute to BCW Tree House’s important mission.”

Laura Freyer-Schmidt
Ms. Stapleton has longtime ties to Bronxville. “My husband and I grew up in Bronxville, and our parents instilled the importance of giving back to the community. I’ve served on the Bronxville school PTA and Reformed Church Nursery School Board. I’ve also been on several committees for events around town. It’s rewarding work and helps me teach the value of volunteering to my own children.”

Maureen Stapleton
Ms. Deutsch is a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst living in Bronxville and is looking forward to her role as BCW Tree Houe board member. “I’ve learned a lot about BCW Tree House through conversations with supporters in the community, and I was so excited when I was asked to join the board. The support children and families receive from BCW programs is exceptional. I’m so glad to be involved.”

Lori Deutsch
Looking ahead, Ms. Halley expressed enthusiasm for the Board’s upcoming initiatives. “We are dedicated to raising funds in support of BCW Tree House’s essential work, and have begun planning for our fall fundraiser, Mad For Plaid. This year’s event will be on November 21st at the home of Laura Frerer-Schmidt. The community’s support for this event and their unwavering dedication to our mission help make the future brighter for all those we serve.”
HOME & GARDEN
Bronxville Beautification Council
Organized in 1982, the Bronxville Beautification Council (BBC) is a not-for-profit organization administered by a volunteer Board of Directors. The mission of the BBC is to enhance and maintain the natural and man-made beauty of the village of Bronxville, with an emphasis on the downtown business district.
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Boulder Ledge Garden Club
Founded in 1966, the Boulder Ledge Garden Club is rooted in a mission to inspire a deeper appreciation and love for gardening and flower arranging. The club is dedicated to fostering and promoting interest and knowledge in gardening.
The Club maintains Bronxville’s Bicentennial Park and other civic gardens. In 2019–2020 the club raised $18,000 to replace trees in the village, reflecting its active role in community beautification. It also holds garden therapy projects and educational garden trips for members.
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Bronxville Giving Garden
The Bronxville Giving Garden is a community-centered garden that donates organic produce to Eastchester Community Action Partnership in Tuckahoe and Community Service Associates in Mount Vernon. The garden is also a gathering place where school children and volunteers can discover the joy of tending plants and growing food.
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Bronxville Green Committee
The Bronxville Green Committee is a volunteer organization that is part of the Village of Bronxville. It proposes and implements environmentally sustainable programs in our community.
You can contact them HERE.
SCOUTING
Bronxville Boy Scouts
The village of Bronxville has a long tradition of scouting. “The troops and packs of Bronxville have maintained the finest scouting organizations and have taught the boys of the Bronxville area to be leaders and outstanding members of the local, national and global communities.”
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Bronxville Girls Scouts
The Girls Scouts is “the world’s preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world.” In Girl Scouts, “girls discover the fun, friendship and power of girls together. Through the many enriching experiences provided by Girl Scouts, they can grow courageous and strong.”
Here is more information about girl scouts.
HISTORY
Bronxville Historical Conservancy
Inspired by the highly successful Bronxville Centennial Celebration in 1998, the Bronxville Historical Conservancy was founded to record and preserve Bronxville's history and life in the village today.
BRONXVILLE SCHOOL
Bronxville School Foundation
The Bronxville School Foundation, founded in 1991, is a non-profit organization independent from the school with the sole purpose of supporting the school.
The mission of the Bronxville School Foundation is to enhance the quality of public education in our community by engaging the support and energies of educators, citizens, parents, students and alumni.
The Foundation awards grants for projects
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LECTURES, EXHIBITS, CONCERTS
Bronxville Women's Club
The Bronxville Women’s Club offers lectures, exhibits and concerts. It also has a beautiful clubhouse which is available for rental for events.
135 Midland Avenue
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-3252
Concordia Conservatory
Concordia Conservatory, a preeminent center for music education in Westchester and Fairfield Counties, is a welcoming community where children and adults find lifelong inspiration and joy through learning, performing, listening to, and participating with others in music.
The Conservatory’s mission is to inspire, instruct, and enrich lives through music offering excellence in education and performance.
CLICK HERE for more information.
COUNSELING
Counseling Center
Founded in 1971, the mission of the Counseling Center “is to provide a wide range of psychotherapeutic and counseling services to individuals, couples and families by a staff of highly trained, experience and dedicated psychotherapists.
The Counseling Center
180 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-793-3388
www.counselingcenter.org
SERVICE & VOLUNTEERISM
Community Fund of Bronxville, Eastchester & Tuckahoe
The mission of the Community Fund is “to support broad social services in Bronxville 10708, Eastchester and Tuckahoe through grants and technical support to local agencies and community projects. All money raised here in our community stays here in our community.”
15 Park Place
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-8808
www.thecommunityfund.org
Junior League of Bronxville
The Junior League of Bronxville is “an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.”
Rotary Club of Bronxville
The Rotary Club of Bronxville is part of a national network of 1.25 million problem-solvers. They see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
READING & LEARNING
Friends of the Bronxville Library
The Friends of the Bronxville Library is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to focus attention on the “Library’s services, facilities and needs” as well as sponsor projects and provide materials that are beyond the reach of the Library's regular budget and perform other services.
SENIORS
Gramatan Village
Gramatan Village is a unique community model offering programs, services and social connections that help members continue to live independently in their homes as they age. In addition, GV offers one-on-one consultations and counseling with our experienced staff to guide members through life’s transitions.
Senior Citizens of Bronxville
Senior Citizens of Bronxville is a not-for-profit organization that provides services and programs to seniors within the 10708 zip code area. “Programs cover a wide range of activities from educational seminars and cultural enrichment to community services, bridge classes and exercise.”