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At a “Breakfast with Hillary”

March 6, 2016 by The Inside Press

By Ann Styles Brochstein

On January 28th, I had the privilege of attending the “Breakfast with Hillary” event in White Plains. Hillary took a short break from campaigning in Iowa to come back to Westchester for this key fundraiser. While waiting to go through a security check, people were friendly and so excited. We chatted about our passionate support for her candidacy and recounted personal Hillary encounters.

Once Hillary took the stage, she spoke at length on topics ranging from the economy to foreign affairs to health care to education to sensible gun laws, and on and on. What impressed me most: how she spoke effortlessly, with incredible knowledge on so many topics–and without notes! I’m sure she’s given similar speeches many, many times but she spoke with sincerity and passion. As I was hearing her, I kept thinking: “I am listening to the next president!”

When she was finished, she didn’t take questions but allowed people to approach her for individual comments or questions, and, of course, SELFIES! I worked my way determinedly through the crowd even while I knew I’d have maybe seconds to talk to her. Upon my turn, I told her about my son in the Navy and how much I appreciate that she didn’t refer to soldiers as “boots” on the ground. When I told her how our troops are sons and daughters, husbands and wives, she acknowledged their sacrifice. She “got it,” nodded and hugged me.

After taking a couple of selfies, she asked me to send the photo to my son and to thank him from her. I was tearing up talking to her. She took the time to listen to everyone who spoke to her, graciously taking selfies with everyone, as Secret Service moved her along. While my encounter with Hillary lasted maybe a minute, it was unforgettable. I came away fully committed to supporting her as the best qualified person to lead our country who just happens to be a woman.
Plus, I came away with a selfie!

Ann Styles Brochstein, a 24-year Chappaqua resident, actively participates in community organizations. She and Chappaqua’s Cynthia Ware Metcalf started the HillaryNOW! FB page to support HRC’s candidacy for President. Follow them too on Twitter @Neighbors4Hill.

(L-R) Catherine Borgia, Westchester county legislator, Joyce Stansell-Wong of Chappaqua, and Ann Styles Brochstein at Hillary Breakfast

Why I’m with “the Change Maker”

February 9, 2016 by Inside Press

Column and Photos by Grace Bennett

Tilton, NH—Yes, I’m a small publisher in the town where Hillary Clinton lives, in a town where she has plenty of support. Yes, she once empowered me as a woman and a journalist by creating a spot for a 25,000 circulation hometown pub as press on a (successful and truly magical) state Dept. mission to Africa in July of 2012.

But I have a true confession; my leanings as a Democrat are really quite liberal. I am a two-time voter for President Obama on his promise of Change.

I come from very humble beginnings as the child of two Holocaust survivors; my dad drove a school bus while my mom raised two babies first in Detroit, Michigan, later in the Bronx and in Washington Heights. I know what it’s like to be poor, essentially. When the Occupy movement descended on Wall Street to highlight corporate crookedness and ultimately the gross inequities in this country, I publicly embraced the efforts of the men and women, young and old alike, camped out in tents, and their battle cry of “We are the 99 percent.”

I visited, rooted for–and then watched with dismay the movement fade into near oblivion. I have observed our President grapple with and be stymied by Republican controlled houses…the continuous attempts to thwart social progress, social and environmental justice, gun prevention violence initiatives, and those for children and women’s rights in multiple arenas–almost always it seemed in the name of the holy dollar too, and almost always with (and always too, the irony) of being as they are so apt to claim, God-fearing.

So, from “really” knowing me, you’d think I would be a Bernie girl.

And yet…I am not. I have grown wiser.

President Clinton and Chelsea Clinton have been hammering away in New Hampshire this week with messages that I fully embrace, and that I do believe will take Hillary Clinton all the way to the White House. For any substantive change to happen, the reality check is, Bill Clinton insisted, “You have to be a change maker.”

Hillary has proven herself to be, time and again, to be made of “the right stuff“ to effectively institute change…here, and abroad. Bernie has not.

One can’t simply demand change from one’s perch in the Oval Office. We don’t live in a monarchy, where, upon rising to leadership, one can execute one’s vision by fiat. So it boils down, for me, to many of her supporters to this: when you have two candidates who share so many similar goals, it makes little sense to vote for the candidate far less likely to have those goals met.

I’m supporting a candidate who can actually get the job done using her incredible breadth of experience and her proven (time and again) ability to collaborate with those diametrically opposed to so much of what I and so many stand for.

I’m in New Hampshire following her campaign despite an incredibly busy schedule I have with looming deadlines to produce two magazines over the next few weeks. Following Hillary is not necessarily “my job” or my obligation. I took the time here in New Hampshire because so much is at stake.
Thanks to this small, precious window, I had a chance to more quietly listen and think, two precious human centric activities, after hearing President Clinton passionately deliver so many of Hillary’s messages.

He emphasized so much of Hillary Clinton’s platform–building on the progress of Obamacare (rather than disruptively dismantling it and going to Bernie’s single payer system) or of Hillary’s intentions to obtain paid leave for families grappling with caring for parents with Alzheimer’s or children with autism. He talked about the anger millennials feel over their difficulties in buying a car, a house, obtaining a loan the way their parents could…and how Hillary Clinton’s plans will most effectively help young people drowning under college debts. He commended those corporations “that take equal or more responsibility in the communities of which they are a part.”

His main message? To “identify the bad actors,” not eliminate or punish all the players.

Change. Republican or Democrat. Democrat or Socialist.

There are many things any candidate can promise. The real question is later, post inauguration, who can deliver.

So I don’t just “believe that she will win;” I believe that Hillary has the actual people and key “across the political aisle” skills that will bring about so many badly needed changes in this country. And that’s why I’m endorsing Hillary Clinton for first woman president of the U.S. That’s why #Imwiththechangemaker.

Grace

Expressing Ourselves

December 1, 2015 by The Inside Press

In the age of new media, as Lindsay Hand tells us in our new edition, opportunities to express ourselves abound and that it’s most compelling when writing comes from the heart.

I write my column today after sharing my shock and pain from reading updates about the mayhem on French soil, the appalling inhumanity of which just seems entirely incomprehensible.

I have also pondered violence at home due to our inability to respond effectively to free floating guns that travel crossing state borders like toy pistols; guns that are apparently so easily accessible to terrorists too. I turned to Congresswoman Nita Lowey to help relay any hope she feels surrounding this issue she works so hard on, and also explain recent initiatives important to our community or dear to her heart.

Another person courageously speaking from the heart is Susan Chatzky. Nita Lowey, in my interview, speaks of the reasons she supports Planned Parenthood and of their vital health care services. Susan, a local resident on their board, explains just how special a place Planned Parenthood really is.

This “Winter/Holidays” edition is not “all” issues oriented. It’s full of great artistic expression, including ones from our own Jon Cobert, a two time Emmy nominated keyboardist who has performed with superstars. Insights into what makes a winning theatre production can be found in a story about Pleasantville’s unique Arc Stages. Grateful too to Francesca Hogadus for her very personal tribute to ‘the man who tried to stop the Holocaust,’ Jan Karski.

There is more. I’m proud to offer a forum for residents to express themselves. Please enjoy our holiday sponsored dining guide and various chefs’ expressed desire to please. Happy Holidays to you and yours! Wishing always for peace and good will on Earth.

Full Hearts for Empty Bowls Westchester

Between us pic — (L-R): Lisa Samkoff, Allison Spiegel, Mike Slomsky, Lauren Stern, Dana Berk, Jessica Reinmann, Lena Cavanna, Dawn Greenberg, Mindy Kombert and Jillian Pohly

Hundreds turned up in November at the Whipporwill Club for a generous show of support to benefit the Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry, the Community Center of Northern Westchester, and The Interfaith Emergency Food Pantry in Pleasantville. Some 15 festive painted bowls signed by celebrities, including Billy Joel and Pharrell Williams, and also ones by “local celebrities,” were put out for bid. Everyone took home a painted bowl, prepared by volunteers organized by the Empty Bowls committee. About $100,000 was raised!

“If I Only Had the Nerve”

November 3, 2015 by The Inside Press

By Grace Bennett & Karly Weiner

Who hasn’t felt the Cowardly Lion’s trepidation from time to time? Finding courage, whatever comes our way, is a part of the human experience. To highlight courage, our cover story, I believe, speaks for itself. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to Eileen Gallagher for these wonderful profiles of courage, persons to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.

Not that it’s remotely comparable, but it does take some courage running local pubs, especially during an election season, so we are proud to offer even basic platforms from our candidates. Plus the League of Women Voters reminds us who is on the ballot (page 22)…and to vote on Nov. 3!

Please note: The Inside Press is sponsoring a Community Conversation the very next day, Nov. 4, at the Rosenthal JCC, from 7-9 p.m., on behalf of the Mental Health Association of Westchester. It’s about how to raise emotionally resilient kids. I anticipate great insights and a robust discussion, so hope you can make it. To register,visit www.mhawestchester.org.

Greeley Junior Amanda Cronin, a regular contributor, mustered up enough courage to speak with Chelsea Clinton before her book signing at the Chappaqua Library. Chappaqua’s Helen Jonsen penned a chapter of a book about her experiences as a Clinton neighbor, excerpted in this edition too. A grateful nod here as well to Rabbi Jaffe of Temple Beth El for his exemplary courage and grace in a march for justice this past summer.

For the rest of this column, I’m “giving the floor” to a hard working Greeley junior, Karly Weiner. New interns need plenty of courage when they start writing for The Inside Press. This fall, I asked Karly to visit our popular fall events. Here, to me, were some of Karly’s best observations plus some cute photos:

Grace, helping Clifford show support, at a Community Day table with volunteers supporting Hillary Clinton

People of all ages gathered on Community Day to support Chappaqua’s local organizations and merchants who make such a difference to the town. A sense of joy permeated the air as kids ran around and neighbors were able to mingle amongst themselves. Rob Greenstein, Town Supervisor of Chappaqua said, “Any time you can have an event that brings out the community, it’s a great thing. This is what community is about.” The New Castle Beautification team shared their eagerly awaited plans for our downtown. Director Sabrina Hull displayed “strategies to create a new future for the town.” As fall begins, new families, as well as long-time residents are reminded of the importance of all the organizations that serve to make a difference in our town. Jerry Curran of the New Castle Democratic Committee deems Community Day a “historic tradition in New Castle.”

Northern Westchester Hospi- tal Volunteers

The Chappaqua’s Children’s Book Festival, founded by Dawn Greenberg, made our town shine and beam with pride. Robert E. Bell Middle School’s gym was transformed into a book lover’s paradise. Authors lined the walls, with books ranging from children’s stories to teen adventures, eagerly showing off their work to all those interested in a good read. Kids waited patiently on lines to meet their favorite authors, and parents were all too happy to purchase books for even their littlest ones. Pat Schories, illustrator of the famous Biscuit books, was between book signings when she paused to remark, “I’m truly touched that kids are learning to read from Biscuit.” I also grew up reading Biscuit books which is evidence of the author’s remarkable longevity. Meanwhile, on North Greeley Ave., a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event was in full progress at Houlihan Lawrence, the street adorned with pink and white balloons. People bought raffle tickets for various high end goods such as a flat screen TV and jewelry. Although traffic is heavier than normal during these events in our usually peaceful town, I think everyone can agree, it is always well worth it.

It’s me again. My final words this month are to express my gratitude and bid adieu to Executive Editor Beth Besen, who has shared her fine talents for well over a year but who is transitioning to a more freelance role. Enjoy your holiday gatherings everyone; those take courage too!

-Grace