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League of Women Voters of New Castle

Helping New Castle Voters Make Well-Informed Decisions

October 22, 2017 by Lindsay Hand

The New Castle League of Women Voters works hard to educate locals on the issues.

These days it is nearly impossible to discuss anything related to politics and not be biased, opinionated, and usually also argumentative. However, organizations such as the League of Women Voters are working to do the exact opposite. The League educates voters in a comprehensive, non-partisan way, allowing voters to get a full and all-inclusive understanding of the major issues so that they can make well informed voting decisions.

Looking Back: League History

The League does not back particular candidates or parties but instead presents the issues and the facts. It might sound crazy, but it’s true! In its almost 100-year existence, the League has maintained its nonpartisanship. “It is important for us to remain unbiased, to be trusted to allow both sides of a story and all candidates to present themselves,” says New Castle Voter Service Director Mary Kirsch, who was a member of the New York City League in the 1970s and has been involved since 2011.

The League of Women Voters, founded in 1920, stemmed from the women’s suffrage movement. The League was originally set to assist these new voters in taking on the new responsibility of voting. The League continues to do this, encouraging women to actively participate in making crucial decisions pertaining to their lives and their counties and states, as well as the nation as a whole. (Fun fact: Some decades ago, the National League voted to include men as members!) The New Castle League, founded in 1950, continues the tradition put forth by the original League and today has 120 members.

Meeting the Contenders: Candidates’ Nights

The New Castle League, currently headed by co-Presidents Sheila Bernson and Jennifer Mebes Flagg, is very active, and works hard to make sure all local voters are informed about what the issues are and where the candidates stand. The most notable way this is done is through ‘Candidates’ Nights,’ which have long been a staple of League activities throughout the country. “We have heard from residents how much they appreciate our Candidates’ Nights,” Flagg says, “and how it was the deciding factor in their selection of a particular candidate.”

Typically held at the Chappaqua Library for the New Castle League, these events allow candidates for certain positions and institutions (for example, the Board of Education and Library Board) to appear in public and answer questions so that voters can get a clearer idea of where the candidates stand on the issues in an open, fair, and respectful environment. The League is currently planning for a Candidates Night on October 25th for the Town Board positions. Representatives from Team New Castle and Stronger New Castle will be the featured.

Now planned by Kirsch, the Candidates’ Nights are presented as a forum in a format similar to a debate, with questions coming from both moderators from the Westchester League as well as audience members interested in learning more about where the candidates stand. With recordings and livestreams, Candidates’ Nights have become widely accessible for all local voters, including many younger residents. “Many young residents of New Castle want to be involved and informed about the pressing issues facing our community and country,” explains Kirsch. “The League is a very good, reliable and trustworthy source of information and conversation.”

The moderated forums follow the same basic structure, following guidelines that have been in place for years, each time: candidates have up to two minutes for an opening statement, then the moderator poses a question from the League, and finally the floor is opened for attendees to ask questions. These events are a well-organized and a civil way for both the New Castle League to help inform local voters of the issues and for the candidates themselves to have a chance to speak with their constituents, face-to-face. “There is nothing like seeing people in person, interacting with their peers and opponents. I feel more comfortable choosing someone based on that kind of presentation,” adds Kirsch. “What can you tell from glossy brochures?”

The New Castle League has established itself as an important part of our community. From events like Candidates’ Nights and educational forums to luncheons and philanthropy work, the New Castle League is present throughout the community and works hard to bring people together and educate local voters before they go make decisions that have real, tangible effects on themselves and others.

The League sets an excellent example for nonpartisan politics and informing voters of the basic issues, without the other noise that often comes along with anything in the political sphere. With the New Castle League of Women Voters providing so many local opportunities, New Castle residents can head into the voting booths feeling confident they understand the issues and know they are voting for a candidate who espouses similar political beliefs.

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: League of Women Voters of New Castle, LWV, vote, women

Media and Politics Panel Held by the League of Women Voters of New Castle

April 29, 2017 by Inside Press

(L-R)L Jeanne Zaiono, Ph.D., Jon Klein, Jerry McKinstry and Phil Reisman PHOTO BY Grace Bennett

The news was on the minds of many when the League of Women Voters of New Castle held their “Media and Politics: The Impact on Our Democracy” forum on Thursday, April 6, at the Chappaqua Library. Jeanne Zaino, Ph.D., Political Analyst and Professor at Iona College moderated the engaging and informative conversation. Panelists were Jon Klein, Cable News Producer, Director and Executive; Jerry McKinstry, Political Strategist and Journalist and Phil Reisman, Columnist and Radio Talk Show Host. The program was videotaped by New Castle Community Media Center and can be viewed online. For more information go to http://www.lwvnewcastle.org

Here’s a link to the video:  https://vimeo.com/212346141

Ronni Diamondstein (second from left) with the LWV Media and Politics Moderator and Panelists.  PHOTO BY Steve Biren

Filed Under: New Castle News Tagged With: League of Women Voters of New Castle, Media and Poltiics

Area Library Programming you Don’t Want to Miss

March 5, 2017 by The Inside Press

Round up by Beth Besen and the Inside Press

Don’t miss Beth’s story too on how “The Library” remains a vital community resource:  http://theinsidepress.com/how-our-libraries-stack-up-in-todays-digital-world/

Briarcliff Manor Public Library

Interested in re-inventing your adult self? Check out “What’s Next In My Life and Career?” Discovering Possibilities after 50 Thursday, March 23, 6:30-7:30 p.m. This program is offered through the Westchester Library System’s WEBs Career & Educational Counseling Service. Thinking of travel to Cuba? Join Our Librarian in Havana: Hemingway’s Cuba–librarians will speak on their recent visit to Havana, Cuba with special focus on American novelist Ernest Hemingway and his time there; Thursday, March 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Additional programming can be found online: http://www.briarcliffmanorlibrary.org/calendar.html

Chappaqua Library

This spring, the Chappaqua Library stage welcomes: Dance educator and Steffi Nossen School of Dance faculty member, Kristina Todd Nelson, on Wednesday March 21 and 28 from 10-10:30 a.m.; Kristina will teach Story Dance as part of the “Story Hour” program.

Additional upcoming stage guests include authors Lisa See and Sebastian Junger. Coming this fall: a month-long celebration of Broadway.

On Thursday, April 6, 7-9 p.m., The League of Women Voters of New Castle forum “Media and Politics: The Impact on our Democracy” will address the impact of these issues on the 2016 Presidential election and on future elections. Moderated by Jeanne Zaino, Ph.D., Political Analyst and Professor at Iona College with Panelists Jon Klein, Cable News and Internet Executive; Jerry McKinstry, Media Strategist and Journalist; and Phil Reisman, Columnist/Radio Talk Show Host.

 For more info, visit lwvnewcastle.org

Jeanne Zaino, Ph.D.
Jon Klein
Jerry McKinstry
Phil Reisman

 

 

 

 

 

Mount Kisco Library

Popular with so many, craft workshops will again be offered this spring: Earring making will take place on Tuesday, March 14, 4-5:30 p.m.; for every pair made, another pair will be donated to a women’s shelter. Kids from school-age through teen will enjoy making and flying their own Tyvek kites, Thursday March 30, 4:30-6 p.m.; registration required. Home-made rain sticks help usher in April showers on Thursday, April 6, 4:30-6:30 p.m.; registration required. Button snails to decorate a garden on Monday, April 10, 4-5 p.m. Kaleidoscope making on Tuesday, April 11, 2-3 p.m. https://mtklibraryfoundation.org/index.html

Mount Pleasant Public Library

Come see the Pleasantville Children’s Center Art Show, now through Thursday, March 23rd. Ongoing Baby Time, Toddler Storytime and Pre-School Storytime programs continue every week, along with knitting groups, reading groups and ESOL classes; check the library calendar for days and times: http://mountpleasantlibrary.org/en/about-new/events/calendar

North Castle Library

Dave Barry. Photo by Ezra Goh.

Best-selling humorist and author Dave Barry comes home to Armonk to speak before a live audience in “Dave Barry: A Homecoming,” Thursday, April 6, 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the event are on sale now online, via phone and, as space permits, at the door; proceeds raised will benefit Barry’s hometown St. Stephen’s Church and the North Castle Boy Scouts. Copies of Barry’s latest book Best. State. Ever. will be available for purchase on site, and the author will sign his books following the event. http://www.northcastlelibrary.org/

Ossining Library

10th year anniversary celebrations began this month and will continue for another six months with an extensive community outreach program–look for strategically located tables set out in the community (park, supermarket, train station) to inform, to engage the public in conversation, and to sign up new residents for library cards. Additionally, Reference Librarian Linda Levine, received a grant from Lifetime Arts for a creative aging special mural art workshop, going on right now. Cultural Program Specialist Carry Cubillos, received a grant from ArtsWestchester for an eight-week dance program that will include Samba, Salsa, Tango, Merengue, May through June.Artist, Shiela Hale of Katonah, is displaying her beautiful creation of book art at the library. The exhibition will be on display until the end of April on the second floor of the library. The exhibit titled “Lost & Found” – Including Scholar’s Desk & Volumes from a Black Library.“I am a lover of books, Shiela says, “…I like to see them lined up on shelves and stacked in towers. I always have one in my handbag and one in my car.”

http://www.ossininglibrary.org/pages/calendar/indexCalendar.html

Filed Under: Armonk Cover Stories Tagged With: Briarcliff Public Library, Chappaqua library, Craft Workshops, Dave Barry, League of Women Voters of New Castle, Library Highlights, Library Programming, Mount Kisco Library, North Castle Public Library, Ossining Public Library, Pleasantville Children's Center Art Show

A Busy Week in New Castle!

October 24, 2016 by The Inside Press

lwv_logo

It’s a busy week . . .

The League of Women Voters of New Castle reminds you of the following events

FIREHOUSE EXPANSION
VOTE 
Tuesday, October 25th from 6-9 pm
On October 25, 2016, New Castle residents in Fire District #1 will be asked to vote on two bond propositions totaling $15.37 million:
1. Purchasing property adjacent the Bedford Road Firehouse, demolishing the animal hospital building, and preparing the site for expansion: $2.67 million;
2. Renovating the current station & constructing a two-story addition with three drive-through bays: $12.70 million.
 
 
More information can be found on our Fire District page.
 
 
If you are not available to vote on October 25, 2016 during the hours of 6-9 pm, you might still be able to request an Absentee Ballot from the Fire District. Complete this  APPLICATION FOR AN ABSENTEE BALLOT and call the Fire District Office at 914-238-6287 to see if alternative arrangements can be made.
 
BEDFORD ROAD FIREHOUSE
491 King Street

—–

We have TWO Candidates’ Nights This Week

e29c0255-3bb8-4c6a-a307-6b767ca91d6d2a10f6f0-cf0c-4751-b968-a1a4d5afd73f

Thanksgiving Desserts Fundraiser

 

For the second year, we have teamed up with Pat Yost of Babe’s Delectables to offer you a delicious selection of Thanksgiving pies and cheesecakes to serve to your guests or bring to your host. Proceeds go to support the work of LWVNC, including producing Candidates’ Night and the Voters Guide.

 

Place your order by November 15, 2016 online or by mailing the Dessert Order Form with a check.

Pick up your order between 5:30 and 7:30 pm, Tuesday, November 22 at 110 Marcourt Drive, Chappaqua.

Filed Under: New Castle News Tagged With: Election 2016, League of Women Voters of New Castle, LWV, vote

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