• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

  • Home
  • Advertise
    • Advertise in One or All of our Magazines
    • Advertising Payment Form
  • Digital Subscription
    • Subscribe
    • Subscriber Login
  • Print Subscription
  • Contact Us

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

Adieu… and Hello to my New ‘Not on Deadline’ Life

April 21, 2025 by Grace Bennett

Elise has graciously provided this space for a ‘final’ goodbye to Inside Press readers from its founding publisher – yours truly!

Upon launching the Inside Press with the Inside Chappaqua title in the spring of 2003, I had no concrete idea about the incredibly rewarding ride I was embarking on…

I have felt honored to be the recipient of several Westchester County awards, a speaker at events, a moderator on panels, and the crème de la crème opportunity took place the summer of 2012, when I joined Hillary Clinton for a 12-country State Department tour through Africa and Turkey. I will always be grateful to her of course but also equally appreciative of every sponsor and contributor to the company, too many to name in this short space.

More than accolades and recognition, however, I cherish the friends and memories made, the ‘little moments’ enjoyed at a myriad of fabulous events ‘inside’ the vibrant northern Westchester communities in which I raised and enjoyed great times with my beautiful kids.

Being a busy publisher also requires some breathing room. At the time that I launched, I had created an email address with the three words: ‘Not on Deadline.’ It was my ‘personal email’ address, and it came in handy navigating everything from travel arrangements to, ahem, the dating life. It was, by and large, my ‘fun’ space where I could step away from the all-consuming publisher role, one which Elise has stepped into with renewed vigor and pizzaz! I wish her all the best!

Today, I’m embracing being ‘Not on Deadline’ to hopefully pursue assorted project ideas including possibly a general blog space for assorted writings and musings and most importantly a memoir I hope to tackle over time. I didn’t retire so much as ‘take a pause’ to tap into other dreams.  If you wish to reach me now, write to: notondeadline@hotmail.com 

Wherever the next chapter takes me, ‘On Deadline’ or ‘Not on Deadline’, please know that I am grateful to all my readers for 22 years of support. Rest assured, I still plan to use my voice for positive change. I also encourage your continuing support to Elise and the entire Inside Press team! Wishing you all a very happy Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and much good health, happiness and success every day!

Grace Bennett
Founding Publisher

Filed Under: Just Between Us Tagged With: Founding Publisher, Grace Bennett, Hillary Clinton, inside chappaqua, Inside Press team, Not on Deadline, On Deadline, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, The Inside Press

Reflections on the Historic Inauguration of Victoria Bayard Tipp, First BIPOC Town Supervisor of New Castle

February 21, 2024 by Zoya Nabeel

Town of New Castle
January 11 Inauguration Ceremony
Photo by Mia Brown 

To be given a life lesson as a young child is to be handed an envelope entailing the answers to life within it. For Victoria Bayard Tipp, her childhood is imperative in understanding how she came to be the well-respected elected official that the Town of New Castle prides itself on being governed by. An immigrant from Haiti, Tipp became the Supervisor of the Town of New Castle in a moving ceremony on January 11th, 2024. She came from humble beginnings and worked hard to be the compassionate leader she is today.

After her father got a job at the Barclays Bank and her mother started working for the United Nations, Tipp was enrolled at the United Nations International School, where from the age of six, she was exposed to a diverse group of peers. Even as a young individual, Tipp was aware of the many experiences made available to her remarking, “My parents had the privilege of a good education back then and that’s why education has always been so important to me. It does level the playing field, and that’s why I spent so much time on equitable funding for education when I was on the school board. I just want to say how incredible it is that this country did afford me these opportunities.”

Road to Local Government

President Clinton swearing in Victoria Bayard Tipp as New Castle Town Supervisor  Inside Press Photo

After receiving her bachelor’s degree from Barnard College and her J.D. from Harvard Law School, Tipp worked as a lawyer before embarking on her public service career. She served her community in a multitude of capacities, including Chappaqua PTA Vice President and President, President of the CCSD BOE, President of the Westchester Putnam School Boards Association, and Deputy Town Supervisor of the Town of New Castle. Her most esteemed title is a culmination of the work she has done to get to this point; The first BIPOC Town Supervisor of New Castle.

The experiences that shaped Tipp’s civic career were on full display at the prestigious inauguration where a packed room of town residents congregated at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center to witness the event. Among the many esteemed attendees, the most prominent were President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton! They performed the swearing in ceremony of Town Board Members Alexandra L. Chemtob, Jennifer Naparstek Klein, Town Justice, Douglas M. Kraus, Westchester County Legislator & Chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, Vedat Gashi, and New Castle Town Supervisor, Victoria Bayard Tipp.

This inauguration was a poignant moment in the affirmation of our country’s democracy, with attendees such as Senator Peter Harckham stressing how important it is to “affirm the will of the voters.” Each speech echoed the importance of local government, local officials, and their connection to the people they represent and serve. Former NYS Senator Stephen M. Saland, who participated in swearing in his son, Deputy Town Supervisor, Jeremy Saland, stated, “There’s really nothing more significant in our system than local government. It’s the building block of the foundation of our democracy.” Assembly Member Chris Burdick reinforced these words, remarking “It’s a new group, it’s a new government, and it’s reflecting the will of the people. The will of what you, in New Castle, want from your government, and that truly is a mark of American democracy.”

Public Praise for Tipp

At the outset, heartfelt speeches from members of the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus (WBWPC) powerfully attested to the strength of Tipp’s leadership. Subomi Macaulay, President of the WBWPC, spoke to Ms. Tipp’s “quiet disposition and class,” stating, “She is the best person to be the Town Supervisor for New Castle.” Macaulay shared in her speech that Victoria Tipp has long worked to continue to implement DEI in our community. While on the CCSD School Board, she was the liaison to the committee on anti-racism, equity, and social justice.Tipp is adamant on advocating for communities of color in our town, expressing how her early childhood shaped her outlook and perspective.

Every individual who spoke about Victoria Tipp had the kindest words to say about her. Members of the WBWPC all shared a similar message, namely that it is a new day for their members, “as we come together to celebrate a Black woman becoming the Town Supervisor for New Castle, and we know that the town will be well managed under her direction.”

Victoria Tipp is part of something bigger than the community or positions held in New Castle. Through her work, she has helped pave the way for future women of color. Cynthia Ryan, Vice President of the WBWPC, described Tipp’s influence in broadening representation in government. “Tonight was really exciting to see Victoria sworn in by President Clinton. It was a proud moment for the WBWPC as we just created the Greater Bedford Chapter and Victoria was a part of that. The point is to help support and create representation in our community and in Northern Westchester – that’s important.”

Meaning to the Community

As a BIPOC high school student who has seen Ms. Tipp serve my community on the School Board and the Town Board, I felt a deep sense of pride attending the inauguration. To witness a woman of color being sworn into the highest rank afforded in our town is a win for our entire community. Years of movements, reforms, and change have led us to the moment where we have a seat at the highest table. Tipp’s voice will echo the cries of young BIPOC children who have ever felt marginalized in school and BIPOC individuals who have ever felt a sense of estrangement. Hearing Tipp’s upbringing and all that she endured, it is a given that she has worked incredibly hard to earn these opportunities.Tipp has shown immense dedication through her work in overcoming shortfalls while meeting the citizens’ expectations.

A woman of humble beginnings, Victoria Bayard Tipp emulates the standard of government that the citizens and voters of New Castle expect from their elected officials. She gets the job done while considering the demographics of her people. Tipp closed her speech by saying, “We hope for good people to help heal the world.” I believe that Victoria Bayard Tipp will use her platform to be a beacon – one that will lead us to a true democracy, representative of each and every individual who calls New Castle their home.

I believe that Victoria Bayard Tipp opened that envelope she received – and works each and every day to present her constituents with the lessons she keeps unfolding.


54th Anniversary & Still Just as In Love

Town Justice Douglas Kraus Ode to his wife Alice

Throughout New Castle’s historic Inauguration, words of affirmation for family members and loved ones were echoed by each public figure. One individual shared a particularly sweet sentiment about the person he holds dearest to his heart. Town Justice Douglas M. Kraus charmed the audience with poignant words he recited to his wife of almost 54 years. He describes that, “the minute I met her, I absolutely knew she was the one. I didn’t have to do any research, I just knew. But you know, Alice, those of you who know her, she’s a very tough grader, and well she was not so sure. She took a lot of convincing, and this was before I went to law school, so I wasn’t as persuasive then as I was now.” For Kraus, it was fate that he and Alice ended up together, as she was “the only person I’ve ever met who loved diagramming sentences as much as I did in the 6th grade.”

Having known each other for so long, Kraus adores Alice, sharing “I kid you not, this is Wonder Woman, and she is totally the best thing that ever happened to me,” going on to say that Alice is his “very best friend ever.” That sweet love story was on full display at the January inauguration, and for the audience, hearing these words was a tender and joyous moment. Alice and Douglas’ 54th anniversary is in the upcoming weeks, and we wish them many more “amazing and incredible” years right by each other’s side. – Zoya Nabeel

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: 2024 New Castle Inauguration, BIPOC, Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, Historic Inauguration, New Castle Town Supervisor, President Clinton, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Victoria Bayard Tipp

Off to Africa: With Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

August 20, 2012 by The Inside Press

Grace/ Photo by Jim D’Angelo/Ruby Media Group

Penned July 28, 2012:  “On July 21, I received word from the U.S. State Department that I was invited to join Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, with her staff and a group of 12 journalists, on a multiple country, 10-day trip to Africa, from July 31-August 10. At this writing, my staff and I have been working vigorously not only to close this issue a week early (without revealing why!), but to also follow State Department instructions on getting vaccinated and completing visa and press credential applications. Soon I will also receive the Secretary’s itinerary to gain a clear sense of her overall mission across that continent and specific goals for each destination.

Wondering how this incredible opportunity came about? At the start of covering the Memorial Day parade, in a precious two minute exchange with Secretary Clinton, and on a whim, I told her that I dream of the chance to fly with her–anytime, anywhere–on one of her missions.

She appeared interested and suggested I follow up with her director of operations, which I did. He, in turn, forwarded my eventual proposal to key staff at the State Department. I had written that I’d bring news of her travels home to her neighbors in a fun and engaging way. That is now my intent in the upcoming November issue.
As excited as I am by this honor, part of me knows that I will be relieved to come home to Chappaqua to my family and friends. In the meantime, welcome home to all of you too from your summer travels!

Please enjoy this issue which highlights our incredible local firefighters and features stories about the new and growing Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce and the people behind it, including Rob Greenstein and executive director Linda Degelsmith. Check out too a story about Chuck Napoli’s “Bell Area Plan” intended to transform our town. I hope it happens. For now, I gotta go pack for Africa.”

Below: a quick preview of pics from Africa!

The publisher’s new photo was shot at a “Go Red” event early this summer on behalf of the American Heart Association.

August 5: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton accepting a gift from 17-year-old Triza Lapari: the traditional “chitenje” skirt wrap during a festive visit to Camp GLOW for girls in Malawi—a highlight in her nine country tour throughout the continent. In her remarks, Clinton commended efforts at the camp “to imbue young women with an understanding of their own internal talents and opportunities and aspirations, and then to develop your own God-given potential and make a contribution not only to your families and communities but indeed to your country.” She also commended and met with Peace Corps volunteers at the Camp “to give young people in the world today a chance to come together and to learn skills that will last you a lifetime.”
Photo by Grace Bennett ©2012
Photo by Grace Bennett ©2012

Extensive coverage coming inside the November 2012 edition!

 

 

Filed Under: Just Between Us Tagged With: Grace Bennett, Hillary Clinton, inside chappaqua, Malawi, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, theinsidepress, U.S. Africa Business Summit

Primary Sidebar

Please Visit

William Raveis – Armonk
William Raveis – Chappaqua
White Plains Hospital
Houlihan Lawrence – Armonk
Houlihan Lawrence – Briarcliff
Houlihan Lawrence – Chappaqua
NYOMIS – Dr. Andrew Horowitz
Raveis: Lisa Koh and Allison Coviello
Purple Plains
Compass: Miller-Goldenberg Team
Korth & Shannahan
Douglas Elliman: Chappaqua
Elliman: Pam Akin
Compass: Aurora Banaszek
Kevin Roberts Painting & Design
CPW Vein & Aesthetic Center
Temple Beth El
Houlihan: Kile Boga-Ibric
David Visconti Painting & Contracting
Dr. Briones Medical Weight Loss Center

Follow our Social Media

The Inside Press

Our Latest Issues

For a full reading of our current edition, or to obtain a copy or subscription, please contact us.

Inside Armonk Inside Chappaqua and Millwood Inside Pleasantville and Briarcliff Manor

Join Our Mailing List


Search Inside Press

Links

  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Digital Subscription
  • Print Subscription

Publisher’s Note Regarding Our Valued Sponsors

Inside Press is not responsible for and does not necessarily endorse or not endorse any advertisers, products or resources referenced in either sponsor-driven stories or in advertisements appearing in this publication. The Inside Press shall not be liable to any party as a result of any information, services or resources made available through this publication.The Inside Press is published in good faith and cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in advertising or sponsor driven stories that appear in this publication. The views of advertisers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher’s.

Opinions and information presented in all Inside Press articles, such as in the arena of health and medicine, strictly reflect the experiences, expertise and/or views of those interviewed, and are not necessarily recommended or endorsed by the Inside Press. Please consult your own doctor for diagnosis and/or treatment.

Footer

Support The Inside Press

Advertising

Print Subscription

Digital Subscription

Categories

Archives

Subscribe

Did you know you can subscribe anytime to our print editions?

Voluntary subscriptions are most welcome, if you've moved outside the area, or a subscription is a great present idea for an elderly parent, for a neighbor who is moving or for your graduating high school student or any college student who may enjoy keeping up with hometown stories.

Subscribe Today

Copyright © 2025 The Inside Press, Inc. · Log in