The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

theinsidepress.com

How Some Coverage of Hillary Clinton Lacks Basic Respect

by

By Bobbi M. Bittker
Photos by Grace Bennett

I realized there was a problem when my husband said, ‘how was your rally? I heard on the news Bernie supporters interrupted it.’ What? That’s what was reported?! Read on…

Commentary on yesterday’s Hillary rally at SUNY Purchase from someone who was actually there:

Why am I reading myriad articles reporting on the 40 minute speech with headlines, ‘Hillary Clinton rally interrupted by 20 Bernie supporters’ as if this is THE story? It’s not even A story.
Hillary Standing

Fewer than a dozen college kids, standing in the back, heckled her with ‘You Win We Lose’ for about 5 seconds, if that, and walked out. Hardly impactful, nor impressive. Seconds of no-substance interruption by a few almost-adults became the focus of media reporting on the packed, line-out-the-door, people-had-to-be-turned-away, Westchester County rally of a former FLOTUS, NY Senator, Secretary of State, front-runner Democratic Presidential candidate.

I’m wondering how they will lose if she wins. As Senators, she and Bernie Sanders voted together 93% of the time. That’s neither here, nor there. It’s simply a fact.

Hillary Clinton spoke to rousing cheers about a concrete plan for affordable college–free community college and debt-free public university; expanding full human and civil rights for workers, women and LGBT communities; clean water for all; expanding the job market and growing the national infrastructure with domestic jobs; raising wages; combating climate change; quality education for every child regardless of zip code, a focus on early childhood education; continuing the success of the Affordable Care Act; reigning in drug costs; restoring voting rights; ensuring gun safety protections. She talked about action and a proven record of accomplishment.

Controversy sells. Anger sells. Dissension sells. Bad behavior sells. It’s about clicking the almighty link. A candidate making promises she backs up with action, experience, plans and a room full of well-behaved supporters doesn’t garner the attention the media wants. But a strong candidate like Hillary Clinton IS exciting. Being in the room with her and the passionate supporters WAS exciting. Voting for her on April 19 will BE exciting.

Yet, the focus is on a sophomoric peanut gallery demonstrating disrespect as Clinton replied with cool aplomb, “We’re very sorry you’re leaving!” As if that’s all that happened. Forget the spirited women with the Hispanic Democrats of Westchester banner, the parents anticipating history being made with their children in tow, the crowded room, the cheers and the loud, wild applause for a solid candidate. The people trying desperately to touch her, shake her hand, speak to her. The energy and zeal people think is reserved for the Senator from Vermont, only something that can be conjured up by the most angry of college students was IN. THAT. ROOM. But who will know?

Congresswoman Nita Lowey embraces Hillary Clinton after rallying for her right before her speech to supporters.
Congresswoman Nita Lowey embraces Hillary Clinton after rallying for her right before her speech to supporters.
Westchester field Organizers Hannah Fine (left) and Izzy Bugatti
Westchester field Organizers Hannah Fine (left) and Izzy Bugatti

A recent article said Hillary supporters are the most enthusiastic, contrary to the image portrayed of the populist Trump/Sanders proponents. We are the sleeper enthusiasts who no one acknowledges. We are happy with our candidate. Not aggressively angry. Not poorly behaved, engaging in negative behavior. No one knows we are here, but we are and we are politically active and we are voters! But there’s no story in that.

Take the focus off the disrespect. Take it off the bad behavior in political discourse today. Not all of it is coming from Trump and his cronies. The media can craft its narrative but these are FACTS. Or should I just be thankful they’re not reporting on her hair and clothes?

Information is best gathered first-hand. Go to Hillary’s speech website for the full video.

#imwither
#Hillary2016

Bobbi M. Bittker is a Stay at Home Mom and Attorney, on the Board of the Bedford Community Theatre, member of the Chappaqua Friends of Hill Group and a vocal supporter of Israel, Gun Safety and LGBT, Women’s and Civil Rights.

SUNY.crowdSUNY.hillaryAndNita

Seth Harrison at Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester

by

image0022

Seth Harrison’s L’Dor Vador will be aired on Sunday at Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester, I am moved and honored anew by this ‘worth a thousand words’ pic Seth Harrison took of me and my dad. If you haven’t had a chance to view L’Dor Vador, it is a series of interviews with survivors and their children (living in Westchester) and an exhibit of many such touching photographs of us.

 
 

2016 Humanitarian Awards Dinner Honoring Leslie Lampert & Dennis Munson

by

Please join us for our 22nd annual dinner celebration, the

2016 Humanitarian Awards Dinner
Honoring
Leslie Lampert & Dennis Munson

June 4, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.
at the Hilton Westchester,
Rye Brook, New York

Boys & Girls Club KidsWe hope you will join us for a celebration of our kids and our community. This year, the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester is proud to present the Humanitarian Award to local restaurateur and philanthropist Leslie Lampert of Love Hospitality, who serves nutritious meals to our kids at the Club each day. The Club is also honored to present the John Beach Award to BGCNW Aquatics Director and former Club kid, Dennis Munson, who during his 48-year tenure at the Club has helped teach over 47,000 kids how to swim.

To pre-register online, please click here. For additional information, please email Solveig McShea or call (914) 666-8069 x105.image0021

Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester Board Honored with Inaugural Philanthropic Leadership Award

by

Photo/Tom O’Connell (from L to R) Westchester County Legislator Michael Kaplowitz, BGCNW board members Emily Stoddard and Todd Rockefeller, BGCNW CEO Alyzza Ozer, BGCNW board member Bonnie Trotta, Deputy County Executive Kevin Plunkett, BGCNW board members Skip Beitzel, Stuart Marwell and BGCNW Board President Erik Kaeyer.
Photo/Tom O’Connell (from L to R) Westchester County Legislator Michael Kaplowitz, BGCNW board members Emily Stoddard and Todd Rockefeller, BGCNW CEO Alyzza Ozer, BGCNW board member Bonnie Trotta, Deputy County Executive Kevin Plunkett, BGCNW board members Skip Beitzel, Stuart Marwell and BGCNW Board President Erik Kaeyer.

Tarrytown, N.Y. (March 9, 2016) – For the first time in Westchester County, the Association of Development Officers (ADO) awarded a select group of long-time board members from the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester with the Board Philanthropic Leadership Award at the 2016 Philanthropy Awards breakfast at Abigail Kirsch at The Tappan Hill Mansion on March 9.

The award was given to an extraordinary group of long-time board members who served together on the board of the Club, successfully pooling their philanthropic and volunteer efforts in support of the Club’s mission to improve the lives of youth in the community.

Honoree Stuart Marwell, President and CEO of Curtis Instruments, Inc. and himself a Club kid, stated that the board honorees “as a team have an average of 24 years of service with the Club because we believe fervently in its mission. It is indeed our privilege to serve.”

CEO Alyzza Ozer noted, “It is a rare occasion and a brilliant reflection on our community to have a collection of intelligent, powerful, effective generous board members making such a significant impact. The lives of kids have been improved in so many ways for generations to come because of the hard work of these community leaders.”

This incredible impact is evidenced by 2015 Youth of the Year Nethmi DeSilva’s description of her Club experience: “The Club is my second home where I learned that I have a voice.  Thanks to the Club I have found my passion for helping the youth of the future.”

The board will next celebrate the mission and accomplishments of the Club at the 22nd Annual Humanitarian Award Dinner on June 4, 2016 at the Hilton Westchester in Rye.  The Club will honor local restaurateur and philanthropist Leslie Lampert of Love Hospitality and long-time Club Aquatic Director Dennis Munson for their service and devotion to the Club.

The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester is located at 351 Main Street, Mt. Kisco, NY and may be reached at 914-666-8069 or by visiting www.bgcnw.com. For the latest news, photos and updates, please “like” the Club on www.facebook.com/BGCNW.

 About the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester

The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives youth in the community through quality programs designed to enhance their lives through education, athletics and social interaction.  Established in 1939, the Club is committed to serving all children, ages 3-18, including the economically disadvantaged, the learning disabled and the physically challenged, with an emphasis on meeting the needs of at-risk adolescents, ages 10-18 years old.  The mission of the Club is to inspire and enable young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.  Annually, the Club lovingly serves 60,000 free meals and provides programming to over 1,200 youth from all throughout Westchester.

Town of New Castle to “Light It Up Blue”

by

Blue Gazebo

The Town of New Castle will be participating in Light It Up Blue day on April 2, 2016.

Every year on April 2, the United Nations celebrates its international “Light It Up Blue” campaign to raise awareness of autism. People from around the world join together in support of Autism Awareness Month by lighting up their communities or wearing blue. Thousands of iconic landmarks, skyscrapers, schools, businesses and homes across the globe unite by shining bright blue lights in honor of the millions of individuals and families affected by autism.

According to Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the U.S. Autism now affects 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys.

The Town of New Castle is helping raise awareness about the growing public health concern by lighting the gazebo up blue light. There will also be blue ribbons throughout downtown Chappaqua & Millwood. The Town of New Castle recognizes that youth with special needs and their families have unique needs that are not easily addressed. The Town of New Castle is committed to inclusion and providing opportunities for recreation and enrichment that improves the quality of life to residents of all abilities. The Town of New Castle recently created the Exceptional People of New Castle to support the needs of residents with special needs. Besides sport programs, the committee would focus on organized recreational, educational, social and skill building activities, and also raise general awareness about the needs and rights of persons with disabilities. The committee would also work to provide educational, employment & theatrical opportunities.

New Castle Town Supervisor Rob Greenstein stated “On April 2nd we are asking residents and building owners to do their part in raising awareness to shine a much-needed light on autism and its impacts. Our lives are all touched in one way or another by the growing epidemic of Autism. Our community is honored to join those across the world to Light It Up Blue. There are many families working hard to provide the best life for their children, while at the same time being tireless advocates for their children. I want to thank New Castle resident Danielle Abrosh Gootzeit for bringing Light It Up Blue to New Castle.”.

Danielle Abrosh Gootzeit stated “As a mother of a child with Autism, I wanted to bring Light It Up Blue to my community. The response from New Castle Supervisor Rob Greenstein, residents and merchants has been overwhelming and quite touching. I am so proud to live in such a caring community. When a community supports people with Autism it makes a world of difference in their lives. Our local merchants are so incredibly supportive and generous. I can’t thank them enough”.

Chappaqua Hardware will be selling discounted blue lights, and donating $1 for every light bulb sold. They are also donate 5% of all Weber Grill and Big Green Egg sales on April 2nd if customers wear blue

Hip Kids will be selling blue shirts, and taking part in the wear blue discount program.

Whispering Pines of Chappaqua will donate 5% of our sales that day. They will also be selling all blue flower bouquets to help promote Autism awareness that day.

Breeze will design a blue window for the day and donate 10% of all sales that day to Autism Speaks.

Petticoat Lane will be donating 10% of sales that day to Autism Speaks and have all my items clothes, bags, wallets in blue on 20% off.

Squires Family Clothing & Footwear will donate $25 for each Blue Blazer sold on that day.

Lange’s will be selling blue bagels

Eye Gallery will donate 5% of its total sales on April 2nd. Also I’m putting aside about 80-100 blue optical and sunglass frames for the month. They will be 20% off(frame only) and we will donate 20% of sales of any sold for the month.

King’s Scribe will have blue balloons

Scattered Books is having a sale through April 2nd which will culminate on 4/2 with the NY Yankees Chaplain in the store and an outdoor blue book display. 10% donated to Autism Speaks

Sherry B. will change our purple velvet cupcakes to blue velvet. They will also donate $1 from the sale of every blue velvet cupcake on that day to Autism Speaks.

Desires By Mikolay will be selling Blue Garden NEST candles and diffusers, a portion of the proceeds is donated to Autism Speaks

Sarah Fleece Blankets will donate 15% to autism awareness on any blankets ordered that week.

Carolyn Cento, master hair colorist and keratin specialist, at King Street Salon will personally donate 20% of Saturday earnings to Autism Speaks.

Hall of Scoops is giving 10% of cookie monster flavored ice cream that day.

Matero Fine Jewelry will decorate their window with blue lights and they have designed a sterling bracelet and necklace for Autism. They will be selling these pieces on April 2nd and for each piece sold we will donate 50% of the sale of these pieces to Autism.

For more information contact Rob Greenstein – Rgreenstein@MyNewCastle.org

Danielle Abrosh Gootzeit – dsabrosh@juno.com

LIUB-HORIZ