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Vedat Gashi
This Wild and Precious Life
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
Mary Oliver, The Summer Day
PHOTO BY DONNA MUELLER
Many ponder that question as time marches on. As goals and desires unrealized gnaw at me, I’m taking Oliver’s challenge to heart. On our home page, you will find a genealogy story, a real-life cousin who found me doing research of family lost in the Holocaust! The revelation further inspired me to revisit yellowing documents from my dad’s horrific experiences surviving Auschwitz, and to hopefully undertake translating my grandfather’s manuscript of surviving that horrendous war in hiding, and reuniting with my dad in Israel, after the rest of his family was killed. And about growing up ‘in the shadow’. I may have a memoir in the making if I can do my best to stay focused.
In time for Mother’s and Father’s Day and graduations, enjoy stories about new & expectant families, a second ‘Portraits and Profiles’ column sharing peace-enhancing practices plus a lovely essay about a special mother/daughter bond.
Here too are spotlights on two great County leaders. A cover story by Alexa Troob emphasizes Vedat Gashi’s focus on cooperation and collaboration. Via Deborah Notis’s interview with Westchester County Executive George Latimer, we learn about a hardworking, results-achieving leader! Other stories include ones about a local rock band, The Station Agents, and another, about a humble World War II vet, Sargent Dan Santagata.
A second cover story (by yours truly!) is about a local dad who just happens to also be a two-time Grammy winner and mastering engineer — Joe LaPorta! Joe’s latest Grammy was for Miley Cyrus’s FLOWERS! I had fun learning how LaPorta, and those in his field of expertise, enhance a song’s sound so that its melody really sticks!
I’m particularly excited to present the indomitable Benjamin Cheever’s engaging cover story about the globe-trotting adventures of award-winning documentary team Susan Todd and Andrew Young. We also think you will appreciate a close-up of Pleasantville High School’s beloved Principal Joseph Palumbo. Two articles by Christine Pasqueralle are one about the Briarcliff Manor Library’s Poetry Café, and a second about the much beloved Briarcliff Manor fundraiser – affectionately called Mezzapalooza. Please also don’t miss our update about the upcoming lineup at the ever-beautiful Caramoor, or the breaking news about the Jacob Burns Film Center’s opening of Take 3, a new Wine Bar and Cafe! Here too is an announcement of the lineup of the Pleasantville Music Festival which we are lending a helping hand to this year, too, as a media sponsor.
Plus, as always, there’s ‘much more’. Just take a look!
If I’ve missed anyone or anything, we will surely catch up with you one day, as we love to do!
I’m forever grateful to all our contributors and advertisers — I’d like you to know that advertising revenue remains vital for bringing these independently-produced editions to a wide swath of Northern Westchester ‘and beyond’ (to some 75,000 readers not even counting the internet reach of many thousands more with each publishing cycle), so in our 21st year of publishing that includes some true milestones including a recent 20-year anniversary or Inside Chappaqua, a current 10-year anniversary for Inside Armonk and five-year one for Inside Briarcliff Manor & Pleasantville, please contact us ‘for the first time’ if you have ever contemplated a print plus online (a powerful combo!) sponsorship, or ‘revisit’ us if you have in the past!
We’re still cooking, but make no mistake about it, we need you!
More than ever, in fact, we also appreciate reader support. Another way to help us keep the issues coming is a digital subscription that opens up a decade of content to you (ask us how to unlock a story permanently too, or over the long term): https://www.theinsidepress.com/subscriptions/
It’s truly a privilege producing well regarded magazines in the beautiful hills of Northern Westchester. So, as I retreat to behind-the-scenes projects and pursuits, please know I’m still very much here, and confident that our magazines’ ‘day to day’ responsibilities are in capable hands with associate publisher/editor, Elise Trainor. Elise will be giving you The Inside Scoop each issue.
Here’s wishing you warm, bright days ahead in your own precious lives.
Behind the Success of Westchester Legislature Chair Vedat Gashi
Fostering a Sense of Cooperation & Collaboration
“The way forward has to be together.”
In a time that can feel so divided, Vedat Gashi, Chair of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, emphasizes the importance of working together. Whether leading the legislative board, working with state, federal, and municipal governments, or listening to his constituents, Gashi prioritizes collaboration to make genuine progress in our county.
Gashi was elected unanimously by the board to the position of chair and continues to advance bipartisanship through his position: “Part of the reason I got involved in the first place was after Trump was elected (or at that time), I felt like it was so inflamed and heated between the parties. It felt like every voice I heard was super extreme on both sides, and most of the people I knew – most of my friends and family – were closer to the middle. And I think I worry about the fact that if someone’s in a different party, we shoot them down and we’re not gonna listen to them at all.”
By fostering cooperation, Gashi has been able to pass landmark bills and initiatives in Westchester that, piece by piece, are making a substantial difference.
Infrastructure and Job Creation
Gashi is proud of the work he has done on infrastructure, including bridges, buildings, flood mitigation, and roads: “things that are expenditures of money, but investments so we can have the infrastructure that we need – and doing that while being fiscally responsible,” he shares. By building and improving infrastructure, it in turn leads to the creation of local jobs. The board recently passed the rehabilitation of the Glen Island Bridge, which both improves our county’s safety and promotes business by creating jobs. “It’s important because our friends in labor really do need those jobs, and then the more jobs they can have, it helps the local economy… they all work together,” says Gashi.
By finding these efficiencies, the board can maximize its success. Gashi attests to the power of this collective effort: “One-on-one doesn’t always equal two. Sometimes one-on-one can do quite a bit more if you’re working together,” he says. “And I think we’ve been doing that: passing a tax cut and doing more work almost sounds like we shouldn’t be able to do it, but we have been. And I think it’s by finding efficiencies, economies of scale, doing things in a collaborative effort rather than fighting each other.”
Environmental Efforts
While building new infrastructure, Gashi is promoting the use of renewable energy sources. In fact, every vehicle in the county fleet has been converted from gas and diesel to hybrid and electric. “To be able to transition that whole thing to hybrid and electric, I think makes a meaningful difference,” says Gashi. “And the interesting thing is it’s… better for the environment than the older technology was, but it’s also been saving us money.” Once again, through these efficiencies, the county can do good and simultaneously bolster the local economy.
Women’s Rights and Health
While ensuring the health and safety of our planet, Gashi is dedicated to ensuring the same for his constituents. Despite the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which stripped women of the constitutional right to an abortion, he is committed to ensuring that women maintain the right to choose in Westchester County. “My primary objective is going to be to provide for the health and safety of the people that live here. And that includes making sure that women can access the medical attention they need by licensed professionals.”
After an incident in White Plains where anti-abortion protestors obstructed women’s ability to enter a women’s health clinic, the county passed a bill that established a buffer around such centers to make them a safe, accessible space. “Reproductive health is women’s health,” says Gashi. “It’s a mantra that’s said often, but it’s true. And in this instance, being able to provide and protect for that was something that I’m proud of.”
Gun Control
Continuing to prioritize safety, Gashi has also championed legislation to combat gun violence. The board recently passed a first-in-the-nation bill that requires places that sell guns to post a warning disclosing that the rate of death for gun owners is significantly increased (similar to the warnings posted on a cigarette package). The bill was passed unanimously, supported by both Democrat and Republican members of the board.
While Gashi hopes the bill can make a real difference, he also acknowledges that federal government action must still pass more substantial initiatives for gun control such as comprehensive background checks. He expressed disappointment that the federal government hasn’t yet passed some of these larger initiatives, but he remains optimistic and motivated: “There are things we can do along the margins. Just because you can’t do the biggest thing doesn’t mean you can’t do anything.”
Combating Hate
Gashi’s commitment to safety extends to his efforts in combating hate, specifically antisemitism and Islamophobia.
He notes, however, that antisemitism “is not a new phenomenon. This is something that’s been going on for quite a while.” In his first interview after his election to the board in 2019, he addressed the rise of antisemitism in Westchester. Now, as antisemitism has been heightened in light of October 7th, he continues to address this pressing issue, working diligently to let both his constituents and people in Israel know that they are not alone.
In November, he joined the County Executive and other legislators to visit Israel after the attacks, an experience he describes as both amazing and incredibly sad. “I think if we did nothing else, it was an effort to show the people in Israel that they are not alone. That we are with them. We support them and would like to continue to do so,” he shares.
Being born in Kosovo and the first person of Muslim faith to be elected to the board and serve as chair, Gashi is saddened to see people attacked because of who they are and the religion they practice: “I obviously feel a parallel,” he says. “I obviously empathize and sympathize, so it was hard to see.” The county, along with the state and federal governments, have helped obtain funds to provide for the safety of mosques, synagogues, and other places of worship so that people can, hopefully, freely practice their faith and be who they are in peace.
Balancing Work and Family
Gashi is proud of all the board has been able to accomplish in Westchester and loves making a positive impact through his work. His least favorite part of the job, however, is the time away from his family – his wife and two children. He says that he strives to balance life and work, and make sacrifices as not to miss important family events – like his daughter’s unmissable championship basketball game.
Despite the job’s time-consuming requirements, Gashi said making a difference makes it all ‘worth it.’ “The ability to solve or to make somebody’s life better through your actions is amazing. And it’s the thing that drives me. There are a lot of headaches, but at its core, this is a job that allows you to do things that are going to have real impacts on people’s lives.”
A Spirit of Collaboration and Good Will Stressed at New Castle’s 2024 Inauguration
Bottom Row (L-R): President Bill Clinton administered the Oath of Office to: Town Justice Douglas Kraus, Chairman and Westchester County Legislator Vedat Gashi, and to New Castle Town Supervisor Victoria Bayard Tipp.
Inside Press Photos
Heartfelt messages of appreciation along with ones expressing respect for a diversity of backgrounds and viewpoints, plus lighthearted exchanges, were heard from the stage of the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center during the Town of New Castle 2024 Inauguration held January 11.
Those attending witnessed the swearing in of four New Castle public officials and the chair of the Westchester County Legislator, the Oath of Office administered by former State Senator Stephen Saland, neighbors Madame Secretary Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton. The final swearing in was that of Victoria Bayard Tipp as Town Supervisor. See also Zoya Nabeel’s report and reflections of this historic moment and poignant testaments to Tipp.
Following honored traditions, State Senator Peter Harckham stated: “It’s a new day” and a time to celebrate the peaceful transition of power… everything we do is best when we work in collaboration.” Assemblyman Chris Burdick noted the “tremendously proud moment.” Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins introduced Saland, who served the 41st district for 22 years, and who swore in his son Jeremy Saland for a second time, this time as Deputy Town Supervisor. “At times he can be a handful,” quipped father about son. “But I know the kind of person he is… he’ll give you 110 percent.” “This community is great because of its volunteers…” Jeremy Saland emphasized, noting contributions from long time town administrator Jill Shapiro, staff and volunteers on boards, and first responders.
Harckham introduced Hillary Clinton as “an amazing Secretary of State, a mother, grandmother, a fierce advocate for children and health care reform…” Hillary Clinton swore in town council member Alexandra L. Chemtob who emphasized that public officials “need to lead by example.” “The world gets scarier and more divided by the day,” said Chemtob. “I might not be able to change the world. but I can make my side of the street a little bit better.”
Hillary Clinton also swore in councilmember Jennifer Naparstek Klein. Klein noted that even “small bits of work and effort matter; it’s an imperative in our life to be committed.” She quoted Hillary Clinton’s “One must bloom where one stands,” with a tip of her hat to members of the New Castle Democratic Committee, New Castle Blooms, and Up2Us.
Councilwoman Holly McCall introduced former 17th district Congressman Mondaire Jones as “the first black openly gay person ever elected to Congress and as the youngest member of House leadership, he has kept our congressional district in his sights.” Jones introduced President Clinton as “…a father, a husband, a saxophonist, a patron of Crabtree’s Kittle House in Chappaqua – See? I did my homework! – founder and chairman of the Clinton Foundation, and as the 42nd President of the United States of America, and a damn good one.”
President Clinton, before inviting Town Justice Douglas Kraus to be sworn in for a 9th term, stated: “We are not expecting you will be perfect but that you will do the best you can with an open heart and an open hand and without the venom and hatred which causes so much of our politics today.”
Bill Clinton also swore in Chairman and Westchester County Legislator Vedat Gashi who shared that his work has included landmark legislation to protect the environment, protecting a woman’s access to health care, and passing a first in the nation gun safety law, “all while passing a fiscally responsible budget to help restore Westchester’s economy.” Gashi, the first Muslim elected legislator, quoted Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Hate can not drive out hate, only love can do that.” He promised to “celebrate the love in our community rather than focusing on the hate.”
Tipp, last to be sworn in by Bill Clinton, stated that in her years of public service, she has worked “to gain the trust of constituents without regard to affiliation.” And that even in this “deeply divided political climate”, she would “continue to view residents through the lens of friends, family, and neighbors… I promise you it will always be that way.”
In a benediction, Rev. Dr. Martha Jacobs of the First Congregational Church announced her impending retirement, and offered, “May differences be celebrated and lifted up and move this town forward where all feel welcome and where are all views are welcomed and heard.”
A Call for Unity as Bill and Hillary Clinton Swear in New Castle Town Officials
– Newly Sworn in
New Castle Town Supervisor
Lisa Katz
Despite the challenges wrought from an ongoing pandemic, a 2022 inauguration of New Castle town and county officials still managed to deliver an overriding message asking for unity following a divisive election in town–along with words of admiration and appreciation for the Clintons who presided over the January 12th ceremony at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center.
On ChappPac’s signature purple-lit stage, the ceremony streamed live to those who had registered via a virtual invite. Among those who came in person were proud family members of the officials sworn in, and who, despite the pandemic, also had the opportunity for a meet and greet with the Clintons. In her remarks welcoming the Clintons, Lisa Katz thanked the Clintons “for always making time for your community in ways large and small,” she said. “You can’t possibly know how much our town appreciates you.”
President Bill Clinton swore in Lisa Marlo Spivack Katz as the newly elected Town Supervisor, and Christian Hildenbrand and Tara Kassal as newly elected Town Council members. Secretary Hillary Clinton swore in Vedat Gashi, as a re-elected County Legislator, Noah Sorkin as a re-elected Town Justice and Victoria Bayard Tipp as a newly elected Town Council member.
Remaining on the board until his term expires at the end of 2023 is town council member Jeremy Saland. Saland had served as deputy and acting supervisor until this past December after former town supervisor Ivy Pool resigned, relocating with her family to Chicago.
Gashi expressed gratitude for the role the Clintons played preventing an ethnic cleansing in his hometown of Kosovo–noting landmarks in Kosovo honoring them including a shop named ‘Hillary’ that he said, ‘sits on Bill Clinton Boulevard.’ Bill Clinton responded in his remarks: “One secret to our unity is not to be anti-immigrant… Anytime an election can be made about the people, you’re much more likely to a get a happier country, a more united country.”
As for the local election and the early evening event, Bill Clinton noted: “This is a celebration of Democracy… this is the way that Democracy is supposed to work.”
Vicky Tipp expressed the prevailing unity sentiment. She said she had “a lot of hope and optimism” that the new board might be “a community model to heal divisions,” and one to “foster a climate of inclusion and collaboration.”
The row of masked public officials on stage facing a largely empty auditorium was a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by Covid. For his part, Saland thanked County Executive George Latimer and Deputy Executive Jenkins “for exuding calmness and leadership throughout the pandemic.”
County Executive George Latimer introduced Hillary Clinton with his remarks, and later State Senator Peter Harckham introduced Bill Clinton. Statements were made by Assemblyman Chris Burdick, and also by town residents Robert Kirkwood, Zhengxi ( Larry) Liu, and Alexandra Chemtob. Rabbi Aaron Brusso from Congregation Bet Torah officiated with the opening invocation and his own remarks, too.
Latimer, before introducing Hillary Clinton, noted that as Secretary of State, “she had visited every possible place on anyone’s bucket list… that she and the President chose to live in Chappaqua and make this town their home is a statement about Chappaqua.”
Hillary Clinton offered that she “wished to support our local government to make the community the best it can be.” She noted the appropriateness of the event’s location inside ChappPac, which she called “a labor of love” by Lisa Katz.
Harckham applauded the ceremony as a “uniquely American tradition… we come together in unity… We are all vested in your successes,” he said.
Bill Clinton shared that “Hillary and I have lived in Chappaqua together longer than in any other place… and 2 ½ times longer than in the White House.” He expressed fondness for the town, noting the Memorial Day parade, as one example. He called Chappaqua “a rich in history, diverse and wonderful place… America needs more of this–badly.”
Chris Hildenbrand called the Clintons “town treasures” and “part of the fabric of the community” after commending New Castle’s “many volunteers dedicating their precious time to the town” in the spirit of Hillary’s “It Takes a Village.”
Tara Kassal, who was sworn in remotely, stated she was looking forward to sharing her “expertise in the area of sustainable development.”
In closing remarks, Supervisor Katz called the new council members “a dream team transcending party politics… with a shared vision of inclusivity, unity and collaboration.”
