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Joe Biden’s Message to Voters… through the Eyes of a Sarah Lawrence College Alum

November 7, 2022 by Suki van Dijk

President Joe Biden and Governor Kathy Hochul, together at Sarah Lawrence College. Photos by Suki van Dijk

On Sunday, November 6, 2022, two of my great passions in life came together spectacularly with President Joe Biden’s appearance at Governor Kathy Hochul’s campaign event at my alma mater, Sarah Lawrence College. Since 2016 I have devoted much of time and energy to electing Democrats in New York and across our nation. Since graduating from Sarah Lawrence, I’ve been an active alumna, and an all-around booster, trying to make sure as many people as possible learn about the college and get to experience the kind of extraordinary education I had.

My husband Peter (another Sarah Lawrence alum and member of the Board of Trustees) and I, waited about two and half hours to get into the event – in a line that snaked from the airport style scanner by the Performing Arts Center, all the way down Kimball Ave and around the corner onto Palmer. The event started at 4PM and finished at around 7PM with a rousing speech by President Biden.

Welcoming remarks by Sarah Lawrence President Cristle Collins Judd were followed by speeches by nearly every person who represents Yonkers NY. The speakers included Mayor Mike Spano, County Executive George Latimer, State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, both of New York’s U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Representative Jamaal Bowman, Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Attorney General Tish James, Governor Kathy Hochul, and finally the highlight of the night, the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden. In the middle of the elected officials, labor was well represented by the President of the AFT, Randi Weingarten, who gave a barnburner.

The speakers all highlighted the Democrats’ message: “Democrats deliver.”  All spoke to the economic and social benefits of electing people who hold the Democratic values that help everyone to rise. As fitting on a college campus, they all spoke most directly to the young people in the audience. In speech after speech, they recognized the passions and efforts of these young people. Joe Biden’s rousing speech was well crafted and well delivered, as one would expect from the President. But in addition to that, his speech highlighted his humanity. Just at the time the speech was building up to a big crescendo, someone near the podium seemed to faint. President Biden stopped speaking, directed medical personnel to come help the person, and then, only after he saw they were taken care of, restarted his big finish with a call for everyone to get out to vote.

There were a good number of my fellow Indivisible activists in the over 1,000-person crowd. I saw many of Westchester’s Democratic party leaders. I saw activists from our labor, LGBTQ, environmental, and human rights groups. I was also really fortunate to get a little glimpse into the world of bunch of current Sarah Lawrence undergrads, as we stood together on North Westlands Lawn–the spot where I graduated, the spot where they would graduate. Together, we cheered the same lines, chanted the same responses, sang and danced to music between speeches, and most of all, together we made the same commitment to GET OUT THE VOTE.

This was the first time I have ever seen a US President. I can’t lie, it was pretty exciting! Still. the best part of the event for me, was the energy and commitment coming from the Sarah Lawrence College students and other young people in the crowd. Our young people are genuinely motived to make our planet a more livable place and to make our society a more equitable one, and they were thrilled to hear that their efforts were seen, and their concerns were heard, all the way up to the very top of the US government.

President Biden stuck around for a good amount of time after the event was over, talking and listening to the students, and taking pictures with them. We are all going to remember this unseasonably warm November evening for the rest of our lives.

If you haven’t yet voted early, the polls are open tomorrow, November 8th from 6 am. To 9 p.m.. Your vote is your voice. Use it!

Our author in her I Love SLC socks.

 

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Democrats Deliver, Joe Biden, Kathy Hochul, Sarah Lawrence College, vote

Why I Plan to Vote Blue on November 6

October 24, 2018 by Grace Bennett

If there is one thing ‘about me’ I’d want anyone to know about my politics, it is that while I have always been a registered Democrat, I am not hyper-partisan. I am loyal only to the truth. By now, many of you (I hope) won’t be surprised to hear that.

But given the ‘pick your side’ nature of American elections, being a Democrat has always felt more in line with values that include compassion and good will and a sense of generosity toward your fellow man and woman and child.

So let’s talk about what feels ‘most’ wrong two years post Election, 2016.

I feel with every fiber of my being that Trump has been such a big fat horrible mistake for this country. He is worse than the bad dream we envisioned. He is now more the nightmare we can’t wake up from as he has completely divided us, and consequently, we’ve now witnessed an unprecedented escalation of hatred and accompanying violence toward every population, it sometimes seems, except white men and women of privilege.

He has given the fringe, shrill anti Zionist set on the left a window of opportunity to exploit, and I won’t let up on that either. Not as a child of Holocaust survivors whose war-torn parents met and married in Israel, drinking from a Kiddush cup, celebrating their union and their survival against all odds. I will fight to challenge every single politician, blue, red or purple, to support Israel as we move toward 2020, and hope you will too.

For now, however, there’s a bottom line I have come to terms with: Voting for the enabling band of GOPers helps keep ‘him’ in office…and consequently:

* Our health care is on the line.
* Our personal safety is at continuous risk from gun violence and ‘activated’ alt right individuals and gangs.
* The fate of our air and ocean continue to be deeply compromised by this climate science denying bunch.
* The trauma on children inflicted at the border is completely unacceptable and will impact them for a lifetime.
* As a woman who celebrates the hard fought gains made for myself and my sisters, I will not sit back and watch this sexist gang make decisions that could roll back the clock for our daughters.
* I will stand up for my gay and trans friends who are under attack too.

We all deserve better. Much better.

First order of business, change up this very bad hand we’ve been dealt.

#VOTEBLUE on November 6th!

Please keep reminding our youngest voters, too. While I may veer away from making official endorsements, there are times for anyone who cares about our country’s future to speak up, and now feels distinctly like one of those times. I’m grateful I still have freedom of expression to share that thought and a forum in which to do so. There is so much at stake…

Filed Under: Just Between Us Tagged With: blue wave, compassion, Democrat, Good Will, midterms, vote, VOTEBLUE

Celebrating 100 Years of Women’s Suffrage Inside Greeley’s Garden

October 22, 2017 by The Inside Press

PHOTO LEFT: Kari Weis (left) and Cassie Ward

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY GRACE BENNETT

On Friday, September 15, visitors to Greeley’s Garden at the Horace Greeley House surely felt magically transported back a century for a couple of fascinating hours.

And that was true whether you arrived dressed in contemporary wear or as a guest fully embracing the spirit of the occasion wearing the era’s fashion. The Garden was decorated with assorted signs on the lawn plus ones with ‘Vote’ banners dangling from robust apple trees; these served as a pointed reminder of the intense struggles of the time, and could only begin to hint that courage and true grit among the women fighting for the amendment were in no short supply as “1,006,503 women in New York State ask you to vote for Women Suffrage; Amendment No. 1, Nov. 6th.”

With this backdrop and with a brochure in hand detailing the women’s suffrage movement and the historical amendment’s ratification, the New Castle Historical Society and their guests celebrated “100 Years of Women’s Suffrage in New York State” with plenty of good cheer and fine food on a beautiful September evening. Guests also enjoyed a challenging game of “Women’s Suffrage Bingo!” Cassie Ward, executive director of the New Castle Historical Society (NCHS) led the game engaging everyone in questions about the history of the women’s suffrage movement.

A special Thank You was extended to sponsors for ‘Susan B. Anthony’: Judy and Morgan McGrath; ‘Elizabeth Cady Stanton’: Margaret Macchetto; and for ‘Carrie Chapman Catt:” Jamie and Rich Comstock, Bonnie and Gerard Curran, Lois and Bill Donnecker, Sue and Ken Fuirst, Georgia and Ron Frasch, Victoria and Owen Gutfreund, Ivy Pool, Kimber and Ray Sanseverino, and Barbara Wagner and Jeremy Novak.

There were also a host of wonderful silent auction items and gift certificates from local business sponsors including the Inside Press (as official media sponsor), Douglas Elliman and the Nicolaysen Agency. The evening was an important backdrop for an upcoming exhibit too.

Town Board Member Hala Makowska

Following the garden party, the NCHS mounted a new exhibition, New Castle’s Carrie Chapman Catt & the Women’s Suffrage Movement: Celebrating 100 Years of Women’s Suffrage in New York State (on display until June 2018). This family friendly exhibition is packed with historical photographs, documents, and information that introduce museum visitors to the organizations, leaders, supporters, and opponents of the women’s suffrage movement.

For more information, visit newcastlehs.org

(L-R) Kristen Browde, Iris Weintraub Lachaud, Ivy Pool and Kari Weis
(L-R) Adam Brodsky, Judith McGrath and Robert Greenstein
David Buchwald

Lori Gowen Morton

Filed Under: Chappaqua Community Tagged With: League of Women Voters, New Castle Historical Society, vote, voters rights, women, Women's Suffrage

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

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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