The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

women

Helping New Castle Voters Make Well-Informed Decisions

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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.

A Hometown Book Signing for “What Happened”

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Secretary Hillary Clinton with dancers from the Artistry Dance Project in Pleasantville. The troupe performed a tribute song for her at Scattered Books in Chappaqua that Clinton later tweeted about. Hopeton Lemon (far right), a local dj, was director/editor of the video. PHOTO BY GRACE BENNETT
PHOTO BY GRACE BENNETT

With a book tour for her runaway best seller, What Happened, well underway, Hillary Clinton arrived at the Chappaqua Library for a third hometown, and a sold out book signing event on September 23. Many young people also brought copies of Clinton’s It Takes a Village Picture Book which she signed too. Library staff and volunteers worked hard to make the day’s efforts possible coordinating with the owners of Scattered Books and the Village Bookstore and also with the Town of New Castle. One volunteer, Chappaqua’s John Buckley, a former town council member, said he had “just finished flapping books with well over 800 for her to sign.”

Hundreds waited hours on a warm day, forming lines weaving up and down book aisles, attesting to the intense popularity of Sec. Clinton here at home and beyond. Ronni Diamondstein, a new trustee of the library and long time Inside Press contributor, commented, “The Clintons are part of the fabric of our community and the library is happy to host local authors. It’s nice to see how happy people are to see her today even if it’s just for a few minutes.” –Grace 

Hillary Rodham Clinton with the staff of the Chappaqua Library
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHAPPAQUA LIBRARY
PHOTO BY GRACE BENNETT
Former President Bill Clinton stopped by too. Here with Chappaqua Library Executive Director Pam Thornton PHOTO BY RONNI DIAMONDSTEIN

Calm, Cool and Collected: Home Furnishing Selections Arrive at Family Britches

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Family Britches current lifestyle look accentuates the pleasure of Chappaqua’s residential life and the calm, natural beauty that the Town of New Castle offers. The community’s bucolic feel is reflected in the natural texture, seasonal color palette and versatility of the new women’s and furniture collections.

Celebrating its 47th year in town, Family Britches occupies space on King Street that formerly housed the post office, a liquor store, a real estate office and a beauty parlor. When co-owners Barry Mishkin and Rick Buggee bought the building in 1972, the Chappaqua streetscape had a driveway that ran through from the back parking lot to King Street. They built a multi-level addition in 1984 to showcase women’s wear and boy’s clothing.

Freshly repainted, the inspired loft space is now stocked with handpicked items set under the building’s original overhead tresses. Visually appealing and intriguing pieces such as fiber pillows, fuzzy goatskin seats, woven fabric poufs, plush throws and luxe upholstery invite shoppers to settle in and enjoy the refined ambience.

Wonderful gifts, all at different price points, such as Buddha snowglobes, poured candles, organic aromatherapy and beautiful pottery are perfect for hostesses, for teachers and for newlyweds. Whimsical items for new parents and handcrafted jewelry designed and made by Family Britches employee, Stephen, including sculptural pendant necklaces and delicate beaded chains are tastefully displayed throughout the store.

Generations of patrons have long trusted Rick, Barry and the staff to graciously assemble outfits for work, relaxation and special occasions. Shopping at Family Britches has always meant the finest clothes that are fitted to the customer’s preferences. Munzer, the tailor, hand stitches each alteration on garments. Family Britches rewards clients who shop in the hassle-free boys department and the extensive men’s section with friendly service and an educated aesthetic. The evolving women’s selections currently features a large selection of contemporary casual spring/summer attire items that look cleaned up but also have a throw-on vibe, like t-shirts, hoodies, Frye boots, in combination with favorites such as Cambio jeans and Repeat sweaters.

“Come in to be inspired, it’s theatre.” Rick adds, “We want our customers to experience what e-commerce can’t deliver. We personally guide you through the best wardrobe options and provide exceptional quality, comfort and surprises.” Just as dress codes have shifted away from white-collar business garb, Family Britches contemporary selection reflects a more relaxed attitude and active, healthy living. The shop’s versatile clothing can be worn for both work and weekend activities, combining classic style with fresh upgrades.

Family Britches collaboration with J. Seitz, a Litchfield County, Connecticut retailer, brings one of a kind items as well as furniture displayed in composed decorative settings. Manufacturers such as Cisco Brothers and Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams are known for eye-catching styles that are versatile and simple. J. Seitz offers a custom design service to help clients create a comfortable, stylish environment in their homes, whether traditional or contemporary interiors. “Beautiful pottery from artisan sources as well as cashmere throws and pillows of all kinds are also now available in Chappaqua.

You can now furnish your home as well as shop for clothes, in this new lifestyle shop,” states Seitz.

“The healthy 21st century hamlet is much more than a retail destination,” states the 2017 comprehensive plan for New Castle. Family Britches, a vital institution in this commuter town, is committed to always improving its presence on King Street and being aesthetically pleasing on many levels. “We want to give people more reasons to come downtown,” says Barry. “We want them to find a mix of things that are new and exciting to inspire them.” Family Britches’ serene and thoughtful store windows encourage a relaxed pace of shopping.

Customers who love Family Britches good taste and quality now can have a well-dressed home too, with furnishings, linens, bedding and accents that reflect today’s balanced cool and simple comfort.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF J.SEITZ

Why Her Gender Matters (And Why It Doesn’t)

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chappaqua-summer-writing-program-for-girls-photo-three

By Anabelle

We are fortunate to live in a time when young girls are taught to be more than wives. Slowly, because it is a big undertaking to completely overturn the idea that women are inherently less valuable than their male counterparts, women are being appreciated for more than their relation to men. The change is gradually being made, pioneered by strong confident women all across the globe.

As a teenage girl myself, having strong female role models has completely changed my point of view. My views on what women can and can’t do differ from those of my grandparents, and that is a shift that isn’t unique to my family. Women everywhere are finally gaining representation in government, and women are even the leaders of nations such as Chile, South Korea and Germany. And while the cores of their policies often aren’t inherently different from those of the men in their respective political parties, having a woman leader can have a longstanding impact on the youth growing up under her rule.

Young girls are likely to emulate the behavior of the older women in their lives. They are a reflection of the people who raised them, and having role models such as Hillary Clinton can help raise a generation of girls who want to take action and make a difference in the world.

To a traditionally underrepresented group of people, having a woman president would be an act of validation and a crucial step in the long, meticulous process towards achieving gender equality. Clinton, in particular, supports the right to choose to have an abortion, something her rival Trump does not respect. Many working women see Clinton as the representation they’ve been denied for so long.

But objectively, electing a government official simply because of their gender is never a smart choice regardless of which way that sways you. Clinton and Obama, while both minorities in their own way, do not differ in opinions simply because of gender. Clinton is no more or less qualified than any man with a similar education and the same job experience. Countries with female presidents have not seen more success than those with male presidents. Some people may be put off by Clinton’s email scandal and see it as another example of the stereotype that women are fickle or coy and unable to handle difficult situations and assess the best solution. But as any member of a minority can attest, there is never an umbrella stereotype that fits all people, and it is unfair to pass judgments or make blanket statements.

To many, a woman president represents another step towards equality. But it is important to look at the candidates as people and not as a representation of an ideology; Clinton doesn’t represent feminism, but, as a stand-alone candidate, she can make a positive impact in the lives of many.

Anabelle is a sophomore at Horace Greeley High School. Most of her political knowledge comes from conversations with her dad in the car, but all her knowledge about being a young woman comes from real life experience.

Editor’s Note: One of Seven Girls’ Essays featured in the November “If Our Neighbor Becomes President” Cover Story.  The girls were directed by Keri Walsh, Ph.D., who heads the Chappaqua Summer Writing Program for Girls at the Greeley House.

Tips for Women who Plan to Travel Solo

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Miriam (second from left) on a cliff in Morocco with new friends met on a guided tour.
Miriam (second from left) on a cliff in Morocco with new friends met on a guided tour.

By Miriam Longobardi

Have you ever wanted to get on a plane and leave the country to have an adventure by yourself? If the idea feels simultaneously appealing yet overwhelming, allow me to break it down into a manageable plan. I have taken several, three-week solo journeys overseas exploring new countries and, while it takes considerable planning, the freedom is exhilarating!

Research and plan. Preparing for my trips builds excitement and anticipation. I enjoy reading travel books about my destinations. Rick Steves’ books cover many European destinations and his tips are very helpful and practical, but I read across many sources to find a consensus about neighborhoods, local customs and hot spots, and the best times to visit certain attractions. Steves has podcasts and interactive maps you can download for walking tours and the audio guide to many museums which saves money and time waiting on lines to rent headsets.

Simply load up your phone and get right to sightseeing. Most tourist attractions offer online ticket purchases and some allow you to choose your entry time. Consult maps: Streetwise makes easy-to-read large, laminated maps of many cities and will give you a sense of where to stay based on your plans. Consider your activities both day and night. Do you want to be on the beach and take cabs to town or in town and take a cab to the beach?

Do you want to be able to walk to most places or stay off the beaten path? Maximize your time by familiarizing yourself with the city in advance.

Read reviews. As a woman traveling alone I like a specific destination. TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Airbnb and VRBO are all reputable sites I have used to book accommodations abroad. I cannot stress enough the importance of thoroughly reading several reviews because people are generally honest. Weigh the disgruntled traveler’s poor experience against the others. I chose a hotel in Spain because the manager personally responded to every review which showed customer service is a priority. If you’re staying several days or a week in one city, consider renting an apartment or home on VRBO or Airbnb. I have rented lovely apartments on VRBO when I had my young daughters in tow at significantly lower cost than a hotel and had a kitchen and washing machine.

Another good option traveling solo is a bed and breakfast because the proprietors are usually on site and can be an excellent resource. After reading reviews about a B&B in Italy, I stayed there because all reviewers mentioned how fun and friendly the couple who ran it were, and they turned out to be really terrific company!

Be safe. The moment has arrived: you’ve checked into your hotel, you’ve got your map (keep it with you at all times!) and you’re ready to go exploring. Lock your passport and money in a safe at your hotel and carry a securely zipped purse across your body, holding tightly at all times, especially when snapping photos or admiring views. Carry just enough cash and one credit card, and alert your banks that you’ll be out of the country.

When it comes to unwelcome attention from men, err on the side of being rude –they’ll get over it. Men from certain cultures flirt nearly compulsively, and certain cultures have a general lack of respect for unescorted women. Don’t take it personally and avoid isolated parts of town.

Solo socializing. Some find socializing alone daunting, especially if you’re not a 20-something backpacker toward which much nightlife is geared. Quieter venues for a more mature crowd tend to attract couples, so where to go? My biggest challenge is finding casual but lively bars for people close(ish) to my age. I ask hotel staff, salespeople and bartenders for ideas. A group tour can help connect you with potential companions, or simply strike up a conversation with people around you. I asked locals in Venice where good nightlife is and they took me all around, showing me the town. When a cab driver in Croatia asked me where to, I said, “Surprise me,” and he dropped me at a beach concert which was a blast! He even arranged to pick me up afterward knowing I was alone and cabs would be scarce!

If solo travel is something you’ve considered, give it a try. For a first time, you may want to pick an English-speaking country or even just a U.S. or Canadian city to get your feet wet. Traveling at your own pace is incredibly liberating and you’ll meet and interact with far more people than with a friend or group. Start planning, and get out there! The world beckons.

Miriam is a single mother of two daughters living in Westchester. She is currently planning her boldest solo journey yet-three weeks in Thailand, Singapore, and Hong Kong this summer.