The New Castle 10k/5k is one of the most anticipated events in town each year thanks in large part to the hard work of the town’s Recreation & Parks Department. Many families have more than one member participating, too. Runners/walkers were blessed this year to wake up to clear skies, the sun poking through and mild temperatures before embarking on a five or ten mile course. For a full list of the race winners this year, please visit: http://georesults.racemine.com/Town-of-New-Castle/events/2016/New-Castle-10K5K/results
Just Between Us
Just Between Us – Reflecting on Hillary & to your GOOD HEALTH!
In the midst of closing editions and approaching the New York primary–and with Chappaqua being understandably a place of such keen interest–I was interviewed by two very inquisitive reporters; the opportunity allowed me to reflect a bit on why I support Hillary Clinton so much. The fact is: The presence of Secretary Hillary Clinton in Chappaqua, New York, in New Castle, has made publishing in her hometown both joy and challenge; at times, I take a deep breath to retain my courage in doing so. Not everyone is for Hillary here after all. But I only want to tell them this: Hillary Clinton has had a profound impact on my life and I want others to benefit from the magic that is Hillary too.
I was thrilled to first get a more intimate sense of her in 2006 in a gracious sit down interview at Lange’s Deli, and over the years have observed her style and manner at so many local events; they are of the kind any one of us would do well to emulate. And then there was that precious, extraordinary 10-day trip to Africa. I watched her engage in diplomacy and exhibit a warm, mutual respect with leaders facing many challenges. It was stunning to see a lone woman leader at any number of conference tables and inside palace suites seated with mostly men tackling global issues. Not in the middle. At the helm. In charge. The spotlight was naturally hers. So comfortable in her own skin. So confident.
I am hardly alone in my awe of this world leader! Hundreds of Hillary’s neighbors and most ardent area supporters inlcuding moi recently attended a wonderfully successful fundraiser on her behalf in the Mount Kisco home of Tracy Stein and Marco Masotti. We sat, or stood, inside a heated tent on the chilly morning of April 11, listening to Hillary Clinton share details of her platform; most notably, she seemed to place a particular emphasis on her commitment to gun violence prevention. Congresswoman Nita Lowey, who has spent a good portion of her political career fighting the gun lobby, was there too.
Our May print edition, arriving in homes soon, has 34 other pages with a comprehensive spotlight on 100 years of care at Northern Westchester Hospital. In the last couple months, I attended grand opening ceremonies there, one as a general celebration of 100 years and another to announce the opening of a spanking new, state of the art Surgical Suite. I asked Janine Crowley Haynes to report about 100 years of care and in her article, I was glad to read that the experience was so meaningful for her. This edition also spotlights four other extraordinary women for their genuine expertise.
We are also proud to soon share wonderful essays for your reading pleasure. I know you’ll enjoy our “Women and Good Health” theme throughout.
Reflecting on Hillary
In the midst of closing editions and approaching the New York primary–and with Chappaqua being understandably a place of such keen interest–I was interviewed by two very inquisitive reporters; the opportunity allowed me to reflect a bit on why I support Hillary Clinton so much. The fact is: The presence of Secretary Hillary Clinton in Chappaqua, New York, in New Castle, has made publishing in her hometown both joy and challenge; at times, I take a deep breath to retain my courage in doing so. Not everyone is for Hillary here after all. But I only want to tell them this: Hillary Clinton has had a profound impact on my life and I want others to benefit from the magic that is Hillary too.
I was thrilled to first get a more intimate sense of her in 2006 in a gracious sit down interview at Lange’s Deli, and over the years have observed her style and manner at so many local events; they are of the kind any one of us would do well to emulate. And then there was that precious, extraordinary 10-day trip to Africa. I watched her engage in diplomacy and exhibit a warm, mutual respect with leaders facing many challenges. It was stunning to see a lone woman leader at any number of conference tables and inside palace suites seated with mostly men tackling global issues. Not in the middle. At the helm. In charge. The spotlight was naturally hers. So comfortable in her own skin. So confident.
I am hardly alone in my awe of this world leader! Hundreds of Hillary’s neighbors and most ardent area supporters (including myself!) recently attended a wonderfully successful fundraiser on her behalf in the Mount Kisco home of Tracy Stein and Marco Masotti. As a two-time Senator and Secretary of State residing in New York, Hillary Clinton was commanding a double digit lead over Bernie Sanders at press time, but the campaign was not taking anything for granted. We sat, or stood, inside a heated tent on the chilly morning of April 11, listening to Hillary Clinton share details of her platform; most notably, she seemed to place a particular emphasis on her commitment to gun violence prevention. Congresswoman Nita Lowey, who has spent a good portion of her political career fighting the gun lobby, was there too.
Real Life
I often wait last minute to write this column, as I’m busy getting the rest of this issue “just so.” As I was getting started yesterday, the phone rang, and it was my 93 year-old dad. “I feel burning in my chest.” A looming deadline be damned, I shot out to Queens. It turned out to be a false alarm within a half hour of my arrival. “I don’t know; I feel 100 percent now.” After some insisting on my part, Poppy has an appointment with his doc. The whole episode was a sure fire reminder to become more proactive about and insistent to him about his care. He has been so stubbornly (and successfully) independent (yes, a true blessing!), it can feel impossible to argue with him. My father has survived the unimaginable; maybe it’s time he allows others in to provide the care he so fully deserves.
So finally–back to finalizing our “Happy Homes and Building Memories” editions… Jodi Baretz’s “Chaotic is the New Happy” column resonates a lot for me. Jodi sets the record straight on what happy is and what happy is not. If only we could bottle happy, sprinkle it on our lives as needed, and poof, we’d be happy. But real life is never so neat. I suspect you are all nodding in agreement.
Chaotic is descriptive too of the last month or so juggling the real life demands of producing local magazines while trying to do ‘my part,’ and ‘living history’ too as I keep up with Hillary Clinton’s extraordinary campaign. I recognize, dear readers, some among you do not support Hillary Clinton. Following years of covering her here and abroad, I chose to be outspoken in my support for her, agreeing that she is the best choice for a “change-maker”…per Bill Clinton’s words, via an editorial that I posted in this space earlier.
I’m grateful I found precious time to visit New Hampshire, twice, and to feel so inspired while she and her staff and volunteers made their case there and in Iowa. The first time I also had a Mom hat on… I was simply picking up Ari from an extraordinary Union College program that gave Ari and a group of his peers a chance to follow all the candidates. Ari clued me in on where the Clintons would appear following one rally, and off I went. Later on, I followed Bill and Chelsea Clinton to New Hampshire towns.
Of course, being cursed me, I feel what I’m doing is “never enough.” So I was thrilled too to receive “Hillary NOW” co-founder Ann Styles Brachstein’s report from an important fundraiser for Hillary here in the county! As I was going to press, several efforts around town have been underway to support Hillary, and my hat is off to everyone working so hard on her behalf.
Now, if you are ‘not into politics’ at all, please, please enjoy a packed May edition highlighting among other things: our treasure of a music maker, Michael Shapiro; a community outreach effort from Temple Beth El, a visit by Barbara Winton, a ‘farm-to-table’ transformation, all our ‘spotlights,’ and as you know I’m fond of saying…so much more. Now, time and space are running short. Back to ‘real life.’ — Grace Bennett
At a “Breakfast with Hillary”
By Ann Styles Brochstein
On January 28th, I had the privilege of attending the “Breakfast with Hillary” event in White Plains. Hillary took a short break from campaigning in Iowa to come back to Westchester for this key fundraiser. While waiting to go through a security check, people were friendly and so excited. We chatted about our passionate support for her candidacy and recounted personal Hillary encounters.
Once Hillary took the stage, she spoke at length on topics ranging from the economy to foreign affairs to health care to education to sensible gun laws, and on and on. What impressed me most: how she spoke effortlessly, with incredible knowledge on so many topics–and without notes! I’m sure she’s given similar speeches many, many times but she spoke with sincerity and passion. As I was hearing her, I kept thinking: “I am listening to the next president!”
When she was finished, she didn’t take questions but allowed people to approach her for individual comments or questions, and, of course, SELFIES! I worked my way determinedly through the crowd even while I knew I’d have maybe seconds to talk to her. Upon my turn, I told her about my son in the Navy and how much I appreciate that she didn’t refer to soldiers as “boots” on the ground. When I told her how our troops are sons and daughters, husbands and wives, she acknowledged their sacrifice. She “got it,” nodded and hugged me.
After taking a couple of selfies, she asked me to send the photo to my son and to thank him from her. I was tearing up talking to her. She took the time to listen to everyone who spoke to her, graciously taking selfies with everyone, as Secret Service moved her along. While my encounter with Hillary lasted maybe a minute, it was unforgettable. I came away fully committed to supporting her as the best qualified person to lead our country who just happens to be a woman.
Plus, I came away with a selfie!
Ann Styles Brochstein, a 24-year Chappaqua resident, actively participates in community organizations. She and Chappaqua’s Cynthia Ware Metcalf started the HillaryNOW! FB page to support HRC’s candidacy for President. Follow them too on Twitter @Neighbors4Hill.