Palisades has been blessed with a long history of strong women stretching back to the American Revolution. We are fortunate that this legacy continues into the present. Among our women residents are community advocates, business leaders, outstanding academics and recognized writers, actors and artists, many of whom we have profiled in our 10964 pages.

Alice Gerard, our local historian, focuses on a few out-standing women who have made an impact on our community. Our home-grown Lily Plotkin tells us about an important aspect of the women’s movement we hear less about. Librarian Anya Berg assembles a list of books for those who wish to delve further into women gaining the vote.

We introduce you to Maureen Raymo, Lamont-Doherty’s impressive first woman director. Our Lisa Rinehart profiles Dr. Nanci Levine, a pediatric doctor at a hospital in the Bronx who is on the front line dealing with high-risk children.

We invite you to tell us about an important woman in your life. Perhaps she is a grandmother, a mother, a special teacher or a boss, someone who made a difference in your life. Tell us about her in 100 words or less and send it to 10964 Newsletter, P.O. Box 201, Palisades, N.Y. 10964.

Finally, we urge all of you to vote no matter what political side you are on. Voting is an essential part of our democracy. Community leader Carol Baxter tells us how to register, how to obtain an absentee ballot, where to vote and the times, what offices are open and the candidates who are running to fill these positions.

To all the women among us, I beseech you not to lose sight of the long and arduous struggle to secure our precious right to vote; to remember the countless women who marched, lobbied, were beaten and force fed so that we can have a voice in determining our future.

I close with the words of Senator and civil rights leader John Lewis. “The vote is precious. It is almost sacred. It is the most non-violent tool we have in a democracy.”