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MLK March Goes On Despite Frigid Temperatures

Cold weather doesn't diminish those from keeping the dream alive.

A small but spirited group from White Plains and the surrounding communities braved sub-freezing temperatures as they marched from the Slater Center to the statue of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in front of the Westchester County Courthouse Sunday afternoon.

After posing for photographs beneath the statue, the group marched two additional blocks in each direction singing "We Shall Overcome" before heading down the street that is named in honor of the man whose life's work they were celebrating.

The two dozen people of all ages then returned to the Slater Center to warm up and to listen to speeches about Dr. King.

MARC January 16, 2012 at 04:30 am
Im sorry but thats embarrassing the amount of people that showed up. Its equally shameful the reporter needs to "embellish" by saying 2 dozen people.
People forget those that once meant something or did something for us. They forget MLK, they forget Audie Murphy and the forget 9/11.
Stu Bayer January 16, 2012 at 05:09 am
Marc- I wasn't "embellishing". Just reporting how many people attended. If there had been 100 or 1,000 people attending, I would have stated those numbers. I mentioned that those who were there, despite the cold, were "spirited" and committed to remembering Dr. King's message.
MARC January 16, 2012 at 05:17 am
Ok. I'll take your word for it although "2 dozen" is 24 and it looked a tad less.
Nevertheless, the point being there should be at least 2 more digits in that number. The point being that people seem to brave the elements when the subject is NOW( see OWS). The point being , people forget.
Sheila Harris January 16, 2012 at 04:38 pm
My name is Sheila Harris and I orginized this march and I am here to tell you that there were 40 people that sign the sign in sheet. I have the sheet if you would like to count for yourself seeing that it seems like you have negative comments on something you were not there for. You talk about people forgetting things but where were you yesterday when this was going on? Sitting in front of your television instead of doing something to remember a great man? I will pray that you open your heart and mind and do something today to remember. God bless you and much love
Sheila Harris January 16, 2012 at 04:39 pm
I wish that you would not only remember what the man did and stood for but what his message was about. He had a message of peace and love for all human but you sit here and judge people, Stu is correct the 40 people did not forget, came to the march even though it was cold and they were committed but you talk about committment and you were home looking at your computer.........If you read the original story behind this walk, not march, it was to bring to light the use of the "N" word. I did a walk to honor a man that change a lot of injustice by marching so I decided that I would honor him on his day by doing what he would have done. Those people did not forget it was the people that didnt come, like you, that were not committed or "spirited". So before you post something you should always make sure your backyard is clean before you judge others. One last thing: I will pray that God opens your heart and mind and that you see that it is not about how many people showed up it is about how many people my "Dream" reached. Maybe next year you will not only read about this walk you will be there. Have a blessed day and do something today to remember Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and dont forget his life and message.
Much love, Sheila Harris
MARC January 16, 2012 at 07:18 pm
You entirely missed my point even though I made the same point twice.
Lets try a third time. I was commenting on the people who did NOT come, not anywhere close to insulting those that did. I found that insulting to the memory of such a great man. Additionally, You have no idea where I was. Perhaps I was at another MLK march or perhaps I was tending to a sick parent...or it might be that I am a volunteer for the National Guard and was involved for the entire weekend. For someone preaching the wisdom of Dr King, you appear quick to judge, misinterpret and seem intent on picking an argument. Hopefully you dont take the same actions with your participants as someone just might consider that to be the reason for the relatively small turnout? Much love, Marc
Heather Miller January 16, 2012 at 11:20 pm
Marc and Sheila, both of you are passionate about the same issue, therefore, you don't have to go there with each other. Marc, we invite you to join us next year and to assist us in bringing out more people. This was Sheila's first organizing event and kudos to you, Sheila, for starting what we hope will become an annual event.
Heather
Dina Sciortino (Editor) January 17, 2012 at 01:06 am
I apologize MARC, but I had to delete the last comment because it is considered personal. Usually, I try to email someone and talk about it before it gets deleted, but I don't have your email address. You are more than welcome to voice your viewpoints here. I hope that Patch is a place where people can feel free to discuss their views—but please make sure your comments comply with the terms of use which discourages people making those kind of personal statements. Please feel free to leave any and all remarks that comply with those terms. If you have any questions at all please email or call me dina.sciortino@patch.com or 914.610.8525
Patricia Wilder January 17, 2012 at 04:10 am
I agree - Kudos to you Sheila!!!! It was a great gesture for a great man who stood for many, many, many great things!! Yes we all do forget and THAT is why we all need to be reminded every now and again!! Never forget the hero's! Sure there were alot of things that should be remembered but MLK is SPECIAL - ALL MEN ARE EQUAL AND BECAUSE OF HIM WE ALL HAVE THE SAME RIGHTS TODAY!!!

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Clifford Blau June 15, 2013 at 09:48 am
It's not true that parking is required. You could do as I do and walk there (assuming it isRead More actually the White Plains office you are referring to and not Harrison), or take a bus, or a taxi, or have someone drop you off and pick you up. And if you aren't happy with their service, go somewhere else. There are lots of doctors not affiliated with Westmed.
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Clifford, thanks for your two cents! How lucky for you that you can walk to your doctor's office andRead More not have to pay to park!
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There are two expenses that I always seem to have a difficult time accepting - parking fees andRead More tolls. I too was disappoint as I am sure many were to see that the WestMed Medical Group initiated a parking charge of $2.00 for each visit regardless of the time actually spent at the White Plains facility. Upon hearing this new policy I had to step back and look at what is going on around us and looking at the bigger picture. Parking fees are a way of life for all of us who live in and around White Plains. Tolls are a way of life for any who travel in New York State and New Jersey. A charge of $2.00 per visit is less than a cup of coffee and for the medical care received, you cannot put a price on it. A $2.00 parking fee does not make nor does it detract from the 'fine organization" that WestMed Medical Group has been and remains. My visits to WestMed Medical Group unfortunately have been far more over the past several years than I care to admit however I have the complete satisfaction and comfort knowing that I am getting the best care that I can get anywhere, near and far. I am always treated professionally, with respect and never leave feeling rushed, uninformed or uncomfortable with anyone that I have come in contact with which includes the building receptionist, the clerical staff at check in and all those beyond the waiting room areas. We must be our own health advocate and if anyone feels rushed, I would suggest that they slow the pace down with the doctor and perhaps make use of the WestMed web site and send a secure message to the doctor a few days prior to your appointment with your specific concerns and issues that you'd like to discuss. When everyone is prepared, things will go much easier and timing will not be an issue. I have even had the opportunity to use the WestMed Medical Group Ambulatory Center at Theall Road in Rye. I've used both White Plains Hospital and Greenwich Hospitals in the past and they are both excellent however I found equal if not better attention and care at the Theall Road Ambulatory Center. As for where the Customer Service Center is, it should not make any difference with the service provided. If running a Center is North Carolina is more efficient and cost effective, than so be it. It is not like moving jobs outside the country as so many corporations have done and continue to do. Everyone you speak to in the Center speaks well, has the doctors calendar and the ability to make an appointment for any open time frame. What more would anyone expect of a Service Center whose mission it is to make timely appointments for patients to see the doctor of their choice.