Standing Up to Hate: Small Hearts, Big Difference

NEW CITY, NY – A Pomona woman who stood up to hate in her neighborhood has been given the Key to the County.

Millicent "Ivey" Mackle was presented with the Key to Rockland by County Executive Ed Day during a ceremony at the Jewish Community Center in West Nyack.

After a criminal – still unidentified — scrawled anti-Semitic graffiti in front of several homes on her block last month, Mackle responded by drawing hearts in front of the residences as a sign of love and respect.

"All it takes is one person to make a difference," Day as he presented her with the award. "What Ivey told people who hate is: 'Not here, not in my neighborhood.' "

Mackle and her husband, Dan, have lived on the street for five years. Both attended, along with their 14-month-old twins, Jack and Emily.

"Ivey Mackle made a difference and her actions spoke with the voice of thousands, " Day said. "She brought unity and pride in a manner that no rally nor parade could have by drawing "hearts over hate" – a simple yet powerful statement."

Mackle is the second recipient of the Key to the County. The first was Grace Vanderwaal, the 13-year-old Suffern teen who won the America's Got Talent contest.

SEE: Hate Graffiti Found in Pomona