Dear friends,

We replace the craziness of mid-term elections with the much more pleasant craziness of the holiday season.  Lots more fun! In the back of our minds, however, we must tuck the fact that we have work ahead of us as the legislative session approaches. LWVUS and LWVF have positions on issues of great importance to all Floridians that will be tested during the 2011 session. I would like to paraphrase a conversation I had in October with Elisabeth MacNamara, national League president: League positions are not partisan...people are partisan. For ninety years we have studied public policy issues using an even-handed, interactive and deliberative approach and, as a result, the positions we come to through the consensus process are trusted by many. The League has no control over which political party decides we are the "flavor of the month" and supports one of our positions. League positions have been supported by both sides of the aisle throughout our ninety year history. We have no control over other's perception of us! We need to speak up! Join the process as the work is ahead of us: PBC legislator interviews (Dec/Jan.); Legislative Seminar and LWVF convention (March 23-26).

Please support our December events as we celebrate the holidays at Ellen Sanders' home on December 4 and come back to reality at the December 8 Hot Topic meeting on the current state of the healthcare system and the changes to Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans. (Please read the Voter article on how to get your Part D questions answered.)

One last, and very important announcement: LWV Palm Beach County member, Bobbi Horwich has been selected by the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation as their 2010 Individual Champion of the Everglades. She, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson and Leslie Lilly, President and CEO of the Community Foundation will accept their honors at the River of Grass Gala on December 11, 2010. Bobbi has been our League's secret weapon in the PBC legislative delegation for many years as well as a generous donor. All who know Bobbi understand why she should receive this recognition as a community activist and philanthropist. Congratulations, Bobbi!

Please accept my warmest holiday wishes for happiness, health and the restoration of political civility in the coming year!

In the spirit of the League,

Kathe

Local Legislative Delegation Interview Team Members Needed

The Social Issues Committee is presenting a Healthcare Today and Its Effects on Medicare:

• When:  Wednesday, December 8th at 10:30 AM
• Where: Children's Services Council of PBC, 2300 High Ridge Rd., Boynton Beach (I95 & Gateway in the A. A. Milne Room(561-740-7000)
• Speakers:  Dr. Robert D. Hays, Director of Health Administration Programs and Patrick M. Beret, Assistant Director of Health Care Management, both at FAU
   

We are presenting this program, open to all, in December as many decisions on Medicare must be made by the end the month. 

Since Plan D, the prescription Drug part of Medicare, is a complicated issue, more than a forum could possibly handle, the Council on Aging (561-684-5885) may be of help to seniors in Palm Beach County.  This Council has a scheduler at their center who will make appointments to help with Plan D choices.  When calling the scheduler, indicate which Senior Center you want to go:

• Mid-County (Lake Worth Road),
• North County (Northlake Blvd.),
• West County (State Rd. #15 Belle Glade),
• Mae Volen Center (Boca Raton), or
• Boynton Beach (S. Federal Hwy.) 

When keeping your appointment, bring your present plan information.  You will get choices, via computer, to sign up for a new plan if you wish.  If you want to keep your current plan, do nothing.

For more information on internet, go to Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders (SHINE) at http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/shine/counseling/psa9_palmbeach.html

The Social Issues Committee is looking forward to seeing you at the Forum.  Please contact Peg Ekberg if you are planning to attend.

In June of this year, LWVPBC President Kathe Thompson was notified by an attorney representing the estate of Roslyn Slavitt Novak, a member of the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County for several years before returning north, that Roslyn had left a bequest of $50,000 to the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County.  On October 26, this wonderful gift was deposited in our Education Fund.

Roslyn had a long history of leadership in the League of Women Voters, serving as President of the League in White Plains, New York and two terms as President of the League of Women Voters of New York State. 

Roslyn graduated from Hunter College (Phi Beta Kappa) in January, 1935 and received a Master's Degree from Columbia University in History in June, 1937.  She became a high school history teacher and following the birth of her children, Leslie, Bonnie and Ken. Rosalyn was the consummate community volunteer.  In addition to her League activities, Roslyn also served as the assistant Urban Renewal Commissioner in the city of White Plains.  While residing in West Palm Beach, Roslyn was an adult literacy volunteer.  A master bridge player, she was known for teaching duplicate bridge into her 90s.

Roslyn was predeceased by her husbands, Bernard Slavitt and Dr. Al Novak and her son Kenneth Slavitt.  She is survived by her daughters Bonnie Slavitt Moore and Leslie Goldess. 

To quote Roslyn's daughters, "Mom was an amazing woman.  She taught us to give back to our community."  Bonnie is an educator, heavily involved in Jewish education and adult literacy.  She is active in the Susan Komen Foundation, and as a breast cancer survivor, she did the 60 mile walk in her 5^th year of remission and raised $15,575.  Leslie dedicates her time to volunteering by running separate programs for people afflicted with mental illness, dementia and developmentally disabled adults.  Both daughters have received multiple honors and awards for their services.

Thank you Roslyn for your contributions to your communities and a special thank you for remembering the League of Women of Palm Beach County.

Dear League Member:

Interesting and interested people

            Doing interesting work and

                        Having interesting dialog...

                                    Does this sound like a group that might interest you?

Are you willing to serve on the LWVPBC Board of Directors to be a part of a dynamic, hard working group of people?

You will be able to:

• build your leadership skills,
• learn to use your skills to make things happen for the League and your community,
• help to set the direction for the LWVPBC,
• expand your commitment to the League, and
• share League successes with other Leagues.

If this sounds like an opportunity you or someone you know might want to pursue, please contact Jeanette Hartzell, Nominating Committee Chair.  You can also speak to any of this year's committee members:  Annette Evans, Barbara Kestenbaum, Elayne Goodman, Patty O'Connor or Nancy Flinn.  Please contact us by December 15, 2010.  We'd really like to hear from you!

Excerpted from LWVF President Deirdre Macnab's message of November 3, 2010 on the passage of FairDistricts Amendments 5 and 6:

"On behalf of our board and citizens of Florida, I extend my heartiest thanks to you for your persistence, your passion, your endless volunteer hours, and your contribution to make this dream a reality.  We can all be proud of our efforts.  

But make no mistake...the battle is not over.  We must remain vigilant to ensure the public is involved in the redistricting process, and that these new rules are followed.  With your help, we will press ahead for a Florida government that is truly 'for the people.'

LWVF gives special recognition to FairDistrictsFlorida.org Campaign Chair, Ellen Freidin, as well as the rest of the Fair Districts Coalition team:  Pam Goodman, LWVF Fair Districts Chair; Caroline Emmons Schramm; Corinne Miller; ALL of our indefatigable local League presidents; our partners at NAACP; Democracia Ahora, and AARP; and all of you for your willingness to stay engaged until the end for fair representation for all Floridians.  THANK YOU!

Monday, December 20, 2010,  2:00-4:00 PM

"505" Teen Center, 505 SE 5^th Avenue, Delray Beach

Topic:  An Open Session on an International Topic

Interest has been enthusiastically expressed that this open meeting look at the many aspects of World Religions.  The group will consider the influence of those religions on Foreign Policy and Foreign Affairs, not only of the United States but of other nations around the globe.

This could be a really sizzling meeting!  Religion and Foreign Policy!  WOW!

Guests are also WELCOME.  A $2.00 donation from non-members is also welcome to help defray the rental cost of our meeting room.

For 2011

The GREAT DECISIONS 2011 topics are: 

• Rebuilding Haiti
• U.S. National Security
• Horn of Africa
• Responding to the Financial Crisis
• Germany Ascending
• Sanctions and Nonproliferation
• The Caucasus
• Global Government

Reminder:  The 2011 Great Decisions Books have been ordered.  The price Is $20.00 which includes the fee for the meeting room.  Please call SALLY ROBINSON  to place and confirm your book order.

About Great Decisions

Great Decisions is a program begun 57 years ago by the Foreign Policy Association.  Citizens across the United States play a role in discovering, discussing, and deciding how some of the world's greatest challenges can be met.  Yearly, Great Decisions takes one beyond the headlines by providing a look at eight of the most significant and far reaching challenges facing the world.  Each Great Decisions book provides essential background, relevant facts, present and future policy options and impartial analysis to help participants asses the challenges ahead.

Hundreds of thousands of Americans participate in this program.  Please join and gain a better understanding of global topics affecting you and America.  Cost is minimal while providing maximum knowledge and understanding.  

Building Bridges, the new committee on diversity, is making great progress and would like to invite all interested League members to its final planning meeting to be held on November 30 at 5:30 PM at the Democracia office in Lake Worth.  Democracia is located at 2133 10th Avenue, in Lake Worth. It is located west of I-95 just after the 2nd light on the south side of 10th Ave N.  It is in a strip mall which is yellow.  The office is in the side/back.  Watch for the LWV sign.

The primary agenda item will be a discussion of our "kick-off for diversity" event scheduled for January 29. This event will have a festive yet educational atmosphere, with a variety of ethnic food and decorations, a guest speaker, and an introduction of the national League's Diversity Toolkit ("Build the Foundation for Change.")  We hope that you will join us for these exciting events.

For more information, contact one of the chairpersons:

• Karen Wilkerson or
• Nancy Gau
   

A Message from Elizabeth MacNamara, President, LWVUS, 11/4/2010

Millions of American voters went to the polls on Tuesday in a great display of civic responsibility and participation.  And while the League is proud - not just of voters but of our own powerful contributions to election 2010 - we cannot ignore the tens of millions of dollars spent in secret this election season.

As we continue to digest the results from Tuesday's elections, I wanted to pass along our statement on the next steps needed to fix secret cash in American elections.  We will not slow down in our work to demand disclosure requirements from Congress. The future of our nation's elections depends on it.

The following news release was issued by LWVUS on November 3, 2010.

Washington, DC - The League of Women Voters of the U.S. reflected on the midterm elections today, expressing grave concern about the conduct of the 2010 elections.

"The impact of election 2010 goes far deeper than which party controls the House or the Senate," said Elisabeth MacNamara, national League President.  "The tens of millions of dollars in secret money spent in this election are a recipe for scandal.  Voters were overwhelmed by millions of dollars in negative ads but didn't know who paid for many of them.  Pay-to-play politics won't change until we know who the special interests are who are pouring money into our elections," she said.

"This election demonstrated the critical need to improve our governmental structures," said MacNamara.  "Because of the failure of Congress to act, there are no disclosure requirements governing the huge amounts of money that the Supreme Court recently turned loose in American politics.  Voters will be hard pressed to know if their elected officials are in Washington to serve the public interest or the special interests."

"The incivility and tone of the 2010 campaign reached a disturbingly new low in American politics," added MacNamara.   "Not only was this evident in the advertising, but we also saw it in candidate debates and forums and in the public discourse."

"The League calls on Congress to pass the DISCLOSE Act, which would restore transparency to U.S. elections by requiring disclosure of corporate and union spending in candidate elections.  We also call on Congress to preserve and extend ethics enforcement.  With the election awash in special interest money, it is no time to cut back on the enforcement of ethics standards in Washington."

"The money poured into recent elections has been unprecedented.  The League believes that voters, not money, should be at the center of our democracy," concluded MacNamara. "We will continue our decades of work in helping citizens debate the issues in a civil and effective way and fighting for transparency, accountability and disclosure in America's elections."

Year One - 2009 Official Progress Report
Nancy Flinn, Chair LWVPBC Chair, Homelessness

  In 2009, LWVPBC determined that its focus would be support of the Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness as our social involvement with the homeless problem.  We have an on-going interest in the broad activities of other worthy organizations working on homelessness.  However, our League's commitment is to interface with the varied committees of Ten2End and report their progress and major initiatives to League members through the VOTER.  On occasion, if desirable, activity will be reported at a general meeting of membership.

The efforts of Ten2End are on target to meet short, medium and long term goals.  These seven major goals are being worked on simultaneously:

1.     Develop a universal system for intake/assessment and enhance client information     system.

2.     Provide interim housing services for homeless individuals/families.

3.     Coordinate partnerships and resources for homeless services.

4.     Improve access to homeless services with outreach and education.

5.     Prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless.

6.     Secure a stable stock of affordable/accessible housing.

7.     Provide system oversight and evaluation of the Ten Year Plan.

There are seven standing committees and public participation is encouraged:

·       Community Outreach and Public Awareness

·       Facilities

·       Funding

·       Housing

·       Policy and Legislation

·       Program Planning

·       Strategic Planning

Dates and locations of meetings are available.  To explore details of the goals or committee information, view the web sites, pbcgov.com/homelessadvisory or TheHomelessPlan.org

Several League members have attended multiple meetings of the same committee or alternative committees.  The League encourages your participation.  We look forward to your observation reports.

The LWV of Palm Beach County Program Planning session (not to be confused with our monthly Hot Topics programs) will be a "happening" on Saturday, January 8 from noon-3 PM.at Children's Services Council, Gateway Blvd. & I-95.

Program and The Principles are the basis for League action on all levels which include legislative advocacy; testimony; action alerts; litigation, opinion articles, letters to the editor; and public forums.  January is our time to review our programs and decide if we wish to continue to participate in the PBC Charter Local Study adopted in 2010; the 2010 LWVF State Transportation Study and the 2010-2012 LWVUS Education Study (to begin next spring.)

The local committee studying the PBC Charter will present their findings on the method of electing County Commissioners and discuss proposals for the next areas of the Charter to study in 2011-2012. The Transportation Study Committee will bring us up to date on this LWVF study as well.  If either study sounds intriguing you may sign up on the spot!You will have the opportunity to suggest other topics for local program study, to delete the present program(s) or to continue them all!

This "happening" will also include exposure to potential 2011-2012 League Issue & Action Committees.  We will hear from experts on PBC issues, learn how they fit in with League positions and have the opportunity to discuss these issues in a small group settings.  The experts will come from the County Commission, the County Health Department, State Attorney's office, Children's Services Council, and from our own ranks on Education, Natural Resources and Campaign Finance Reform.  This exposure to both PBC issues and issues of a broader concern will help us determine if there are issues we can advocate for, consider for future program study and/or educate ourselves on in the year ahead.  Ideally, we will find out where the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County's interests lay, and whether or not we have the resources, the willingness and the passion to make a difference in the issues we find compelling. Don't miss this "happening!"

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NOW AVAILABLE FOR HOLIDAY GIVING

The proud women who registered to vote in 1921 after the passage of the 19^th Amendment displayed a poster in their front window that read:

"A WOMAN LIVING HERE HAS REGISTERED TO VOTE THEREBY ASSUMING RESPONSIBILITY OF CITIZENSHIP"

The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County has reproduced copies of this poster on parchment paper for a $5 donation or framed for $10. Please call Nathalie Schneir to order.

This may be an opportune time to remind our members of the League's position on this important issue.  The following position statements can be found in the "Impact on Issues" booklet 

 Page 68:  The Funding of Entitlements position enables the LWVUS to support efforts to expand participation in the Social Security system (including participation by state and local government employees and other excluded groups).  The League is opposed to measures that allow individuals to opt out of the system or measures to substitute private programs.  The League opposes reducing Social Security benefits to achieve deficit reduction.

 Pages 69--70:  The LWVUS believes that the federal government has a role in funding and providing for old-age, survivors, disability and health insurance.  For such insurance programs, participation should be mandatory and coverage should be universal.  Federal deficit reduction should not be achieved by reducing Social Security benefits.

LWV Florida Legislative Seminar and Convention

 Save The Date!

When:  Wed March 23 5 PM through Saturday March 26 5 PM.

What:  TWO League Events in ONE!!!! Legislative Seminar (March 23, 24) and Convention (March 25,26)

Where:  Tallahassee, Florida

Who:  All of YOU...the MOST important, influential and intelligent people in the state of Florida!!!

Why:  Many of you look forward every year to attending our terrific Legislative Seminar and lobbying as a group during Legislative session for our issues.  Many of you, ALSO, look forward to our bi-annual State Convention where we do the very important League work of electing new officers, passing our budget and setting program items for the coming year.  We know your time and resources are valuable!  We don't want you to have to choose which event you have the time and resources to attend.  We want everyone to have the opportunity to do BOTH in 2011!

Highlights:  Work and Fun!!

• Welcome Dinner on the 22nd Floor of The Capitol overlooking Beautiful Tallahassee! (A very important guest speaker to be announced soon!)
• Reception in the Historic Old Capitol Senate Chambers with all newly elected officials!
• Fun and Informative Convention Surprise Dinner Friday night! (another great speaker and League activity!!)
• Optional Tours and Activities to make your time as action packed and busy as YOU want it to be!

We are pleased to announce that we will be returning to The Doubletree Hotel as our central location for these two events at a SPECIAL room rate of $100/night.  FREE Parking, FREE Breakfast and walking distance to all ACTIVITIES!

Mark your calendars TODAY!  If you have never attended one or both of these events, this is the year!

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The LWVF "Safari to Saint Augustine" was full of activities and worth both the money and the four hour drive!  We had a trolley tour of the historic district unlike any other as it was guided by noted historian, historical preservation activist and one of the instigators behind the creation of the St. Augustine Freedom Trail, David Nolan.  We had a leisurely cruise around the harbor and a fabulous dinner overlooking the Atlantic.  That was the first day!

The next day, we kayaked our way through the barrier islands on an eco-tour learning a great deal about the importance of these coastal islands to us and the Florida fishing industry.  The safari was completed with a VIP tour of FAU's Marineland Dolphin Center where we saw those fabulous mammals up close and personal!

This was a social adventure shared by League members from across the state of Florida.  Corinne Miller, Pam Goodman, Jeanette Hartzell and I were glad we put it on our calendars.  Don't you miss the next "Safari!"

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