LWVPBC is Off and Running Into 2011!

At the January 8, Planning Session we agreed to the continuance of two LWVPBC studies begun in 2010: Local study of the Palm Beach County Charter and the LWVF Transportation Study; and, to participation in a LWV National Education Study.  These studies will be proposed to the membership for approval at our Annual Meeting on April 13.

In addition, we heard and considered issues of particular importance in 2011 as presented to us by nine informed, articulate and compelling Palm Beach County leaders.  This Planning Session identified our formal studies and was the first step in the process of using a "community-focused" approach to identifying the public issues we want to explore in 2011-2012.  In addition to Palm Beach County issues, two broader areas of concern were presented:  the national issue of campaign finance reform and the local/state/national issue of Everglades Restoration, both Action Issues for the League.  While not discussed in this planning session, it is a "given" that the new Florida Constitution Amendments 5 & 6 will be Action Issues in 2011-2012!

Those in attendance filled out interest sheets indicating their desire to have a Hot Topic or to create an Interest Group to further explore a subject area.  They could select one or all nine of the issues according to their personal interest level.  They were also asked to suggest issues for consideration that were not covered by the presenters.  Forty-five members filled out interest sheets.  Please review the graph found in the VOTER (click here). (Note:  If you are seeing the graph in "print" and not in an e-mail, the darker section on the bottom of each column indicates Hot Topic interest and the lighter gray on top, Interest Group interests.  I placed both on the same column to indicate over-all interest in each subject.)  The information on the graph will provide direction to the new Board and indicate where emphasis might be placed in the year ahead.  If you were unable to attend this session and have ideas for either Hot Topics or Interest Groups, please send them to me: Kathe13@aol.com.
 

Click here to see some photos from the January 8 event.
 

Ellen Sanders is immersed in candidates' forums prior to the March 8 municipal elections.  Watch for them in West Palm Beach, Highland Beach, Ocean Ridge and Boca Raton.  If you can help, contact Ellen at 561-994-3489 or nurse1fl@bellsouth.net.  We will send e-mail blasts to alert you to a forum in your neighborhood.  In addition to the forums, Ellen and Patty O'Connor are organizing Legislative interviews.  Remember, this is part of what we do!

We are holding our first "FRIENDraiser" on Saturday, February 26 at the Village Tavern Boynton Beach.  You will learn more about "The New League-a place for you!" at this event and have a lot of fun in the process.  It will cost you $5, but if your "friend" joins the League at this event...he or she pays $50 dues instead of $55!  Watch for emails on this February event.

Formal studies leading to understanding and consensus; Hot Topics to hear more about timely issues; Interest Groups to pursue a deeper understanding of an issue with the objectives of community education or potential formal study in mind; or ACTION campaigns for hands-on advocacy.  What more can you ask for?

LWVPBC is moving in a terrific direction: outward into Palm Beach County, our county, where we live and where we can make a difference; and, upward from the grassroots to state and national League issues.

Don't think you can't help with this journey!  From the most seasoned member of the Thirty-Plus Club to the newest dues-paying member, there is "a place for you" in this (old/new) League.

Ever warmly in League,

Kathe

Donald Cavanaugh from COMPASS will speak about his teen mentoring program at The February Social Issues Forum to be held at Compass on Tuesday, February 15 from 4:30 to 6 PM.

Did you know that gay youths have two times the pregnancy rate as their heterosexual counterparts?  

Social Issues Forums are open to everyone and I believe this one will have many facts that few of us knew.  I certainly didn't.  So come and bring guests.

Your PBC Absentee Ballot Request has Expired

Action is required if you wish to continue to vote by absentee ballot. 

A change in State law now requires voters to request an absentee ballot for EACH election cycle. 

Under the previous law, absentee ballot requests were good through two election cycles.  Now voters must request an absentee ballot for every regularly scheduled general election.  If you mark your request to include "ALL ELECTIONS AS PERMITTED," your absentee ballot request will be good through the 2012 general election. 

State law no longer permits changes in residence address from absentee ballot requests.  Absentee ballots are NOT forwardable. 

Voters may request their absentee ballot by phone, fax, email, internet or mail.

Call 561.656.6200

Fax 561.656.6287

Email absentee@pbcelections.org

Internet:  www.pbcelections.org

Mail:  Supervisor of Elections, 240 S Military Trail, West Palm Beach FL 33415

If you plan to vote in the upcoming municipal elections, request your absentee ballot now. 

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Supporting our League - Contributions to Operating and Education Funds

Celebrate Women's History Month with Susan B. Anthony, The Invincible - March 10, 2011

Celebrate Women's History Month on March 10, 2011, at a special performance featuring actress Sally Matson in her play entitled Susan B. Anthony--The Invincible.  The show will be performed at 7:00 PM in the Helen K. Persson Recital Hall in the Vera Lea Rinker Hall of Palm Beach Atlantic University, 326 Acacia Rd., West Palm Beach.

This is a living-history dramatic presentation of a prominent women's rights activist and suffragette in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  As you know, Susan B. Anthony is one of the League's "ancestors" so it should be of interest to learn more about her life and activities. 

The Historical Society of Palm Beach County has planned this event.  LWVPBC is a Presenting Sponsor.  The Junior League of Palm Beaches is also a supporter.  We are pleased to work with these two organizations.  As a Presenting Sponsor, we will have an advertisement in the program.  This event will provide an opportunity for our League to foster awareness of our organization.

LWVPBC has only 40 tickets for this show.  The price is $9.00 each.  If you plan to attend, please make your check payable to LWVPBC and send it to:

Bea Perkins

Your name will be on my list and I will hand you a ticket at the door to Rinker Hall. 

Look for parking directions in the March VOTER.

Friends of the League Annual Luncheon - An Invitation

You are cordially invited to the Friends of the League Annual Luncheon.  Please join us on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at the Atlantis Golf Club, 201 Orange Tree Drive, Atlantis, Florida. 

The Keynote Speaker will be the Honorable Madeleine Kunin, the first woman Governor of the State of Vermont and former United States Ambassador to Switzerland.  We will feature "Women Who Make a Difference."

Choice of entrée:  Apple and Brie Filled Chicken or Broiled Wild Salmon with Lemon and Dill. 

This year, the Luncheon will also feature the Eckler Awards (see Eckler Awards article). 

Tickets are $45.00.  For advance reservations call Patty O'Connor.  Watch your correspondence for final details. 

Eckler Awards to be Presented at Annual Luncheon

After 15 years of honoring Ingrid Eckler, founder and past president of the South County League, with a midsummer luncheon tradition, we decided to include snowbirds and summer vacationers in this special tradition, and included the award presentation on the agenda for our gala April 2nd annual luncheon.

Each year, in Eckler's name, we choose a Palm Beach County graduating senior who demonstrates an interest in public affairs, participates in school activities, has completed more than the required number of hours of community service, and in addition to a personal interview and references, has given an illuminating response to an essay question posed by the committee.  This year's winner will be presented with a check from the Eckler Fund for $1500.  We encourage these young people to become our future spokespersons for voter education and community involvement in government.

Ingrid Eckler founded the South County League in 1958, was President from 1970 to 1972 and 1986 to 1988 and served two terms on the Board of Directors.  She also served in many other capacities along the way in addition to having created the Voter's Digest.  Citizen Education was Eckler's particular interest, and this annual award is our way of holding her memory in perpetuity as we continue the work she began.  You'll want to meet the outstanding winning student, even as you are in the thrall of a sage Madeline Kunin, first female Governor of Vermont.

Welcome Orientation

A very successful welcome orientation and lunch for new members and prospective members was held Friday, January 14^th at the home of a recent new member, Gloria Alexander.  In attendance were new members, Gaile Civiletti, Nancy Cohen, John Foley, Estelle Karlin, Pam Israel, Millie McCoy and Susan Small.

President, Kathe Thompson gave an interesting and brief overview of the history of the Palm Beach County League and talked about our past and present achievements and future events.

Nancy Flynn, presented information about the "New" League and the opportunities for involvement.

Linda Sorenson spoke about her interesting and exciting experiences on the Speakers Bureau and said that she is looking forward to continuing her involvement during this year.

The" seasoned" League members in attendance were very impressed with the talent, past experience and involvement of the new members, as well as their enthusiasm and interest in serving on committees, and helping with events and internet technology.

Geographically, our new members are from Missouri, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Michigan and Maine.  Some are "snowbirds" but will volunteer within their time constraints.

Look for the announcement of the next orientation and coffee in March.  This will be an opportunity for all your friends to learn more about our League. 

Please support our membership efforts.

National News (LWVUS)
 

Bea Perkins
 

Senator Nelson speaking with Kathe Thompson, LWVPBC President

On Thursday, January 13, LWVPBC President Kathe Thompson and I attended Senator Bill Nelson's Town Meeting for elected leadership officials of both government and organizations.  The meeting, held at the West Palm Beach City Hall, was well attended.  

Also in attendance were Pahokee grade-school students.  One girl asked Senator Nelson about his experience as an astronaut.  He gave a short history of our space program and spoke of his thoughts and feelings in space.

Kathe questioned Senator Nelson about thoughts on Fair Districts.  He supported Amendments 5 & 6 and said the new requirements for drawing districts were the result of the majority party gerrymandering districts to be assured of winning in those districts.  Consequently, there were no contestants against the office holder.  The Senator praised the leadership of organizations who collected signatures for these successful amendments. 

There were questions about earmarks.  Senator Nelson strongly indicated that he would not give up his right to ask for money for the Everglades Restoration.  He also mentioned that he was sorry that the DREAM bill did not pass in the lame duck session.

Excerpt from LWV national president, Elisabeth MacNamara's letter to membership, January 6, 2011.

"...The highlight of the evening was a visit from Minority Leader Pelosi.  I think she will forgive me for repeating the wonderful story she told about her first visit to the White House as Minority leader and her realization that she was not sitting at that conference table in that leadership role alone.  She was sitting there with Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Carrie Chapman Catt, Sojourner Truth, Alice Paul and Lucy Stone!

As we begin a new year with new leadership in our nation's capital and in state capitals around the country, let us remember that we are not facing the current challenges alone.  We are the continuation of a long line of leaders dedicated to effecting real change and keeping our democracy vital and relevant by opening up opportunities for all Americans.  It may take a long time, but we owe it to those historic leaders to keep up the fight and to keep getting in the way, as Congressman John Lewis reminded us at Convention 2010."

In League,

Elizabeth
 

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Just a quick reminder: please contact Eileen Flomenhoft -Shevach if you are planning to attend the Legislative Seminar and LWVF Convention from March 23-26 in Tallahassee.  We'll need cars for four people (three of which will pay $60 for car expenses to the driver).  The LWV registration is $l75 and a single or double-room hotel reservation at the Doubletree Hotel is $120 including tax per night for three nights.  Any meals not included in the registration are at your expense.  There will be a group planning meeting before we leave. If any questions, contact Eileen.

When:            Monday, February 28, 2011, 2:00-4:00 PM

Where:           "505" Teen Center, 505 SE 5th Avenue, Delray Beach

Topic:             BUILDING HAITI

This is the first topic in the new Great Decisions 2011 briefing book.  It is a topic of timely interest since the first anniversary of the devastating 2010 earthquake occurred in January.  That earthquake struck a country already suffering from widespread poverty and underdevelopment.  This incredibly informative briefing was written by Barbara Crossette, a specialist on the UN and South-Southeast Asia and the UN correspondent for The Nation magazine.

Following the presentation, the presenter of the topic REBUILDING HAITI will lead the group discussion.  Some of the discussions points considered:

• Did the natural disaster of the January, 2010, earthquake inadvertently provide an opportunity for reassessment and planning a new Haiti?
• With presidential elections looming in 2011, what can new leadership bring to restore the country?
• What is the most effective role the United States can play in the post-quake reconstruction efforts?
• How has Haiti's turbulent history affected its political and economic development to date?

Meeting Dates and Topics for 2011 (all Mondays): 

March 21            American National Security Since 9/11 

April 18               The Horn of Africa

May 16                Banks, Government, and Debt Crisis

June 20               Germany's Ascendancy

            No Meetings July & August

September 19     Sanctions and Non-Proliferation

October 17          The Caucasus

November 21       Making Sense of Multilateralism

December 19       TBA

Great Decisions is a program begun 57 years ago by the Foreign Policy Association.  Fellow citizens across the United States yearly discover, discuss, and conclude how many of the world's greatest challenges can be met. Great Decisions takes one behind and beyond the headlines by providing insight into the challenges facing our planet.

Four hundred thousand Americans participate yearly in this program.  Please become one of them.  You will gain a better understanding of global topics affecting you and of all Americans.

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What's Happening in Palm Beach County

Tuesday, February 1  -   County Commission meeting.  Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher to     speak on Voting Machine issues.
 

Wednesday, February 2  -  Legislative Delegation meeting.  School District Educational Services Center, 3300 Forest Hill Blvd.  Support for Children's Movement of Florida.

Saturday, February 12 - Palm Beach County NOW Susan B. Anthony Awards Luncheon honoring Kelly Skidmore.  Keynote speaker, Alcee Hastings and quest speaker NOW President Terry O'Neill.  Boca County Club.  Contact Meridith Ockman at PBCNOW.org or 561-632-6544.

Thursday, March 3  -  Planned Parenthood Tradition of Choice Luncheon.  11:30 AM at Cohen Pavillion, Kravis Center, West Pamm Beach.  Speaker, Anna Quindlan.
 

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In Memoriam