help_outline Skip to main content
HomeEmailingsNewsletters/Emails
Date: 5/27/2021
Subject: LWVOC Newsletter & Events
From: Lisa K Adkins




National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM) is celebrated every May and is a declaration that encourages U.S. citizens to observe the month in a symbol of unity. NMAM honors current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including those who have died in the pursuit of freedom.  And it ends with Memorial Day on Monday, May 31st, a federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May as a remembrance of our veterans.  It commemorates the men and women who died while in military service and all Americans are encouraged to pause, wherever they are, at 3:00 pm local time for a minute of silence.
*Shown above, memories from our 2016 Hot Topics: Women Veterans

There's still time to participate in the Orange County Vision 2050 planning process for Smart Growth and Sustainability.
There are many ways to participate in the Vision 2050 planning process, such as: by attending virtual community meetings and workshops, expressing your opinion though surveys and comments, becoming a spokesperson for your interest group or neighborhood, or by communicating with County staff and elected officials.  
And make note that they still have 
Survey 4 OPEN and ready for your input. 
 Consider getting more involved by joining our 
 Transportation Committee  which continually monitors OC growth and its impact on citizens' transportation mobility.

Two Creeks, a Marsh and Two Lakes Sue a Florida Real Estate Developer

"On November 3, 2020, the voters of Orange County overwhelmingly approved a charter amendment by a margin of 89.2%, creating standing for nature, itself, to sue to confront environmental degradation, with that new charter provision, providing in relevant part Section 704.1 – Right to Clean Water, Standing and Enforcement. Consider becoming involved in our Natural Resources Committee helping to protect Orange County's resources.


The Great American Map-Off Contest is beginning!

The Princeton Gerrymandering Project is launching its Great American Map-Off, a contest challenging the public to draw redistricting plans for seven crucial states – Wisconsin, Colorado, Ohio, Illinois, Florida, North Carolina and New York – in anticipation of the 2021 redistricting cycle. Click the link below to learn how you can participate and submit maps before June 15! 

 https://gerrymander.princeton.edu/map-contest

Also, the Government Committee welcomes all who are intrigued with the machinations of how our democracy works...or doesn't at times!


It's LWVFL Convention time again JUNE 4-5  Although all League members will be able to view portions of the convention, Orange County will also have 20 voting delegates.  We still have room for those of you who wish to be a voting member of this year's VIRTUAL convention.  What you will be voting on:  the state's budget and the slate for the new Board of Directors. 
 Contact Barbara Lanning to register as a convention voting delegate before May 31st!  All voting delegates are required to pay a registration fee of $50 BUT don't let convention costs deter you.  We still have "scholarships" available!  2021 Convention Registration Reimbursement   Also, LWVFL Scholarships are available on a case-by-case basis, contact their office for details at info@lwvfl.org.

Ebony Mosley
Lauren Lessne
Tristen Spears
 
 
Ready to join the League of Women Voters Orange County?
 
Click below to learn more about 
 
Also remember that we now offer Gift Membership ...a great college graduation gift idea!
Looking for more "gifting" ideas?  
 
You can contribute to the LWVOC Fund "In honor" or "In Memory" of someone.
 
As with most groups during this pandemic, we've had to tighten our financial belts.  Eventually, we'll return to the events that help supplement our budget but until then, we're relying on your local dues (which are also split to pay state and national dues) and the generosity of your tax-deductible contributions.
 Find out more:  Donations: Single or recurring


Our longtime community partner, Orange County Regional History Center, will have a special exhibit opening this Saturday. 
"Community:  Five Years After the Pulse Tragedy" On exhibit May 29 – August 15
 The Pulse nightclub shooting in June 2016 and the subsequent response forever changed Orlando – exemplified by the immense outpouring of support and love shown by locals in the days, months, and years that followed. However, the impact of the tragedy was not limited to the physical boundaries of Central Florida. The Orange County Regional History Center’s 2021 remembrance exhibition, Community: Five Years After the Pulse Tragedy, examines how communities of all kinds were touched both locally and across the globe. Visitors will follow the story of Pulse nightclub, from its earliest conception through 2016, as well as the response to the devastating event and the lasting impact in the time since. Through the telling of this important part of our collective history, the museum seeks to celebrate the spirit of community and honor the 49 victims and all of those affected.

To ensure that this exhibition is accessible to the entire community, we will offer free admission June 5 -13. The white memorial crosses will be available for viewing June 11-13.

Join us online on June 4 for our Lunch & Learn program: Pulse: Looking Back Over the Past Five Years.

*Photo by Michael Maguire

Newsletter Checklist:
  • Enjoy the holiday weekend, our first in a while where many will feel comfortable gathering together.
  • Need a spring gift idea...graduation, Father's Day, Memorial Day?  League memberships and contributions are two ways to give back and pay forward
  • Save the dates for next month's LWVFL Convention June 4-5 and consider becoming a Voting Delegate
  • Community events abound.  Get out there safely and support our local community partners.


More information and registration here: 23rd Annual Family Cafe JUNE 11-13
 
Since 1998, The Annual Family Café has brought Floridians with all types of disabilities together for three days of information, training, and networking each June. With a great range of individual breakout sessions, a packed Exhibit Hall with dozens of vendors, and a series of special events including Keynote speakers and The Governors’ Summit on Disabilities, The Annual Family Café offers attendees exposure to resources on a grand scale, unprecedented access to policy-making officials, and a chance to network with other individuals with disabilities and their families.

Just in case you're looking for a way to let others know that you're all VAXXED up!
 Each purchase supports the World Health Organization's Pandemic Relief Fund.

Half of the proceeds will be donated to the United Nation’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization, which raises money to track the spread of the virus, provide essential equipment for health care workers and fund research for treatment and other vaccinations.