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Date: 4/28/2022
Subject: LWVOC Newsletter & Events
From: Lisa K Adkins



The League of Women Voters of Orange County has a history of more than 80 years in this community as an activist, grassroots organization whose members believe citizens should play a critical role in advocacy.  We do not endorse or oppose political candidates or parties at any level of government.  Our advocacy positions are based on the merits of each issue, after careful study and consensus.

From our Annual Meeting, introducing the 2022-23 Board of Directors:  Back rows--Grace Lias, Saudi Ellis, Melissa Vickers, Sara Rich, Georgiana Holmes, Joan Erwin, Kay Hudson, Lee Rambeau Kemp, Kathy Sheerin--Front row--Shan Rose, Barbara Lanning, Nicolette Springer, Jennifer Adams, Christine Bramuchi, Sue Gilman, not shown-Carmen Torres, Virginia Meany, Curtis Hunter, Marilyn Baldwin
Saying goodbye to longtime member Charles Davis (bottom left) shown with Senator Victor Torres
Smiling for the camera below right Allison Kerestes & Julie Clark

Local or statewide, we are voices for our community.
At the recent Orange County Commissioners Meeting, the LWVOC stood in support to send 1-cent transportation sales tax to the NOV ballot.  Transportation Chair Theo Webster (shown above left with Co-President Barbara Lanning) delivered our statement.
 
"We ask you to vote “YES” and put the referendum to the people for a vote on a much-needed dedicated funding source for transportation. Working together to develop trust is essential."
 
Interested in this very important topic?  Consider joining our Transportation Committee
Orlando Sentinel Letter-to-Editor
Fighting Electoral Maps is Nothing New
"The last time the GOP Legislature passed an illegal gerrymander, my dad David King represented the League of Women Voters of Florida as they led the charge to overturn the maps — and won. We shouldn’t have to do it again, but here we are years later, still fighting the same fight for integrity in our elections. I’m proud of the League, Black Voters Matter, Florida Rising, and the other plaintiffs for stepping up to challenge these gerrymandered maps, and prouder still that my dad’s firm is once again representing the good guys in the battle for fairness and democracy. I know my dad is smiling down on his old law partners as they carry on his legacy today. They took down Goliath once, and they’ll do it again."  Chris King, Winter Park
Empowerment begins with education.
TONIGHT at 6:30pm
Every term for the past 9 years, students at Barry Law School's Environmental and Earth Law Clinic research timely issues facing our community on behalf of our Natural Resources Committee. There is much to be learned. Here are the topics that have been researched this term:
1. EV readiness in Orange County,
2. EV transport as a ride sharing service,

3. Protection of Seminole conservation lands,

4. The impact of Florida's Bert Harris Act on local conservation land management

5. Stanton power plant coal ash concerns
6.  Conserv II wastewater discharges into rapid infiltration basins.
Tonight, April 28 at 6:30 a hybrid program will be presented both live and virtually via Zoom. For the first time since The Before Times, the students will be making their presentations from the Moot Courtroom at Barry Law School at 6441 East Colonial Drive in Orlando. Come stretch your brain a little bit.

LEARN WITH THE LEAGUE~HOT TOPICS IS BACK!  REGISTER NOW FOR MAY 11
We are expecting a full house, so doors will open for lunch at 11 AM at our new Hot Topics home, the magnificent Winter Park Events Center. This timely program will clear up confusion about election laws and redistricting with critical education for action. Don’t miss this briefing to answer your questions about:
  • Voter Registration & vote-by-mail
  • Drop boxes & early voting
  • Election police & line warming
  • Rules applicable to third-party organizations like us
  • Redistricting
*Winter Park Events Center shown right.  Photo courtesy Adjayhe Associates

HISTORY IS OUR BEST TEACHER

Just in time for Mother’s Day, our Warriors for Democracy book (click to order)  is in the spotlight again. Writer’s Block bookstores are featuring our Warriors book and joining with LWVOC to sponsor a tribute to women’s rights and mothers.  Full story HERE.

 *Shown above l. to r.: Gloria Gaston, Betsey Fulmer, Linda Chapin, Martha Haynie, Joan Erwin and to the left, Emily Ayrigg, staffer at Writer’s Block Bookstore in Winter Park, unloads a shipment of our “Warriors for Democracy” books for their Mother’s Day window display and sales promotion this spring
 
 
Want to learn how to be a Leaguer?
JOIN US on May 17 for our special showcase introducing the many facets of the LWVOC.  Special guest:  Ann Patton, author of our "Warriors for Democracy" history book.
For new members or any member who is interested in meeting Committee Chairs as well as learning about the opportunities of being a Leaguer, consider coming to our first in-person Showcase & Orientation in two years.
*Shown below, flashbacks to our previous Showcase events.

 Candice Hoke
Carolyn F. Hauser
Barrie Click
Shari Wardlaw
 
Click Donate and support the League.  Contributions can be made "In honor"  "In Memoriam"  "In Recognition" or however you wish to recognize someone. 

JUNE 23-26,  League of Women Voters National Convention in Denver, CO.
Interested in attending?  We have a limited number of scholarships to aid you in that endeavor.  Email our Co-Presidents for more information:  LWVOC Co-Presidents
 

Newsletter Checklist:
  • Congratulations to our new Board and much appreciation for those who have served in the last year.
  • Know a League Leader?  Send us their info to be featured in our newsletter.
  • Hot Topics luncheon seats are the hottest ticket in town.  Make your reservation today!
  • Need a gift idea?  Consider our "Warriors" book, a Gift Membership, or even donating in honor of someone.

We shared this 2022 Highlight Video at our Annual Meeting.  Watch it to see how BUSY we've been this year!  Photographer Carol Wonsavage (shown below left with Lisa Adkins at the event) has also shared her complete photo album here: 2022 Annual League Meeting  Shown below right, Leaguers enjoying themselves Joy Dickinson, Kitty Woodley, Grace Lias