 | LW VCC ANNUAL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
Tina Palmese, Teresa Stohs, Ellen Hannon, Catherine Hackney, Connie Fako Shoemake,
Diane Preston Moore, Suzanne Pezzulo,Patricia Aiken-O'Neill, Paula Schwerin, Beth VanDamme
The LWVCC’s Annual Meeting was held on April 8, 2024. Members approved the 2024-2025 Budget, Program Plans, several amendments to the Bylaws, and voted in new Officers and Board members. The new officers are: President: Diane Preston Moore; 1st Vice President: Catherine Hackney; 2nd Vice President: Susan Pezzullo; Treasurer: Ellen Hannan; and Secretary: Connie Fako Shoemake. The new Board members are: Tina Palmese, Susan Wendy Riedel, Lisabeth VanDamme, Susan Golden, Paula Schwerin, and Teresa Stohs. The Nominating Committee also recommended that the new Board appoint the following members to the Board: Patricia Aiken-O’Neill, Paul Kardon, Lynn Martin, Betty Schwartz. The Board will take up this nomination at its first meeting in May. Congratulations to the new Board!
At the meeting, members of the Board who completed their terms were thanked, including Libbie Bramson, Pat Plummer and Joanne Huskey. Thanks were also given to Denise McLaughlin, who served as the Treasurer for the past 3 years, and Linda Scherzinger who served as Secretary for the past 2 years.
 President Diane Preston Moore also recognized two people who have impacted LWVCC and our community over the past year in a positive way. First, Jan Eustis was recognized as this year’s Unsung Hero for her tireless work in making sure our events and programs run smoothly, for founding the League Leadership Program, chairing the Membership Committee, helping draft the new Dues Assistance Policy, serving as a former Board member, and assisting in LWVCC’s conversion to Club Express. Thank you, Jan, for all you do for the League!
 Second, LWVCC’s Outstanding Community Partner was awarded to Sandy Parker. Author of Sparker’s Soapbox, Sandy was recognized for her nonpartisan efforts to ensure that our community is informed about state and local government, our county’s political climate, and local elections. Because she is an unparalleled marketer for and partner of the League, the Board created a new role for her – and for us – and Sandy is now our League’s Ambassador. Thank you, Sandy, for your tireless work in informing our electorate.
A video montage recapped many of LWVCC’s activities over the past year. Our League should be proud of the breadth and depth of our education and advocacy efforts!
WATCH THE ANNUAL MEETING VIDEO
| 
All interested in taking a bus must contact Cynthia Cromwell
The bus will leave Naples at 7 am and return at 6 pm
Bus cost is $55 per person
REGISTER
| 
CELEBRATE EARTH DAY 2024
April 20 @ 10:00-3:00
Conservancy of Southwest Florida
On April 20, 2024 we will be celebrating Earth Day at The Conservancy. The event will be from 10-3. Our League will have a table showcasing the activities of the Environmental Affairs Committee, the Plastics Task Force and Voter Services. This is a wonderful event to meet the community and join League members discussing our activities. Please volunteer to join us at the table and spread the word. You can sign up to volunteer via the LWVCC website or contact lynnsmartin14@gmail.com with questions.
VOLUNTEER FOR 2024 EARTH DAY
| ENDOWMENT FUND UPDATE
Our LWVCC Strategic Plan calls for the League to raise $39,000 in Endowment Funds by the end of 2024. In September 2022, the Board voted to start the LWVCC Endowment Fund. Following that, President Diane Moore led 100% of the Board members to make an endowment gift – an impressive accomplishment showing real leadership by the Board! Other gifts followed. We are thrilled to announce that we currently have raised $25,000. After extensive research by the Finance Committee, the Board approved moving these funds to the Collier Community Foundation (CCF). At the 2024 LWVCC annual meeting the membership approved a bylaws change allowing endowment funds to be invested in brokerage accounts for growth and safety. These investments are insured by the SIPC, a U. S. government corporation. The funds will be invested in accordance with an Investment Policy Statement approved by the Board.
Stay tuned, more information to follow in future Updates! Meanwhile, contact Suzanne Low, Endowment Chair, with any questions.
| RETURNING CITIZENS POSTCARD PARTIES
April 11 @ 1:00-3:00
April 18 @ 1:00-300
The League of Women Voters of Florida is committed to helping returning Citizens regain the right to vote after completing their sentence. The State is a founding partner in getting Amendment 4 on the ballot in 2018, which overwhelmingly passed with 64% of the Florida Electorate. The League helped reduce fees and administrative costs returning citizens were required to pay. Cecile Scoon, LWVFL Co-President, established a state program to identify and educate returning citizens of their rights and developed training for attorneys to work pro bono for those in need.
Now the LWVCC again needs your help! Our League is assisting LWVFL in mailing out postcards and we have 1500 postcards to write and mail for the month of April. We will have two postcard writing parties that we hope you can join: Thursday April 11th and Thursday April 18th from 1pm to 3pm. Please note that you will have to sign via Docu-sign a confidentiality agreement. Contact Tina Palmese for more information
For those of us that have been part of this, it is truly a rewarding experience!
| COLLIER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
CANDIDATES FORUM
May 8 @ 5:00-7:30
Commission Chambers
3299 Tamiami Trail East Suite 303
A public forum will be held on May 8th featuring the candidates for County Commissioner positions, in Districts 3 and 5. Additional candidates may be added, following filings to run. The forum will be held in the Commissioner's chambers at 3299 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 303 from 5 - 7:30 pm. Tom McCann, will moderate. It will be streamed on the county network and will be available to view following the program on the county website. The candidates who have filed to date with the Supervisor of Elections include the following from District 3: Burt Saunders, the current sitting Commissioner; John C Johnson; Frank Roberts; Floyd "Tag" Yarnell, and Richard Conover. Candidates for District 5 include the current Commissioner, Bill McDaniel, and Ralph Rodriguez. The candidates will present and will take questions from the audience. The forum is one of a number of election forums scheduled this year under the auspices of a coalition of local community organizations, including the League of Women Voters of Collier County.
Call for volunteers: 10-15 volunteers are needed to work the event. Duties will include greeting the public, providing assistance and directions, distributing programs, collecting audience questions and closing up following the event. Please sign up with Patricia Aiken-O'Neill, text 240 338 1945. |  COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ON
HIGHER EDUCATION
April 17 @ 6:00
Facebook/LWVFlorida
A statewide Community Conversation on Higher Education, live and livestreamed, will be held on April 17 at 6 PM at the Portico in Tampa and on the LWVFL Facebook page: Facebook.com/LWVFlorida. The event will feature a panel discussion of stakeholders and community leaders. Panelists will share different viewpoints on the changing values of college degrees, legislation affecting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, curriculum changes, free speech and academic freedom, impacts on student enrollment due to legal decisions, academic priorities in Florida's public universities and colleges, and faculty retention. | APPROVED: AMENDMENT 4 / 6 WEEK ABORTION BAN
On Monday, April 1, the Florida Supreme Court ruled that Florida’s proposed amendment to limit government interference with abortion meets the requirements for placement on the November 2024 ballot. This was the right decision for Floridians who believe in a government of, by and for the people, where the people can bring issues before the voters.
Floridians will now have the opportunity to reclaim their bodily autonomy and freedom from government interference by voting for Amendment 4 this November. The amendment requires 60% of favorable support to pass. The League of Women Voters of Florida celebrates this approval and is committed to doing everything possible to see the initiative succeed and invites all Floridians to join in this important fight for reproductive freedom.
Tragically, the Florida Supreme Court also released a decision on the case Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, et al. v. State of Florida, et al., challenging the constitutionality of the 15-week abortion ban and has ruled to break with precedent and block the suit from continuing. As a result, the six-week ban is now expected to go into effect on May 1, 2024.
| ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL KNOW YOUR COUNTY GOVERNMENT!
The last of 3 days of KnowYour County Government (KYCG) was held on Tuesday, March 26. Fourteen students met with the County Manager, and attended a Board of County Commissioners meeting, where they heard issues debated, and accepted a proclamation recognizing the 41st Know Your County Government. This was followed by a presentation by the Clerk of Courts, Crystal Kinzel (a LWVCC member), and a courtroom experience presented by Judge Tamara Nicola. The day ended with a luncheon where students were able to sit with and speak to each of the County Commissioners.
KYCG is a collaborative effort by LWVCC, Collier County 4-H, and the Collier County Public Schools. It is a hands-on way for students, and League members who chaperone, to visit multiple County government offices, meet with County leaders, and learn how local government works.
We look forward to the 42nd year of KYCG next year! If you would like to participate in the planning, contact the Education Committee. Watch the Update for the opportunity to act as a chaperone next “season”. |  GET IN LINE, DON'T WHINE!
Our Voter Services Committee started a social media campaign to engage young voters in the 2024 elections. Help us make our Get in Line, Don't Whine campaign successful by letting your friends and family know to share these posts far and wide.
Follow, like, comment, share!
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok. To find us, search our username: lwvcolliercounty and give us a follow.
- “Like” content and reels posted. Click on the thumbs up or heart icons to show your friends what you like.
- Comment on content. Add a simple comment to get the word out, such as “Vote 24” or “Love to see young people excited to vote!”
- Share content and reels to your own personal social media pages or send to friends and family, specifically in the 18-40 year old demographic.
Still need help? Stay after our general meeting for assistance from LWVCC Social Media Manager, Jen Lapham.
| LWVUS CONVENTION JUST 3 MONTHS AWAY
June 27-30
Washington, DC
The LWVUS Convention will take place from June 27-30, 2024 in Washington, DC. This is an unforgettable opportunity to better understand how the national League works and to connect with Leaguers from across the country. If any member is interested in attending, please contact Diane Moore.
|  PLASTICS POINTERS
We bet you always remember to take reusable bags to the store! But are you ready to take the next step? Stop using those disposable bags in the produce department at the grocery store! Buy some reusable mesh produce bags and keep them with your grocery bags. Be sure to get some big enough for broccoli or a head of lettuce! |
|
UPCOMING EVENTS |
|
|
April 17 @ 6:00
|
Community Conversation
The State of FL Higher Education
|
April 20 @ 10:00-3:00
|
Earth Day Celebration
|
April 29 @ 9:30-11:30
|
Board & Committee Chair
Orientation
|
May 8 @ 5:30-7:30
|
Collier County Commissioners Forum
|
May 13 @ 11:30-1:30
|
May Luncheon & General Meeting
|
Visit the LWVCC Calendar for event details
| ONLINE REIMBURSEMENT FORM IS NOW AVAILABLE
Board members, committee chairs, and others who need to submit reimbursement requests can now do so via our Submit Online Forms page. | UPCOMING COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Because LWVCC committee meetings are for members and their invited guests unless stated otherwise,
members should log in to the website to register
to get the Zoom links for committee meetings and other events. | Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting
April 11 @ 10:00-12:00
Collier Community Foundation Board Room
| Gun Violence Preventtion Subcommittee Meeting
April 16 @ 4:00-5:00
| Housing Subcommittee Meeting
April 18 @10:30-12:00
Moorings Park Building O Social Room
| Juvenile Justice Committee Meeting
April 28 @ 10:00-12:00
Finemark Bank Waterside
| Board Meeting
May 1 @ 9:30-12:00
Moorings Park Conference Room
| MISSED AN ISSUE OF THE VOTER?
NEED TO CATCH UP ON THE NEWS?
Check out our updated News & Newsletters page, which has all our latest news and links to current and back issues of The Voter and The LWVCC Update.
| Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in Government. We influence public policy through education and advocacy. Our goal is to empower citizens to take an active role in shaping better communities worldwide. The League of Women Voters of Collier County does not support or endorse any candidate or political party.
| League of Women Voters of Collier County
P.O. Box 9883Naples, FL 34101
| |