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| Luncheon and General Meeting
May 12, 11:30-1:30
Tiburon Golf Club
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ACLU: Protecting our Democracy
presented by
Bacardi Jackson
Executive Director,
ACLU of Florida
LWVCC's May luncheon will be one you don't want to miss! In fact, bring a guest to this important lecture. The LWVCC DEI Committee is hosting our speaker, Bacardi Jackson, the ACLU of Florida's Executive Director. As the first Black woman to lead the organization, she brings a wealth of experience and a passionate commitment to justice. She will address the ways the ACLU of Florida is working to uphold our Constitutional rights in education, voting rights, and immigrant rights.
REGISTER
Registration and payment must be made online by May 6 @ 12:00 PM
If you are bringing one or more guests, please be sure to register them when you register yourself.
Walk-ins will be seated in order of arrival on a space-available basis
Late registration/walk-in price will be strictly enforced
| Message from the President
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LWVCC President
Paula Schwerin
Hello, my name is Paula Schwerin and I am honored and excited to become your next president.
While I am confident we will face bumps along the way, I am also confident that through working together we will help LWVCC move forward in our quest to defend democracy. I am committed to our mission of influencing public policy through education and advocacy. Our goal is to empower citizens to take an active role in shaping better communities worldwide. We will do our best to provide multiple ways for citizens to find their own pathway, within their comfort zone, to accomplish that mission.
In closing, I would like to share one of my favorite quotes, by someone whom I admire, Nelson Mandela. "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." He believed that education empowers individuals to make informed decisions, challenge injustice, and contribute to positive social change. As Joyce Vance always signs off, “We are in this together.” | The 50th Annual Meeting of the LWVCC was held on Monday, April 14, 2025 at Tiburon Golf Club. This was the first meeting of LWVCC since the merger of our two entities became effective on April 1st.
During the meeting, the 40+ members in attendance adopted the 2025-2026 LWVCC Budget and Program and elected new Board members and officers. The new Board of Directors consists of:
- Officers: Paula Schwerin (President), Teresa Stohs (1st VP), Beth VanDamme (2nd VP), Debra Harper (Secretary), Ellen Hannan (Treasurer).
- Newly Elected Directors: Tina Palmese, Lynn Martin, Wendy Riedel, Libbie Bramson, Stacy Vermylen
- Directors Appointed by Board: Pallas Diaz, Amy Perwien, and Yvonne Hill
- Returning Board Member: Susan Golden
The members also elected the following members of the Governance Committee: Diane Preston Moore (Chair), Pat Howard, Paul Kardon, Lynn Martin, and Tina Palmese.
At the meeting, Melissa Blazier, Collier County Supervisor of Elections, was recognized as LWVCC’s Outstanding Community Partner for the SOE’s outreach to the community and education of Collier County voters, as well as her continuing efforts to ensure that our county’s elections are run with integrity and transparency. Tina Palmese was recognized as LWVCC’s Unsung Hero for her tireless “behind-the-scenes” work at luncheons and events and for being the “Face of Hospitality” for LWVCC. Paul Kardon was honored for his 13 years of service on the LWVCC Board of Directors.
Finally, Stacy Vermylen managed to squeeze a year’s worth of our League’s work into a 6-minute recap video. | by Joanne Grady Huskey
America’s strength is in its amazing diversity. Every one of us is a descendant of an immigrant, and that is what has made America so unique and so successful. Contributions from people of various backgrounds allow us to find the most creative and innovative solutions to the many issues we all face. The variety of skills that migrate to our shores has been the engine of our economic, cultural, and scientific success. From the CEOs of our largest corporations and tech companies, to the plumber who solves the confounding problems in our home, people bring talent and expertise that comes from all over the world. There is no other nation in the world that has such an incredible and diverse asset in its people. We have people, willing and able to do all kinds of work and contribute to our great country, and that makes our economy hum.
That is why the recent crackdown on immigrants in this nation is criminal and will only get worse as the state of Florida enforces even more stringent restrictions on the many immigrants who live and work here. It is tearing apart the very fabric of our nation, ripping children from their parents, husbands from their wives, arresting people who are legally in this country. It has produced fear and anxiety in many families who have lived and worked here for all of their lives and are contributing members of our communities. These are people we know and care about.
The new administration must heed the lessons from the shameful Japanese Internment of the 1940s. Dividing us ethnically and racially is un-American. A mass eviction of immigrants, who are already here, will destroy the American dream, where people believe that anyone can make it and that all people have equal rights. Granted, illegal immigration must be controlled at our borders, but forced eviction of those already living in the United States is destroying the very fabric that has made us great. It is causing chaos and shame. It must stop! All of us who believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every human being must begin to take a stand against this kind of aggression.
We the people need to make our voices heard. This can be done as individuals, without stating an affiliation with the League of Women Voters. By each of us, individually, pressuring our representatives in our state and national governments, writing letters to the editors of our newspapers, demonstrating together against DEI restrictions and hate, boycotting companies that are complicit in this raid, and of course voting. These are our rights as American citizens in this country.
Remember, a country that is by the people, for the people, and of the people, shall not perish from the earth. We the people united must speak out. This is what democracy looks like and the time is now.
Please note: any letter to the editor that identifies the League Of Women Voters must be approved by the president of LWVCC. | 
Voter Services Committee
Laura Hansen Reynolds, Chair
Voter Services Planning for a Complete Census in 2030
Want to meet with your Collier County Commissioner in the fall? Join the LWVCC Community Outreach team when we return to meet with each of the five Collier County Commissioners this fall. Voter Services members Susan Housel and Laura Hansen Reynolds recruited league members from each district for a spring meeting with their Commissioner. Our purpose was to educate the commissioners about the importance of a complete Census and advocate for advance planning to be sure every county resident is counted in 2030. Florida had a 3.48% undercount of residents in the 2020 Census. We estimate that as many as 13,076 people were uncounted in Collier County – resulting in a loss of Collier County federal funding of up to $21.5 million for 2023, alone. Think of the many, many county services that could support!
In October, we will return to each Commissioner with concrete ideas for a plan to maximize the 2030 Census for Collier County. Please consider joining us when we visit your Commissioner.
Returning Citizens Postcard Party
Voter Services subcommittee chair, Tina Palmese, is hosting monthly postcard-writing parties at her family’s restaurant. Join fellow league members for a low-key, friendly session, addressing postcards and writing encouraging comments for the citizens who have paid their debt to society and might be eligible to have their voting rights restored. This activity is a great way to meet new league friends and support LWV Florida’s statewide program to offer free legal aid to returning citizens. Watch for sign-up news in the weekly Update and on the LWVCC website calendar.
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Environmental Affairs Committee
Lynn Martin, Patti Forkan, Co-Chairs
The LWVCC Environmental Affairs Committee wants you to play a role in saving our beach dunes!
The EAC committee is working on education and advocacy to support the Naples Botanical Garden, Collier County Coastal Restoration staff, Naples City Council, Parks & Recreation and Natural Resources staff in their efforts to replant the storm-damaged dunes along the Gulf’s shoreline. Protection is needed on Naples’ beaches to safeguard the emerging vegetation on our recently damaged dunes.
What’s wrong with this picture?
The sad news is that the sand “berm” built by FEMA post-Ian in 2023 is, after three hurricanes, effectively gone. It was the only natural protection of our homes and businesses from future storms. The happy news is that Mother Nature is already hard at work, trying to restore the dunes through a variety of native plantings with root systems that survived the storms.
It’s crucial that beachgoers not walk across the dunes, stepping on plants that are struggling to return. As dune-building plants emerge, their stem and leaf structures trap wind-blown sand, rebuilding dunes at a fast rate, if given the chance to spread. Crushed stems and leaves cannot provide these valuable ecosystem services.
After Hurricane Milton, dune protection was installed at Delnor-Wiggins State Park beaches. Posts were placed on the Gulf-side of the dunes, with protective roping between them, to keep beachgoers from walking across the dunes. Similar protection is needed at all Naples beaches where dune vegetation is struggling to re-establish our dunes. With this protection, the plants can naturally super-charge dune restoration as windblown sand is trapped and falls into place, rebuilding the protective dunes.
Although small by comparison to Atlantic beach dunes, Naples’ coastal sand dunes act as reservoirs of sand that help our beach maintain its natural equilibrium and preserve the ability of the beach to respond naturally to storms. During a storm, our beaches naturally evolve as sand is carried out, reducing beach slope and forming one or more offshore sand bars. These sand bars help break waves further offshore, reducing the wave energy that crashes into the beach. The larger the dune, the more time it takes for it to be eroded by the waves, and therefore the more protection it provides to areas behind the dune. And what’s behind our Naples dunes? Our homes!
Naples’ beach dunes also provide critical habitat for a variety of coastal species. The varied dune plants not only anchor dunes with their root systems, their leaves and seeds provide food to small mammals and insects, who act as pollinators and seed dispersers. Plants spread and thrive as they make food available for the plant-eaters. Birds of prey hunt small mammals and reptiles, preventing overgrazing and allowing plants to flourish. Shorebirds also use sparse dune vegetation for nesting sites, interconnecting living creatures within the dune environment.
What can we do? Don’t tramp the plants! Spread the word about staying off our dunes to family, friends, neighbors and visitors. Contact city and county officials to request more protection for our emerging dune plants. Visit Naples Botanical Gardens to learn about the varied dune plants they are cultivating and their research into dune preservation.
EARTH DAY 2025
The League had an active table at the Earth Day celebration at The Conservancy. The Environmental Affairs, Voter Services, and Plastics committees were well represented at our table.
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Plastics Task Force
Jean Waller, Vice Chair
THE PLASTICS TASK FORCE HAS A SUCCESSFUL YEAR
The Plastics Task Force hit their stride this season by reaching over 500 people at twelve “Take a Pass on Plastics” presentations with one more upcoming lecture at the Pelican Bay Men’s Coffee. Audiences at Moorings Park, The Village Walk Garden Club and Naples Women’s Club Plastics Committee responded with enthusiasm to the challenge of reducing their everyday contact with single-use plastics. Laura Hansen Reynolds’ and Joanne Husky’s presentation to the Democratic Women’s Club of Marco Island was featured in Coastal Breeze News with an excellent write-up and photos.
Almost without exception, the audience was very surprised to learn of the growing data showing how exposure to the chemicals in plastic can be harmful to human health. Some are carcinogens, others are endocrine disruptors. These chemicals are now known to be present in humans at every stage of the human lifecycle. Even more concerning is that micro and nanoplastics have been found in the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat. Based on this carefully researched information, the Task Force emphasizes the importance of reducing your personal exposure by practicing the four R’s in regard to single-use plastic: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
Loralee LeBoeuf stepped things up a notch by successfully presenting the Task Force message to the Board of Directors and Staff of the Port Royal Club…but with a twist. Her special emphasis was on how they might reduce micro and nanoplastic exposure for members in their soon-to-be-built Clubhouse. This includes installing a micro and nano plastic water filtering system, water refill stations, eliminating plastic food-service containers and utensils and practicing “Skip the Stuff” for curbside takeout. Her message was well received and led to discussion of taking another look at the building plans. In addition, they asked for articles for their monthly newsletters as well as periodic “Take a Pass on Plastics” presentations to Club members.
SPREADING THE WORD AT EARTH DAY 2025
On April 11, Plastics Task Force members roved the enthusiastic crowd at the Conservancy’s Earth Day celebration explaining the environmental impacts of single-use plastics. Pictured is Bob Argast, with props in hand, illustrating to the kids how everyday products can take hundreds of years to break down and turn into harmful microplastic.
LWVCC TAKES A STAND
After discussion with and encouragement from the Plastics Task Force, the LWVCC on March 5 adopted a new position on plastic use at League events: “LWVCC committees are strongly encouraged to reduce their use of single-use plastics. At League meetings, events and activities, when possible and practical, LWVCC will strive to avoid offering single-use plastics, including but not limited to disposable plastic water bottles, straws and carryout containers, making exceptions for any personal needs for medical or disability reasons.” | 
Juvenile Justice Committee
Libbie Bramson, Chair
Juvenile Justice: What YOU can do
No magic wand has been discovered to eradicate juvenile delinquency. Fortunately, in Collier County there are numerous people in the public and private sectors dedicated to preventing delinquency, which is the most efficient way to save our kids’ futures. Typically, these preventive programs, as well as second chance programs, are funded by the philanthropic efforts of generous citizens, as well as state and federal monies. The results speak for themselves. Collier County is among the safest in Florida and among the highest in school graduation rates. Yet delinquency remains an ongoing, complex topic. It cannot be ignored as it affects our community’s safety, well-being, and economy.
The Juvenile Justice Committee is most effective when we create awareness of programs/services available to vulnerable families and kids. Join us as we continue to speak with parents and church groups about Civil Citation. Join us as we begin studying three basics that parents need to know more about - including Truancy which is a major forecaster of delinquency; new Autism research; and the Collier Cares app that is a must-have resource for all families. We study and educate ourselves. We then advocate and educate others – with the goal of protecting our kids’ futures. Bettering a vulnerable child’s life is one of the most important things we can do. Join us in this mission. juvenilejustice@colliercounty.org.
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Membership Committee
Beth VanDamme, Chair
Welcome New Members!
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to our newest members:
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Rebecca Badger
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Lorrie Fugoso |
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Donna Gillroy |
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Catherine Paulo |
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Kathryn Peppe |
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We’re excited to have you join our community!
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And the winner is...
Congratulations to Lynn Martin, our March Raffle Winner. Remember, every member who brings a first-time, non-member friend to a general meeting will be entered into a drawing for a fun prize. Last month, we had five new guests, two of whom have already joined our League!
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The Strong Ties that Bond Us – Part Two
| As part of our 50th Anniversary research, we contacted LWVCC members to learn 1) why they joined the League 2) what they like most about it. We found regardless of diverse backgrounds and length of membership, there are strong ties that bond us!
The following are some responses to What do you enjoy most about the League?
“I most like the incredible women I have met – intelligent, thoughtful and hard working.”
“It is inspiring because of the intelligent, civic-minded members who come together to support us.”
“I value the opportunity to work with incredible members on projects, committees and events.”
“The members, the mission, the leadership. There are so many intelligent, committed people.”
“I especially appreciate the camaraderie. Working with dedicated people is always uplifting and fun.”
“I have met many great members in the League. Their example makes me realize by working together, we are a powerful force and can transform the impossible to the actual.”
“I love the camaraderie of our membership, greatly enjoy our speakers and am proud to be part of our demonstrations for justice and testifying at government forums. It is an honor to be part of this vibrant organization.”
As we begin our 51st year, wear your League pin proudly and remember we are part of a non-partisan organization, 700 plus chapters strong nationwide, that empowers voters and defends democracy. | League News From Across the Country
| National League News
For more information, visit LWV.org.
State League News
For more information, visit LWVFL.org.
| Please refer to the LWVCC Weekly Update for a complete list of upcoming events or visit the LWVCC website: lwvcolliercounty.org.
Members should log in to ensure they see members-only events and registration options. | 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 9883, Naples, FL 34101
Sent by lwvcc@lwvcolliercounty.org
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