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President’s Message ——-––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Page 1 & 2
Introducing Dr. Sharlyn Roach —-–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 2
Board Members Wanted —––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––-Page 2
Manatee County Scholarships ——––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 3
DWCLC/Upper Pinellas Counties —–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Page 4
Brevard/Hillsborough Counties —––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––-Page 5
Charlotte/Lee Counties —––-—–––––––––-–––-—––––––––––––––-—––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 6
DWIN —–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 7
Tally Days Report 2013 —––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 8
Historical Research (Past Presidents) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 9 & 10
Environmental Committee Report & Contest Winners —–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 10
Immigration/Insurance/Labor Committee Reports –––––-––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Page 11
Legislative/Communications Committee Reports –-––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––- Page 12
Region Chairs —-––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 13
Officers —–-–––––––––––––––––––––––—––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 14
Standing Committee Chairs —-—–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 15
November 2013
Message from President Dr. Maureen McKenna
July 2014
I want to express my gratitudefor all the well wishes during
this year.We have accomplished a
good deal this past quarter.Our July Quarterly meeting wasvery well-attended with manyguests in the audience. Friday
evening was a grueling but satisfying strategicplanning session. DWCF has lofty, politically focusedand powerful goals set for the years ahead. What awonderful time to lead this organization!!
Our quarterly board meeting on July 12th waspacked with great information shared by all of thedifferent Chairs. The robust nature of our meeting andinteractions reflect the enthusiasm and traction wehave now set for ourselves and this organization. It wasa pleasure for me to see all the guests who attendedthe meeting.
All of our DWCs now have their own Tax ID#.Thank you to Region Chairs, Presidents and localDWC Officers for helping with this effort.Presidents and Region Chair Teleconferencescontinue on a quarterly basis. A wide array of valuableinformation and tips have been shared on how toincrease membership and fundraising in local clubs.
The 2015 Convention has been moved fromRegion 4 to Region 6 next year. Patricia FarleyCrutcher, Region 6 Chair and her ConventionCommittee are making stupendous progress in theirplanning. 2015 will prove to be another memorableDWCF Convention.
Among the many activities I was able to attend thispast quarter, the Florida Democratic Party’sLeadership Blue event (formerly known as theJefferson Jackson Dinner) was inspiring. PresidentClinton’s presentation was funny and insightful. Therewere over 125 attendees at our DWCF caucus.
Attendees heard a compelling presentation by Rep.Katie Edwards on Criminal Justice and FloridaWomen. Gubernatorial Candidate Senator Nan Richand Crist Campaign surrogate, Loranne Ausley, spoketo our attendees as well.
I have appointed some new Chairs to fulfill somerecent vacancies. Please feel free to contact them withyour feedback, suggestions or if you would like to serveon a committee. Chairs contact information can befound on www.DWCF.org
Our new Legislative Chair is Milly Krause, fromDWC of South Brevard. Former Legislative Chair,Stephanie Kunkel indicated she will still be involved inTally Days and will send out weekly Legislative EmailBlasts during session but Milly will be working with clubLegislative Liaisons in a very diligent way make sureour voices are heard all year long!
Ellen Juliano, from DWC of Volusia has beenappointed as our Platform Chair. Ellen worked for OFAand is quite the activist. I am happy to have her withus.
Nancy Shipes from DWC of Upper Pinellas hasbeen appointed as our Environmental Chair. Nancy hasan MBA and years of experience in environmentaladvocacy. She has many activities planned toenhance our organization’s environmentalawareness and advocacy.
Dr. Sharlyn Roach of DWC of Miami Gardens, hasbeen elected by the board as our new 2nd VicePresident in charge of the membership list. This year,she is also appointed as Credentials Chair. She hasdone a wonderful job cleaning up our membership list.Dr. Rachel Pienta, DWC of Wakulla has stepped backfrom DWCF office duties due to family and workcommitments. DWCF appreciates all Dr. Pienta hasdone for our organization over the years and willwelcome her with open arms when she can return toincreased state level activities.
Judy Meyers of DWC of Pasco, has been appointed asour Communications Chair and is doing a great job withincreased Press Releases out of the gate. Mary Freemanof DWC of Upper Pinellas is gathering stories of pastpresidents and is chairing the 2016 Convention in Region5. Region 6 Chair, Patricia Farley Crutcher is now servingas Labor Chair for our organization and has taken the bullby the horns (or donkey by the tail) to serve as 2015Convention Chair.
I want thank all of them for serving DWCF andcontributing to its successful future.
Next quarter, I am scheduled to coordinate theopening of a new DWC in Davie, Florida in SouthwestBroward on Sept. 13. A new DWC is scheduled to beorganized in Sanford in Seminole County on August 9. Inaddition, we have been working tirelessly to reorganizeDWC of DeSoto with the help of Region 7 Chair SandraMcClinton of Lee County.
On November 14th I will be attending the South RegionNFDW Meeting in Nashville, Tennesee.
We will be working with clubs to engage members onelection efforts and preparing Legislative Liaisons to speakat Legislative Delegation Committee meetings in their area.
We are all looking forward to the Septemberconvention in St. Augustine. I encourage everyone toattend. Awards will be given to DWC members this year atThe convention. The speakers will be inspiring and the“blue sisterhood” you will experience will be exemplary.Come and enjoy the great atmosphere of St. Augustine!
In closing, I must thank Board members, ClubPresidents and local officers for all they are doing to helpour club move forward. It is inspiring to see the enthusiasmand brilliance that goes into the day to day efforts of thisclub. It was heartening for me to see and hear the strategicplanning session. I want to thank all of you from the bottomof my heart. Your passion for the DWCF platform hasserved to be very healing for me these past months. I amgrateful now and hopeful for the future as we work to turnFlorida blue!
Respectfully Submitted,Dr. Maureen McKennaPresidentDemocratic Women’s Club of Florida
Page 2
I was born and reared in Miami, Florida. Igraduated from Barry University with a BS inMIS; I obtained an MBA from University ofPhoenix in 2008, and a PhD in Theology in2011. I have been employed for the localcounty government for over 25 years, and Iam an adjunct professor at Union Institute &University School of Business. I serve as 2nd
VP for the DWC of Miami Gardens. I like to spend quality timewith my family and close friends; I especially enjoy time with mygrandson. I enjoy traveling, reading, learning new ideologies,disseminating and receiving wisdom & knowledge. I have anattitude of gratitude and a passion for life. I believe thatopportunity exist in the midst of opposition!
Dr Sharlyn Roach2nd VP, DWCF
IntroducingDr. Sharlyn Roach
President’s Message Continued from Page 1
Are you interested in serving on the DWCF Board?We are looking for a 2015 Credentials Chair beginningSeptember 21, 2014.
Skills needed include working knowledge of Excel, goodcommunication skills and responsiveness, initiative,organizational skills, detail-orientation, familiarity with DWCFBylaws as they relate to Convention Delegates and ElectionProcedures or willingness to learn.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to: identifyingand confirming eligibility of delegates by compiling andcomparing Delegate Registration Forms with MembershipLists and coordinating delegate confirmation with DWCFTreasurer. Facilitating successful delegate identification andannouncement of correct delegate count at the 2015 DWCFConvention in Melbourne.
Please contact President Maureen McKenna [email protected]
DWCF board needs you
Page 3
Scholarships totaling $2,500 were awarded by the Democratic Women's Club of Manatee County to threestudents based on their academic grades, community service and financial need.
From left, Katy Pierre Charles, Manatee County Sheriff’s MajorConnie Shingledecker, Kayla Cannady-Truewell, scholarshipdonor Peggy Ruth and Lauren Demo.
The presentations were made during a luncheon meeting atRenaissance that featured Manatee County Sheriff's MajorConnie Shingledecker as the speaker.
Using her job history as an example, Shingledecker talkedabout the need to work hard and not give up in order to getahead in one's career.
- Katy Pierre Charles, a Manatee High School graduatewho is a freshman studying chemical engineering at theUniversity of Florida, won the $1,000 Marge KinnanScholarship.
- Kayla Cannady-Truewell, a Bayshore High Schoolgraduate, won the $500 Marge Kinnan Scholarship. Afreshman at State College of Florida, she plans to transferto Florida State University to study Retail merchandising.
From left, Katy Pierre Charles, Lauren Demo, DWC President Mary Dudaand Kayla Cannady-Truewell.
- Lauren Demo, a senior at Manatee High School,received the $1,000 Shirley Snyder Scholarship, a newscholarship named after club member Shirley Snyder, whodied in November. Snyder's daughter, Peggy Ruth,contributed $500 toward the scholarship and clubmembers gave the other $500.- Demo plans to study biology at the University of Florida;she wants to become a physician's assistant.
Club members raised the scholarship money through a fashion show, silent auction and individual contributions.• For moreinformation about the club, visit www.dwcmanatee.com.
DWC of Manatee County awards scholarships
DWCF News from around the state
Page 4
On May 24, 1940, five years before President Franklin Roosevelt's death, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor,welcomed women from the Women's Division of the Democratic National Committee. The women were visiting Washington, DC in orderto participate in the DNC convention. •Eleanor and Franklin planned on touring 100 guests from this group at the White House. The Presidentalso planned on meeting them in the Executive Office to chat. The Roosevelts were delighted when over 4000 of these women signed upto "chat" with the President. The Roosevelts had to arrange to meet with the women in another location in order to accommodate the largenumbers. Because of the •political engagement the women exhibited, Eleanor Roosevelt successfully advocated for May 24th be establishedas Democratic Women's Day.
This year, the Florida Democratic Women's Club declared the entire month of May as Democratic Women's Month. We honor Presidentand Eleanor Roosevelt for recognizing the importance of women's voices in politics by celebrating May as Democratic Women's Month.
A very special THANK YOU to Merrilyn Kerrels, DWCLC 1st VP, for coordinating a WONDERFUL Eleanor Social!!• If you missed it onMay 22nd, you missed a fun time.• Merrilyn had opportunities to win a wine glass and "prizes" for favorite Eleanor quotes. •Elizabeth Kapooralso jumped through hoops to bring us "I Am Woman, Watch Me Vote!" bumper stickers that are available for $2 each!!
DWCLC celebrates Democratic Women's Month with wine social
Bea Ritchie celebrated her "100th" Birthday on July 4. She couldn't havebeen born on a more appropriate day. Bea was employed by the Pentagon for 20years. Her uncle was employed by the White House as well as 2 of his sons.She was an advocate for Civil Rights and is a Lifetime member of the DemocraticWomen's Club of Upper Pinellas.
She currently resides at the Terrace, an assisted living facility, in DaytonaBeach. She is beloved by all who are fortunate enough to be part of her life.
Pictured with Bea is Mary Freeman, DWCF History Chair.
Upper Pinellas CountyI
President Anna V. Eskamani & Vice President Ida V.Eskamani of DWCGO were both honored by CongressmanAlan Grayson for Women’s History Month—their bios wererecorded in the Congressional archives and they wererecognized for their positive impact in the community.
DWCGO President Anna V. Eskamani has recentlybeen nominated by the Girls Scouts of Citrus for a “Womenof Distinction Award.”
Brevard Women are on the move
Page 5
The South Brevard Club held a formal Membership Tea on April5th with a theme “Down by the Riverside.” The location was the Mia/POW Park Community Building at the Pineda Landing Park overlookingthe Indian River. The purpose was to gain members while educating ourmembers and guests on the problems associated with the Indian RiverLagoon. Our Guest Speaker Dr. Leesa Souto, the Executive Director ofthe Marine Resources Council, did a wonderful job informing ourmembers and guests on the causes of the problems with our IndianRiver Lagoon and gave us ideas on what we could do as individuals tohelp repair our local environment: work with locals at building oysterbaskets and nets; lobby our legislators for funds; educate the masses onpollution problems; and join the Marine Resources Council as asupporter.
In May, South Brevard’s Champagne and Chocolate Social was asuccessful event. It was well attended even though it was a rainyafternoon. The event was held at the club house of Skyline Estates,where a member, Susan McCann Lives. Several members showed upearly to help with decorations and preparations. We made over $600with tickets and the drawing. This money will be used to pay registrationfees for delegates to the convention.
President Anna V. Eskaman (center) was honored bythe Women’s Studies Program at the University of CentralFlorida (UCF) for her commitment to the Women’s StudiesAdvisory Board Pictured with Anna are members of theBrevard NOW at a celebratory reception of a new PlannedParenthood Health Center in Kissimmee.
In May, South Brevard’s Champagne and Chocolate Social was asuccessful event. It was well attended even though it was a rainyafternoon. The event was held at the club house of Skyline Estates,where a member, Susan McCann Lives. Several members showed upearly to help with decorations and preparations. We made over $600with tickets and the drawing. This money will be used to pay registrationfees for delegates to the convention.
Hillsborough County
Arthenia Joyner waselected to the HillsboroughCounty Women’s Hall of Fame.
Senator Joyner has beenawarded the LegislativeAdvocacy Award for 2015. Shehas been invited to theSaturday night banquet at theDWCF Convention onSeptember 20, 2014 to receivethe award.
Well behaved women
Seldom
Make History
– Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
Page 6
In a recent issue ofthe DWCF newsletter,
all DWC presidents wereurged to contact theircounty commissioners,city council, etc. to issuea proclamation declaringthe month of May asDemocratic Women’smonth.
The Punta GordaCity Council (CharlotteCounty) issued such aproclamation on May 20.
Nancy Razvoza, President of the Charlotte CountyDemocratic Women’s Club, proudly displays the proclamationfrom the City of Punta Gorda declaring May as FloridaDemocratic Women’s Month.
Patricia Sala , Lee County DWCmember, was recognized as oneof the very special supporters andsponsor of The Foundation for LeeCounty Public Schools, Inc.Pictured with Patricia is the currentLee County School Board memberand former past Chair Mary Fisherand Jon Cecil, Lee MemorialHealth Systems Chief HumanResource Officer, who currentlyserves as Vice Chairman of theEducation Foundation Board ofdirectors. Also pictured is LarryAguilar, candidate for staterepresentative District 79.
Lee County
Charlotte County
Pictured L-R Mary Fisher, Patricia Sala, JonCecil and Larry Aguilar.
Women Against Racism & Discrimination,a non-political focus group of the Charlotte CountyDWC, encourages all DWC chapters to join itscause and form their own groups and programsdesigned to recognize and identify racism anddiscrimination and to put strategies into action toovercome prejudice in their own communities andbeyond.
Racism is alive and well in 2014 America.Much of the blatant, as well as covert, disrespectand hate slug against President Obama is rooted inracism. If the man who holds the highest office inthe greatest country is the target of such vitriol, howmany ordinary people of color other than Caucasianare the bull's eyes of poisonous talk, barbs andpainful actions.
In January 2014, Charlotte County W.A.R.& D. began its first program. On the fourth Thursdayof every month the group holds its Free Movie Nightwhen it shows a film dealing with racism ordiscrimination. The event is advertised and open tothe public and time is allowed after the movie forfrank, open discussion. Other activities planned forthe future are a book club, discussion groups andethnic events.
Women are strong and working togetherthey can be a force of change, making ourcommunities and, thus our country, a better placefor all human beings. Heed the words of MargaretMitchell, “Never doubt that a small group ofthoughtful, committed citizens can change theworld. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
So, please, join with us. Go to ourFacebook page, Women Against Racism &Discrimination, and share your comments, ideasand plans.
Calling on women
To make a difference
by: Marilyn D. Carpenter, W.A.R. & D.Coordinator, Charlotte County
Arlene Jay Faracchio2014 Jackie Brown Democratic Woman Activist Award
Arlene’s father was a businessman in Philadelphia and thus was a registeredRepublican. It was was in high school political science class that Arlene learned thedifference between the Rs and the Ds. After she thought about it for awhile, sheannounced to her parents that from that day on she was a Democrat and has been to thisday.
As Arlene’s son was graduating from junior high, she attended the small ceremonythinking her son would be acknowledged for having the top grade average. •As it turnedout, the only awards given were to the athletes. That’s when she decided it was up to herto make it right by arranging to have the graduation ceremony at the high school includescholastic achievement awards.
Billie A. Bussard receives award fromSusanne Susanne McCollough.
Arlene Faracchio is presented the the 2014Jackie Brown Democratic Woman Activist Awardby DWIN member Susanne McCullough.
During Arlene’s time in Jacksonville she has participated in the DCDEC and hasgiven of her time on many projects of DWIN.
After retiring from the Duval County jail as a mental health and addiction counselor,she began helping at the Sulzbacher Center where she cooks kosher meals for thehomeless.
At the invitation of Mayor Alvin Brown's Military Affairs and Veteran's Office, Evelyn Coney,U.S. Navy Veteran, participated in the 2014 Memorial Day Program.
2014 Jackie Brown Democratic Woman Activist AwardBillee A. Bussard
Billee earned her living as a journalist in Jacksonville for 25 years. After leaving thenewspaper in 2000, Billee, a lifelong Democrat, was able to become politically active.
As she is serving her second four-year term as elected committee person for precinct1303, Billee is currently serving on the board of the Beaches Democratic Club and isDCDEC Central Committee representative for District 13. She serves on the DCDECcampaign committee and is Campaign Chair for the Beaches Club.
While closely following national politics, she was the first Jacksonville journalist towrite about the money flowing from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) toNorth Florida Republican candidates and election officials. Her article in Folio Weekly wasbased on more than four months research. The story, “Aaron Bean and the ALEC MoneyMachine” tracked money from ALEC members to Republican Bean’s stat senate raceagainst Democrat Nancy Soderberg.
Mayor Alvin Brown relied on Billee to work with DCDEC volunteers to print andproduce thousands of “Alvin Brown Fan Club” fans and buttons. She also volunteered andassisted many other Democratic Party candidates with campaign materials, includingJackie Brown during her own fun for Mayor Jacksonville.
Jackie Brown Activist Award presented to DWIN members
Page 7
Page 8
Over the next twoyears I will bereporting on DWCF,Inc. Past Presidents. Iwill be researching all21 of them. In 2016 wewill celebrate the 60th
Anniversary of theDWCF, Inc. It wasformed in St.
Petersburg, Florida at the Princess MarthaHotel, which I have provided a photo foryou. Currently the Hotel is a Senior LivingFacility. As Chair of the 2016 Convention Iam working on securing a Hotel in St.Petersburg to commemorate the event.
The first President I am reporting on isSarah Brown.
Sara served as President from 2003 –2007.
Sarah has been a lifelong women’sadvocate which is exemplified bymembership and activism in the NationalOrganization for Women, Pro-ChoiceCoalition of Broward, Broward Women’sEmergency Fund, and the DemocraticWomen’s Club of Northeast Broward.Sarah was president of the DWC of NE, aswell as president of the state organization,Democratic Women’s Club of Florida.• Shehas also been an officer of the NationalFederation of Democratic Women.• When Sarah was elected President ofthe Democratic Women’s Club of Florida,her goal was to get women to run for officeand then get them elected after they filed.She had the DWCF refine the endorsementprocess and urged local clubs to reach outto women candidates with questionnairesfor endorsing by the DWCF.• Sarah alsospearheaded fundraisers, againencouraging clubs to get involved infundraising for women. Sarah brought theDemocratic Women's Club of Florida intothe 21st century.
Mary Freeman, Chair
• Whether it was as president of theDemocratic Women’s Club of NortheastBroward or the Democratic Women’s Clubof Florida, she was totally committed towhatever project she took on.• She currentlyserves as an officer of the DWC of NEBroward as recording secretary andvaluable member of the Board.• Sarah has also been a passionateadvocate for her community.• While herdaughter was growing up, Sarah waspresident of the local PTA and worked forbetter physical conditions and educationalopportunities in all her daughter’s schools.Sarah has also worked tirelessly for thebetterment of the families in her communitythrough their neighborhood civicassociation, where she served as presidentseveral times and continues to helporganize events.• She has gone to bat forher community by engaging the PompanoBeach City Commission and her citycommissioner individually.• Sarah’s philosophy of life is “treateveryone•with respect,•help•everyone youcan,•trust yourself and live with yourdecisions.• But, never be afraid to admit youwere wrong and say you're sorry”.
When asked what her biggestcontribution as President was she stated“Convincing women that it took money towin elections.”
Getting women elected along withprotecting a women’s right to choose wereher biggest issues.
Her fondest memory as President wasthanks to Jim Davis when he was runningfor Governor. he brought Historic CivilRights Leader and Congressman JohnLewis to a state meeting where she wasable to not only meet him but have photostaken with him. A few years ago she was inDC with her friend Joanne Sterner andvisited his office. He wasn’t in but his aidegave them free reign in his office. They
observed all his photos and memorabilia andeven stood outside on his balcony.
Sarah’s advice to future Presidents is“Don’t forget where you came from, fulfill thepromises that you ran on”.March 30th Sarah was inducted into theBroward County Hall of Fame. A welldeserved honor.
Soon Sarah will be moving to W. Virginiato be closer to her granddaughters. She hasalready joined the Kanawha DemocraticWomen’s Club.
We will all miss her dearly but her legacywill remain in the archives of the DWCF, Inc.
Sarah Brown 2003-2007
Historical ResearchPast presidents of DWCF
The SecondPresident in my reportis Rosemary Elrod.
Rosemary servedas President of theDWCF, Inc. 1995-1999.She has lived in Floridasince 1963 and hasbeen active in theDemocratic Women’s
Club and Brevard County DemocraticExecutive Committee since the early ‘70’s.She has two children, a daughter, Dianeand a son Kenneth. Her husband Charlespassed away in 2008.Rosemary served in nearly every positionwithin the DWCF, Inc. She also held fouroffices within the National Federation ofDemocratic Women, Finance Co-Chair,Bylaws Committee, Audit Committee andScrapbook Committee, 1996-2001.In 1976 she chaired a first of its kindCampaign Seminar which was used as aguideline by other clubs throughout thestate.
Rosemary Elrod 1995 - 1999
Cont’d Page 10 – Rosemary Elrod
Page 9
DWCF committee reports
Environmental Committee
Nancy Shipes, ChairPlans are underway for a weekend of
educational fun and fund-raising.Florida Representative, Mark Pafford
(District 86), has offered to take 50 DWCFmembers, friends & families on anEverglades Tour, November 8th, theSaturday after Election Day. He is the newCEO of the Arthur R. Marshall Foundationfor the Everglades, an organization whosemission is “…to develop, promote, anddeliver science-based education and publicoutreach programs central to restoration ofthe greater Everglades ecosystem and itshistoric ‘River of Grass.’” This is a wonderfulopportunity for our Club, and a generousoffer from Representative Pafford.
Tentative plans are to make the tourpart of an Everglades Tour Event andDWCF fundraiser, November 7-9th. Theevent will include:
• Friday dinner, individual checks• Saturday Everglades Tour four
from Homestead to Flamingo andback
• Saturday lunch, individual checksor might be wrapped into cost ofthe ticket
• Saturday dinner, individual checks• Sunday Sunrise over the Sea
Tickets for the event are projected to bearound $50.00, which will cover:
• the cost of the tour bus• admission to Everglades National
Park• incidentals• funds for DWCF• donation to Arthur R. Marshall
Foundation
The Best Western Gateway to theKeys has double Queens and single Kingsavailable for a group rate of $75/night. Theywill also open their hot breakfast early toaccommodate our tour schedule, and willallow us to use the breakfast area for aFriday evening reception.
Sales for the 50 tickets can begin atthe convention in August and continue onthe website after the convention, with areservation deadline the first week inOctober.
We are putting out a call for membersof south Florida clubs to help with some ofthe remaining details, such as planning theFriday evening reception, helping choosethe restaurants for Friday and Saturdaydinners and suggesting other activities.Anyone interested in helping with theEverglades Tour Event should contacteither their club President or Nancy Shipes,Environmental Chair.
Page 10
The winners of the Florida DemocraticWomen's Month of May contest whichawarded the largest percentagemembership growth in the second quarterare:1st Prize=DWC of Escambia2nd Prize=DWC of Volusia3rd Prize=DWC of Palm Bay
The above DWCs have won money toutilize toward convention attendance. Theclubs will be recognized at the Saturdayevening banquet on September 20, 2014 atthe annual DWCF Convention in St.Augustine.
Contest winners
In 2016 we will celebrate the 60th
Anniversary of the DWCF, Inc. It wasformed in St. Petersburg, Florida at thePrincess Martha Hotel, pictured above.Currently the Hotel is a Senior LivingFacility. As Chair of the 2016 Convention Iam working on securing a Hotel in St.Petersburg to commemorate the event.Convention I am working on securing aHotel in St. Petersburg to commemorate theevent.
Other prominent Affiliations were,Registered Lobbyist for Local Union #1010,Brevard County Mental Health Department,Rosemary said that her most challengingexperience as President was trying to get allthe proposed by-laws read and/or passed atConvention
Rosemary said that her mostchallenging experience as President wastrying to get all the proposed by-laws readand/or passed at Convention.
Her favorite memory was getting tomeet with all her many friends after themeetings.
She especially enjoyed meeting andtalking to their guest speakers. They had agreat time when Buddy and Ann MacKaycame to their convention.
Two of her favorite Conventions wereher first in Panama City Beach and theother was Sebring.
She always enjoyed Grace Nelsontelling her story about her help with Bill’sfirst campaign. She has known Bill since hebegan running for office more than 30 yearsago.Her advice to other Presidents is just toenjoy your time in office, the road can getrocky. Remember, “A smile goes a longway”.
Rosemary Elrod – Cont’d from Page 9
Page 11
The Democratic Women’s Club ofFlorida, Inc. is proud to join with theNational Federation of Democratic Womenin support of the proposed United StatesBlue Card Immigration System. ThisSystem will be comprised of two parts. PartI will allow employers to hire without delayhighly skilled immigrant workers in the fieldsof science and technology. Part II will granta series of rights to lower skilled immigrantworkers who have a work contract or jobwhich pays at least the national minimumhourly wage, live in the United States orhave a work or immigrant visa and haveacquired or studied English language skills.
The Democratic Women’s Club ofHighlands County submitted a resolution foradoption by the Democratic Women’s Clubof Florida in March at our annual TallyDays, a day for lobbying legislatures inTallahassee. The resolution was adoptedand was sent to the National Federation ofDemocratic Women for adoption at theirannual conference in June. The DemocraticWomen’s Club of Highlands Countysubmitted a resolution for adoption by theDemocratic Women’s Club of Florida inMarch at our annual Tally Days, a day forlobbying legislatures in Tallahassee. Theresolution was adopted and was sentto the National Federation of Demo-cratic Women for adoption at their annualconference in June.
A. Update on status of Florida ACA –26% of working age (18-64) are still unin-sured, or 20% of all Floridians. MedicaidExpansion would have seen a further 5%drop in uninsured. States that expandedMedicaid saw an 11% drop. Additional In-surers have indicated their intention to offercoverage in the ACA for 2015, though thereis some confusion as to rate increases dueto Legislature move in 2009. Humana an-nounced a 14.1% increase, while Nation-wide all increases were announced at 7.2%
B. Florida has begun the shift of Medi-caid Mental Health patients to a compre-hensive health plan administered by Magel-lan Complete Care of Avon, Ct., a for profitcompany. Approximately 140,000 Floridi-ans, with 20,000 voluntarily assigned in thefirst year. The program began July 1 in Mi-ami-Dade, Broward & Monroe, with the en-tire state covered by September. This ispart of the Legislature’s plan to privatize allhealth care coverage. This will bear watch-ing.
C. Former Foster Children are eligibleto stay on their parents insurance, and thestate has had a program to inform thosewho may have lost contact with parents tolet them know. Florida Youth SHINE &Florida Children First (FCF).
D. The White House has announcedthat based on other states experience, Flor-ida would gain 63,000 jobs with the accep-tance of Medicaid. At the same time taxincreases have been reported in PalmBeach County to cover hospital related ex-penses for the uninsured due to refusal bythe state to expand Medicaid.
E. The National Women’s Law Centerhas launched the CoverHer hot line forwomen having trouble getting access topreventive health services in the wake ofHobby Lobby decision by SCOTUS.(www.CoverHer.org 1-866-745-5487)
F. Rep. Nita Lowery, of NY’s 17th Dis-trict has once again introduced the SSCaregiver Credit Act in the House of Repre-sentatives. The Bill would give SS credit ofapproximately $22,000 per year for those,mostly women, who are forced to drop outof the workforce to care for loved ones pri-marily with dementia related illnesses.AARP is backing Caregiver Advise RecordEnable (CARE) legislation primarily on astate level, four states have passed thusfar.
Joan McGinnis, ChairSocial Security/Insurance/Elder Care Report
By Judy Meyers, Region V ChairDemocratic Women’s Club of Florida.Legislative Liaison DWC of Pasco County
Blue CardImmigration system
SS/Insurance/Elder Care
Patricia Farley, Chair
The complete Labor Committee reportcan be seen by clicking on this link:http://freepdfhosting.com/0a1c701542.pdf
Highlights of the report include:
● AFL-CIO endorses Charlie Crist forgovernor, State of Florida
● Harris v. Quinn: More Union Bustingand War on Women
● Postal Boycott of Staples and
● Attack on Teachers: Union Bustingand Follow the Money
Labor CommitteeThe Environmental Committee of the Democratic Women’s Club of Florida is growing, andyou are invited to participate. We are asking each club President to appoint anEnvironmental Lead who will have the opportunity to do the following:
• Lead environmental education and efforts within the club
• Participate in monthly DWCF-wide Environmental Committee conference call where wewill report on and learn about environmental issues and opportunities statewide
• Work with others to plan and carry out club, region and statewide environmental events
• Represent the DWCF in our communities as environmentally aware citizens
If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, please contact your club President. NancyShipes, DWCF Environmental Chair, will contact each Environmental Lead in preparationfor the first Environmental Committee conference call, scheduled for Monday, August 11
Join the DWCF Environmental Committee
As DWCF’s new Legislative Chair, myactivism began when I was a little girl. Mymother corrected my grandfather when hewas talking about only the boys going tocollege. She said, what about Milly? Laterin college, friends and I liked to play pingpong but there were only tables for boys.We did sit-ins, posted signs and protestedby doing a NY Rockettes type of dance infront of the tables. Soon after, we wereawarded a girls’ table.
I served for almost 11 years as theSchool’s Union Rep. while teaching inOrange County. As a member of the SouthBrevard Democratic Women’s Club, I’veserved as treasurer and I’m now in my 2nd
term as the 1st Vice-President. In addition,I’ve served as the SBDWC’s LegislativeLiaison for several years now. Many of youmight remember me as the ERACoordinator for DWCF Leg. Liaisons.
One of my goals will be to motivateothers toward deeper activism by doing afew simple tasks. DWCF has 40 clubs withdifferent levels of activity.
Ratifying ERA continues to be one ofmy prime goals. Florida still remains one ofthe 15 states who haven’t ratified the ERA.Three more states are needed. It lookspromising that Illinois could be the 36th
state to ratify ERA. The Illinois StateSenate voted to ratify it in May and it’sheaded for a House Vote in November.
Let’s look out of the box for ways tomotivate our Florida Legislators to ratify theERA. Should we work to put it on the ballotsince the legislators can’t seem to move itout of committee? We need to thinkdifferently about how we can get ERAratified.
While I support Tally Days, it’s only afew days a year that our presence is felt asDWCF during the legislative session. My
Legislative report
recommendation is to increase ourpresence and create awareness for bothWomen’s Rights/Legislation and ERA.Ways to do so to be considered are:--Visit legislators locally when they aren’t insession.--Speak at the local Legislative Delegationin the fall.--Encourage each club to pick a week andsend a small delegation each week of thelegislative session.--Work with our Capitol City Club to provideyear-round DWCF presence.--Motivate Each Club to have one memberdesignated to be their Legislative Liaison.--Plan for a State-Wide ERA Day in Front ofLocal Media Venues.--Attend the D.C. ERA March on Women’sHistory Day in March 2015--Work to Undo the Harm of the HobbyLobby Ruling--Pass Immigration Resolution--Create a DWCF State Motto to Bring Unityfor Action--Create a DWCF State Song to Bring Unityfor Action--Celebrate Yearly August 26th as Women’sEquality Day--Contact Legislators Via Email, SocialMedia and Phone Calls, etc., weekly--Push for Change. Keep phone numbershandy for ease of use---Monthly Teleconferences with Leg.Liaisons and More as Needed DuringLegislative Sessions--Attend State Convention-- Finally ---- Tally Days, Of Course
Please let me know what ideas youhave and I will add to the list as we worktowards creating a productive voice thatprovides a powerful punch.I look forward to working with all of you asyour DWCF Legislative Chair.
By Milly Krause, DWCF Legislative Chair By Judy Meyers, Communications Chair
On August 26th women all over ourState and nation will gather together tocelebrate the 94th anniversary of Women’sEquality Day – a day to commemoratewhen women were finally given the right tovote through the passage of the 19th
Amendment. The road to ending thewomen’s suffrage movement was a longand difficult journey that met severalchallenges along the way and took overseventy-two years to reach. Theobservance of Women’s Equality Day alsocalls attention to women’s continuing effortstoward full equality. President McKenna hasasked that club presidents contact theirlocal county commission or city council andrequest a proclamation to celebrate thisevent and contact their local newspaperand submit a letter to the editor. A sampleproclamation and letters to the editor, a longversion if there is no word limit and a shortversion if there is a word limit, can be foundby clicking this link.http://freepdfhosting.com/ade7e854f4.pdf
Please contact your local leaders asquickly as possible to ensure that theproclamation can be placed on a meetingagenda before August 26th. For additionalinformation, please contact Judy Meyers at(727) 967-4257.
Communications report
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Mark your calendars!!!
Tally Days 2015March 30 and 31, 2015Four Points Sheraton,TallahasseeSecond Quarterly BoardMeeting of 2015Sunday, March 29, 2015
Tally Days
Region 4Danielle Neetz936 Chickadee DrivePort Orange, FL 32127Phone: 386-295-7513Email: [email protected]
Region 5Judy Meyers8340 Chasco Woods Blvd. Apt. 3HNew Port Richey, FL 34668Phone: 727-967-4257Email: [email protected]
Region 6Patricia Farley Crutcher101 Bay View DriveIndian Harbor Beach, FL 32937Phone: 321-773-2949Email: [email protected] mishellwarner@gmailcom
Region 1Mildred Hall9017 Turnberry CourtTallahassee, FL 32312Phone: 850-893-4736Email: [email protected]
Region 2Judy Byrne Riley1501 Bayshore DriveNiceville FL 32578Phone: 850-217-4003Email: [email protected]
Region 3Mary Lou Woods87 Village Del Lago CircleSt. Augustine, FL 32080Phone: 904-461-5408E-mail: [email protected]
Region 7Sandra McClinton5028 Pelican Blvd.Cape Coral, FL 33914Phone: 239-471-7704Email: [email protected]
Region 8Susie Johnson4808 Boabadilla AvenueSebring, FL 33872Phone: 863-385-0008Email: [email protected]
Region 9Mishell Warner571 NW 194 StreetMiami Gardens, FL 33169Phone: 786-367-7795Email:
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Democratic Women’s Club of Florida by Region
PresidentDr. Maureen McKenna130 South CircleAvon Park, FL 33825Phone: 863-214-4680Email: [email protected]
1st Vice PresidentNancy Hurlbert35624 Cypress Ct.Leesburg, Florida 34788Phone: 352-483-4962Email: [email protected]
2nd Vice PresidentDr. Sharlyn Roach19610 NE 1st PlaceMiami, FL 33179Phone: 305-815-5799Email:[email protected]
Recording SecretaryAnna V. Eskamani857 Spring Oak CircleOrlando, FL 32828Phone: 407-376-3609Email: [email protected]
TreasurerCarol Flaumenhaft-King35445 Highland DriveEustis, FL 32736Phone: 352-483-2011Email: [email protected]
Past PresidentJanet L. Goen1104 Clippers WayTarpon Springs, Florida34689Phone: 727-937-8590Email:[email protected]
DWCF History ChairMary Freeman960 Starkey Rd. #1404Largo, FL 33771Phone: 727-581-4630Email: [email protected]
Awards ChairIda V. Eskamani857 Spring Oak CircleOrlando, FL 32828Email:[email protected]
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Equality ChairIda V. Eskamani857 Spring Oak CircleOrlando, Fl 32828Email:[email protected]
Convention Best Practices ChairJudy Byrne Riley1501 Bayshore DriveNiceville, FL 32578Phone: 850-217-4003Email: [email protected]
Training Resource ChairSusan Smith16111 Vanderbuilt DriveOdessa, FL 33556Phone: 813-926-2768Email: [email protected]
Grassroots Campaign ChairAlison MoranoWesley Chapel, FL 33544Phone: 813-766-9872Email: [email protected]
SPECIAL COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Page/Teller/Quarterly MeetingHostessSandra Cogley Brown301 Brady WayPanama City Beach, FL 32408Phone: 850-628-4031Email:[email protected]
Time KeeperBarbara Bartell301 Brady WayPanama City Beach, FL 32408850-628-4031Email:[email protected]
Elder Affairs/SS/Insurance ChairJoan M. McGinnis, MLS, Med4866 Las Flores Ct.Elkton, FL 32033Phone: 904-535-0099Email:[email protected]
APPOINTED OFFICERS:ELECTED OFFICERS:ParliamentarianDr. Ada Puryear BurnetteP.O. Box 38543Tallahassee, FL 32315Phone: 850-445-7260Email: [email protected]
Sergeant at ArmsCheryle Davis-Darrell2637 East Atlantic Blvd #26904Pompano Beach, FL 33062Phone: 561-713-4964Email: [email protected]
CorrespondingSecretary/NewsletterJudy A. Schnabel200 Madrid Blvd.Punta Gorda, FL 33950Phone: 941-637-7014Email:[email protected]
Membership Vice Chair
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Standing Committee ChairsCredentialsDr. Sharlyn Roach19610 NE 1st PlaceMiami, FL 33179Phone: 305-815-5799Email: [email protected]
RulesEvalyn Coe Narramore2088 Downing DrivePensacola, FL 32505Phone: 850-476-0044Email: [email protected]
ChaplainJulia Heckendorn106 Loyal RoadSt. Augustine, FL 32086Phone: 904-806-1945Email: [email protected]
AuditCarolyn Chism Helms1387 Landmark CourtFt. Myers, FL 33919Phone: 239-432-0970Email:[email protected]
Campaign ScreeningEllen M. Holt1158 Muirfield WayNiceville, FL 32578Phone: 850-216-5685Email: [email protected]
Environmental CommitteeNancy Shipes, MBATarpon Springs, FL 34689Phone: 727-938-9793Email:[email protected]
CommunicationsJudy Meyers8340 Chasco Woods Blvd. Apt. 3HNew Port Richey, FL34668Phone: 727-967-4257Email: [email protected]
Finance & Special Projects(Ways & Means)
BylawsNancy Hurlbert35624 Cypress Ct.Leesburg, FL 34788Phone: 352-483-4962Email: [email protected]
ResolutionsDee Williams TatisP. O. Box 1358Bowling Green, FL 33834Phone: 863-375-3186Email:[email protected]
Archives & HistoryDanielle Neetz936 Chickadee DrivePort Orange, FL 32127Phone: 386-295-7513Email: [email protected]
BudgetVelma Lumpkin1623 Roberts AvenueSebring, FL 33870Phone: 863-471-2672Email: [email protected]
HandbookAnna Eskamani857 Spring Oak CircleOrlando, FL 32828Phone: 407-376-3609Email: [email protected]
ProtocolsDr. Ada Puryear BurnetteP. O. Box 38543Tallahassee, FL 32315Phone: 850-445-7260Email:[email protected]
Design and Layout byJudy Schnabel
Betty Gissendanner23259 Painter Ave.Port Charlotte, FL 33954Phone: 941-624-2735Email:[email protected]
Nomination and GrievanceCommitteeJanet Goen1104 Clippers WayTarpon Springs, FL 34689Phone: 727-937-8590Email:[email protected]
LegislativeMilly Krause800 S. Brevard Ave. No. 222Cocoa Beach, FL 32931Phone: 321-613-4445Email:[email protected]
Political CommitteeSamantha Hope-HerringP. O. Box 1404Santa Rosa, FL 32459Phone: 225-806-8552Email:[email protected]
Platform ChairELLEN S. JULIANO1042 Rosetta DriveDeltona, Florida 32725Phone 386-860-0210Email: [email protected]
Our Condolences
Charlotte County: Mari Usera on the loss of her husband.
Helen Wrobbel, long time member of Charlotte County DWC. Helen was 96 at the time of her death.
Escambia County, Evalyn Narramore on the loss of her mother.
