November 2013 November 2013

Message from President Maureen McKenna

POSITIVE! Muscogee Indian Tribe of Northwest PROGRESSIVE! . PREPARED! I am extremely honored to have been The 2013 Convention in elected as your state President of our Panama City, hosted by Democratic Women’s Club of Florida, Inc. Region 2 in September I remain ecstatic that Team Maureen was 2013, was the most well- elected and also includes Nancy Hurlbert, attended Democratic 1st Vice President; Rachel Pienta, 2nd Women’s Club of Florida, Inc. (DWCF, Inc.) Vice President; Anna Eskamani, Secretary; Convention in recent memory. We had and, Carol King, Treasurer. It is with great joy that I anticipate working with my sister approximately 235 attendees, including elected officers over the next two delegates from all over the state of Florida. years. Our goal is to work unceasingly to The workshops, speakers and networking increase the number of Democratic were energizing. The workshops were Women’s Clubs in Florida (DWCF); to delivered by outstanding subject matter enlarge our membership across our state; experts on hate crimes, legislative advocacy and, to increase the numbers of elected techniques, social media, gun control and Democratic officials. healthcare for women. In October, I attended the Florida Speakers for our delicious meal functions Democratic Party Convention in Orlando. included Florida women who are running for At the Women's Caucus I was Office. They are Attorney Gwen Graham, who accompanied by Nancy Hurlbert, 1st VP; is running for Congress; Senator Nan Rich, Anna Eskamani, Secretary; and, Carol who is running for the Governor of Florida; King, Treasurer to present to a standing and Jamie Shepard, who is running for District room only meeting. Candidates who spoke 6, Florida House of Representatives. These to attendees included Nan Rich, , wonderful, progressive Democratic women , April Freeman, John Alvarez were joined by Allison Tant, Chair of the and Betty Ledbetter. We were able to Florida Democratic Party; Elena McCullough, establish contacts with potential new Florida Activist; Nadine Smith, Director of members and those who are interested in Equality Florida; Lori Berman, Florida House starting a new club. As a result of our of Representative member; and, our Saturday Women's Caucus at the FDP Convention, banquet keynote speaker Elizabeth Colbert Region 7 Chair Sandra McClinton has the Busch from South Carolina. Another major first organizational meeting for a new highlight of the convention was when our Sarasota Club scheduled on January 11, members had the honor to listen to, sing 2014. with and dance with rituals lead by the Cont’d on Page Two – Message President’s Message Cont’d.

We have truly hit the ground running. Our Region Chairs on their duties. A teleconference team has already started working on toolkits for local club presidents is scheduled on and training for Region Chairs and Club December 9 at 7 PM. Presidents; researching our DWCF history Please contact me and share any suggestions to share with members; creating an you have to improve the DWCF, Inc. or if you electronic newsletter; and, updating would like to serve on a committee. We will materials to a new website. We had a look at each carefully and use all the ideas fabulous NFDW South Region Convention possible. I look forward to working with you to in Ft. Myers on November 8 to 9, 2013, continue to make the DWCF, Inc. Together, chaired by Mary Ellen Taylor. At the same DWCF is Positive, Progressive and Prepared time, we are busy planning our robust 2014 to provide activism to support Legislative and Board Meetings with Luncheon Speakers Campaign support in order to turn Florida and a remarkable 2014 DWCF, Inc. Blue!! Convention scheduled on September 18-21, Dr. Maureen McKenna 2014, in St. Augustine, chaired by Julia President, DWCF, Inc. Heckendorn. Tally Days planning, [email protected] coordinated by Stephanie Kunkel, Legislative Chair and Nancy Hurlbert, 1st VP is scheduled for March 24 and 25, 2014, is in high gear. Please mark your calendars. Evalyn Narramore; Rules Chair and Nancy Hurlbert; Bylaws Chair and 1st VP, continue to update our rules, bylaws, and policies and procedures and handbook. Our Political Committee, headed by Samantha March 23rd - March 25th Hope Herring, is off and running to ensure that the DWCF are substantial contributors (Sunday evening through to getting progressive women elected to Tuesday) office in all future elections. Our Candidate Resource Committee, headed by Karen Welzel is working hard to have information SAVE THE DATES!! accessible to help those who are running for Four Points Sheraton - office. Our Financial Committee, headed by Betty Gissendanner, is making plans to use Downtown Tallahassee fun and innovative fundraising methods. DWCF's branding continues to be polished by Communications Chair Gwen Shangle. 316 West Tennessee Street I would like to thank Judy Schnabel for Click on the link below for generating our first electronic newsletter, as more information. Corresponding Secretary. I would like to thank Rachel Pienta for submitting an article to the National Federation for Democratic Women newsletter. http://democratic-women.org/tally.html A Regional Chair teleconference was held in October to share ideas and orient new Mothers and Daughters at DWC of PBC Who we are Restoration of Rights event WE, the members of the Democratic Women’s Club of Florida, come together to Message from Joan Waitk ev icz: declare our vision as Democrats for the great State of Florida. We join our fellow Floridians On 9/22/13 the Democratic Women's Club of Palm Beach County did a Restoration of Rights in the pursuit of liberty, equality, prosperity workshop for those who thought they could not vote due to a criminal conviction. We encourage and personal satisfaction in our lives and other chapters to contact their local ACLU to sponsor this fulfilling action. Questions? Contact DWC livelihood. We are mindful of the challenges of Palm Beach County, 561-802-3722, [email protected]. the people of our state face daily; therefore, we commit ourselves not only to the task of seeking solutions, but to taking the very real steps necessary to make our vision a reality. From every walk of life, we rejoice in our ability to come together in this common cause. Our hosts were Club Our presenters were Marcia Corinne Miller (center of members Rev. Anna and Turia Hayden of the group photo) and a League ACLU (Turia is pictured with To read the complete platform, please click Higginbotham and Kemet Justine Postal.) Dante of Women Voters team, here: Jones of St Paul AME Bailey of Public Defender registered voters. DWCF Platform Church, West Palm Beach, Dist 15 (right side of group pictured together. photo) provided technical help and expungement of DWC East Polk/Ridge records. Club Indian River County The DWCEP/Ridge is a fairly new club. Even though we have only been chartered since July, the DWC East Polk Ridge Club is moving The Democratic Women’s Club of along quite nicely. We are 20 members, and Indian River County sent eleven hope to recruit a few more this month. There members to the Florida Democratic is a history of the DWC in Polk County, and Convention in Orlando from October we are proud to help carry on that legacy. On September 24, Claire Conner, author of 25th through the 27th. Four of our "Wrapped in the Flag" was our guest speaker members participated in Emily’s List at a special event that we shared with the Campaign Training all day on the Greater Winter Haven Democratic Club. We 25th. We all had a wonderful time had a great turnout, and our members enjoyed attending the various caucuses and the opportunity to meet Ms. Conner. Pictured are (front left to right) Claudette At our October 16 meeting, we had general meetings. What a wonderful Pelletier (Corresponding Secretary-elect), candidate for Winter Haven City Commission, opportunity to get together with so Kathie Jaskolski (VP Membership), Kristy Debbie Ogzewalla tell us about her campaign many other like-minded Floridians Polackwich (also Vice Chair IRC DEC), Elsie and plans for change. Debbie is also our Vice and unite on the goals of pink- Visel, Judy Smith, Nancy Hernandez; (back President of the DWCEP/R Club, so we were slipping Rick and getting more left to right) Linda MacDonald (President), especially thrilled to hear her. Unfortunately, Lanie Frame (VP Programs), Ron Torpezer Debbie was not successful in her bid for the Democrats elected to the State (Chair of IRC DEC) and Cate Wenzing. Not Commission, but we know that she will House and Senate as well as pictured are Sharon Kolor and Corry continue to fight for what is right, and will help Congress! Westbrook. grow our club. We are looking for Democrats to step up Charlotte County and run for US Congress,and the Florida House. We hope to invite them to speak WW II Veteran and P.O.W. Eddie Dostie spoke before our club in the next few months. We are proud to be members of such a to the Charlotte County Democratic Women’s spirited and dedicated group of women (and Club on Veteran’s Day. Left - Nancy Razvoza, men) and we look forward to many years of growth here in Polk County. president Charlotte County DWC greeted Eddie before he addressed the members. Submitted by Karen Cooper Welzel, President

Page 3 Committee Reports Nancy Hurlbert, doesn't get this one-more-task to do! 1st Vice President, Recently passed Convention Amendments Ida Bylaws Chair that affect Clubs include (1) the deletion of "Members-at-Large", (2) deleting the Eskamani requirement that members must be Awards registered Democrats "in the State of Committee One way to communicate continuously Florida" (now they can join us and be and easily with your legislators is through a snowbirds!!) and (3) all Clubs must submit DWCF postcard!! Did you just came back There are big plans for the Awards from your county's Legislative Delegation their Bylaws to the Bylaws Chair annually, no Hearing? Send your delegates a postcard later than the third State Meeting (i.e. July). Committee this year! We are determined to reminding them what was said! Did you Why wait and forget what needs to be go above and beyond in recognizing our see a quote from your legislator in the changed...send your bylaws now so the New incredible Democratic women and clubs! newspaper that you don't agree with? Send Year will be "clean". We will be incorporating new awards, a postcard! Remember you got a Legislative Update from our Legislative Candidate Resource ensuring our members from across the Chair, Stephanie Kunkel, asking you to Committee state have the opportunity to be nominated contact the Committee Chairs about your and apply for awards, and streamlining the support of the ERA (Legislative Update sent By Karen Cooper Welzel awards process for the Democratic out October 13th)? Send each of them a postcard! I am so happy to be submitting an article Women’s Club of Florida. The work you do for the first e-newsletter for the DWCF. on the ground and in your communities to Postcards now have a "blank" spot for your What a great time to be a part of this move this state forward inspires our Club's logo...or if you don't have a Club organization. With our new President, Dr. Committee every day to better serve the logo, I will insert the DWCF logo! 50 Maureen McKenna and her fine team, I postcards for just $15...such a deal!! I will membership and recognize this amazing predict that we will move mountains to get work. Stay tuned for more updates from the have them at our January Quarterly Democratic women recognized and elected Meeting...or I can send you a packet for an Awards Committee! as the powerful force that we are. additional $6 for postage. You have a right to write...use it! I'm excited to tell you about my role on On another subject, Susan Smith, Training this team. I was asked to chair a new Elder Affairs Resource Chair, and I are working together committee, the Candidate Resource to bring you monthly Town Hall Committee. I have life-long family history in Teleconferences. The first one was by politics and activism, and was a candidate Joan McGinnis Susan on Florida Gun Laws; January's will for State House District 41 last election. be with one of the Dream Defenders. I am Elder Affairs hoping to get attorney John Morgan to Running for office, or being a campaign speak on his Medical Marijuana manager does give you a very different amendment. If you have a suggestion for a perspective on elections, as a whole, and a speaker for one of these 1-hour greater respect for anyone who has ever teleconferences, please contact Susan or thrown her hat into the ring. Knowing this, I me...we really want to do a teleconference put out a call to all the members of our ealth and Human Services Secretary once a month, all year! organization to enlist the help of those who H have done this before, and who are willing Sebelius released figures in early And lastly, I had a wonderful time at the to share their experience and best practices November for the first months’ applications NFDW Southern Regional Meeting the with us. I'm pleased to announce to you the under the ACA. In Florida there were weekend of November 9th in Region 7. If women who will join me on this committee. 67,366 completed applications with you ever have a chance to attend, do so! Please join me in thanking Anita Davis, We met great Democrats from Tennessee, Mary Higgins, Shannon Roberts, Linda 123,870 individuals included in those Kentucky, Virginia and Arkansas...and the Jones, Lydia Lowell, Daisy Black, Jamie applications with 3,571 having selected a National President of NFDW, Carye Blaney! Shepard and Marilyn Mordes. plan thus far. A total of 93,456 are eligible Education, awareness and fun...what more to enroll, with 29,637 eligible for financial can you ask for!!?? We are in the beginning stages of our assistance. Some 12,887 are eligible for mission, but I know that we will have a either Medicaid or the CHIP program. Bylaws finely-tuned, well-oiled vehicle with which to Some 17,527 applications are pending. move "Positive, Progressive and Prepared" Florida has the highest numbers of the Presidents...it would be timely if - before you women forward. We will make a difference leave office - you would submit your Club in ourcities, our counties, our state and our states in the Federal Exchanges. Bylaws to me so the new incoming President great nation.

Page 4 Election Day was good for women

Cape Coral Amanda Murphy One of our DWC members just made history. Marni Sawicki was elected the first female mayor of Cape Coral ever and the first elected Democratic mayor. (There was a Democratic male mayor several years ago but, he was appointed not elected, to fill a vacancy).

If you think your vote doesn’t count, think about this. Marni won by 121 votes. Lydia Lowell-Sherman, president Lee County DWC, (left) is shown with DWC member and newely-elected Cape Coral Mayor Marni Sawicki. St. Petersburg Amanda Murphy won her election to the Florida Congratulations to St. Petersburg's newest City Council members: Darden Rice and Amy House of Representatives, representing Dist. 36. Foster! Both won their races, with help from Ruth's List Florida members from around the Ft. Myers state. With State Reprsentattive Amanda Murphy's win three weeks ago, that makes us three for three! Democrat Teresa Watkins- Brown won reelection to the Fort Myers City Council, Ward 1.

Information Needed New regional chairs and new presidents are to submit the list of your club's newly elected officers with their full name, office, snail mail address, email address and preferred phone number/s to the following SEC members as soon as possible after they are elected. Please include your club's Legislative Liaison on this list. Darden J. Rice Amy Elizabeth Foster Please send the list of your club's elected State Executive Committee Meeting Dates officers and Legislative Liaison to: President Dr. Maureen McKenna, Saturday, January 18, 2014 at Renaissance Golf Village Resort [email protected]; Hotel, St. Augustine Handbook Chair Dr. Ada Burnette, Sunday, March 23, 2014 at Four Points Sheraton, Tallahassee [email protected]; and, Saturday, July 12, 2014 at Hilton, Ocala Communications Chair Gwen Shangle, [email protected]. September 18-21, 2014 at Renaissance Golf Village Resort This information is needed for the Website, Hotel, St. Augustine Handbook and for coordination of club activities. Thank you!!

Page 5 Democratic Women’s Club of Florida by Region

Region 1 Mildred Hall 9017 Turnberry Court Tallahassee, FL 32312 Phone: 850-893-4736 Email: [email protected]

Region 2 Judy Byrne Riley 1501 Bayshore Drive Niceville FL 32578 Phone: 850-217-4003 Email: [email protected]

Region 3 Mary Lou Woods 87 Village Del Lago Circle St. Augustine, FL 32080 Phone: 904-461-5408 E-mail: [email protected] Region 4 Region 7 Danielle Neetz Sandra McClinton 936 Chickadee Drive 5028 Pelican Blvd. Port Orange, FL 32127 Cape Coral, FL 33914 Phone: 386-295-7513 Phone: 239-471-7704 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Region 5 Region 8 Judy Meyers-Prine Susie Johnson 5340 Carlton Road 4808 Boabadilla Avenue New Port Richey, FL 34652 Sebring, FL 33872 Phone: 727-967-4257 Phone: 863-385-0008 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Region 6 Region 9 Patricia Farley Crutcher Mishell Warner 101 Bay View Drive 571 NW 194 Street Indian Harbor Beach, FL 32937 Miami Gardens, FL 33169 Phone: 321-773-2949 Phone: 786-367-7795 Email: Email: [email protected] mishellwarner@gmailcom

Page 6 Highlights Southern Conference National Federation of Democratic Women by Jim Helms, Lee County DWC

Fort Myers, Florida (the “City of Palms”) insuring women are fairly represented throughout government. A welcomed scores of “Women in Blue” on short video featuring U.S. Congresswoman and Chair of the November 8th and 9th, 2013 at the Crowne Plaza Democratic National Committee, Debbie Wasserman Shultz, Hotel. Southern Democratic women leaders from across the South gathered to celebrate returning welcomed the Convention to Florida and expressed regret in not President Barack Obama to the White House and being at the meeting personally to support the efforts of Democratic to coordinate ongoing efforts to influence Women. legislative issues important to women: education, equality, health care, comprehensive immigration reform, women’s reproductive The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Annisa Karim, Chairwoman of rights, and protecting the right to vote and the environment. the Collier County, Florida Democratic Party. She also flawlessly Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, performed the duties of audio/visual manager for the Convention. North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia comprise the Southern Region of the National Federation of Democratic Women (NFDW). Fun Tidbit: Ms. Karim is the Chair of the Democratic Executive Committee of Collier County (Naples). She is also a Land Following an earlier registration period, our Democratic Women’s Stewardship Coordinator for Lee County and an expert on Clubs leaders, along with a few men members, used a lively conservation matters in Southwest Florida. reception to network with other progressive thinkers, re-establish old friendships, make new ones, and share a few stories and Carye Blaney, President of the NFDW Laughs. The Democratic Women’s Club of Florida, Inc. was proud explained to the audience why it is critical for to host the event. Its newly-elected President Maureen women to vote. She spoke about how it is McKenna,Ph. D., set a wonderful tone in her opening comments getting harder to make ends meet, to have for the Conference on Saturday. She declared that Southern security and educational opportunities for women will help turn the South “Blue”. families and that women are always the ones that “Fix It”. She challenged the Democratic Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson offered a warm welcome to women to Fix issues by working together on policies that allow the all and said he was humbled and appreciative of the Convention undocumented to move towards citizenship, provide pay equity for inviting him. He said he had just come off of an election victory women by passing the Paycheck Fairness Act and extend full civil rights earlier in the week. He recognized Marni Sawicki, who was in to the LGBT community, Comprehensive Immigration Reform, the audience, for having been elected Mayor of Cape Coral defend women’s productive rights, protect the middle class by Florida also earlier in the week. Randy said he looked forward to focusing on student loans and the success of the Affordable Care working with Marni and coordinating their efforts to improve the Act, increase the minimum wage and protect voting rights. Southwest Florida area.

Fun tidbit: Ms. Marni Sawicki, member of the Democratic President Blaney suggested “we know the problems” and to Fix It, Women’s Club of Lee County was elected Mayor of Cape Coral we need to elect more women to office.” She reminded the audience Florida, population 150,000 covering 120 square miles. Ms. that there are only 6 female governors, 12 women state Secretaries Sawicki is the first woman to win the Mayor’s office and the first of State and women are underutilized in Congress and local public Democrat elected to that office. Three other members of the office. She called on the Women in Blue to elect a Democratic DWC of Lee County are also seeking election in 2014 to offices woman President. She explained that the NFDW was part of a for U.S. House, Florida State House, and local County Democratic alliance and that Federation represents over 100,000 Commission. women, provides structure, has a long history of success and it’s time we join together, increase membership and raise money, The Reverend Allison Farnum, Minister of the Unitarian although too often it’s harder for women candidates to raise money, Universalist Church in Fort Myers, led the invocation. Reverend but “when Democrats win America prospers.” Farnum is highly engaged in social issues in the Fort Myers community and is recognized as an expert on the issues of undocumented residents in Southwest Florida. She encouraged Fun Tidbit: Ms. Blaney serves as Clerk of Courts in Monongalia the audience to form new relationships while at the Conference County (Morgantown), West Virginia and has been recognized as because “When we come together, we’re able to “dream bigger.” one of the most innovative and progressive County Clerks in America

Susanna French, Southern Region Director of (OR) the NFDW, called the Conference to order. Ms. French is a Democratic leader from Fun Tidbit: Gene Vaccaro, Democratic party leader from Collier Kentucky and currently serves as a Board County was recognized for his amazing contribution to the Officer with Emerge Kentucky, an organization Convention for his work on the program and all related printed that has trained over 900 Democratic women material. Gene is the spouse of Elaine Vaccaro, President of the to run for public office and is committed to Collier County Democratic Women’s Club. Highlights Southern Conference National Federation of Democratic Women – Cont’d.

Fun Tidbit: Gene Vaccaro, Democratic party leader from Collier the singing of the National Anthem. Marcella also sang Lee County was recognized for his amazing contribution to the Greenwood’s I’m Proud to be an American and Pie Jesu, Convention for his work on the program and all related printed written by Andrew Lloyd Weber, a song which he dedicated to material. Gene is the spouse of Elaine Vaccaro, President of the the victims of violence in Northern Ireland. With the final words Collier County Democratic Women’s Club. “Grant us peace” we moved to the adjoining room for lunch.

Claire Conner was the luncheon featured speaker as the author “Florida’s Hidden History” was the topic of Dr. Martha R. Bireda’s of the bestseller, “Wrapped in the Flag, A Personal History of speech. She took the audience through the forgotten history of how America’s Radical Right.” Ms. Conner provided the group with Blackwomen helped win the Civil War. She said these women took her fascinating and highly relevant family experience. For over great personal risk in expressing their power. An example given by 25 years her father was a national spokesperson of the John Dr.Bireda was Mary Touvestre, who as a freed slave came back to Birch Society and her mother was also a JBS supporter. work for a Confederate engineer working on modifications to the ironclad CSS Virginia. Had the plans been accomplished, the South Ms. Conner said she rejected her family’s bigotry and today may well have broken the naval blockade imposed by the Union. believes America can be a better, more inclusive place because She was thought to be powerless and oblivious. But, she copied the she reads. One series of fictional books, “Outlander” depicted a plans, traveled two hundred miles in the winter of 1862 and heroine that went back in time and knew the future. She said delivered the plans to the Union Secretary of the Navy. Her work as based on her early background she too thinks she can define a spy led directly to an expedited completion of the Union’s ironclad, the future of the right wing. The old radical right mutated into Monitor, and to its rapid deployment to Virginia. This ended in the today’s religious right and Tea Party agenda of banning first ironclad naval battle and a stalemate that kept the blockade in abortion, fighting gay rights, denying climate change, seeking place. the destruction of the United Nations, killing comprehensive immigration reform, ending civil rights protections, killing social Other examples cited of heroic women thought to have no power and welfare programs, and ending the labor union movement. were: Harriet Tubman a freed slave that rescued more than 300 slaves on nineteen missions into the South and led an armed The Birchers moved south and joined with the KKK and White expedition in the Civil War; Mrs. Darbney a slave washwoman for Citizens Councils. They seek an army of one million believers, Confederate officers who, with her husband, invented a way of not a majority at the polls. She said progressives tend to “play relaying Rebel troop movements by positioning clothes on a nice” and are ill-prepared to fight a civil war of nullification – Clothesline; and, a literate slave with a photographic memory, Mary where states nullify federal laws they think are wrong. Bowser, who would secretly relay information from her owner, Jefferson Davis’ desk. These “powerless” women were critical to the Ms. Conner said the answer is to raise a new generation that Union winning the Civil War and Dr. Bireda called on the audience to believes government is part of us and works for the common use its power to bring freedom and equality to all people. good and stands up for the poor. Fun Tidbit: In one of her postings on her web-page Fun Tidbit: Dr. Bireda is the founder of the Blanchard House http://claireconner.com , Ms. Conner wrote: “When you strip Museum of African American History and Culture of Charlotte away all the trappings, the Koch Brothers and their allies County, Florida. The house was built in the 1920s for Joseph propose the identical ideas I heard from my father and his Blanchard, a Black sea captain and key member of the early Punta Gorda, Florida business community. Birch allies: this is an unholy marriage of radical libertarian economics in the Ayn Rand model and a regressive, unre- Vice Chair of the Florida Democratic Party, Annette Taddeo- lenting culture war.“Put it together and you have exactly what Goldstein, on behalf of Party Chairwoman, Allison Tant, welcomed the Birchers longed for a dismantled safety net, a federal gov- the NFDW to Florida. She asked us to remember it is important to ernment 40% of its current size and a free-for-all, laissez faire have good candidates for all levels of government. She announced economy where the rich pay no taxes, business has no regula- the recent Democratic election wins in St. Petersburg and tion and the workers have no unions.“The government will be Homestead and called on Democratic women to keep an open tiny, but what is left will control our personal life, our sexual pref- dialogue so that the right candidate can be chosen. erence, our fertility, our civil rights and our right to vote. Vocalist Marcella Brown, age 16, from Punta Gorda, Florida “Welcome to the right wing future.” presented An American Tapestry of music, leading the audience in

Page 8 Highlights Southern Conference National Federation of Democratic Women cont’d.

A Business Meeting followed Ms. Conner’s tFun tidbit: The owner and Executive speech with reports from the President and Producer of the Broadway Palm Dinner the various committees. Jane Grey-Todd, Theater is Will Prather. Will is the previous President of the DWC of Arkansas asked Chair of the Democratic Executive that we remember who we are and how far Committee of Lee County (Fort Myers), we’ve come, but we must have a fire in our Florida. He is an avid supporter of the guts. Democratic Party and served on Obama campaign Finance Committee in 2008 and 2012. Dr. Maureen McKenna, President Democratic Women’s Club of Florida, said Fort Myers was a wonderful venue and the her focus was on increasing membership Conference/Meeting was very successful. and a variety of other initiatives such as refining membership lists, monthly Many of those attending look forward to educational town halls, handbook revisions, returning to Southwest Florida to enjoy the County Chair conference calls, beaches and ideal weather. Thank you Mary Ellen Taylor, chair NFDW Regional implementation of a political committee to DWCF and Region Seven for such a Conference, addressed the delegates. help make Florida blue, and plans for the productive and fun Conference. 2014 St. Augustine state convention and the March 24/25th Tally Days in the state capital. Photos by Lori Spencer, DWC of Lee Peggy Monroe, Tennessee DWC President, County reported priorities as electing Democrats to state office, and bringing in younger members byusing social media.

Catherine Altizer, Media Relations Director for West Virginia DWC reported on behalf of Susan Hubbard, President, that the focus for her state was grass roots and bringing in younger members also through social media. NFDW attendees L-R Carolyn Helms, Lee County, Betty Gissendanner, Charlotte County and Sandra McClinton, Region VII Chair repre- Susanna French, Southern Region Director, senting Lee County and Region VII. NFDW and representing Kentucky reported that the state’s ACA exchanges were working and she apologized to all for the Delegates mingled and got to know each other state’s two Senators, Mitch McConnell and during a reception on Friday evening at the Rand Paul. Susanna also showed an Crowne Plaza Hotel. amusing video by Allison Grimes, candidate for US Senate that featured her grandmothers using Facebook (the link for St. Augustine, here we come! the video is:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BHcRd Region 3 will host the DWCF 2014 Convention. Julia MxG6o. Heckendorn will serve as convention chair.

The Convention then broke out into The 2014 DWCF Convention will take place at the Renaissance Workshops on Social Media (led by World Golf Village Resort in historic downtown St. Augustine, Catherine Altizer) and “Lobbying 101” (led September 18 - 21, 2014. by Nancy Hurlbert). Following a raffle For reservations, go to: www.resweb.passkey.com/go/DemocraticWomensClub or call fundraiser the Convention adjourned. 1 -888-789-3090.

But the day did not end. Numerous DWCF Convention room rates are from $109 (plus taxes). You can turn your stay into a attendees went on to enjoy a production of vacation and take advantage of the DWCF special rates for up to SIX EXTRA DAYS! the musical “Cats” at the Broadway Palm Rates apply for three days before through 3 days after the convention. Dinner Theater in Fort Myers. A reception Make your reservations now! was held prior to the delicious dinner.

Page 9 ELECTED OFFICERS: APPOINTED OFFICERS: Special Committees President Parliamentarian Equality Chair Carrol Y. Cherry Dr. Maureen McKenna Ida V. Eskamani P.O. Box 10751 130 South Circle 857 Spring Oak Circle Avon Park, FL 33825 Tallahassee, FL 32302 Orlando, Fl 32828 Phone: 863-214-4680 Phone: 850-212-9789 Email: Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] [email protected] Sergeant at Arms Convention Best Practices Chair Cheryle Davis-Darrell 1st Vice President Judy Byrne Riley 2637 East Atlantic Blvd #26904 Nancy Hurlbert 1501 Bayshore Drive Pompano Beach, FL 33062 35624 Cypress Ct. Niceville, FL 32578 Phone: 561-713-4964 Leesburg, Florida 34788 Phone: 850-217-4003 Email: [email protected] Phone: 352-483-4962 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Corresponding Public Relations Chair Secretary/Newsletter Dr. Rachel Sutz Pienta 2nd Vice President Judy A. Schnabel 200 Madrid Blvd. 53 Meadowlark Drive Dr. Rachel Sutz Pienta Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Crawfordville, FL 32327 53 Meadowlark Drive Phone: 941-637-7014 Phone: 850-926-8894 Crawfordville, FL 32327 Email: Email: [email protected] Phone: 850-926-8894 [email protected] 200 Madrid Blvd. Email: [email protected] Environmental Chair SPECIAL COMMITTEES Karen Epple 1236 NE 19th Place Recording Secretary Historical Research Chair Gainsville, FL 32609 Anna V. Eskamani Jade Reindl Phone: 352-642-6843 857 Spring Oak Circle 114 Meadow Woods Lane Email: [email protected] Orlando, FL 32828 Niceville, FL 32578 Phone: 407-376-3609 Phone: 850-865-7303 Training Resource Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Susan Smith 16111 Vanderbuilt Drive Awards Chair Odessa, FL 33556 Treasurer Ida V. Eskamani Phone: 813-926-2768 Carol Flaumenhaft-King 857 Spring Oak Circle Email: [email protected] om 35445 Highland Drive Orlando, Fl 32828 Eustis, FL 32736 Email: Phone: 352-483-2011 [email protected] Email: [email protected] Elder Affairs/SS/Insurance Chair Joan M. McGinnis, MLS, Med Convention 2013 4866 Las Flores Ct. Past President Elkton, FL 32033 Janet L. Goen Phone: 904-535-0099 1104 Clippers Way Email: Tarpon Springs, Florida [email protected] 34689 Phone: 727-937-8590 Page/TellerQuarterly Meeting Host Email: Sandra Cogley Brown [email protected] 301 Brady Way Panama City Beach, FL 32408 Get well wishes Phone: 860-628-4031 Email: [email protected] Get well wishes to our Past Okaloosa DWC officers added a little laughter to President, Janet Goen. She is the convention with their demonstration. L-R recovering from severe back Jeannette Debs, Beth Blankenship and Trish problems. Rowe.

Page 10 Chairs 2013 - 2015 Standing Committee Chairs Bylaws Credentials Communications Nancy Hurlbert Dr. Sharlyn Roach Gwendolyn Shangle 35624 Cypress Ct. 19610 NE 1st Place 337 North Ridge Drive Leesburg, FL 34788 Miami, FL 33179 Fleming Island, FL 32003 Phone: 352-483-4962 Phone: 305-815-5799 Phone: 904-269-2400 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Resolutions Rules Dee Williams Tatis Evalyn Coe Narramore Finance & Special Projects P. O. Box 1358 2088 Downing Drive (Ways & Means)______Bowling Green, FL 33834 Pensacola, FL 32505 Betty Gissendanner hone: 863-375-3186 Phone: 850-476-0044 23259 Painter Ave. Email: Email: [email protected] Port Charlotte, FL 33954 Phone: 941-624-2735 [email protected] Chaplain Email: Archives & History Julia Heckendorn [email protected] Danielle Neetz 106 Loyal Road 936 Chickadee Drive St. Augustine, FL 32086 Grievance Committee Port Orange, FL 32127 Phone: 904-806-1945 Janet Goen Phone: 386-295-7513 Email: [email protected] 1104 Clippers Way Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Email: [email protected] Audit Phone: 727-937-8590 Budget Carolyn Chism Helms Email: Velma Lumpkin 1387 Landmark Court [email protected] 1623 Roberts Avenue Ft. Myers, FL 33919 Sebring, FL 33870 Phone: 239-432-0970 Legislative & Education Phone: 863-471-2672 Email: Stephanie Kunkel Email: [email protected] [email protected] 1143 Albritton Dr. Tallahassee, FL 32301 Handbook Platform/Candidate Resource Phone: 850-320-4208 Dr. Ada Puryear Burnette Karen Welzel Email: [email protected] P. O. Box 38543 Tallahassee, FL 3310 Fox Ridge Drive 32315 Winter Haven, FL 33884 Political Committee Samantha Hope-Herring Phone: 850-445-7260 Phone: 863-318-0441 Email: Email: [email protected] P. O. Box 1404 Santa Rosa, FL 32459 [email protected] Campaign Screening Phone: 225-806-8552 Ellen M. Holt Email: 1158 Muirfield Way [email protected] Niceville, FL 32578 Phone: 850-216-5685 Email: [email protected]

Condolences to Bay County & Charlotte County DWCs

Our condolences go out to the Bay County DWC family for the loss of Barb Kline. Barb was a dedicated Democratic Woman who always sought for ways to help her club. She will be sorely missed by us all.

Condolences also go out to Charlotte County DWC family on the loss of long-time member Peggy Ondick. Peggy always had a smile and was always willing to do whatever she was asked to do.

Design and Layout by Judy Schnabel

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