December 2016 Newsletter
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Dear LWVFC Members,
When this League year began, the four of us began the transition to a new governance structure that existed in only the most skeletal form. We were not sure what was in store or what it would take to survive. It is a pleasure to be able to report to you that we did much more than survive.
Among our accomplishments this year:
- We worked together to register, educate and get out the vote. Two significant registration events: George Mason High School 81 registered in February and West Broad about 10 registered and 15 began the process.
- We prepared and distributed the Voters Guide on line, in The Falls Church News Press and distributed 1,000 at the polls, Farmers' Market, and in public places. Eighty-five percent of the voters in Falls Church voted in this presidential election. Twenty-five percent voted absentee. The Voters' Guide helped voters understand the issues and decide how to vote.
- We offered two excellent programs this fall: the constitutional amendment on the Right to Work vs a Union Perspective Forum and Oxford style debate on the library Bond issues.
- Amy Hjerstedt launched our "Sips and Civility" series-gatherings that bring together people who have not been politically engaged and want to play a more active role.
The League is more relevant than ever and, it is more important than ever to engage with diverse communities and maintain our non-partisan stance.
2017 will be an equally busy and productive year.
NOTE: Our annual program planning meeting on January 14 has been postponed due to a meeting with our Virginia legislators Sen. Dick Saslaw and Rep. Simon Marcus at the Community Center from 10 to noon.
The date of our Program Planning meeting will be announced shortly. A key purpose of the program planning meeting is to discuss LWVFC, LWV-NCA and VA and plans, positions and focus and to review the bylaws to determine if any changes need to be made.
Please plan on attending and making your voice heard, so that the year can be even more effective and exciting.
Your management team wishes you all a wonderful holiday season, and a happy, healthy 2017.
The Management Team
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LOBBY DAY AND LEGISLATIVE ROUNDTABLES
Don't forget that your LWV membership includes access to LWV Virginia events, including informative roundtables during the legislative session, and Lobby Day on February 1. If you are not already receiving the
Virginia Voter Express, which contains information about these events, please see the
LWVVA webpage
FRACKING
LWVVA is preparing a fracking program for consensus that will culminate at LWVVA's June Convention. Hydraulic fracturing (a.k.a. fracking or fracing) is a method to release natural gas and oil trapped inside bedrock that could not be economically retrieved with traditional methods. Fracking is a fiercely debated political and environmental issue. Advocates believe it is a safe and economical source of clean energy that provides jobs, assures energy independence, and boosts the economy. Critics claim it pollutes the air and drinking water, affects health, promotes seismic activity, contributes to the greenhouse gases, and will delay the development of renewable energy sources.
LWVFC will hold a consensus meeting to discuss this important topic on
March 7 at 5:30pm
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SHENANDOAH RUN:
SONGS OF PROTEST, SONGS OF TRIUMPH
Friday, January 20
Creative Cauldron
7:30pm
Don't have an invitation to a Gala Inauguration Ball?
Join us for a social night on January 20 at the Creative Cauldron, 410 S Maple St., in support of the LWVFC position on Arts in the City.
To
purchase tickets, scroll down to January 20 or call Creative Cauldron (703) 436-9948. Enjoy a fun evening with League members and others. This is not a fund-raiser for the League, it's purpose is a good time with friends.
Creative Cauldron welcomes back Shenandoah Run for a special concert that celebrates the power of folk music and the healing power of art to bring people together. Let yourself be lured into a sing along with this talented nine piece folk ensemble as they perform songs that galvanized a generation, and profoundly changed the course of history at another time of deep division in our country. With their top notch musicianship and passionate performance, Shenandoah Run may just help us find some harmony.
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2016-2017 LWVFC Board and Off-Board Members Management Team Martha Cooper Wendy Frieman Linda Garvelink Judy Parente Programs Co-Chairs Robert Crowe Johannah Barry Local Affairs Chair Wendy Frieman Secretary Jody Acosta Treasurer Ruth Rodgers Voter Service Co-Chairs
Liaison to NCA Ellen Gross Administrative Team Ellen Salsbury Edith Holmes Snyder Edith Snyder Special Projects Madalyn Cafruny Genie Flahie Bunny Jarrett Marty Meserve Jane Scully
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Program Planning Meeting - POSTPONNED
check the website calendar for an update by Jan. 3
CORRECTED DATE:
Saturday, Jan 14
10 a.m. - Noon
2017 Virginia General Assembly and Legislative Agendas Q&A
Meet with Virginia State Sen. Dick Saslaw and
State Delegate Marcus Simon
Falls Church Community Center
Friday, Jan. 20
7:30 p.m.
Creative Cauldron
"Songs of Protest, Songs of Triumph"
Sunday, Jan. 22
4 - 5:30
Information Forum:
Ring Around Falls Church
Falls Church Community Center
Wednesday, Feb. 1
Lobby Day
Richmond, VA
Friday, February 10
6 - 8 p.m.
LWVNCA Hosted Reception with LWVUS Board
The Beacon Hotel
1615 Rhode Island Avenue, NW
Washington, DC
Sunday, Feb. 12
(Snow Date: 2/16)
4 - 5:30 p.m.
Community Forum:
Money in Politics
Falls Church Community Center
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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ACCOMPLISHMENTS
As we prepare to close the book on 2016, we find ourselves reflecting on all the hard work the League has done nationwide and what it has accomplished.
Take a moment to look at this
recap and see what the League is doing to defend the rights of voters.
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UPDATED LWVFC VIDEO ARCHIVE AVAILABLE ON WEBSITE
You can always view (or share) our programs from the videos housed on our website:
Either use the link above or, from the Home Page, select "Positions, News, Videos" from the left side menu, then select "Past Program Videos."
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About Us
The League of Women Voters Falls Church is a non-partisan organization that serves the citizens of Falls Church City through encouraging informed and active participation in government, working to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influencing public policy through education and advocacy.
A Voice for Citizens and a Force for Change in the United States.
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