Example Image - 600 x 150 pixels
Stay Connected         Facebook
www.lwvoprf.org
In This Issue










May 2018
President's Letter
Where are those May Flowers? Happy Mother"s Day!

I had the opportunity to  represent OPRF at LWVIL Lobby Day in Springfield on April 18 with Heather Cunningham. We met with with Senator Don Harman to discuss the issues of the IRA, Fair Taxes, Fair Maps, and the override of the Governor's veto on Gun Legislation. We  got a  special tour of the Senate Chambers but Senator Harman wouldn't let us bang the gavel at Senator Cullerton's podium. I caught Senator Lightford on her way to her office. She did give praises to the League, supported the ERA, and agreed to read the material I left for her regarding Fair Taxes and Fair Maps. There are so many groups lobbying for their special bills and causes trying to meet with the Senators and Representatives, I wonder how anything gets done. 

In April we had several opportunities to learn about "Shed the Straws", the Oak Park Education Foundation programs, the fight for the ERA, Engineered Foods, Toxicity, and your health, Fair taxes and Fair Maps. I hope you took the opportunity to learn about these issues.

The committee chairs  are preparing their 2017-18 summaries for the Annual Meeting and looking for new members as they plan for next year.

The Oak Park Main Library will open the "Idea Box" for the month of May to "Mothers and Others for Peace" thanks to Mary Rose Lambke.The theme is "What are you doing to seed the roots of Peace?" I hope you will participate in the activities. The 1870 proclamation from Julia Ward Howe called for "an appeal for women to unite for peace in the world." How appropriate is that call for us today!

On May 22 at 5:30 we will be gathering for our Annual Meeting at the Oak Park Township Senior Center. Please plan to attend. We need your vote on our nomination slate, budget, updated program, and bylaws. Did you know that we have been approved by the IRS to be a 501(c)(3) Organization? We have planned an amazing program following our business meeting. Five of our 50+ members will share their special life stories, involvement in our communities, and in the League, followed by questions from you. We are so privileged to have this opportunity to have them with us. Don't miss it.

In the LWVIL E-News there is a monthly history article about the Women's suffrage movement and the League. I am attaching the article about

I will be in Italy with my family in May. If you have any questions or concerns you may contact our Vice Presidents Mary Haley or Kathy Balk.

Ciao!
Marge Massarello
Second Tuesday
"What does your Township do for you?" will be presented at the  May 8 Second Tuesday meeting.  Representatives from the Mental Health Board of the Oak Park Township will be in attendance to discuss programming and answer questions. Join us from 9:30-11:00am at the Nineteenth Century Club, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. Read the flyer for more information.
Good Earth Fundraiser
The weather is finally cooperating for planting season. Beautify your yard and help your League at the same time. Shop and Share Days at Good Earth Greenhouse, 7900 Madison, River Forest, are scheduled for May 18, 19, and 20.  Use this coupon as you check out and our League receives 10% of the pre tax total. A win-win! Please share the coupon with your friends and neighbors.
Money in Politics 
Our sister Leagues of Lake Bluff/Lake Forest are having a program this Wednesday, May 2, on "Money in Politics:It's impact on gun safety policy".  The panel will include Sen. Durbin, Rep. Schneider, and Lake Forest HS student Elizabeth Porter. This event is free and open to everyone.  Read more here.
Commenmorative Stamp
Would you like to help get approval of a U.S. Commemorative Postal Stamp for the ratification of the 19th Amendment? After stamps have been approved by Congress, a special group, the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee, has the final say on which of numerous stamps recommended by Congress are ultimately selected for usage by the general public. By writing a supportive letter to the Manager of Stamp Development, William Glicker, you could help get our "stamp of approval"! Use this letter example to draft one of your own and send it to Mr. Glicker now.
Annual Meeting
Remember to mark your calendars for our 94th Annual Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 22. The business meeting will begin at 5:30 pm, followed by a lite dinner, and then a panel discussion by 50+ year members Barbara Ballinger, Virginia Cassin, Harriet Hausman, Bobbi Raymond, and Sherlynn Reid. The Annual Meeting Packet will be sent out in the May 7 Week in Preview.
Moderator Training
There is a Moderator Training for candidate forums offered by LWV IL scheduled for Saturday, June 9, from 9:30am - 1:00pm. Send your name, local league, email address and phone number to voterservice@lvwil.org to sign up. The training will take place at the Mt. Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson, Mt. Prospect. Jan Dorner, LWVIL Voter Service Co-Chair will be the trainer and she needs 10 people to make this a go. 
Great Decisions in May
This will be the final month of Great Decisions discussion groups. Topics for the month of May are South Africa's Fragile Democracy and Global Health' progress/challenges. Join a group one last time at Maze Branch Library, Brookdale, or River Forest Library. Check out the dates here.
Sister, Sister
LWV Chicago May Newsletter - Find out what our sister League to the east is doing  here.

LWV Cook County Annual Meeting - There is still time to register for this Monday, May 14 event. Go here for more information.

LWV US Convention - June 28- July 1, Chicago Hilton, 720 S. Michigan. Volunteer to help here. Buy tickets to the Second City performance at the Hilton on Friday, June 29 here. This is a fundraiser for LWV IL and LWV Chicago.


League of Women Voters of Oak Park & River Forest | | (708) 342-0803
  lwvoprf@sbcglobal.net | http://lwvoprf.org
P.O. Box 3301
Oak Park, IL 60303-3301