Social Activities Continue!!! Come Out and Join the Fun!
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Breakfast Club - Join DWC members for breakfast and conversation at local restaurants. We meet the second Thursday of the month at 8:30 a.m. Email marywhitcomb@gmail.com to join this lively group.

Walking - (Update) The Walking Group meets Tuesdays at 11 a.m. (weather permitting). Join us walking around Stephen Decatur Park in Berlin. We walk and talk and share views . Contact Debra Fisher-Reynolds at dfreyns@comcast.net

Book Clubs - If you are a paid up DWC member and are interested in joining an existing book club or starting a new book club, please contact Ellen Krawczak at egkraw@outlook.com. It's a great way to make new friends, challenge your mind and have fun. We have several active book clubs and always welcome new members.
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Political Action Committee (PAC) Report

The PAC is always open and new members are welcome to join any time. Our meetings are on the second Monday of each month at 2 p.m. via Zoom. The next meeting will be Monday, March 13 .
Check your email for Action Alerts or contact Joan Roache (beachyogi@me.com) for the link to the Zoom meeting.

Strong Schools Worcester County

We continue to attend school board meetings. On January 17, new board member for District 6, Katie Addis was sworn in with the rest of the Board. District 7 member Todd Ferrante was elected President and District 1 member Bill Buchanan was elected Vice President. On February 7 there was a joint meeting with the Board of Education and the County Commissioners where the school administration presented the basics of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. The major concern expressed by the Commissioners was the cost (to the county taxpayers). Katie Addis expressed concern over the section that addresses making sure struggling students have the services and help they need in and out of school to be successful. She felt it was unnecessary as she said school should only be concerned with teaching the basics.
Look for Letters to the Editor in the Bayside Gazette and the Coast Dispatch where Gail Jankowski and Joan Roache try to address some of these concerns. Gail is also writing a Strong Schools Worcester County Newsletter. If you are interested in getting on the email list for the newsletter, email Gail at janfam83@gmail.com.
If you'd like to join us at the Board of Education meetings, they are held the third Tuesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. at the Board of Education Building in Newark. Contact Joan at beachyogi@me.com for more information.

Join Our PAC Work Sessions - Wednesdays at the Community Center
There's a lot to do - so we have decided to continue our efforts through March!

The success of the postcard parties in 2022 (we wrote over 3,000 for various candidates and issues) led us to think we need more opportunities to get together to take political action. During the month of February, we held PAC Work Sessions every Wednesday from 2 to 3:30 p.m. (in the East Room of the Ocean Pines Community Center). We are writing postcards for special elections and to our legislators requesting that they support specific pieces of legislation. Everyone is welcome! It's a great opportunity to meet and talk with other DWC members and to feel like we're making our voices heard!

Proposed Legislation
The PAC is following some proposed legislation that will impact us. Join the next Zoom meeting (see above) to hear the status of these bills and discuss possible action.
There are bills:
  • Relating to environmental/climate change, including one that will require Worcester County to prepare a climate crisis plan, and several relating to green energy.
  • Relating to education, including several on the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, recruiting teachers, and Gov. Moore's Service Year Option program.
  • Relating to guns, including the Gun Safety Act of 2023.
  • Relating to protecting women's rights to reproductive freedom as well as protecting patients and providers from investigation from another state that does not protect these freedoms.
  • Relating to on-farm composting and anerobic digestion, one of which might encourage the construction of more chicken houses (CAFOs).
If you're interested in a full list of the bills the PAC is following, email Gail Jankowski at janfam83@gmail.com for a copy of the Tracking Chart. If you would like to write testimony for any bills, Gail can talk you through that process -- it's easy.
Join Fellow Democrats in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in OC!! We Need Your Help!
Once again, the Democratic clubs and the Central Committee are joining together to show the Democratic Party flag at the Annual Ocean City Saint Patrick's Day Parade Saturday, March 11.
In the past we have had a decorated truck in the parade and those who joined the event rode and marched and had a terrific time. We have a truck this year -- so we need you and your friends and families to join in and help decorate it and ride or march in the parade with us. The parade starts at noon but we'll of course need to decorate the truck in advance, beginning at 9:30 a.m. the day of the parade, on one of the side streets (TBD).
If you'd like to participate in decorating, riding, or marching, send an email to Patty Lockett at edandpatlockett@netzero.net, or call Patty at 410-289-4725.
Come join the free fun and support the Democratic Party!!!
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Great News and Progress on the ERA

In late January, the ERA Coalition shared some breaking updates from Capitol Hill as the new 118th congressional session moved forward.

Updated Resolution Language

Over the past few weeks of 2023, the ERA Coalition worked with the offices of Senators Ben Cardin and Lisa Murkowski, and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, to draft updated language for the resolution to remove the ratification time limit from the ERA. The updated language proposes that the joint resolution 208 (as agreed to in the Senate on March 22, 1972) to ratify the ERA is valid as part of the U.S. Constitution, having already been ratified by the legislatures of three-fourth of the states.
The language was drafted in consultation with some of the country's top constitutional scholars. In the Senate, the updated resolution was filed by Senator Cardin as SJ Res 4. Senator Murkowski has joined Senator Cardin as the Republican co-lead on the resolution. The Senate has used a procedural move called Rule XIV to allow the bill to be placed directly on the Senate calendar, so it can be brought up for a vote without needing to go through the Committee process.
In the House, Congresswoman Pressley will be the lead sponsor of the updated Resolution.
Things are moving fast, and momentum for the ERA to finally be made a part of the Constitution continues to grow.
If you would like to send a quick email to Senator Cardin thanking him for sponsoring SJ Res 4, you can use this link:
https://www.cardin.senate.gov/email-ben

"They Made History" - Ms. Magazine's Fave Features on Black Feminists
Yes, I am old enough to have read the first issue of Ms magazine back in 1972. It was a game changer for women. Recently, my friend Linda Linzey has been sending me some great possible topics for the newsletter, some of which have come from the still-around Ms. magazine, now celebrating its 50th year. As a result, I have started reading Ms. again with more experienced and certainly more appreciative eyes.

This month, the magazine features (in print and online at msmagazine.com) a great look back titled "They Made History": Ms. Magazine's 10 Fave Features of Black Feminists". It's a great collection of articles by everyone from Eleanor Holmes Norton "...And the Language is Race", "The Nature of the Beast" by Anita Hill (both in the Jan/Feb. 1992 issue) to "The Black Feminist Guide: Bell Hooks" by Janell Hobson in the Winter 2022 issue. Great reads, and while you're there, check out all the current and archived articles -- including the very first issue (quite a cover).

When it was launched as a "one shot" sample insert in New York magazine late in 1971, Ms. magazine was a brazen act of independence, and is still making an impact today. As Co-founder Gloria Steinem said, "I realized as a journalist that there really was nothing for women to read that was controlled by women, and this caused me along with a number of other women to start Ms. magazine." Steinem, herself was inspired by many women of color throughout her career in activism. She worked with Flo Kennedy and Shirley Chisholm, advocating for women's rights. She founded Ms. magazine with Dorothy Pitman Hughes, who was involved in child welfare activism, as well as the civil rights movement.

In the early 1970s, the feminist movement was either denigrated or dismissed by the so-called mainstream media. (I remember people asking "why are women so angry?"). Steinem wanted a publication that would address issues that modern women cared about instead of just domestic topics such as fashion and housekeeping. That first preview of Ms. magazine (the "one-shot" issue of 300,000 copies) sold out within three days, and generated 26,000 subscription orders within the next few weeks. Guess they've always underestimated us!

As I said, the current Ms magazine (now published quarterly) is definitely worth checking out and their website is filled with great archival articles. I know some of our DWC members weren't even born when that first issue was published -- which makes me feel really old. But I think we can all benefit from good journalism no matter how old we are.
And you of a certain age -- take a few minutes and check out Ms. magazine....again.

Sue Challis, DWC Newsletter Editor
and long, long-time feminist
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Democratic Women's Club Treasurer's Report
as of January 31, 2023


Closing Balance December 31, 2022 $11,499.12

Expenses:
Speaker Honorarium (Reverend Jones) $50.00

Total Expenses: $50.00

Income:
50/50 raffle $71.00
Change buckets $15.36
Donations: $75.00
Membership Dues: $560.00

Total Income: $721.36

Closing Balance January 31, 2023 $10,347.74

Other notable financial matters:

Per DWC Board approval, DWC has changed banks as of 1/18/2023 to M&T Bank. Full transfer of monies to be accomplished after all checks issued under the Taylor Bank account have cleared. Features now available include: mobile banking for deposits and bill payments, and Zelle payments by members.

Respectfully submitted,

Margaret R. Miller, Treasurer, Democratic Women's Club of Worcester County MD

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2023 DWC Board of Directors

In case you missed it, here are the smiling faces of the new DWC Board, sworn in by DWC Past President Susan Hubbard at our December luncheon. What a great time and a great fundraiser for DWC!

Left to Right:

Debi Koczen-Doyle, Member at Large, Vice President, Susan Buyer, Maggie Miller, Treasurer,
Co-Presidents: Mary Anne Whitcomb and Debra Fisher-Reynolds, Sue Challis, Corresponding Secretary/Newsletter and Recording Secretary, Dana Barney

At-large members not shown: Rosie Bean and Becky Simonds
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The 2023 Maryland General Assembly
Democrats Show of Support for Abortion Rights Measures
(excerpted from Maryland Matters.org)
While there has been little doubt that Maryland leaders would seek to strengthen abortion protections during this General Assembly session, the point was reinforced February 8 when dozens of the state's top leaders, including Gov. Wes Moore, came together for a raucous State House news conference to endorse a four-bill reproductive rights legislative package. House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones, Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, and Senate President Bill Ferguson stood with Gov. Moore and nearly 100 lawmakers to show their support. Several speakers discussed the urgency to act since the U.S. Supreme Court dismantled abortion rights with its Dobbs decision last summer.
"As long as I am the governor of Maryland, our state will be a safe haven for abortion rights," Moore said. "But the importance of today and importance of all these leaders is this: We're going to make sure that Maryland is a safe haven for abortion rights long after I am governor of this state. That's the importance of today."

Advocates Press for Passage of Trans Health Equity Act
After a bill to expand Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming healthcare failed late in the 2022 General Assembly session, advocates and lawmakers rallied in February in Annapolis for the passage of the measure this year. House Bill 283, the Trans Health Equity Act, has 57 sponsors in the House of Delegates and 13 sponsors in the Senate. "This is a mission of love, but I am not alone," the bill's chief House sponsor, Del. Anne Kaiser (D-Montgomery County} said at the rally. "We also have dozens of colleagues planning to vote with us. And most importantly, we have a governor wishing to sign this bill into law." Dozens of people testified in favor of the legislation during a hearing of the House Health and Government Operations Committee this month.

Watch this space for monthly updates on what's happening in Annapolis. It's going to be an historic session!
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A Special Thank You from Reverend J. Jones
We received this note from our January Meeting Guest Speaker, Rev. Jones, and wanted to share it with the members:
To the Membership of the Democratic Women's Club:
I am forever grateful to your organization for asking me to share and present some views on racial justice and equality as we see it today. Your reception of the presentation was most encouraging that we might be on the right track to change. The warmth displayed by all was overwhelming and appreciated. Your generosity and apparent love for all people is above the standards we often witness in life. Again, I thank you graciously and look forward to future events.
Rev. James Jones,
Convener of CAALES (Coalition of African American Leaders of the Eastern Shore
photo above: Rev. Jones with DWC President Debra Fisher-Reynolds and Vice President Susan Buyer
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Super Bowl Fly-Over Makes History - First With All-Women Pilots

As the National Anthem was sung during the Super Bowl last week, many may not have realized that history was being made in the sky above the stadium.

(photo of pilots with First Lady Dr. Jill Biden)

For the first time, the flyover in the Super Bowl by the U.S. Navy jets was piloted by an all-female team, and commemorated 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. The team on the ground who maintain the aircraft is also composed mostly of women, and some of them rode along in the flyover.

One of the pilots, Lt. Catie Perkowski said, "We will be honoring every man and woman in the service during the flyover. There are also men and women that we serve with every day. They are the ones that make sure that I am able to fly. So to be able to carry them with
us, it's really exciting."

This was their first Super Bowl appearance, but the all-woman team had gathered once before on a special occasion. Capt. Rosemary Mariner was the Navy's first female jet pilot. When Mariner died in 2019, the Navy conducted its first-ever all female flyover during her funeral.



Calendar of Events

Democratic Women's Club of Worcester County




DWC General Meeting
Monday, February 20, 2023
10 a.m. (coffee and conversation, 9:30 a.m. - NOTE - Please bring your own coffee or beverage)
Speaker: Dr. Nicole Hollywood, Board President PFLAG, Salisbury, a vital community advocacy group for the LGBTQ+ community and their friends and families.

Worcester County Board of Education Meeting
Tuesday, February 21, 12:30 p.m.
Board Building, Newark, Maryland
Join us and WEAR RED!

Democratic Club of Worcester County General Meeting
Thursday, February 23, 6:30 p.m.
Ocean Pines Community Center, Marlin Room

PAC Work Sessions Will Now Continue Through March
Wednesdays, February 22, and March 1, March 8, March 15, March 22 and March 29, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Ocean Pines Community Center - East Room
(see article above - PAC Report)

Drinking Liberally - GREAT NEW WINTER LOCATION!
Marriott Residence Inn, Ocean City
Thursday, March 2, 5 to 7 p.m.
We had a great first happy hour there in February. Let's do it again!
Hope to see you there!


St. Patrick's Day Parade
Saturday, March 11, 2023 - Parade starts at noon.
Once again the Democratic Clubs and the Central Committee are joining together for this fun event.
Help is needed to decorate the truck/float, and to ride or march in the parade. Email Patty Lockett at edandpatlockett@netzero.net or call her at 410-289-4725.

Political Action Committee (PAC) Meeting
Monday, March 13, 2 p.m. via ZOOM
Watch your email for Action Alerts for details and the Zoom link

DWC General Meeting
Monday, March 20, 10 a.m.
Ocean Pines Community Center, Assateague Room
Speaker: Dr. Annette Wallace, Worcester County Board of Education
Topic: "How is Worcester County Implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future?"


SAVE THE DATE!
The annual Kennedy-King Dinner will be held April 23, 2023 at Light House Sound.
We will publish more details as they become available. Put it on your new calendar now!

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Recap of January 16, 2023 DWC General Meeting

The meeting was called to order at 10 a.m. in the Ocean Pines Community Center. Vice President Susan Buyer introduced the guest speaker, Reverend J. Jones, Convener of the Caucus of African American Leaders of the Eastern Shore. Rev. Jones focused on inclusion, diversity, and civil rights. He told some moving stories and stressed the need for police accountability in stereotyping and profiling, and the need for fine-tuning the judicial system regarding sentencing. He told the history of Stephen Long, and the efforts among the community in Pocomoke to find financing to install a commemorative plaque in the city. Many members offered some resources in that area, including the Worcester County Historical Society, and perhaps a fundraising effort within the DWC.
Business Meeting:
Co-President Debra Fisher-Reynolds discussed the 2023 Goals for the Club, and mentioned that the volunteer sign up sheets for various areas were available at the meeting.
Maggie Miller gave the Treasurer's Report and presented the 2023 budget to the membership. The budget was passed unanimously, with the inclusion of a motion by Tish Michaels to carry over the balance of $143 remaining in the 2022 storage shed budget to 2023, which was seconded by Cherie McNett and passed by the membership.
Website update (Sue Challis and Joan Roache) - Sue reported that the domain problem has been resolved and that the new site design is completed. Launch of the new site is hoped to be accomplished during the week of February 20.
Committee Reports
PAC (Joan Roache) - Joan announced that Drinking Liberally has moved to the Marriott Residence Inn in Ocean City for the next few months (going back to the Ocean Pines Yacht Club in the summer).
She reported on the Strong Schools efforts at the recent School Board meeting (see PAC report above) and announced that there is now a new Strong Schools newsletter distributed via email.
Current Legislative Actions: Joan announced that Gail Jankowski has created a spreadsheet (updated frequently) on pending legislation in the General Assembly and asked members to contact Gail to get on the email list for that.
Central Committee (Vicky Wallace) - Vicky announced that the Kennedy-King Dinner is April 23 and that invitations for speakers have gone out to new Comptroller Brooke Lierman and Lt. Governor Aruna Miller.
Vicky also announced that the new DCWC ("night club") has a new president - Tim Tarr.
Kindness and Giving (Cherie McNett) - Cherie gave a brief recap of the donations made by DWC in 2022 Several members asked if we could publicize some of the efforts in Ocean City and elsewhere where winter coats and other items are needed.
Hospitality Committee - members are needed to sign up to bring baked goods to meetings.
Announcements: Honk and Wave January 22, Salisbury - 50th anniversary of Roe
The meeting was adjourned at 12:15.
Submitted by Dana Barney, Recording Secretary

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The DWC newsletter is published monthly. Please submit articles and other items for consideration to: suechallis68@gmail.com by the 10th of each month. Sue Challis, Editor