The pandemic put a damper on our League getting together for in-person events. But now it's time to break out and meet and greet fellow League members! And how about inviting a prospective member to join us? On Saturday, February 11, from 11:00am–1:00pm, we will meet at Brookdale Senior Living, 1111 Ontario Street, Oak Park, for an in-person meet and greet. Enjoy lunch, say hello to old and new friends, learn about volunteer opportunities with the League, and enjoy the skyline view from the 13th floor dining room. We do need you to RSVP so we have sufficient food ordered. If you are bringing a prospective member, please share that information with us too. Members who bring someone new will be entered into a raffle for a prize! RSVP your attendance to our League email now.

The April 4 Municipal Election Races are set. Oak Park has 3 contested races (Village Trustee, OPRF HS SD200, Library) and 2 uncontested races (SD 97, Park Board). River Forest has 1 contested race (SD 90) and 3 uncontested races (Village Trustee, Park Board, Library Board). Forest Park has contested Mayoral and Commissioner races. It is unusual for our communities to have so many uncontested races. Candidates in the uncontested races are being approached to give 3-minute statements about their candidacy. Even with no competition, these candidates should let the community know who they are.

Please check our website calendar for the dates of our candidate forums, all in February and March. Also, we need your probing, insightful questions so we can decide if these people deserve our votes. Send questions to our email address at [email protected]. Please tell us to which race the question is directed.

The annual LWV IL Issues Briefing is scheduled for Saturday, February 18, beginning at 8:45am and with the last session convening at 2:00pm. Cost for this virtual event will be $30. Check out the schedule and session details here.

The Feminist Four Newsletters from LWV Berkeley Heights, New Providence, and Summit, NJ, is coming to an end. Their two-year journey was started to celebrate the 20th Amendment Centennial through stories of the fight for gender equality through song. You can read the final newsletter and possibly purchase their book here. Here are some of the final comments from their president, Laura Engelhardt. "Don’t be a bystander as our freedom is whittled away. Don’t be complacent. Be inspired by the heroic actions of the feminists who have come before us. Vote for politicians committed to women’s equality. Protect our democracy by volunteering as election monitors and vote counters. Be a part of the struggle."

Great Decisions Book discussions begin in February.  Group discussions with new 2023 topics begin in February at Maze Branch Library, 845 Gunderson, Oak Park. Meetings will then run twice a month through the beginning of June. There also will be a discussion group at Brookdale Senior Living, Oak Park. If you are interested in purchasing this year’s book or require more information about either of the group discussions, please contact chair Alex Matthews. This promises to be an exciting series of discussions about international issues exploring 8 subjects over 8 sessions. Books have arrived for this spring session, so please email Alex to reserve your book. See the schedule of dates and their topics here.

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