The Voter
The League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn
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A Letter from the Co-Presidents
Your LWVGE board has been busy this summer, planning for the upcoming year. We are excited about the programs planned for the coming year, as well as all the voter service events that will take place during this important election season. We had a great turnout for the kick- off meeting which was held on August 15th at the Glen Ellyn “Vote” House. Thank you to Candy Purdom for organizing the event, and all the volunteers who made the evening such a success.
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Volunteerism is the backbone of the League and we rely on our members to bring our program to life! As we head into 2024 and another busy election season, we need all hands on deck. We are counting on each one of you to help us Get Out the Vote (GOTV) this fall. Every day you interact with countless individuals; family, friends, neighbors, business associates, and these are wonderful opportunities to engage them in a discussion about the importance of voting. We are nonpartisan so we are not promoting any particular candidate, but we do want to make sure that people are registered to vote, that they know their options for voting, i.e., in person either early voting or on election day or voting by mail; and where they can go to get unbiased and accurate information about the candidates (illinoisvoterguide.org or vote411.org). All of this information is readily available on our website at lwvge.org.
There are still some of you who have not yet renewed your membership. If you have not yet renewed, please do so at the link below.
We value your participation and input. If you have any questions, concerns, thoughts, please reach out to us below. We’d love to hear from you, and we look forward to seeing you at one or more of our upcoming events!
In League,
Barbara Kwiatkowsky and Judy Kinn, Co-Presidents
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The Glen Ellyn Boathouse got the League makeover again on Thursday, August 15 when our annual LWVGE Kick-Off turned it into the Votehouse! So much fun to gather together and greet familiar and new faces. Thanks to all of you, we drew 85 attendees. What a great launch as we begin League’s 2024-25 year, and we can’t wait to get started.
Our evening began with Membership Director, Michelle Peterson, addressing 11 new members. Thank you for stepping up and joining LWVGE! We welcome one and all. Looking forward to getting acquainted.
Co-presidents Barbara Kwiatkowsky and Judy Kinn shared their enthusiasm for the program year ahead. Deb Hornell and Gail Berstein discussed Voter Services and the presidential election in just a few weeks’ time! Registering, encouraging voting and USING OUR VOICE are key!
Many thanks to Sania Irwin, League member and Vice President of the LWVUS. Her featured talk was inspiring as she shed light on seven components of Democracy, including important elements like being aware of money in politics, the status of voting rights, and mis and dis information- all significant to our education as voters. With her incredibly busy schedule and national responsibilities, we can’t thank Sania enough for her time.
Three baskets chock full of fun were raffled off at evening’ end. “Cheers to League,” “Democracy All Day,” and “For Your Book Nook” went to winners Jeff Gahris, Renie Atchison and Joyce Miller. Congrats to all three.
Unfortunately for me, I was unable to attend, (boo Covid!) but I want to thank the volunteers who took the reins and pulled off another great event for League. Your willingness to carry on that day at the last minute meant the world to me!
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Raffle winner “Democracy All Day” Renie Atchison | |
TIt wouldn't be the League raffle without Jeff Gahris winning for the 3rd year in a row! “Cheers to League,” and to lucky Jeff! | |
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Two upcoming programs are focused on our core mission of defending democracy and empowering voters.
On Thursday, September 19, LWVGE hosts our September Community Meeting, “Combating Election Subversion,” featuring guest speaker Jared Davidson, of ProtectDemocracy.org. This nonpartisan group builds coalitions of conservatives, moderates, and progressives working to defend the principles of democratic government and the rule of law. Davidson will speak about key election threats as we approach the November election.
On Thursday, October 17, We are delighted to co-host our October Community meeting with our friends at the LWV, Wheaton! LWVGE presents "Mis/DisInformation," featuring guest speaker Barb Laimins, member of the Wheaton League and Co-Chair of the Mis/DisInformation Committee of the LWV Illinois. Important decisions are based on what we hear on social media and in the news. When we are unable to distinguish between truth and mis/disinformation, confusion and misunderstandings can lead to a generalized sense that “you can’t believe anything anymore.” Mis/disinformation ultimately undermines trust in legitimate information sources, increases polarization in our society, and leads to misinformed decisions. We’ll be made more aware and educated just in time for November!
Submitted by Candy Purdom, VP Program
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National and Illinois League News | |
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Dr. Sania Irwin, our featured speaker at the kick-off meeting and current LWVUS Vice-President, shared with us that League not only wants to Defend Democracy, but also to Strengthen Democracy. She laid out the seven components of the democratic framework that LWVUS is working on to accomplish this goal:
1. Ensure that the 2030 Decennial Census is a complete and accurate count. We must fight the undercount and make sure that there is sufficient time and funding available to conduct the census count accurately
2. Fight gerrymandered Congressional and State legislative maps. The LWVUS supports Fair Maps Initiatives
3. Focus on money in politics and combat the influence of dark money in our elections. LWVUS supports passage of the DISCLOSE Act
4. Fight voter suppression efforts to limit access to voting. LWVUS supports passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which reinstates the preclearance requirements of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It also supports passage of the Freedom to Vote Act which expands voting rights, reduces the influence of money in politics, and bans partisan gerrymandering
5. Educate voters and counter mis/disinformation. It is important to state and repeat facts, without repeating the wrong information
6. Ensure that the U.S. has a trusted and impartial judiciary. Therefore, the LWVUS will be undertaking a study of the federal judiciary to develop a position
7. Abolish the Electoral College because every voter is important, and every voice matters equally. This will need to be accomplished through a constitutional amendment, but planning is already underway to achieve this moonshot goal
LWVIL is focused on GOTV efforts this fall. We will be participating in the LWVIL postcard writing effort. More details will be coming from your engagement ring leaders, and we hope you will join us in this fun and important project!
Submitted by Judy Kinn, Co-President
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Voter services has A LOT going on at the moment! Two questions are guiding all Voter Services activities for this election:
Are you registered to vote? Do you have a plan to vote?
While LWVGE members might know all too well the importance of voting, not everyone does! We encourage all LWVGE members to ask friends, families and neighbors these two questions through November 5, and refer them to the newly updated Voting section of https://www.lwvge.org/
DuPage Co Voter Services Collaboration:
Voter Services Leads from all 7 DuPage Leagues have met monthly since April to share ideas, resources and identify ways to collaborate for the General Election. Ideas for forums, videos and messaging have resulted from these discussions, as well as enhanced relationships across Leagues.
Voter Registration is one of the primary efforts of LWVGE!
Two events were held in August:
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Four LWVGE members and two “future voters” engaged with potential voters at our annual Pre-Lolla event at the Glen Ellyn Train station on August 2. (pictured: Member Emily Henkels and her 2 future voters!) | |  |
This event raises awareness of the importance of registering and having a plan to vote. (pictured: members Mary Schieve, Jayne Boeckelman, and Mary Synder) | | |
LWVGE registrars completed registrations at the Festival Mariposa Monarcha on August 2-3 and encouraged voters to get out and vote. (above: Members Sarah Baldwin and Dave Evans; right: Members Donna Jean Simon, Joyce Beck, Judy Burke) | | |
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Several registration events are planned for National Voter Registration Day on September 17, including 3 Glenbard High Schools, The Glen Ellyn Public Library and College of DuPage. If any members have suggestions for other sites for events, please contact us at voterservices.lwvge@gmail.com. | | | |
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REMINDER: NON-CITIZEN DRIVER'S LICENSES
A reminder for our almost 50 LWVGE registrars: Effective July 1, 2024, Illinois began issuing standardized driver’s licenses to eligible non-citizens. Non-citizens are not eligible to vote, and these licenses must not be mistaken as acceptable as voter registration IDs! Note the words “Federal Limits Apply” on this type of license.
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New and Upcoming Resources for Voters!
New: Information on Judicial Races
One of the most common questions we get is “I don’t know much about the judges running for office. Where can I find helpful information?” Two new sources of information addressing this question came out of our DuPage Voter Services collaboration:
· LWV Elmhurst and LWVGE are co-hosting a Judicial Forum on September 4, with two judges providing an overview of the IL Judicial System and how to find information about judicial candidates. This event will be recorded, and the link shared with all DuPage Leagues as well as COD and other schools.
· LWVGE has added a new web page about the IL Judicial System and Judicial Candidates, https://www.lwvge.org/illinois-judicial-system. Voters can find information on the judicial system, links to candidate evaluations, and the recording of the 9/4 Judicial Forum. Please share the link with others looking for information.
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Coming soon: Candidate Forums
The League of Women Voters’ primary purpose is to encourage the informed and active participation of voters in our government. Forums are only held for contested races. We are collaborating with other Leagues on several races that overlap our towns. Please check https://www.lwvge.org/candidate-forums and upcoming e-blasts for specific times and locations.
Coming soon: Mock Elections
In past years, we’ve held Mock Elections at 3 Glenbard High Schools to prepare their eligible voters for the voting experience. This year, we’re unable to borrow election equipment from the County Clerk’s office for mock elections, so we’re getting creative! Voter Services Co-Chairs Gail Bernstein and Deb Hornell are meeting with Glenbard Social Studies Department Chairs in early September to create an election module and simulated voting experience to explain the voting process and practice casting a ballot. LWVGE has also filmed a short video, Voting in DuPage: Your Ballot’s Journey, to illustrate what happens when you enter a polling place and what happens to your ballot when you leave. This video, which will be posted on our website, serves many purposes: as a stand-alone video, as a companion piece to the How to Register to Vote Online, and as part of the election module for High School voters. Please share either or both of these videos, found on our website, to voters wanting to register or create a plan to vote.
Remember: We can all Get Out The Vote (GOTV) by sharing these resources and those two questions:
Are you registered to vote? Do you have a plan to vote?
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Immigration and Immigration Reform is a key social justice issue that impacts people’s ability to participate equitably in our democracy.
Immigration is a key LWVUS Program focus for 2024-2025. LWVUS passed an Immigration resolution at their June 2024 National Convention in Washington D.C., reaffirming its long standing position calling for fair and humane immigration reform, including legal pathways to admission to the United States.
Immigration is a critical issue in the upcoming Nov 5, 2024 elections
Immigration itself is a complex issue that is further complicated by the availability of factual information. Many people feel uninformed on the topic of immigration and may hold beliefs not supported by facts. For example, did you know that 17.6% of the Illinois labor force are immigrants? That is nearly 1 in 5 workers in our state! Kim Reed, Immigration specialist for LWVIL, along with LWVGE Communications VP, Nicole DeJoris, have created excellent Immigration web pages that are fact-filled and have links to further information for many questions voters have on this topic. Please visit www.lwvge.org/immigration and direct others you know to view it.
Many League members want to know “What Can an Individual League Member Do for Social Justice?” Here are some suggestions:
· Encourage voting for candidates that support SJ issues important to them
· Confirm family/friends are REGISTERED to vote and have a PLAN to Vote. EVERY VOTE COUNTS
· Stop spread of Mis/Disinformation- encourage voters to visit lwvge.org for accurate updated election information and accurate facts on topics like Immigration.
Submitted by Sarah Allen, LWVGE Social Justice Committee
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On August 22, LWVGE was invited to a tour of World on the Move, an impressive and interactive exhibit at the Glen Ellyn Library. Thank you to the 17 guests who joined in to learn about 250,000 years of human migration. We were pleased to get a “behind the scenes” peek. It closes TODAY August 30, so hurry over if you haven't seen it yet! | | |
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The League presently has 151 members which includes nine new members. We would like to welcome our new members:
Judy Burke
Nancy Hull
Pam Voves
Katie Rahal
Judi Van Erden
Jane Moore
Andrea Hamler
Lana Shepek
Gary Shepek
A New Member Orientation was held at our kickoff event at the Lake Ellyn Boat House on August 15th. It was great to see so many new members learning about League and the many activities they can get involved with as a League member.
Have you renewed your membership? It is never too late! Visit https://www.lwvge.org/join-us to learn how to renew. This is also where to fill out your member interest form! This form helps us to match members to an activity that they have an interest in.
If you have questions about membership or can’t remember if you’ve renewed, please feel free to contact Michelle Peterson 630-347-0922 or email at lwvgemembers@gmail.com.
Submitted by Judy Gervase, Membership
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New Member Welcome Committee | |
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There is a mini-committee now working with Membership and the Member Engagement Committee (think: Rings). Michelle Peterson (Membership Chair), Judy Gervase (Member Engagement Committee member) and now Vicki Steevensz (let’s call her the Friendliness Czar!) are on this mini-committee.
At our so-well-attended orientation prior to the Kickoff Meeting, Vicki welcomed our new members with a statement that we felt could apply to ALL of our members:
Hello LWVGE members! Whether you’re new to this organization or have been with us for a while, you are important to League. Each of you brings your own unique personality, talents and diverse perspectives to this group.
It is possible to feel unseen in a large group. This has happened to me before. One of my friends says that in a group of people whom she has chosen to join, she just wants to “know others and to be known”. Our aim is to provide a welcoming space so that your curiosity and creativity can find a home here, because our world needs you and your best energy and ideas!
Toward that end, we are committed to openness, warmth, and support. Let us all make sure everyone knows they are truly valued and they belong here. To facilitate our connections we are going to host some “League Lattes”, chances to get together casually outside our more serious League work, to get to know each other better. Over this year, please share your thoughts, ideas and questions so we can learn from each other, build friendships, empower voters, and create the best League chapter anywhere!
Vicki Steevensz
mezzopoet@yahoo.com
Watch our lwvge.org website for future information on “League Lattes”!
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LWVGE Member Engagement Committee | |
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Help Get Out The Vote!
This election season LWVGE Member Engagement Committee is launching 2 GOTV campaigns:
1. Parties!- That’s postcard writing to low-propensity voter parties. Please join this LWVIL state-wide initiative to GOTV. LWVGE has 1000 cards to write, address and stamp. We need everyone to help encourage fellow Glen Ellyn residents to VOTE. More information and party invitations to follow. Keep and eye on your email inbox for details coming soon.
2. GOTV Challenge -Strive For 5!
This election season LWVGE Member Engagement Committee challenges all members to actively empower voters and defend democracy by completing each listed GOTV action item:
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Ask 5 people if they are registered to vote - if not, refer them to Illinois Voter Guide for information on how to register.
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Refer 5 people to the Illinois Voter Guide for non-partisan election information.
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Invite 5 people to attend at least one candidate forum.
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Ask 5 people to make a voting plan.
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Remind 5 people many offices are up for election and encourage them to prepare and vote the entire ballot.
For any questions on the above or the Member Engagement Committee contact Bernie Laszewski at bernielazzz@gmail.com.
Submitted by LWVGE Membership Engagement Committee Bernie Laszewski, Jayne Boeckelman and Judy Gervase
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Members at a recent Democracy Drop in | | |
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Reminder: Monthly Defend Democracy Drop-ins
You’ve heard about these! Per members’ requests, we now offer daytime and evening options. We encourage you to attend whichever session fits your schedule. Democracy needs defending now more than ever! Please show up and take action! Sessions meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 1 pm to 2 pm at the GE Public Library, and the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 7pm to 8pm at the Wheaton Public Library
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"We Are All Plastic People Now" panel: recording now available!
LWVIL co-sponsored the panel "We Are All Plastic People Now" on August 6. Scientists have discovered plastic pollution in every corner of the globe, from mountain tops to ocean trenches and inside our own bodies, in our blood, our lungs, our brains, and other organs. Panelists (including LWVIL I&A waste specialist and local LWVGE member, Jacquelyn Casazza) discussed legislative policies and innovative solutions that can help with the plastic crisis. Watch the recording to learn more about the potential impacts to our health and steps you can take.
Submitted by Jacquelyn Casazza, Voter Editor
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Happening in Springfield
The 103rd General Assembly is adjourned for this session. Veto session will follow Election Day in November. Veto session days are currently scheduled for November 12-14 and November 19-21.
Veto session is the last opportunity for bills introduced during the 103rd Assembly to make their way through the respective chambers. If not called for a vote in veto session, the bill is "sine die," meaning it is no longer possible to be called for a vote. Any bills which are "sine die" which legislators want to pursue in the new session will have to be re-filed with a new bill number.
LWVIL is in the process of identifying what League-supported bills may be called during the veto session. Stay tuned and be ready to answer the call after November 5 to help advocate for passage of these bills!
LWVIL Action Alerts!
LWVIL Issue Specialists review hundreds of bills to identify which bills aligned with League positions are appropriate for Action Alerts. Through study and member agreement, the League has developed positions on a wide range of issues, from government structure to natural resources to social policy. This is a significant part of our mission.
Step up. Join us. Sign up. https://www.lwvil.org/time-for-action-alerts
Submitted by Erica Nelson, Legislative Issues, and Jacquelyn Casazza, Voter Editor
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Mary J. Luginbill Scholarship Recipients | |
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The League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn Mary J. Luginbill Educational Scholarship Award Recipients
Every year, the LWVGE Mary J. Luginbill Education Award grants an award to a graduating senior from Glenbard West High School who is pursuing a career in teaching, has participated in school and community service activities, and demonstrates financial need. Since 2003, the fund has awarded over $45,000 in scholarships to 23 students!
In 2023, the award was given to Benjamin Zander (pictured) who plans to study Physical Education. Benji is currently attending College of DuPage with plans to transfer to a small Christian college. He was so happy to receive the award. He is the youngest of 5 and first of his siblings to receive an award so that meant a lot.
In 2024, Amy Sulda received the award to pursue her passion for teaching at Illinois State University. She plans on studying early childhood education and dreams of becoming a preschool or kindergarten teacher.
Both candidates wrote thank you notes and expressed their sincere appreciation to the Mary Luginbill family and the LWVGE.
A little history about Mary Luginbill, a longtime member of the LWVGE...
While serving on the board as chairperson for the Natural Resource Committee, she persuaded the league to sponsor the collection of plastic milk jugs long before recycling was provided, introduced the Lady Bug Giveaway and was the first to be awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition to her League involvement, Mary:
· And her husband received the Glen Ellyn Citizen of the Year Award.
· Was President of D41 for 6 ½ years.
· Involved in the Civic Betterment Party and served as an officer.
· Served 6 years as the co-president of the Glenbard West Boosters Club.
· Was the first to be certified to teach English as a Second Language and used that certification to teach many children and adults about American culture and how to adjust to their new society in addition to language.
Even though she died in 2002, Mary’s activism during her life still reflects what being a member of the LWVGE means and is often displayed in many of our current members. It is a lovely reminder for me every year when Barb Fried and I meet with Mark Luginbill to pick from one of the many worthy candidates for this award.
Submitted by Shawn Fasules
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Observer Corps: Promoting Transparency in Goverment | |
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The League of Women Voters has been a champion of openness in government throughout its history. We believe that government bodies protect the citizen’s right to know by giving adequate notice of proposed actions, holding open meetings, and making public record accessible.
The League’s Observer Corp functions as the eyes and ears of the league. We ensure that members are aware of the decisions that impact their communities, and they promote government transparency and accountability. We are still in need of an observer for D87 Board Meetings. If you are interested in becoming a member of our Observer Corps or would like more information regarding the duties, please contact Karen Gorz at karengorz@gmail.com. A one-hour training session is periodically offered by the state league to help explain the role of an observer. Our goal is to have all public bodies covered, and you can help make this happen!
Submitted by Karen Gorz, Observer Corps
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Our next selection is Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner.
Many of you may already have read this and consider it a favorite. If you have read it, then you can spend your time sending GOTV postcards. You might also be interested to attend the GPS Parent Series event featuring Michell Zauner on September 18.
This book has been on Michelle and my "to be read" lists, so we thought it would be a worthy distraction from the important league work going on now until the election.
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We will meet at the home of Shawn Fasules, 755 Chidester, on Saturday October 19, 2024 at 9:00am. Crying in H Mart will be available at the Glen Ellyn Public Library on September 21.
Please join us for coffee or tea, scones by Michelle, and a great discussion.
Submitted by Shawn Fasules, Book Club
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CALENDAR
LWVGE Community Meetings noted in blue
Candidate Forums are highlighted; none yet scheduled as of Voter publishing time so check our website!
September 4, 2024 - Judicial Forum, 7p-8p, Hadley Jr. High
September 10, 2024 - Defending Democracy Drop In, 1pm-2pm, Glen Ellyn Public Library
September 12, 2024 - Board meeting, 7p, Civic Center, all are welcome!
September 17, 2024 - National Voter Registration Day!
September 18, 2024 - Defending Democracy Drop In, 7p-8p, Wheaton Public Library
September 19, 2024 - Combating Election Subversion, 7p-8p, Civic Center
October 8, 2024 - Defending Democracy Drop In, 1pm-2pm, Glen Ellyn Public Library
October 10, 2024 - Board meeting, 7p, Civic Center, all are welcome!
October 16, 2024 - Defending Democracy Drop In, 7p-8p, Wheaton Public Library
October 17, 2024 - Mis/Disinformation, 7p-8p, check lwvge website for location
October 19, 2024 - Book Club, "Crying in H Mart," 9am, details above
November 5, 2024 - ELECTION DAY!
Defending Democracy Drop ins:
Morning Session: 2nd Tuesday of every month from 1pm to 2pm at the Glen Ellyn Public Library
Evening Session: 3rd Wednesday of every month from 7pm to 8pm at the Wheaton Public Library
Plans for events are subject to change. To avoid disappointment, please check the LWVGE website for final details.
Questions about League events? Get details here:
www.lwvge.org
| Please visit our website for the most current information |
PO Box 2391, Glen Ellyn, IL 60138
(630) 790-2237
(630) 347-0922
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