League of Women Voters - Greater Omaha                                  

October, 2007

League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha

October Luncheon and General Meeting

Monday October 15, 2007 at 11:30 a.m.

The Thompson Center at UNO

6705 Dodge Street

"Water Quality in the Papillion Creek Watershed"

Dr. Marian Maas

Director of the Papillion Creek Watershed Project

Cost:  $15.50 per Person - Guests Welcome!

RUNNING AND WINNING NEEDS A FEW GOOD WOMEN!

We are very excited to be bringing Running and Winning back to Omaha!  Running and Winning is a workshop for high school girls that brings the girls together with current and former female elected officials for networking and mentoring. The purpose of the workshop is to encourage girls to consider running for office or helping with a campaign sometime in their future.

We are pleased to announce we have received notice of two grants for this project:  $1,500 from the Women's Fund of Greater Omaha and $500 from the LWVNE Education Fund.  Linda D. will accept the Women's Fund grant at the annual luncheon on September 27.  League members are encouraged to attend.  Contact Linda or call the Women's Fund at 827-9280 for more information.

We still need League members the day of the event to take registrations, help with refreshments, take photographs, act as judges for the girls' campaigns, and help facilitate the event. Also, League members are welcome to just come and observe.

Running and Winning will be on Thursday, October 11, from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm.  It will be held in the Alumni Center on the west end of the UNO campus.

If you are interested in participating or just observing, and you haven't yet contacted the Running and Winning Committee, please call Peggy A. or email Sally F.  Contact information removed from web copy.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Monday, October 1, 1:30 p.m., League office.  LWVGO board meeting.  All members welcome.

Saturday, October 6, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., College of Saint Mary:  Ready to Run workshop.  See page ?

Thursday, October 11, Thompson Alumni Center, UNO:  Running and Winning program.  See page ?

Monday, October 15, 11:30 a.m., Thompson Alumni Center, UNO:  October luncheon and general meeting.  See flyer and above.

Tuesday, October 16, 7-9 p.m., 9029 Burt St., #407:  Reading Resource Group.  See page ?

Tuesday, October 23, Omaha YWCA Conference on Race.  See page ? for registration information.

Monday, October 29, 7:00 p.m., 686 N. 58 St.:  Learn about the League.  See page ?

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

As Sharon C. says in another part of this bulletin, many thanks to all who helped with the Shrimp Feed and to all who came to enjoy the meal and the fun.  I guess “fun” is one way to put it.  “Excitement” might be another word, especially if you stayed long enough for the tornado warning.

This bulletin is full of interesting articles and opportunities.  I hope you'll be able to participate in at least one of the upcoming activities.

I've been hearing regularly from Mary Wilson, our LWVUS president.  Her latest missive highlighted DC voting rights (please contact our senators!), Constitution Day on September 17, and LWV-Georgia's response to a recent Federal judge's ruling that upholds a discriminatory voter ID law.  You'll find a lot of good reading--and opportunities to do your part--by going online to www.lwv.org.

Member Evelyn Z. was honored on September 17 by the Omaha Children's Museum with a luncheon and award.  She is the first recipient of the Great Friends to Kids award because of her longtime advocacy for children.  Congratulations Evie!

Congratulations to member Clyde A. who recently received the “Friend of the Environment” award from the Earth Day Omaha Coalition.

World-Herald columnist Robert Nelson is probably grateful for quotable persons like Senator Brad Ashford, one of our newest members.  Check out the September 12 edition--Midlands section.

According to our ball-of-fire LWVNE president, Peggy A., there are a couple of vacancies on the state board of directors.  Please consider applying.  Her contact information can be found in various places in our new directory since she is one of our local members.

Thanks to all who contributed money to LWVGO in memory of Jeannette Smith.  As of this writing $360 has come in from members and $460 has been contributed from non-members.  Many also wrote fond memories of Jeannette, or thanked us for the delightful portrayal of her in our last bulletin.

Thank you to member Carolyn K., who donated an American flag on our behalf to Bob S., who in turn donated delicious watermelons and “roasting ears” (is that only a Missouri term?) to our Shrimp Feed.  Mr. S. reportedly was delighted to receive the flag.

Thanks for all you do.

Linda D.

The Papillion Creek Watershed - A Local Resource

The 402-square-mile Papillion Creek Watershed encompasses parts of three counties as well as 10 cities and villages, including Omaha.  It is home to nearly 25 percent of Nebraska’s population.  Not surprisingly, it is facing rapid urbanization and loss of agricultural lands. It is also a watershed prone to flash floods.

The headwaters of the Papillion Creek originate in the agricultural landscape of Washington County, move through areas of light industrial and residential use, and finally flow through a fully urbanized landscape. As the waters flow, they pick up a variety of pollutants, depending on the local usage.

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality has listed the Papillion Creek as "impaired waters." What impact does that have on the various groups that use the watershed?  How is water quality monitored, and how can it be improved?  What can be done to minimize flooding?  Are dams a part of the solution?

Our October speaker, Dr. Marian Maas, is the Project director for the Papillion Creek Watershed Project which is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  She has been involved with Papillion Creek water quality issues since the late 1990's when she designed, developed and implemented a water quality monitoring system for the area.  Not only will she speak about the history and current status of the watershed, but she will also have suggestions for ways in which we can become involved in improving water quality in our community.

Please join us October 15, 2007, at 11:30 a.m. at UNO's Thompson Alumni Center (67th and Dodge).  Details about the luncheon and the reservation form are in the flyer.  Please join us for an informative presentation on an issue of ongoing importance.  As always, guests are welcome!  Parking will be available at the Thompson Center, but carpooling is encouraged.

WOMEN NEEDED:  STEP UP TO THE PLATE

    The Mayor's office has a web site that lists available positions on city boards and commissions, www.ci.omaha.ne.us, that appears under the Mayor's office links. As there is a lack of women and ordinary citizens on many boards, this would be a good opportunity for League members to get into the political pipeline while representing the public rather than special interests.

The contact person at the Mayor's office is Diane Brock, 444-5006.  Right now there is an opening on the Administrative Appeals Board which decides appeals on permits/licenses, curb cuts, and contractor performance disputes. Contact the office for further information and to obtain a Candidate Response Form. Different positions open up at various  times, so check the web site to see if any are of interest to you.

Nebraska is going downhill in the number of women in appointed or elected governmental positions and offices. We need to step up to the plate in all ways. As League members know, these boards play an important role in enforcing those regulations that we have advocated be adopted.

READING RESOURCE GROUP

October 16, 7-9 p.m.

 One facet of Jeannette Smith's legacy is the book discussion group that she led.  League members found this group to be an excellent forum for in-depth learning and discussion of current political/social issues.  Books read in recent years include:  "Collapse:  How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed" by Jared Diamond, "The World is Flat:  A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century" by Thomas Friedman and "The Assassin's Gate:  America in Iraq" by George Packer.

For the last several years Jeannette Smith played an important role in this group.  She found great books to read, provided notification of upcoming meetings, and led the book discussion.  As many of you know, Jeanette recently passed away.  Finding individuals to pick up the tasks that Jeannette handled so well is crucial to the book club's continued success.  At this time Kathy D., Elouise G., and Anne S. will do their best to maintain the tradition Jeannette began.

Lively discussions have been the mark of success of this group.  If you have participated in previous years, we hope you will continue your involvement.  If you would like to take part, plan to join now.  The next meeting will be from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at the home of Elouise G.  That night we will share favorite memories of Jeannette, select the book(s) to be discussed in the next four months, and discuss “The Broken Branch” by Norman Ornstein and Thomas Mann.  Please feel free to attend the meeting even if you have not read the book.

Please e-mail Anne S., or Kathy D. by Sunday, October 14th if you will attend the October meeting.  We would also like to hear from you if you are interested in participating in the club but cannot attend at this time.   Contact information removed from web copy.  Please click here to contact the Reading Resource Group.

AD HOC COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AUDITOR

The ad hoc committee will become the Police Community Relations Committee and continue reviewing not only the public safety auditor issue but other issues related to police community relations.

Sub groups will be reviewing the MATRIX report, police union contract with the city, complaint process, etc.

A press conference is being planned to bring the finding of the ad hoc committee to the public, Mayor, and City Council.

If you are interested in participating on the Police Community Relations Committee, contact Jonah D.  Contact information removed from web copy.  Please click here to contact the Police Community Relations Committee Chair.

Are you bored with life? Then throw yourself into some work you believe in with all your heart, live for it, die for it, and you will find happiness that you had thought could never be yours. -- Dale Carnegie

STATE LWV MEETING IN LINCOLN, SEPTEMBER 8, 2007

by Virginia B.

There are several vacancies on the State Board.  If anyone is interested please notify Peggy A. for details.  Qualifications are based on your interests and willingness to participate.  Openings are:  Education, Government, Social Policy, & Electric Deregulation.  Peggy would like to initialize the position of Historian and has asked for any league member to volunteer.  The duties would consist of watching all newspapers [etc] for any mention of League activity  and/or areas of interest. Just cut out the articles, and keep up a notebook thus creating 'our history'.  Contact Peggy if interested and/or willing.

Legislative Day will be held at the Capital February 26, 2008--so everyone put that on your 2008 calendar and be sure to attend.  Linda D. is going to nominate our past State President, Sandy P., to the National League Board, and asks everyone to send in additional nomination forms to do the same.  Contact Linda for details.

Jonah D. told us about the League in California and their work in getting their state legislature to pass a law mandating that the state 'test' children in regard to their mental health--much like they presently test for physical health.  It would give the Nebraska League a new goal to work on in the future.

Pris L., state liaison from Seward, informed us of their efforts to bring to everyone's attention the current plans of the Canadian [gas] pipeline that is to be constructed through their part of Nebraska.  No one seemed to be aware of the details of the plan before Pris and the Seward League brought to light all the details, some of which are alarming.  Good Work Pris!

POWER REVIEW BOARD

by Virginia B.

I was recently asked to attend the annual meeting of the POWER REVIEW BOARD, which I did on September 11, 2007, in Lincoln.   The Board is set up to review the annual report which examines the conditions of the electric industry in Nebraska.  Specifically they decide if retail competition would benefit Nebraska's ratepayers  [i.e. us, the consumers].   Much of the information presented was too industry-directed for me to comprehend what it meant, but the last part of the meeting came through loud and clear to me.  This information gives you my understanding of the information presented.  I am not an authorized source of electrical information.

1)  The electric rate the Nebraska consumer pays was compared to the other states--where the electric rates are set by the 'going rate' set by the retail markets [i.e. the deregulated markets].   In 2006 Nebraskans paid $.0606 per kwh, compared with Texas ($.103).  Illinois ($.0711) and Pennsylvania ($.0863).   As you may remember deregulation was instigated in 2000 to bring down the price of electric service, but the opposite has occurred.  Nebraska is the only completely regulated state, and the state with the lowest increase in electric rates.

2)  Much of the European electric power is run by nuclear power, and the use of nuclear power is increasing.  As I understood the information, much of the reason for this is that their nuclear power plants are constructed to use the 'nuclear material' until it is almost completely used up.  Whereas the nuclear material is used only till it is considered 'waste', and then it was expected to be taken to a 'waste dump'.  This has resulted in 'waste piles' expanding across the US.  It was thought the piles would be taken to Nevada, but that state has not started accepting the waste as of now.  As understand the situation, the reality political reasons for this can be explained best by the U.S. Congress and the Nevada legislature.

*

READY TO RUN

October 6, 2007

8AM to 3PM

College of Saint Mary

7000 Mercy Road, Omaha, NE 68106

Tickets $25 - Continental Breakfast & Lunch Included

To register, go to:  www.omahawomensfund.or

(See flyer in September Bulletin)

Recent research on women's involvement in politics indicates that women need to be personally encouraged to lead. So we are inviting all League leaders, and hope you will invite other outstanding women you know, to attend Ready to Run, a non-partisan workshop that covers the nuts and bolts on what it takes to be a candidate from women who have had that experience. 

SHRIMP FEED THANK YOU

from Sharon C.

 I would like to thank everyone who volunteered the day of the Shrimp Feed (hope I don't exclude anyone).  Shirley F, Carolyn K, Linda D, Barbara & Dom T, Fred R, Belinda & Carl G, Mary Jane O, Keri R, Carolyn and George I, Steve G and Joan H, Karen and Gary K, Virginia B, Sally F, Kyrsten T, Kathy D, Mary Ann K, Jessie B, Annette C, Pat G. And we had a new member pitch in, Mary L.

            Also thanks to Ruth D, Shirley F and Belinda G for mailing the tickets, and Steve G, Barbara & Dom T, Shirley F for putting up the signs around town. And thanks to the dessert makers:  Peg G, Helen P, Kay G, Joanna L, Karen K, Mary Ann K, Mary Ann S, Pat G, Mary Jane O, Barbara R. And lastly thanks to Bob S for donating the watermelon and corn.

Thanks to all for your efforts to make this another successful fundraising event.  We made in excess of $3,000.00 on the shrimp feed.

Enjoy Omaha's Extensive and Growing Trails Network

By Clyde Anderson

Thanks to the hard work of trail activists, Omaha now has a fine network of paved trails for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized users.  Although some trail segments are under construction or just planned, nearly 200 miles of trail are in service today.

A good source of Omaha trail information including maps and trail descriptions is the web site http://www.omahatrails.com/, which is maintained by Gary Gebhard, Nebraska American Discovery Trail State Coordinator.

Another segment of the Riverfront Trail is under construction. It begins at Locust St. & Abbott Drive and extends north along the east shore of Carter Lake past the airport to Carter Blvd. where it turns west. After following the north shore of Carter Lake for about 1/2-mile, the trail will turn north, leave the park and follow Lindbergh Dr. about one mile to the existing trailhead at Crownpoint & Ida Streets.  The original plan for the trail followed the Missouri River levee on the east side of the airport, but the Airport Authority nixed that idea. I guess Board members were concerned that terrorists on bicycles were a threat to air traffic!

From Ida Street the existing paved trail extends northwest on top of the Missouri River levee to Minne Lusa Creek, then west along the creek levee to John Pershing Dr. and Power Park located next to OPPD's Florence Power Plant. The trail continues north 2.5 miles and ends at N.P. Dodge Park, which has rest rooms and plenty of trailhead parking. This segment offers several scenic views of the river and the I-680 Mormon Bridge.

The Missouri River Trail continues north from N.P. Dodge Park, but it is completed for only 1.5 mi. to Ponca Creek.  If land easements can be finalized soon, construction of the remaining 2.5 miles of trail to the Washington County Line may begin later this year. That would complete the connection to the existing trail to Boyer Chute Wildlife Refuge.  Just north of N.P. Dodge the trail goes by a wetland that is often teeming with wildlife.

This spring construction projects closed trails at several locations. In addition to the Keystone Trail detour at Cass St., there is another detour on the Keystone at Ak-Sar-Ben. The Big Papio Trail is still closed at Dodge St., and the Riverfront Trail is closed north of Lewis & Clark Landing at the Missouri River Bridge construction site.

For more information, contact Clyde Anderson at (402) 932-7225.

CONDOLENCES

We are sorry to hear of the death of long-time member Marion Nogg in July.

LET'S LEARN ABOUT THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS

For those who joined League in the past year or two:

Wine and Cheese information sharing and discussion time for getting better acquainted.

Monday, October 29th    7:00 PM

686 North 58th Street

Please let us hear you are coming

Barbara R. Or Pat G.  Contact information removed from web copy.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership information removed from web copy.  Please click here to contact our Membership Chair.

Click here for a printable copy of the Membership Application.

Message from Membership Chair:

Calling all volunteers!  Help is always needed with membership outreach.  I am looking for experienced members who are interested in greeting new members over the phone.  If you are interested, please contact me. 

Thanks to all those who chose to renew their membership this last month.  During the recent membership drive in August, 29 members renewed their membership and we had 5 new members join as well.