League of Women Voters - Greater Omaha                                  

February, 2008

 League Program Planning for 2008-2009

Please join us at the home of Hedy A. for wine, cheese, and planning.

Bring your bright ideas!

Monday, January 21, 2008 at 7 p.m.

Location information removed from web copy.

Your ideas are vital to the success of the League's 2008-2009 program planning session.

League Birthday Luncheon

and

“Making Democracy Work”

Awards Presentation

Monday - February 18 - 11:30

Upstream Brewing Company (West)

17070 Wright Plaza

Guest Speaker: Deb Suttle

Former State Senator & LWVGO Speakers Bureau

I May Be Crazy, but This Is Nuts:

How Nebraska Treats Its Mentally Ill

See page 4 and flyer

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Thursday, January 17, 7:30-9:00 p.m.,  International Relations Committee meeting.  Location information removed from web copy.  See page 4.

Monday, January 21, 7:00 p.m., Home of Hedy A. Location information removed from web copy.   League Program Planning for 2008-2009.  See above.

Tuesdays, January 22, 29, February 5, 12, 19, 7:00-9:00 p.m.,  Location information removed from web copy.  See page 5.

Wednesday, January 30, 9:30 a.m., League office:  Writing VOTERS’ GUIDE questions.  See page 5

Monday, February 4, 11:30 a.m., League Office:  Police Community Relations Committee. See page 5

Monday, February 4, 1:30 p.m., League office:  LWVGO board meeting

Monday, February 18, 11:30 a.m., Upstream Brewing Company (west), 171 & W. Center Road:  League birthday luncheon.  See page 4 and flyer.

Wednesday,  February 20, 7:30 p.m,   International Relations Committee meeting.  Location information removed from web copy.  See page 6.

Thursday February 28:  Legislative Day in Lincoln.  See pages 4 and 8.

Saturday, April 19, 9:130 a.m., Champion’s Club Pavilion:  Annual Meeting.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Congratulations to Connie Spellman, 2007 Midlander of the year!  A great honor, awarded to exactly the right person.

Thanks to all who participated in the Immigration consensus.  Thirty-four of us listened to background information, discussed, debated, and voted a total of thirty-five times on some tough choices.  One member who couldn’t attend any of the meetings contacted me by mail, which I thought was a great idea.

Those of us who read the background papers for this project were most impressed with the research and writing.  LWVUS saved a lot of money by asking members to volunteer their time and expertise, and some of our veteran members thought these were the best ever.  That information is still available on the LWVUS website; be ready with plenty of paper and ink if you’re planning to print it.

Our consensus results have to be submitted to LWVUS by February 1, and then we’ll wait patiently for the outcome.  In the meantime, wouldn’t it be wonderful if our candidates ˆand not just those running for the office of Presidentˆ would read the information League already has available?

Here’s something else to put on your calendar:  LWVUS 2008 Convention.  It will be in Portland June 13 to 17.  All members are invited and encouraged to attend, and all are guaranteed an exhilarating experience.

My thanks to fellow hostesses for the Ghana scholarship party:  Geri C., Belinda G., Karren K., and Barbara R..  My goals for this endeavor were threefold: have a cleaner house, enjoy getting together, and bring in enough money to fund our seven girls for the next several months.  We succeeded!  Many generous souls contributed, whether they were able to come on the 6th or not.  Thanks to all.

Linda D.

Anne Binhammer, September 4, 1930-November 30, 2007

Former LWV Omaha President, 1984-85

From Karren K.

            Anne and her family moved to Omaha from Cincinnati in 1979 and immediately made contact with the LWV of Omaha. I remember how excited we all were as into our midst appeared this pre-trained, active, smart Leaguer, ready to jump in with both feet and help whatever way she could. Some of us were especially impressed because she not only knew League, but also how to work the ancient, awful contraption called a mimeograph which was used to publish the bulletin and other printed materials. It required perfect typing on stencils for the copy, plus routinely getting covered in purplish ink when used; a job newcomer Anne undertook with no complaint. 

            In a short time we realized Anne's many other attributes: her humor, her spirit, her administrative and organizational skills, her “lets turn this into a party” fundraising attitude, and of course her intellectual curiosity and knowledge. League was not alone in benefiting from Anne’s contributions as she and her husband, Bob, were multifaceted and involved throughout the community, including those activities that supported their love of all music. Unfortunately, Anne suffered a stroke/heart attack after about 10 years here that cut back on her activities, but not her spirit, quest for knowledge and interest in all things League.

 A few remembrances from others:

            Joanne L. remembers her generosity in opening up her home for many League meetings. Her large basement was big enough to hold members for action planning meetings. She was so well informed and passionate about what she believed in. (It was at one of those meetings in 1983 that a national press release from LWV-US announced League’s position on Public Policy on Reproductive Choices. The Omaha press was soon at Anne’s door and received the full argument on individual liberties guaranteed by the Constitution, not the emotional rhetoric generally tied to that issue.)

            Carol M., who now lives in Florida, writes:  Anne was a master of the English language. With her eloquent vocabulary she could describe any situation perfectly. She wrote as she spoke so her writing was instantly recognized by anyone who knew her. When she first visited our new screened porch she called it a romantic gazebo. A tireless volunteer and a supreme organizer, she always had time to host a meeting or produce a letter. A former Omaha president, she served as both newsletter editor and voters’ guide chair on my board, a time before computers. She laughingly said I caused her stroke, and I dont doubt it. I was such a greenhorn and she took great care in guiding me and editing my writings. Always ready with a league story and a cheerful laugh, she will be missed by all who knew her.

            Carol B., also living in Florida, said her friendship with Anne was because of League but remembers all the creative evenings and marvelous times they shared with Anne and Bob as hosts. She said that in some dusty corner at the League office there should be the tapes from the TV series she, Anne and Sandy Rockwood did at UNO. 

            Gini M., who is now back in Arizona, adds:  Anne was a great member and gave her all to League. She was president the year I moved to Omaha and made me feel as welcome as the new kid on the block. We did a lot in those three years  . . . We enjoyed going with her and Bob to the ballet and the culture in the park events each year. I froze and she always brought hot soup in the wintertime. She always wanted us to put a cap on our heads. She was a neat lady.

            When I remember Anne I think of Bob too, her companion of 55 years, and long time League member and supporter. One common interest we all shared was concern about the environment and natural resources; League was active on many aspects in that arena. Even though the League group worked tirelessly on issues, we never passed up the opportunity to have a good time socially.

            Former president Barb T. said: I did not know (Anne) well, since I just met her at last year’s annual meeting. My observation is about Bob, not Anne. They sat across the table from me, and I saw the devotion and adoration when he listened and looked at her. I could see the devoted look on his face; it really made an impression on me.

            Our condolences to Bob and his family. We will remember Anne fondly.

            The Binhammer family has designated the League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha, Education Fund as a recipient of memorials. Donations to the Ed Fund are tax-deductible.

      For those interested, Bob Binhammer’s home address text removed from web copy.  For additional information, please click here.

League Birthday Luncheon

and

“Making Democracy Work”

Awards Presentation

Monday - February 18 - 11:30

Upstream Brewing Company (West) - 17070 Wright Plaza

Guest Speaker: Deb Suttle

Former State Senator & LWVGO Speakers Bureau

I May Be Crazy, but This Is Nuts: How Nebraska Treats Its Mentally Ill

            Deb Suttle will be talking about a subject that has been prominent in the news since December 5, 2007.  When the tragedy at Westroads occurred, Nebraskans finally started becoming aware of the crisis in mental health care in this state.  We are 49th in the nation in the quality of care and the resources we provide for the mentally ill.  Come to the February meeting and hear some of the facts facing the state of Nebraska and learn how you can help provide advocacy for the mentally ill so their lives and the lives they touch can be improved.  See flyer for reservation sheet.

 WOMEN’S COALITION LEGISLATIVE DAY AND LUNCH

            On February 28, 2007 from 9:00 – 1:00 PM, AAUW and LWVNE will be hosting a legislative day to learn about 3-4 bills, able to sit in on a Unicameral Session, lobby your senator, and enjoy a lunch in the Governor's Mansion.  We are hoping, teaming up with AAUW, that we will be able to reach more women, regarding women and children issues.  Please consider joining us and invite any friends, family, or members of other organizations to help educate your Senator on important issues.  The registration form is included in this newsletter.  If you have any questions, please click here to contact Keri R.  See flyer.

VOTERS GUIDE TIME

            Its time to start the planning for the spring VOTERS GUIDE. If you would like to help in any way, please click here to contact Kathy D.. We’ll need writers for the candidate questions, proofreaders, distributors, etc. The writing of questions will begin toward the end of January and is scheduled for Wednesday, January 30th at 9:30 a.m.  We'll plan to meet at the League office on the Centre Mall at 42nd & Center.  (Bring a sack lunch if you wish.)  Please let Kathy know if you’re planning to attend on the 30th.  Also, please let Kathy know if you would like to be involved in the writing of the candidate questions but cannot attend this meeting.

 VOTER REGISTRATION

            With the primary just around the corner, we are receiving requests from organizations to have Voter Registration at their events.  OPS would like to have a table at a few of their schools during Parent/Teacher conferences.  Middle Schools the week of February 11th, Senior High Schools the week of March 10th, Elementary Schools the week of March 24th.  Also, ICAN Omaha has invited us to have a booth at their April 2nd Women's Conference.  They are anticipating 1500 participants.

            If you can help at any of these events please click here to contact Marilyn R. or Marianne C.

 LINDA D. AS SUSAN B. ANTHONY

            In case you‚ve never had the chance to catch our President’s performance as Susan Anthony, there’s an opportunity this Saturday.  She’ll be at the Confluence Bookstore in Bellevue on January 19 at 1:00 p.m.  The event is free and open to the public.  The bookstore is located at the intersection of Ft. Crook and Cornhusker.  The address is 505 Cornhusker Road, Bellevue, 68005.

 ANNUAL MEETING

      The Annual Meeting will be held at Champions Run Pavilion, Saturday, April 18, at 9:15.  More information will appear in next bulletin. 

READING RESOURCE GROUP

            The Reading Resource Group has decided to take part in Great Decisions this Winter.  Great Decisions is a world affairs discussion group whose topics are provided by the Foreign Policy Association.  Each year the Association selects eight topics it feels are relevant to current world affairs.  Briefing information on these eight topics are compiled in a book which is available through the Foreign Policy Association (http://www.fpa.org).  The Reading Resource Group is planning to hold topic discussions on eight consecutive Tuesday evenings starting on January 15th.  The schedule is as follows:

                        January 15 - Iraq end-game: "Iraq: Strategies For Dealing With Uncertainty"

                        January 22 - European Union at 50:  "European Integration:  Looking Ahead"

                        January 29 - Talking to out enemies"  "Blacklisting the enemy"

                        February 5 - Russia:  "Russia And 'Putinism' "

                        February 12 - U.S. Defense & Security Policy

                        February 19 - Latin America:  The Next President's Agenda

                        February 26 - U.S.-China trade policy:  "U.S.-China Economic Relations:  Evolving Rivalry"

                        March 4 - Private philanthropy:  "Foreign Aid: New Players, New Goals?"

            All meetings will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Elouise G.  Location information removed from web copy.  Be sure to note the apartment number before leaving as resident names are not listed in the building lobby.  To RSVP, or for additional information, please click here.  Note that you can participate in as few/many meetings as fit your interests and schedule.

            We have also tentatively selected "Journey into Islam" by Akbar Ahmed as our next book selection.  We'll plan to discuss the first half of this book at our April meeting.  More details on the exact date will be available in the next bulletin.

 PRESIDENTIAL MEMORABILIA COLLECTION EXHIBIT

            On January 26 the Omaha Public Library will host a unique and fascinating exhibit of one of the largest presidential memorabilia collections in America. This exhibit will feature numerous objects, some never before shown, from the extraordinary presidential collections of historian Jordan M. Wright, author of Campaigning for President. It will be held in the Phipps Gallery of the W. Dale Clark Library.  Wright will be speaking from 2:00 to 3:00 and signing his book after that.

            League members are invited to be present. It would be great if we could have some way of identifying the League and its members and perhaps membership brochures available.  Library staff are qualified to register voters and will take care of that activity.

            Get in touch with Sally F.  for more information or if you can help out.  Click here to contact Sally.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

            The Nominating Committee will be starting its work for identifying officers, directors, and off board positions for the coming year.  If you are interested in serving on the board as an officer or director  or as an off board director,  notify Jonah D., Chair.  Click here to contact Jonah.

            Check your yearbook for information on Director positions where you might have an interest and would be willing to be a Director.

 POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE

            The committee will be meeting prior to the February League Board meeting on the 4th at 11:30 A.M. in the League office. Bring your lunch and coffee will be available.

LWVGO Board meeting

Monday, February 4, 2008

All members welcome

(Board meetings are scheduled for the first Monday of each month at 1:30 p.m.)

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE METING

The months of  February and March will complete our two-year discussion concerning International Health Issues.

Our February Meeting will be:   Wednesday,  February 20.  Location information removed from web copy.

We will begin promptly at 7:30 P.M. with a background presentation by a very knowledgable speaker who expects to be challenged by you in the usual League style.  Please be present and ready to have a discussion that can lead to interest and action, weather permitting.

Please click here to contact Ruth D., our new Committee Chairperson, if you wish to know about any cancellation.

PRESTON LOVE JR. TAKES ON NEW YORKER’S STATE OF MIND

            Preston Love Jr. will take on the character of the Rev. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. in a Chautauqua performance at the downtown W. Dale Clark Library on Sunday, Feb 3.  Love, the son of the late Omaha jazz great, is a former Nebaska football player, IBM executive and top aide to Rev. Jesse jackson during Jackson's 1984 bid for the White House.

            Powell was elected to the New York City Council in 1941 and to Congress from New York City's Harlem neighborhood in 1944. He later became chairman of the U.S. House Education and Labor Committtee.  Caught up in corruption allegations, he was stripped of that title in 1967 and excluded from House membership, an action the Supreme Court later ruled unconstitutional.

            Admission to the 1:30 pm performance is free. The audience will be able to ask questions of Powell, which Love will answer in character.

NUDGING WITHOUT NAGGING

            We've all been there. We want to encourage a child to do her homework, or a spouse to complete his project, or a colleague to complain less and act more. How can we encourage without criticizing, berating or  pushing too hard?

            Here are three techniques that can help you nudge without nagging.

* Show appreciation.

            Novelist Arnold Bennett had a publisher who boasted about the extraordinary efficiency of his secretary. One day while visiting the publisher's office, Bennett asked her: "Your boss claims you're extremely efficient. What's your secret?"

            "It's not my secret," said the assistant, "it's his." She went on to tell him that her boss always acknowledged and appreciated everything she did, regardless how insignificant. That was why she worked so hard for him. Her boss' appreciation nudged her toward constant improvement.

* If possible, keep it light-hearted.

            The careful use of humor can work in any relationship where nudging may be required. One wife used it effectively when she found herself on the verge of nagging her husband to repair the lawn mower. He had promised to fix it, but the grass grew ever taller while he procrastinated.

            Then one day he came home and found her seated on the ground snipping grass with sewing scissors, one blade at a time. He watched in amazement and then went into the house.  When he returned, he handed her a toothbrush. "Honey," he said, "when you finish cutting the grass would you mind sweeping the sidewalks?"

            They both laughed. And, more importantly, the mower was fixed.

* Be polite and respectful.

            Sometimes it's more about how you say it than what you say. People respond best when they are respected and valued.

            Elizabeth Harrison stated, "Those who are lifting the world upward and onward are those who encourage more than criticize." Try these simple techniques next time you want to nudge without nagging.

 From YOUR LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM, a free newsletter sharing life, love, and laughter, published by Steve Goodier.

http://www.lifesupportsystem.com

MEMBERSHIP

            Help us keep in touch! Please email or call me with any address, email or phone number updates.           

            Membership Stats:  I encourage everyone to update their Yearbooks throughout the year as new contact information is provided in the membership report.  Closing 2007, we have 182 members and 27 prospective members.

            Membership Prospects:  I would be glad to include potential members in the mailing list to receive a few complimentary issues the Bulletin.  If you know someone who might be interested, please submit the complete contact information (name, address, phone number and if possible email address) to my attention.

            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.  

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

Click here for a printable copy of the Membership Application.