League of Women Voters - Greater Omaha                                  

March, 2008

League Birthday Luncheon

and

“Making Democracy Work”

Awards Presentation

Monday - February 18 - 11:30 a.m.

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"

 (Note:  a vegetarian item has been added to the menu.)

See pages 4 and 7

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 GENERAL MEETING

MONDAY, MARCH 17, 11:30 a.m.

Panera Meeting Room

135th and West Maple Road

REPORT ON OUR EDUCATION STUDY

By Barbara R. and the LWVNE Study Group

We will order off the menu.

(Tentative reservations to Polly G. are appreciated)

See page 3.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Tuesdays, February 12, 19, 26, March 4, & 11, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Location information removed from web copy..  Reading Resource Group.  See page 4.

Monday, February 18, 11:30 a.m., Upstream Brewing Company (west), 171 & W. Center Road:  League birthday luncheon.  See above and pages 4 and 7.

Wednesday,  February 20, 7:30 p.m, Location information removed from web copy.  International Relations Committee meeting.  See page 5.

Thursday February 28:  Legislative Day in Lincoln.  See page 3.

Saturday, March 1:  Annual reports due.

Monday, March 3, 10:30 a.m., League Office:  Police Community Relations meeting.

Monday, March 3, noon, League office:  LWVGO board meeting.  (Note change of time.)  All members are welcome.  See page 2.

Monday, March 17, 11:30 a.m., Panera Meeting Room, 135th & West Maple Road:  General meeting.  See above and page above and page 3.

Saturday, April 19, 9:15 a.m., Champion’s Club Pavilion:  Annual Meeting.  See page 6.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

            I just sent an e-mail to my state Senator inviting him to lunch at the Governor's Mansion on this year's Legislative Day--February 28.  I hope you'll be there too, because you'll find the day interesting and empowering, whether you're a seasoned lobbyist or a curious novice.  Read more about it on page 3.  Many thanks to Keri R. and Liz R. for organizing this event.

            Speaking of Senators, I'm also looking forward to hearing Deb Suttle's talk on Mental Health in Nebraska.  She learned a great deal about the subject while she was in the legislature, and I'll bet she has some thoughts on how we can turn our dismal situation around.  Please bring an item for the food pantry at Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church.  They graciously allowed us to use their meeting room for two of our Immigration Study meetings, and we want to thank them in a tangible way. 

            Our nominating committee is ready to hear from you!  In League there is plenty of work to go around; we have positions that require hours of work per week and positions that require mere minutes of work per month.  It is all worthwhile, though, and I encourage you to get involved.  Jonah D. is the nominating committee chair. 

            Have you checked out the League's Vote411 website?  It contains some excellent information such as the Voters' Guide to the presidential race.  Five topics--fossil fuels, Iraq and the Middle East, Health care, campaign spending limits, and Immigration--make for some good comparative reading.  See more information below.

            Caroline S. brought her parliamentary expertise to our February board meeting.  She observed us in action and provided useful suggestions.  Several of us noted that even though we've been familiar with Robert's Rules of Order since our 4-H days it helps a great deal to have specific reminders.  Thank you Caroline.

            Perhaps you saw the recent World-Herald article about Barba and Tessie E..  They were honored by Boys Town for their years of service in mentoring children and for their tireless efforts as trustees.  Congratulations Tessie and Barba!

            Linda D.

VOTE411.org: Serving Voters in 2008!

from LWVUS President Mary Wilson

            Super Tuesday has passed but the election year has just begun! Thanks to Vote411.org, more than 150,000 visitors have accessed up-to-date election information for their state so far this year! One PC Magazine blogger told Super Tuesday readers: “VOTE411 is quite possibly the single most important site you'll visit today.” And our media outreach gained us exposure on CNN Tuesday morning. We’ve stepped up our efforts to get out the word about all the resources available on VOTE411.org and in our new “Elections 101” area at www.lwv.org . Now we need your help! Please urge people in your community to sign up at VOTE411.org to receive election alerts, and to make sure their friends and families are registered to vote.  For more information, log into <http://www.vote411.org/bytopic.php?topicID=20>

ANNUAL MEETING

            The LWVGO Annual Meeting will be held on Saturday, April 19, starting at 9:15 a.m. in the pavilion at the Champion’s Club.  See flyer at end of Bulletin.

ANNUAL WORKBOOK REPORTS DUE BY MARCH 1

            All Annual Workbook reports are due to Annette C. (E-mail address removed from web copy) no later than March 1.  Sooner would be appreciated.  This includes the Annual Meeting agenda, Nominating Committee report, 2007 Annual Meeting minutes, Ed Fund reports, and Executive Board reports from each director.  Treasurers’ reports and budgets are due shortly after March 3.  The bylaws say that the workbook needs to be sent out 30 days before the Annual Meeting.

LWVGO Board meeting

Monday, March 3, 2008, noon

All members welcome

(Board meetings are scheduled for the first Monday of each month at noon)

(Note the change of time)

The Police Community Relations committee will meet at 10:30--before the board meeting.

GHANAIAN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

            Thanks to all who donated to the Ghanaian Scholarship Program.  We had a great time at the fundraiser at President Linda D.'s home in early January.    We received enough to enable the seven girls from Ghana to complete their Freshman year of high school!  Our goal is to eventually help them graduate from high school.  In Africa, education enables women to escape from poverty, and our scholarship recipients are very appreciative. 

            Without your support, this program and their education would not be possible.  Thanks again. 

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 contact Keri R. (Contact information removed from web copy).  See flyer at end of Bulletin.

EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT

Monday, March 17, 11:30 a.m.

Panera Meeting Room

FASCINATING FINDINGS

            The LWVNE Education Study committee is ready to present a report on its exhaustive research of the past year and a half.  The committee, chaired by Barbara R., has interviewed more than twenty different people--from students to administrators to legislators.  They've delved into research data, communicated with educators in other states, and struggled with solutions.  Come hear what they have to say, and offer your thoughts as well.    (More details on page 1)

PROGRAM PLANNING--2008

            Twelve of us managed to meet at Hedy A.s' home on January 21 even though the snow insisted on falling.  We enjoyed good wine and delicious foods and discussed possible programs for the coming year.  The talk ranged from gangs in Omaha to the electoral process to inviting Mary Pipher to speak about immigration and refugees.  Here is the final list.  We encourage you to call or e-mail anyone on the executive committee with your vote of “most important.” (You'll find the committee list in your Yearbook directory.)  You can also mail your comments to the League office. We realize some of these are very broad; you are welcome to be more specific with comments and suggestions.

1.         Crime in Omaha

2.         Police-Community Relations

3.         Energy

4.         The Learning Community

5.         Immigration

6.         Global warming-its effect on Nebraska

7.         Water issues

8.         Infrastructure

9.         Healthcare

HELP WITH VOTERS' GUIDE

            We're asking for help in receiving and formatting candidate answers for the upcoming primary Voters' Guide.  Good typing skills and/or good computer formatting skills are pretty much necessary.  If you can help, please reply to Annette C. or Kathy D.  (Contact information removed from web copy) no later than February 20.  Earlier would be great!

            In 2006 we finally figured out how two people can receive completed candidate questionnaires for the Voters' Guide.  This makes the work less stressful for only one person.

            The main VG person (Kathy D.) will get the candidate names from the Election Commissioner and send out the questions to them.  The candidates can send their answers back either by mail copy or by email.

            The requested help:  Kathy will receive and format the email answers; the other person(s) will receive and format the hard copy mail answers and email them to the Kathy.  Both of these options and names will be listed on the candidate cover letter, which will go out about March 1.

            Please let us know if you can help in this way.

PROOFREAD THE VOTERS' GUIDE

            During the second half of March several people will gather and proofread the VOTERS' GUIDE copy.  If you can help with this, please contact Kathy D. (Contact information removed from web copy), by March 13.

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.  Note the revised schedule due to the snow on Febr 6:

                        Feb. 12 - chapter 5 - "U.S. Defense Policy"

                        Feb. 19 - chapter 6 - "Latin America:  the next U.S. President's agenda"

                        Feb. 26 - chapter 7 - "U.S.-China economic relations:  evolving rivalry"

                        Mar. 4  - chapter 8 - "Foreign aid:  new players, new goals?"

                        Mar. 11 - chapter 4 - "Russia and 'Putinism' "

            All meetings will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Elouise G. (Contact information removed from web copy).  Please RSVP to Anne S. or Kathy D. (Contact information removed from web copy) if you plan to attend.  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.

BIRTHDAY LUNCHEON

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.

            Note, a vegetarian item has been added to the menu.  If anyone has registered and wants to change to the vegetarian item, let Polly know asap.   Contact information removed from web copy.

See page 1 and registration form on flyer

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE MEETINGS

            The months of February and March will complete our two-year discussion concerning International Health Issues. Time:  7:30 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.

            Our February Meeting will be Wednesday, February 20.  We will begin promptly at 7:30 P.M. with a background presentation by a very knowledgeable 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.

            March 28 will feature the final discussion of our two years’ series exploring "THE IMPACT OF GLOBAL HEALTH ON THE UNITED STATES."  Guest Speaker:  DR. MAGDA  PECK from THE  UNMC Department of Public Health.  Dr. Peck's reputation of professional excellence and people friendly will be an overwhelming closure event for preparing our members to be informed and educated about essential knowledge to share with the Omaha Community.

            Location of Meetings:  Location information removed from web copy.

            R.S.V.P; Cancellations:  Contact information removed from web copy.

MEMBERSHIP

Please email or call me with any address, email, or phone number updates. 

2008 - 2009 Membership fees will be due on April 1, 2008.  Please rejoin early.

I encourage everyone to update their Yearbooks throughout the year as new contact information is provided in the membership report.

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.

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 contact Marilyn R. or Marianne C. (Contact information removed from web copy.)

 There's nothing remarkable about it. All one has to do is hit the right keys at the right time and the instrument plays itself.  -- Johann Sebastian Bach

LWVNE BOARD MEETING

from Virginia B.

            Nebraska League just held their winter meeting in Lincoln.  Nancy I., who has been leading the HAVA activities, has decided to run for County Commissioner [in the Lincoln area].  Peggy A. has agreed to be the 'titular' head of the HAVA activities, but Nancy will continue to carry the bulk of the load.  Nancy informed us that the HAVA grant provided money for a laptop computer, and that that computer is now available for other league activities too.  She also informed us that there is a video available on VOTING.  The Omaha league has agreed to man the 'voting hotline' for the next state-wide election, and a 'radio blitz' is planned for just before that election.

            President Peggy A. reminded us that Legislative Day (in Lincoln) is planned for February 28, 2008,  and there will be no snow date, as it is not possible to change the reservation of the official residence facilities.  So everyone plan to be there--good weather or not.

            Pat W. reported that the Lincoln league held a forum on the Death Penalty in Nebraska, and that the program should be available on Nebraska ETV - #3. 

            The National Convention in--Portland, OR in June 2008--was announced, and the budgeted amount allowed to help defray the cost of the trip will be discussed as soon as we know who [and how many] will be able to attend.

            Margaret B. announced that, as Director of the Corrections committee, she has attended meetings in regard to the penal system, and was able to get a much needed change in mental health treatment of those in the system. 

            Laura S., the Hastings liaison, told us about their efforts to "Re-Tree Nebraska"--as the state has lost many ash trees.  Seems that all the league members across the state could get involved too.

            The Seward league has been very busy informing all their local political bodies about the dangers presented by the construction of a gas pipeline through their area.  This is a good example of where the League is making a real difference and providing a very necessary 'watch-dog' service for their city and state.  

League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha

Annual Meeting

April 18, 2008

Champions Run

13800 Eagle Run Drive

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

                                                9:15 a.m.       Registration and Coffee

                                                9:30 a.m.       Business Meeting

                                              11:30 a.m.       Luncheon and Program

$18.00 per person

All League members, spouses, and other guests are invited to attend.

Make checks payable to LWVGO and send with this form to:    Contact information removed from web copy.

Menu:

_____       Bob’s Coconut Chicken Salad

                  Mixed greens, sun dried tomatoes, scallions, walnuts tossed with Thousand Island dressing topped with Coconut Encrusted Chicken strips and Raspberry Glaze.

_____       Tortellini Carbonara

                  Cheese filled tortellini tossed with onions, mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes in a Carbonara sauce.

_____       Grilled Chicken Sandwich

                  Grilled breast of chicken served on a Kaiser bun.

_____       Roast Beef Dinner

                  Tender slices of roast beef atop grilled sourdough, smothered in gravy and served with mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables.

The reservation deadline is Tuesday, April 15.

Name_______________________________________________                          Phone______________

Number Attending______________________                                                         Total Enclosed__________

6

League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha

BIRTHDAY LUNCHEON  

and

"Making Democracy Work"

Awards Presentation    

Monday, February 18, 2008 - 11:30 a.m.

Upstream Brewing Company - West

171^st & West Center Road

$18.50 per person

All League members, spouses, and other guests are invited to attend.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

    Make checks payable to LWVGO and send with this form to:  Contact information removed from web copy.

    Menu:

 ______ Beer Braised Pot Roast of Beef with Smashed Yukon Gold Potatoes and Beef Gravy    

 ______ Char-broiled Chicken Breast with Raspberry Glaze, Pine Nuts and Feta

 ______ Penne Rigate Pasta with sherry cream sauce, mushrooms, bell peppers, asigo cheese and pine nuts. 

If anyone has registered and wants to change to the vegetarian item, let Polly know asap.

(All lunches include pub salad, chef's accompaniments, coffee, tea, tax, and gratuity.)

The reservation deadline is Thursday, February 14th.

 Name___________________________________________________     Phone________________

 Number attending ___________                                                                  Total enclosed______________