Schuyler County League of Women Voters

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News and Updates - January 2011

As I’ve indicated previously, this is the best way for me to get some important information to you, our membership. I’d ask everyone to remember that last year, we as a group, determined that the League needed to reorganize itself, require less meetings and really re-evaluate what we could and could not accomplish. Our membership, like other organizations, has leveled off and we need to constantly evaluate our resources. It doesn’t mean we don’t continue to work at educating and informing the public and the electorate. We’re just doing it at a different level and pace. 

Holiday Tea
On December 15th we held our Holiday Tea at the home of Betty Vinti in Watkins Glen. This was a wonderful social event that allowed League members and supporters to visit informally, mingle and share good wishes and good food. Founding League members, Jean Argetsinger, Charlotte Callanan and Patricia Ellison were present and recognized for their leadership and direction over the years. I want to thank our founding members and all of those who attended. Special thanks to Betty for her hospitality and to of all those who volunteered and assisted her and for the many wonderful refreshments. The Holiday Tea has made a wonderful return to our League’s tradition. 

Website
Please take a moment to check out the League’s website at www.schuylervotes.com . Misty Jones has put a lot of work into keeping it up to date and making important changes as they were needed. Elected officials have been updated as well as pictures of the Tea and other informational pieces.

Meet the Candidates
The Board of Directors of the Schuyler League have decided that it would be a great service to offer a Meet the Candidates Forum for village mayoral and trustee candidates in conjunction with the Watkins/Montour Rotary. Traditionally the League and Rotary have held a February meeting to hear from state and local elected officials. In the past few years it has become increasingly difficult to get state representatives to participate at this time of the year due to state budget timing issues. Since there are village elections this year, we determined that it may be more important for us to hear from local candidates on local issues. Therefore we will be having a Meet the Candidates Forum, on March 3, 2011 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the Watkins Glen Elks Club in conjunction with the Rotary Club meeting. Candidates for village office will be introduced. Mayoral candidates will be invited to make statements and answer questions. This event will be open to the public, so bring a friend. A reminder and other details will follow.

Information from NYS League of Women Voters
The NYS League of Women Voters has updated a number of their brochures. First Vote is a guide for new voters and the 2011 Legislative Agenda is a listing of issues that the NYS League will be focusing on and advocating for in 2011. We have placed an order and should be receiving these shortly. We will make these available at our League meetings. If you are interested in receiving a copy of either one of these publications please let me know.

Health, Welfare & Women’s Issues Committee
Two members have joined the Health, Welfare & Women’s Issues Committee, chaired by Marcia Kasprzyk. Helene Fausold and Heidi Berghoff will be working with Marcia to identify issues for the committee to focus on. If you are interested in participating or  joining this committee please contact Marcia at mkasprzyk@co.schuyler.ny.us or (607) 936-3438.

O’Mara elected to NYS Elections Committee
Tom O’Mara, the newly elected Senator from our district has been appointed as Chairperson of the NYS Senate Elections Committee. This committee of the NYS Senate deals with all of the issues related to voting and the electoral process in NYS. It is important and crucial that we communicate our issues and concerns to Senator O’Mara relative to these issues. 

Sponsors
Please support and thank our sponsors. They need to know that members of the League recognize their support. 

DUES Due!
If you haven’t taken care of these, please contact Donna Beardsley and make sure you’re up to date. 

Thank you for your continued support.

Jim Wilson, President


 News and Updates- October 2010
As all of you know, the League went through some major organization changes earlier this year. We have reduced the number of regular meetings and changed our membership dues structure. All of this was the result of concerns about a steady reduction in our membership and a concern that schedules just didn’t allow for the kind of commitment seen in the past.

In the transition I know I haven’t been good at keeping people posted on news and events. Judy Lampman tried to get Bulletin information but changes organizationally certainly didn’t require a monthly update and frankly couldn’t be maintained. My excuse is that I have been extremely busy in my own work and that has taken precedence (Public Transportation operated by The Arc kicked off in August and The Arc is building a new house on Decatur St.- just a few things to keep one busy). As things have calmed down just a bit, I will try to keep you more informed of League business. As always, we encourage our members to visit our website at www.schuylervotes.com. 

Meet the Candidates Forum
On Wed. October 27, 2010, the League will sponsor our Meet the Candidates Forum from 7pm until 9pm at the Watkins Glen Elementary School Auditorium. We have worked very hard to try and get all candidates for statewide offices and the County Legislature at this event. Scheduling has been difficult since many of the candidates were scheduling events even prior to knowing their status in the Primary Election. Candidates for the 29th Congressional District, Tom Reed and Matt Zeller, will not be with us as they have another engagement that evening. Candidates for the State Senate and State Assembly as well as County Legislative candidates will be present. Brian Williams has agreed to moderate the session.  We’ve attached a flyer for those of you who can find a location to post it. Please encourage your friends and neighbors to come to this important event. As we say in many of our ads and publications – democracy is not a spectator sport. More than ever we need smart, educated voters to assist with making decisions about the direction of our country, state and county. 

Thanks to Jean Kosty, Marcia Douglas, Ellen Coleman, Misty Jones and Rita Newell for all of their assistance in putting this event together.

Tompkins County Invitation
I also wanted to let you know that we have all been invited to an October 30th meeting of the Tompkins County League.  Barbara Bartoletti from the State League in Albany is coming that Saturday to speak on "Making a Difference in Albany".  Light luncheon at noon for $3.00.  The program will be at 1:00 - 2:30.  The event is at the Tompkins County Public Library, BorgWarner Room.  The library is on the corner of Green St. and Cayuga St. downtown Ithaca.  Just behind the library is free parking in the Cayuga Parking structure. They would like to have an RSVP about lunch by Oct. 24th. You can let me know by emailing me at jwilson@arcofschuyler.org or calling 535 6934 and I’ll get word to them. 

Next Board Meeting November 10, 2010
The Board has been meeting on the second Thursday of the month at 7:30am at The Arc of Schuyler’s conference room. In November the meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 10 instead of Thursday. Any interested members are welcome to participate.

Membership and Sponsorships Are Now Due
As part of the reorganization, we provided people with a number of ways to support the League. In addition, the Board of Directors have formally determined that the membership year is January 1 to December 31st of each year. Traditionally, dues have been paid in September and this year I sent out a much earlier request that may have confused some people. For those of you who have not yet paid; please send your membership or sponsorship to Donna Beardsley, Membership Chair, 530 North Madison Avenue, Watkins Glen NY 14891. In addition, you can help the League by finding, encouraging and supporting new members. There are many people who work and live in our community who believe in and who are interested in good government. Think about encouraging these folks to get involved with the League. Bring friends and neighbors to League events. 

Holiday Tea
The Board of Directors has determined that the League will continue a tradition that was reinstituted last year – an annual Holiday Tea held at one of our members’ or supporters’ home. The event is meant to be a social encounter that allows League members and supporters to visit informally, mingle and share good wishes for the holiday season. Of course a little League business may sneak in. This year’s event is being planned for Wednesday, December 15th from 11:30am-1pm at Betty Vinti’s home at 102 Grandview Avenue, Watkins Glen. A reminder and other details will follow.

Voter Guides Linked to Website
The NYS League of Women Voters produces brochures that are referred to as Voter Guides in major elections. These guides contain information on registration, primary and election dates and information on specific statewide offices and candidates. We have made sure that these guides are linked and available from our own local website at www.schuylervotes.com. Judy Lampman and Misty Jones work together on maintaining this site. The links to the Voter Guides are one example of how we as a League can assist voters in becoming educated about the election process. Please visit the site and check out the information provided.

Health, Welfare & Women’s Issues Committee
Marcia Kaspryzk has graciously agreed to be the Chair of the Health, Welfare & Women’s Issues Committee. The responsibility of this committee is to work in collaboration with schools and other entities to address issues pertinent to health, welfare and women’s issues. There has been initial discussion with the Board on topics that the committee should focus on. These topics include: underage suicide, teen pregnancy and screenings paid for by Medicare. Marcia is seeking members to be a part of the committee, if you are interested please contact her at mkasprzyk@co.schuyler.ny.us or (607) 936-3438.

2010 Programs in Review:

May:  No meeting

April:  4/28/2010  If you missed the LWV ANNUAL luncheon meeting at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, you missed history being made for the Schuyler County League of Women Voters!  An historic meeting with the gavel being passed from out-going President Max Neal, to incoming president Jim Wilson.  This League was formed in 1955, and now in 2010 marks the League's first male president.  In his opening remarks, Jim, having recently visited the National Voting Rights Museum in Alabama, remarked "...that women and children were responsible for the Voting Rights Act to happen".  Just as women fought to win the right to vote back in 1919.   Max Neal provided a new April 09 - March 2010 Yardstick a 48 page publication to LWV members, go-to-guide to the local League.   

March:  3/17/10  The St Patrick's Day LWV luncheon meeting was at the Moose Club in Montour Falls.  The program topic was  Voter Registration with guest speakers Joe Fazzary (R) and John Vona (D) from the Board of Elections.  Ideas to increase voter registration was discussed.  The Commisioners of Schuyler County must submit an Annual Report to the NYS Board of Elections, contact the media, organizes, often with the help of the LWV, dates and times to encourage and educate high school students on voting.  Students may register to vote at 17, but must be 18 on or before voting day.  First time voters must present ID at the the polls on voting day.  Q and A followed.  Jean Kosty is the LWV Program Chair.  To view the State Board on-line www.elections.state.ny.us/ 

February:  2/25/10  LWV luncheon meeting was combined with the Rotary Club at the Elks Club in Watkins Glen, NY.  Ms. Glenda Gephart is the President of Rotary, and co-moderating was Max Neal, President of the LWV of Schuyler County.  Schuyler County Legislators spoke, then fielded questions, they were:  Legislators Fagin; Gifford; Schlesser; Marcellus; and Larison.  Legislators Doris Karius and Barbara Halpin could not attend.  Ms. Halpin issued a statement that was read by LWV President, Max Neal.     

January:  1/20/10  *Note.  Since this LWV luncheon, Eric Massa has stepped dpwn from his office, due to allegations of harassment from a staff member.  Ms. Jennifer Salley Ruland, LMSW, a representative from Congressman Eric Massa's Corning office spoke to the issues of 'Health Care Reform' at the LWV luncheon meeting.  As Director of Constituent Services in Massa's Corning office, she indicated that Massa feels the bill:  does not reduce health care problems; does nothing to curb or correct health care fraud and corruption; and still leaves out some citizens.  Questions were fielded by Ms. Ruland from the audience, among them two students asked questions, of five students attending from Watkins Glen High School.  Jennifer Ruland's contact number in Corning is 607-654-7566.  Her e-mail is Jennifer.Ruland@mail.house.gov    

2009 Programs in brief:

December:  12/16/09   Joan Argetsinger hosted the Schuyler County League of Women Voters Holiday Membership Tea in her historic home in Montour Falls.  Joan's mother-in-law, Jean Argetsinger, 1st President of Schuyler County LWV(1955-57) with Pat Ellison, 2nd President (1957-59) held the first Membership Tea in the late 1950's.  December's tea re-visited this time-honored tradition. 

November:  11/18/09  Brett Chedzoy was the key speaker addressing the environmental issues and concerns of the controversial Marcellus Shale, the 3rd largest natural gas formation.  Mr. Chedzoy is  a Forster and a Cornell Cooperative Extension Educator.

October:  10/21/09  The League of Women Voters held their annual 'Meet the Candidates Forum' luncheon at Glen Motor Inn.  Marcia N. Douglas, Rita B. Newell and Gretta Preston from the LWV Voter Services Committee put together a dynamic program.  60 people attended.  

September:  9/9/09  Ms. Karen Allen Education Coordinator from the Schuyler County Board of Elections gave a presentation on the new voting machines the county will be using at the WGI's Media Center. 

June:  6/17/09  Betsy Swain NYS's League of Women Voters President was the featured speaker for the June fundraiser picnic held at Carol Bower's Catering.    

May:  5/20/09  Held at the media Center at WGI the featured program was a Panel Discussion on the recently completed 'Schuyler County Housing Needs Assessment'.  This document is available to the public at www.sc-landuse.org   

April:  4/22/09   The ANNUAL Meeting of the Schuyler County League of Women Voters was held in the WGI Media Center, featuring NYS LWV President Betsy Swain.  Topic:  Lobbying Government'.   Max Neal assumed the role of President of the LWV, from out-going President Helene Fausold. 


March:  No LWV meeting was held. 

February:  2/26/09  LWV's annual joint luncheon meeting with the Rotary Club.  Helene Fausold, LWV President introduced Schuyler County Legislators who explained key development points and addressed questions from the audience.  Students visited from Watkins Glen High School.


January:  1/21/09  Helene Fausold LWV President (07-09), introduced guest speakers Brian Williams, LWV member and SCOPED, presented an overview of the functionality of Public Authorites, with City Administrator, Tim O'hearn and SCIDA's Chair of the Board of Directors, Kevin Murphy discussing corporate developement.          

SPECIAL NEWS 2009:   Schuyler County League of Women Voters extends CONGRATULATIONS to LWV member Jean Argetsinger for Lifetime Achievement recognition at the January 9, 2009 Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce annual dinner dance  Ms. Argetsinger has been an active and still is LWV member since it's inception in 1955.  Jean, alongside her husband Cameron, were responsible for putting Grand Prix racing and Watkins Glen on-the-map for generations of racing fans!  Thank you Jean for your many years of service to the League of Women Voters!  Congratulations are also offered to Maxine Neal, an active LWV member and President for being chosen as the recipiant of the Community Spirit Award  for her unstoppable and unflappable spirit of service!  In September 2009, Max was also inducted into the Schuyler County Hall of Fame...well done Max!