HELP CELEBRATE THE LEAGUE
WITH A CORK PULL
Come join in the fun of the Cork Pull at Celebrate the League on February 27. Above are samples of the wines donated and purchased last year. We will be taking wine donations at the February luncheon, or you can arrange a pick-up or drop-off by contacting Teresa Stohs. We ask that wines have a $20 value or more.
 BIDDER BIDDER!
The Silent Auction is taking form for the Celebrate the League event on February 27. Here are just a few of the items you can expect:
- Handmade girls dress size 3T by member Judy Hushon
- Godfather Dinner for 8 by members Paula Scherwin and Susan Sonnenschein
- Getaway at Vanderbilt Beach Resort for 2 nights plus gift card for The Turtle Club by member Diane Preston Moore
- Giftcard to Altavilla for dinner and a bottle of wine by member Tina Palmese
- Boat ride for 6 with Picnic Lunch by members Craig Olson and Susan Sonnenschein
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Big changes are coming soon! As part of the LWVUS structural transformation, the process of joining and renewing memberships will change in 2025. Beginning in February, a new software platform called ChapterSpot will be up and running. Members will be getting information from LWVUS in January about signing in to the new software.
If you have received a renewal notice, please renew by January 31 so that we can benefit fully from the support of your local league.
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WALKING TOUR OF ST. MATTHEW'S HOUSE
The Social Justice Committee has planned a tour of St. Matthew’s House, 2001 Airport-Pulling Rd on Friday, January 31 at 10:45 AM. St. Matthew’s fills many needs in our community, providing food, temporary housing, job training, rehabilitation for substance abuse and more. The tour will be approximately one hour. Those who are interested may stay for lunch at Lulu’s Kitchen, 2125 Airport-Pulling Rd. S. The restaurant is part of St. Matthew’s social enterprise model. It allows St. Matthew’s to be self-sustaining by earning revenue to offset their overhead costs.
| DIVE DEEPER INTO THE LEAGUE:
ATTEND LEAGUE 101!
February 11 @ 3:00-4:00
ZOOM
Calling all LWVCC members and interested guests!
The League of Women Voters of Collier County (LWVCC) is hosting a special event, League 101, designed to introduce you to our chapter and its vital work. This informative session is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about the LWVCC, its connection to the state and national Leagues, and how you can get involved.
Here's what you'll gain from League 101:
- Understanding our mission: We'll explore the distinction between non-partisan and political, explaining how the LWVCC approaches important issues.
- Committee involvement: Discover the various committees within the LWVCC, the issues they tackle, and how your contributions can make a difference.
- Education and advocacy: Explore the LWVCC's dual role of providing voter education and advocating for positive change in our community.
Whether you're a seasoned member or simply curious about the League, League 101 is a valuable opportunity to gain insights and engage.
Please note: attendance at League 101 is a requirement for the LLP leadership program.
Don't miss this chance to learn more about the LWVCC and how you can be a part of our mission to empower voters and promote informed democracy.
| KNOW YOUR COUNTY GOVERNMENT
OUR 42nd YEAR
This exciting program is co-sponsored by the LWVCC Education Committee, Collier County 4-H, and the Collier County Public Schools. CCPS high school students spend 3 days learning how government works in Collier County, visiting agencies, meeting administrators, commissioners, and observing the court room and a Commissioner’s meeting. If you would like to interact with civic-minded high schools students and see part of County government you may not have seen before, you can volunteer to chaperone. Field trip days are Wednesday, February 12, Tuesday, February 25, and Tuesday, March 25. If you would like to volunteer, please sign up HERE [NEED LINK TO SIGN UPS]. We are looking forward to an educational and fun day!
|  CREW LAND & WATER TRUST
CREW LANDS IN EASTERN COLLIER & LEE COUNTIES
Presented by Robert Lucius, Ph.D.
Executive Director of CREW Land & Water Trust
Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting
February 13 @ 10:00-12:00
Collier Community Foundation
Join Bob Lucius, the Executive Director of CREW Land & Water Trust, to learn about the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW) and how SWFL’s largest, intact watershed impacts our community’s economy and quality of life while providing habitats for over a thousand native plant and animal species, many of which are threatened or endangered. He will discuss the importance of ecosystem services provided by this natural infrastructure and how the partnership among CREW Trust, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) supports the long-term protection and stewardship of CREW’s water resources and natural communities. Bob will also detail many of the recreational and educational programs available at CREW. | COMMUNICATION WITH A DIFFERENT LENS
February 14 @ 9:30-11:30
Finemark Bank
How do we converse with those who think differently from us? How do we not react strongly to a different viewpoint? How do we support our democracy if we don’t talk with our neighbor?
Come to FineMark Bank, 800 Laurel Oak Drive from 9:30-11:30 AM on Friday, February 14, 2025, to learn about speaking with differently minded folks. The workshop is sponsored by the Social Policy and the Juvenile Justice Committees. Janet Hoffman, co-chair of the Social Policy Committee, will lead the workshop. Registration is necessary to help us determine the quantity of refreshments needed and for the interactive part of the workshop.
REGISTER
| AIRBOAT TOUR RESCHEDULED
February 17 @ 10:00-4:00
The Betty Osceola Airboat tour of the Everglades has been RESCHEDULED to January 17th! Please join now or re-register if you want to attend. Betty will identify Miccosukee sites in danger from water issues in the Everglades among other issues the tribe is experiencing. Sponsored by our DEI Committee. We will meet at the East Trail Fresh Market at 10:00 am and carpool to the site for the 12:00 tour, which lasts 90 minutes. Cost is expected to be $50 per person paid at the entrance. Date and Time Monday, February 17, 2025, 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM Location Buffalo Tiger Airboat Tour 29701 SW 8th Street Miami, FL
|  NEW MEMBER TRANSPARENCY TOUR
WITH MELISSA BLAZIER
SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS
February 18 @ 10:00-12:00
All members, but especially new members, are invited to join Voter Services for a Transparency Tour at the Supervisor of Elections offices. Melissa will take us to the Operations Building to see exactly how each ballot is tabulated and the checks and balances that ensure our elections are free, fair, accurate, and transparent. Please join us on Tuesday, February 18, at 10 a.m. at the Supervisor of Elections Office, 3750 Enterprise Avenue, Naples, FL.
|  PASS 0N PLASTICS IS PICKING UP STEAM
Our Plastics Task Force (part of the LWVCC Environmental Affairs Committee) is rolling out our 2024-25 “Take a Pass on Plastics” presentation in Collier County and making an impact! At Environment Day for the Greater Naples Leadership (GNL) 2024-25 Master Class, Joanne Huskey and Laura Hansen Reynolds highlighted the issues with ever-increasing worldwide production of plastics and its environmental impact. Particularly single-use plastics packaging, which is stacking up in our landfills, incinerated at waste-to-energy plants, and recycled (less than 10%). They shined a spotlight on the impacts to our air, water, soil and human health. Introducing the 4 Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, attendees were asked to consider personal reductions in the amount of single-use plastic packaging they purchase. Alternatives to plastics packaging were introduced and “Yes I Can” cards distributed, which will guide them in those efforts. Our next audience was the Men’s Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples presented by Loralee LeBoeuf and Vicki Stoller. The “Plastics Alternatives Products” table was a big hit! Our presentation was so well received, the Men’s Council committed to “Take a Pass on Plastics” by eliminating plastics use at their meetings.
|  SOCIAL POLICY WELCOMES A NEW CHAIR
We would first like to thank Linda Scherzinger for chairing the Gun Violence Prevention Committee from its very beginning in our League. She chaired very ably and energetically. Carolyn Alden has graciously agreed to take this over. She feels this is an imperative committee to have with firearms being the number one cause of death for children. The Gun Violence Prevention Committee will hold its next meeting on February 19 at 10:00 AM using Zoom.
| NAPLES PRIDE CENTER TOUR
HELPS UNDERSTANDING OF COMMUNITY ISSUES
Members of the DEI committee met at the Naples Pride Center for a tour of its site. Director Cori Cracium explained the history of the Pride Fest and the Center. She explained her work to retain the Pride Fest despite challenges from protesters. The Pride Center provides mental health counseling and educational support for the parents and family of LGBTQ+ children. She noted that there is a 45% chance of suicide when LGBTQ+ family members are not supportive. Many of those in attendance agreed to attend the Naples City Council hearing on January 15 to support the Pride community and allowing the PrideFest to continue in June 2025. President Diane Moore spoke on behalf of the LWVCC at that hearing. The City Council voted to retain the PrideFest in Cambier Park but the drag show is to be inside at another location. | LWVCC TURNED OUT STRONG
FOR MLK DAY PARADE
The annual parade to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 20th in downtown Naples was a grand success for the LWVCC! As led by our DEI Committee, over 20 enthusiastic members and guests carried commemorative posters and marched alongside Diane and Mick Moore’s “Hot Music” truck and new member Ronna Hoffberg’s “Frango” golf cart. Everyone was festive and enthusiastic as they marched, waved to the parade watchers, tossed candy, and handed out flags to the children. Following the parade, Tina Palmese ably coordinated members for the tabling event during the bandstand program hosted by the local NAACP. Tina’s comment said it best “what a great way to start the year for LWVCC!”
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UPCOMING EVENTS |
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January 31 @ 10:45-12:00
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St. Matthew's House Tour
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February 3 @ 11:30-1:30
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Luncheon & General Meeting
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February 14 @ 9:30 AM-11:30
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Communication with a Different Lens
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February 17 @ 10:00-4:00
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Buffalo Tiger Airboat Tour
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February 18 @ 10:00-12:00
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SoE Transparency Tour
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February 27
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2025 Celebrate the League
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Visit the LWVCC Calendar for event details
| ONLINE REIMBURSEMENT FORM IS NOW AVAILABLE
Board members, committee chairs, and others who need to submit reimbursement requests can now do so via our Submit Online Forms page. | UPCOMING COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Because LWVCC committee meetings are for members and their invited guests unless stated otherwise,
members should log in to the website to register
to get the Zoom links for committee meetings and other events. | Board Meeting
February 5 @ 9:30-12:00
Moorings Park Clubhouse
| Plastics Task Force Meeting
February 6 @ 3:30-5:00
Zoom | Education Committee Meeting
February 11 @ 2:00-3:30 NOTE DATE & LOCATION CHANGE
ZOOM
| Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting
February 13 @ 10:00-11:30
Collier Community Foundation
Guest Speaker Bob Lucius, Executive Director of CREW Land & Water Trust, will speak about the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW) and how SWFL’s largest, intact watershed impacts our community’s economy and quality of life while providing habitats for over a thousand native plant and animal species, many of which are threatened or endangered. | Development & Outreach Committee Meeting
February 14 @ 10:00-11:30
Zoom
| Gun Violence Prevention Subcommittee Meeting
February 19 @ 10:00-11:30
ZOOM
| DEI Committee Meeting
February 19 @ 2:00-3:00
Zoom
| Affordable Housing Subcommittee Meeting
February 20 @10:30-12:00
Moorings Park Building O Social Room
| MISSED AN ISSUE OF THE VOTER?
NEED TO CATCH UP ON THE NEWS?
Check out our updated News & Newsletters page, which has all our latest news and links to current and back issues of The Voter and The LWVCC Update.
| Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in Government. We influence public policy through education and advocacy. Our goal is to empower citizens to take an active role in shaping better communities worldwide. The League of Women Voters of Collier County does not support or endorse any candidate or political party.
| League of Women Voters of Collier County
P.O. Box 9883Naples, FL 34101
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