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Grassroots and Goodies, Redux
Tuesday, February 14, 2012 - 2:00 p.m.
Our Valentine's Day tea and program planning meeting last year was so delightful and productive, we thought we would do it again! Members are invited to enjoy tea and goodies while discussing suggestions for next year's national and local priorities.
Invitations have been mailed; please call Mary at 847-295-1494 for details and to RSVP.
Challenges to Reproductive Health
Pam Sutherland, Vice President for Public Policy, Planned Parenthood of Illinois, will address members and guests on Sunday, January 29th, at 4:00 p.m. at a private home.
Sutherland will provide an update on the challenges to women's reproductive health care in Illinois and throughout the country. Illinois and other states have witnessed an unprecedented amount of proposed legislation that would further curtail women's access to affordable health care services, health education, birth control, reproductive choices, and emergency care. Some of these initiatives have received considerable national attention. Thirty-six states passed a record number of 135 restrictive legislative provisions in 2011.
Facts and consequences will be discussed over wine and refreshments. We look forward to an informative program. Member invitations are in the mail.
Holiday Luncheon on December 9th Was a Delightful Start to the Holiday Season!
Our annual Holiday Luncheon on December 9th at the Grille on Laurel was well attended and thoroughly enjoyable. Attendees caught up with fellow League members, enjoyed a delicious Grille lunch, and heard a number of fascinating and beautifully told winter myths and folktales presented by Megan Wells, dramatic storyteller.
Click here to see more photos!
National Study: The Role of the Federal Government in Public Education
LWV-LFLB is doing its part in the LWVUS study on education. In conjunction with the Leagues of Women Voters of Highland Park/Highwood and Deerfield, we held a panel discussion on November 2nd at the Highland Park County Club that was very information, balanced, and well-attended. Speakers were Ralph Martire, Executive Director of the bipartisan Center for Tax and Budget Accountability; Dr. Sue Hebson, Assistant Superintendent of Schools for High School District 113; and Kathy Ryg, President of Voices for Illinois Children. If you missed it, you can watch the video below.
The next step in the process was a meeting of our members to discuss and come to consensus on an extensive list of questions provided by the national study group. That meeting was held on November 7th. LWVUS will use the consensus information from local Leagues across the country to develop a position on the role of the federal government in public education.
Legislative Update - State of the State Program
We spent an enlightening evening with State Sen. Susan Garrett and State Rep. Karen May on Friday, October 14th, at 7:00 pm at the Lake Bluff Park District Community Room. The legislators gave us their perspective on topics such as pensions, budget, jobs, tax increases, and Route 53.
See the video below.
Holiday Luncheon Set for Friday, December 9
It's the event we anticipate all year ... our annual Holiday Luncheon! Join us on December 9th at the Grille on Laurel for a delightful few hours of catching up with fellow League members, enjoying a delicious Grille lunch, and hearing a dramatic storytelling presentation by Megan Wells. Ms Wells will present "Winter Around the World: Myths and Folktales for the Season."
The event starts at 10:30 am with socializing, and the presentation will begin at 11:00. Cost is $45. Be sure to make your reservation for this popular event by December 6th. Click here to view the invitation. Hope to see you there!
Do You Want Washington's Finger in Your Local Schools?
The state of our school systems in this country is always making headlines. We constantly hear from the media about school scandals where teachers are giving the students the answers to the tests, only teaching to the test, or not teaching at all. We also hear how our school systems are failing our children.
The federal government already is involved in our local school systems. But what exactly is its involvement? If the federal government decides to come up with a common set of core standards, what would they be? How will they be funded? How will mandates affect our local schools?
The Leagues of Women Voters of Deerfield, Highland Park/Highwood, and Lake Forest/Lake Bluff will be presenting a forum to discuss the federal government's role in public education. The panel discussion will address the above questions and others from the audience.
The panelists will include:
- Ralph Martire – Executive Director of the bipartisan Center for Tax and Budget Accountability
- Dr. Sue Hebson – Assistant Superintendent of Schools for High School District 113
- Kathy Ryg – President, Voices for Illinois Children
Come get your questions answered by this esteemed panel on Wednesday, November 2, 2011, at the Highland Park Country Club, 1201 Park Ave. West, Highland Park, 7:00 – 9:00 pm.
The Leagues are presenting this forum as part of a national study of the role of the federal government in public education by the League of Women Voters (LWV) of the United States. Click here for background information on the study and the League consensus process. The LWV is a non-partisan organization. The LWV will not take a position on any issue until it is studied by its members and a consensus is taken. Only at that time will the LWV lobby our politicians.
Membership Kickoff Speaker Provides Fascinating Insights
Professor Ghada Talhami's talk at our membership soiree on September 7th,"The Arab Spring Through the Eyes of Women," was interesting, thought provoking, entertaining, and enlightening.
Dr. Talhami is emeritus professor, Department of Politics, at Lake Forest College. She has written extensively and lectured at numerous academic institutions in the US and abroad. Dr. Talhami has been a frequent speaker at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and a repeated guest on "Chicago Tonight," as well as other radio and television programs. She has won many awards during her distinguished career.
If you were there, you know what a successful evening it was! If you missed it, you can catch up by watching the video below.
It's Membership Renewal Time
Watch for your renewal packet in the mail. New this year: you can renew your membership by credit card online! Click here for complete information.
Parade Entry a Big Hit!
Many people watching the Lake Bluff Fourth of July parade showed their appreciation of our tongue-in-cheek parade entry. Thanks to all who participated - and watch for us again in the Lake Forest Day parade on August 3, 2011.
LWV-LFLB Questions County Redistricting Map
The Lake County Board recently adopted its new district map, consequent to the 2010 Census, and it's raised a lot of questions. Click here to see the County's gallery of district maps, both new and old. Read the news coverage of the redictricting process and League's response to it by clicking the links below.
Lake Forester, July 5, 2011
Lake Forest, Lake Bluff split in County remap spurs concerns
GazeboNews, June 12, 2011
County Board to vote on new districts
Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Patch, June 8, 2011
Lake County committee approves district map that shrinks board
Daily Herald, June 7, 2011
Lake County panel greenlights new district boundaries
Lake Forester, May 13, 2011
Letter to the Editor: Lake County Board needs to communicate better
LWV Lake County Report
The League of Women Voters had a very busy and productive year. Read their report here.
Our Membership Kickoff Promises to Be a Fascinating Evening!
Attention, all who are interested in politics, government, world affairs, or public policy! The League of Women Voters - Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Area is kicking off a new year of activities with its Membership Soiree on Wednesday, September 7, 2011, at 7:00 pm. Highlighting the evening is Professor Ghada Talhami, who is speaking about "The Arab Spring Through the Eyes of Women." The event is open to League members and guests. For more information or reservations, please email lflb.lwv@gmail.com, or call Tracy at 847-682-4092. Space is limited, as the event is being held at a private home in east Lake Forest. Refreshments will be served.
Jane Partridge, President of the LF/LB League of Women Voters, is delighted to be able to introduce Dr. Talhami to the gathering. Partridge has heard Dr. Talhami speak a number of times and finds the professor's knowledge and perspective fascinating. "Her audiences are not disappointed," Partridge affirms.
Dr. Talhami is emeritus professor, Department of Politics, at Lake Forest College. She has written extensively and lectured at numerous academic institutions in the US and abroad. Dr. Talhami has been a frequent speaker at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and a repeated guest on "Chicago Tonight," as well as other radio and television programs. She has won many awards during her distinguished career.
During the evening, guests also will learn about the League and its upcoming plans for the year. Both men and women are invited to join. The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy thorough education and advocacy.
Annual Meeting 2011
May 17th turned out to be a beautiful day for the 2011 Annual Meeting. Mary Ritter opened her lovely home with gracious hospitality. Members enjoyed a delicious pasta dinner from Wisma while engaging in countless conversations. Over dessert, members got down to business. The meeting went swiftly and smoothly. A busy Program based on many National and State priorities was adopted. The Proposed Budget and Bylaw amendments were approved. And finally, the Nominating Slate was voted for unanimously. The Annual Meeting provided just the right amount of pleasure and business, with the evening ending before 9:00 pm. Fun with efficiency!
LWVIL "State of the State" Luncheon
Charles Thomas, political reporter for ABC7 News, was the speaker at the annual State of the State Luncheon held by the LWV of Illinois on April 29th at the Union League Club in Chicago. Mr. Thomas is pictured here with Nancy Marcus, President of LWVIL.
Mr. Thomas's topic was "Reform"; this term usually implies a positive change, but he pointed out that it is often used to hide the real agenda. LWV-Lake Forest/Lake Bluff members enjoyed lunch and networking with members of many other Leagues. The League also used the event to celebrate Governor Quinn's signing of the bill to abolish the death penalty in Illinois.
Interview with Congressman Robert Dold
On April 28, 2011, freshman Congressman Robert Dold met with members of the League of Women Voters in the 10th Congressional District. Eleven local Leagues from Lake and Cook Counties were represented at this meeting. LWV-LFLB members Joan Kaltsas (fourth from left), Jo-An Sabonjian (front, third from right), and Jane Partridge (back, right) are pictured.
Click here to read a report on the interview.
Watch Video of "At Whose Cost? Our Children"
Panel discussion with Ralph Martire, Kathy Ryg, and Kristi Long
Sunday, April 10, 2011, 2:00 pm
Co-sponsored by the Mothers Trust Foundation
Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Rd., Lake Forest
This discussion is also being cablecast by LFTV and can be viewed at the following times:
Channel 17: Sundays at 6 am and 4 pm, Wednesdays at 4pm, Thursdays at 2:30 pm, Fridays at 9:30 am and 8 pm
Channel 19: Mondays at 1 pm, Wednesdays at 10:20 pm, Thursdays at noon
Watch video of Women's History Month Luncheon
Speaker: Rachel Bronson, Vice President of Programs and Studies, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Co-sponsored by North Shore Leagues
The Glen Club, Glenview
Watch Video of Cuba Forum
Presentation by Dr. Alberto R. Coll
Thursday, March 3, 2011, 7:00pm
Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Senior Center, 100 E. Old Mill Road, Lake Forest
At Whose Cost? Our Children
Panel Discussion
Sunday, April 10, 2011, 2:00 pm
Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Rd., Lake Forest
LWV-LFLB and Mothers Trust Foundation are co-sponsoring a panel discussion explaining how Illinois fiscal problems are affecting our children and our future. The public is invited to hear three noted speakers address the ongoing tax issues Illinois faces with many of the resulting short- and long-term consequences. The three speakers are Ralph Martire, Kathy Ryg, and Kristi Long. Read more »
Women's History Month Luncheon
Saturday, March 5, 2011
11:45 am Reception • 12:15 pm Luncheon •
1:00 pm Speaker
The Glen Club, 2901 W. Lake Ave., Glenview
The 18th Annual Luncheon commemorating Women's History Month, sponsored by several North Shore Leagues including LWV-LF/LB, will be on Saturday, March 5th in Glenview.
The speaker will be Rachel Bronson, Vice President of Programs and Studies at The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, who will speak on "Women's Progress in Global Leadership."
Reservations for this event must be received by March 1. Click here to download the flyer and reservation form.
United States' Changing Relationship with Cuba
Presentation by Dr. Alberto R. Coll
Thursday, March 3, 2011, 7:00pm
Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Senior Center, 100 E. Old Mill Road, Lake Forest
The League of Women Voters and AAUW are co-sponsoring Dr. Alberto Coll's presentation, "The United States' Changing Relationship with Cuba."
Dr. Coll was born in Cuba and moved to the United States when he was young. He graduated cum laude from Princeton University and later earned his Juris Doctor and PhD from the University of Virginia. After teaching at Georgetown University, Coll was appointed secretary of the Navy Senior Research Fellow at the Naval War College. Later he served as principal deputy assistant secretary of defense. For this work, he earned the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service.
He wrote The Wisdom of Statecraft and has had numerous articles on international relations and law published. Before joining DePaul University, Dr. Coll was Chairman of the Strategic Research Department at the U.S. Naval War College. Dr. Coll is a sought-after lecturer on American foreign policy, US foreign policy, and international legal and political issues.
Grassroots and Goodies
Come join us over a cup of tea, and enjoy some Valentine's Day sweets and other goodies when we meet on February 14th. We will discuss Program Planning at the state and local levels for next year. The Tea will start at 3:00, and we should spend about an hour on recommendations for state and local programs. Only with input from our members will we have a viable, exciting, action-oriented program to move us forward in influencing public policy! Click here for detailed information on the process.
We will meet at Abbie's house (email us for location). Please park in her driveway or on Briar Lane so as not to block her neighbors' driveways.
Our Town
If you want to know what is going on in Lake Forest or Lake Bluff, you can go to the municipal websites ... or you can attend a meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 26, at 7:30pm. The League of Women Voters is holding a community dialogue with Bob Kiely, Lake Forest City Manager, and Drew Irvin, Lake Bluff Village Administrator. The program will be at the Lake Bluff Park District, 355 W. Washington Ave., Lake Bluff. Residents are invited to join us. Both administrators will update us on what is going on in our towns. Also, they will answer questions from the audience. If you would like to ask a question personally rather than searching a website, please join us. Refreshments will be served.
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Annual Holiday Luncheon coming Friday, December 3, 2010
- Invitations have been mailed. Call Judy Grisamore at 847-234-3510 to reserve a spot. Details »
LWV-LFLB President Jane Partridge interviewed on WTTW's Chicago Tonight about affordable housing
Videos of local and 10th Congressional forums now available!
Voter's guide to local races
Download the Voter's Guide from the September 30th Candidate Forum for the following races:
- 58th State Representative District
- 59th State Representative District
- Lake County Board District 23
- Lake County Superintendent of Schools
- Lake County Clerk
- Lake County Sheriff
- Lake County Treasurer
New Online Voters Guide to Cover All State Races in Illinois
The Illinois League will be doing an online Voters Guide through the National League's VOTE411 website. Our section will cover the following races: Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Comptroller, Treasurer, US Senator, Representatives in Congress, State Reps, and those State Senatorial districts that are up for election. The Voters Guide will go live on October 12 - the first day of early voting.
Initiative to Recall the Governor to Appear on November 2 Ballot
Quick Facts | Full Explanation of Recall Amendment
LWVIL to Hold Debates for Senator and Governor Candidates
October 19, 10:35 - 11:35 p.m.
Illinois senatorial candidates Alexi Giannoulias and Mark Kirk
Moderator:
ABC's Chief Political Correspondent George Stephanopoulos
October 20, 10:35 - 11:35 p.m.
Illinois gubernatorial candidates Bill Brady and Pat Quinn
Moderator: ABC 7 anchor/reporter Ron Magers
In addition to airing on ABC 7's main channel, the hour-long debates will air live on ABC 7's 7.2 Channel at 7:00 p.m. and be streamed live on abc7chicago.com. ABC 7's 7.2 is available on Comcast channel 217, RCN channel 618, and Wide Open West channel 219.
Our Chance: Recall Referendum and Redistricting
Program: Thursday, October 7, 2010, 7:00 p.m.
Highland Park Public Safety Center
1677 Old Deerfield Rd., Highland Park
We shortly will have a chance to change Illinois politics. Yes, you have heard that before, but there are two important issues that can make a real difference how we choose and keep our elected officials. One is the Recall Referendum, which will be on the November ballot, and the other is redistricting. The League of Women Voters is hosting a program to explain these two issues on Thursday, October 7, 2010, 7:00 p.m. at the Highland Park Public Safety Center (1677 Old Deerfield Rd., Highland Park).
Mary Schaafsma, LWV of Illinois Redistricting Project Coordinator, will explain the pros and cons of the Recall Referendum and will also discuss the importance of changing the Redistricting process. The League of Women Voters wants to change the redistricting process to one that is timely, orderly and meets the basic criteria relating to population, compactness and contiguity, and the requirements of the 1965 U.S. Voting Rights Act and subsequent amendments. Look at the boundary lines of the current state representative districts, and it is obvious that these lines were not drawn to serve the public.
Come and learn more about the Recall Referendum and about redistricting. This program is being sponsored jointly by the local Leagues in Lake Forest/Lake Bluff, Deerfield/Lincolnshire, Glencoe, Glenview, and Highland Park.
Voter Registration
In the next few weeks, the League of Women Voters of the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Area will be registering voters for the November general election.
Deputy registrars will be available at the following times and locations:
- Friday, August 27, 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Senior Center
100 Old Mill Rd., Lake Forest - Saturday, August 28, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Lake Bluff Library
123 E. Scranton Ave., Lake Bluff - Friday, September 10, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Lake Forest Place, 1100 N. Pembridge Dr., Lake Forest - Saturday, September 25, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Lake Forest Library, 360 E Deerpath, Lake Forest.
In order to register, a person must be a U.S. citizen, age 18 by the date of the next regular election, and a resident of his/her voting precinct for 30 days prior to the election.
Two forms of identification are required to register through a deputy registrar. At least one of the two forms must show your name and current address. One form of identification may be a piece of mail for a contractual service addressed and delivered to you.
If you have any questions, please call the League at 847-282-0598 or the Lake County Clerk's office at 847-377-2410.
Affordable Housing
Submitted to the newspapers as a letter to the editor: The League of Women Voters is a pioneer in supporting affordable housing. Years ago, LWV-Lake Forest/Lake Bluff members worked with Lake Forest city officials on the plan for senior affordable housing. A few years later, the League was pleased when the City realized the need for and advantages of affordable housing for younger members of the community.
The League of Women Voters has worked with many Chicago area organizations which deal with regional planning issues. These include Chicago Metropolis 2020, Center for Neighborhood Technology, and Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). They, as we, recognize the importance of expanding the supply of affordable housing. Matching job opportunities with housing opportunities serves everyone. Traffic, air pollution, and need for road construction are reduced when people can live near where they work. Without affordable housing, local businesses have difficulty finding and retaining entry level employees.
The League of Women Voters urges the City to keep its present policy of developing affordable housing both for seniors and for other community members. It is needed.
Kitty Cole
League of Women Voters-Lake Forest/Lake Bluff, Affordable Housing Committee Chair
Candidate Forum September 30, 2010
In less than two months, voters will decide who will be our next elected officials. Just exactly what are candidates saying they will do? The League of Women Voters holds candidate forums so voters have the opportunity to see, hear, and question the people who promise to serve the public.
On September 30, at 7:00 pm, candidates running for 58th and 59th State Representative, 23rd District Lake County Board, Lake County Clerk, Lake County Sheriff, and Lake County Regional Superintendent of Schools will be participating in one such candidate forum. It will be held at the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Senior Center, 100 E. Old Mill Rd., Lake Forest. There are many important issues and controversies facing Illinois and Lake County. Come and find out what our candidates have to say. Get your questions answered. Your decision and vote are important.
You already may know some of the candidates. Some are incumbents, some have run before, and some are brand new. Karen May, Democratic incumbent, is facing Lauren Turelli, Republican, for the 58th State Representative seat. For the 59th State Representative seat, Carol Sente, Democratic incumbent, is running against Dan Sugrue, Republican. Anne Bassi is the Democratic incumbent for the 23rd District on the Lake County Board; her opponent is Carl Marcyan, Republican.
For the countywide positions, there are Willard Helander (R) and Laura Tomsky (D) for Clerk; Mark Curran (R) and Douglas Roberts (D) for Sheriff; and Roycealee Wood (R) and Dan McDermott (D) for Regional Superintendent. If you are not sure in what districts you live, your voting districts are listed on your Voter Registration card. Or you can get information from the Lake County Clerk's office or on their website.
This Candidate Forum is being held jointly by the following four local Leagues: Lake Forest/Lake Bluff, Highland Park, Deerfield/Lincolnshire, and Glencoe.
So Many Questions ... Where to Get the Answers?
In addition to our local candidate forums, Mark Kirk and Alexi Giannoulias, candidates for US Senate, will participate in a debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Illinois with WLS-Ch 7 on October 19. If you have any questions about any of these forums, please call us at 847-282-0598 or go to our website, www.lwv-lflb.org.
The League of Women Voters also will be providing a national online voters guide through the website www.Vote411.org. The Illinois races that will be included are for Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Comptroller, Treasurer, US Senator, Representatives in Congress, State Representatives, and those State Senatorial districts that are up for election.
www.Vote411.org will include a polling place finder (which will be updated for the general election) and a voter registration tool, as well as information about candidates and ballot measures. The candidate information will be available by October 12, in time for early voting.
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. If you are interested in joining the League of Women Voters, where hands-on work to safeguard democracy leads to civic improvement, please call 847-282-0598 or go to our website, www.lwv-lflb.org.
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