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Her VOICE
The PFDW Newsletter
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- Spotlight: OEDW Brunch
- The Survey Submissions
- Women in Blue
- Annual Convention Save the Date
- Per Capita Dues
- Inside The Issues
- Club Member Highlight
- PFDW: Did You Know?
- In Memoriam
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Trinette Cunningham, Editor
Shantale Gallaway
Amanda Hammock
Deanne McNally
Susan Notarianni
Melinda Thomas
Lori Vargo Heffner
Send articles to by the 5th of each month to: pafeddemwomen@gmail.com
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PFDW Member:
Her VOICE embodies the strength of every woman who has fought for progress and the power of those who continue to fight today. Historically we women have had to use our ability to communicate to connect, educate, and create change.
This newsletter is an opportunity to continue to share. Ideas, information, and support with each other. We will encourage each other to read, learn, act, and run! Now more than ever we need to stay true to our mission to elect Democratic voices at every level of government.
With your support, involvement, and unwavering commitment, your voice will be heard. Let’s stay engaged, take action, and honor the generations of trailblazing women who paved the way. Let’s keep pushing forward collectively as Her VOICE.
Democratically united,
Lori Vargo Heffner, PFDW President
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Outstanding Elected Women's Brunch
April 6, 2025
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Click HERE for Honoree Nomination Forms - Due by March 7
Click HERE for Ticket Registration Forms - Due by March 28th
Click HERE for OEDW Sponsorship Prospectus
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Join us for an inspiring evening, April 6, 2025, as we celebrate and honor the Outstanding Elected Democratic Women from across our Commonwealth.
These remarkable leaders have blazed trails, shattered ceilings, and set the gold standard for public service, advocacy, and progress. Their dedication and unwavering commitment to our communities deserve recognition, and this event is our way of applauding their impact.
Come be part of this powerful tribute as we shine a spotlight on the women who lead with courage, vision, and an unyielding passion for a better tomorrow.
Susan Notarianni, OEDW Co-Chair
MaryAnn Piccioni, OEDW Co-Chair
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As we embark on the 2025 Spring Survey, we invite you to showcase the remarkable work being done by your clubs across the Commonwealth.
This is not just an opportunity to share your accomplishments; it is a moment to celebrate the collective impact of our efforts and the vibrant community we are building together.
We encourage you to submit a brief description of up to 250 words along with a photo that captures the essence of your club's activities. Please send your submissions in Word and/or PDF format to ensure a smooth process for our editors.
Let us amplify our voices and illustrate the dynamic contributions of Democratic women throughout Pennsylvania, as we continue to advocate for representation and empowerment in our political landscape. Together, we can inspire others and demonstrate the strength of our collective action!
Deadline: Saturday, March 10, 2024
Email: Survey4pfdw@gmail.com
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The “Women in Blue” tradition is truly a gem in the crown of PFDW, shining brightly with the spirit of solidarity and empowerment! We are thrilled to announce our upcoming event on March 25, 2025, where our vibrant members will engage with legislators on pressing issues that resonate deeply within our local communities, states, and beyond.
From women’s rights to family advocacy, we’ll tackle a spectrum of topics that matter to us all! So, dust off those blue outfits and wear them proudly—it’s our dazzling symbol of unity and purpose! Let’s paint the day in shades of blue and make our voices echo!
We will be offering tours of the Capitol as well as opportunities to meet with Democratic leaders from both houses. Please RSVP by March 9 to be included in the day's activities.
If you’re ready to join this exciting movement, don’t hesitate to reach out and RSVP to our fabulous Co-Chairs: Kathy Huggins at kathryn6147@aol.com or 215-471-1820, and Shelly Glessner at glessnersj@gmail.com or 814-442-6115.
Together, let’s make a splash and ensure our voices are heard loud and clear!
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All club dues of $5.00 per member are due by March 15, 2025. Please ensure that checks are made payable to PFDW and mailed to:
Trinette Cunningham
PFDW Corresponding Secretary
800 Dailans Way
Uniontown, PA 15401
Payment for at least 10 members and accompanying lists must be received no later than March 15, 2025 for the Club to have representatives vote at the Convention. Clubs with at least 25 members may be represented by the President and 1 Delegate. An additional Delegate may vote for each additional 25 members. Our bylaws state there will be a maximum of 7 votes per club. Please submit by the date stated and be mindful of postal service difficulties!
Member Submission:
To facilitate accurate member information for correspondence, we kindly request that you utilize the Membership List Template by clicking HERE - Please do not mail your membership list expecting the PFDW Corresponding Secretary to manually enter all your club information. To ensure accuracy and efficiency, please submit your membership list in an electronic spreadsheet format (e.g., Excel, CSV, Google Sheet -NOT WORD, NOT PDF, NOT JPG). This will help us process everything more quickly and avoid unnecessary delays.
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Governor Shapiro Unveils 2025-26 Budget Proposal
Governor Josh Shapiro presented his 2025-26 budget proposal to the General Assembly and the people of Pennsylvania — a commonsense plan that builds on two years of progress, continues to solve problems, and paves the way for a stronger, more competitive Pennsylvania.
The Governor’s budget proposal places a special emphasis on workforce development; reduces health care, housing, and energy costs; invests in economic development; and continues bipartisan efforts to support Pennsylvania students — all while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
This budget will build on the foundation the Shapiro Administration has constructed over the past two years and move Pennsylvania forward as Governor Shapiro continues working across the aisle to get stuff done and ensure people across the Commonwealth have the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed.
you can read the full budget in brief by clicking HERE.
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The SAVE Act Is Voter Suppression Disguised as Election Integrity
The SAVE Act seeks to amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 by requiring voters to present documentation, in person, when registering to vote or updating their voter registration information.”
As many as 69 million women who have changed their last name to match their spouse’s do not have a birth certificate matching their legal name.
One of the (many) issues presented to women will be that their birth certificate doesn’t likely show their married name. Duh. It isn’t clear if additional document like a marriage certificate would aid in this case. If you gleen the article you will see it also aims at POC and individuals who don’t have access to obtain these documents.
It failed the first time it came up but only because they didn’t have the majority. There is also a ton of other things like penalties to individuals who help people to register. It’s plain horrible and has a high chance of getting passed.
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Democratic Women of Fayette County
Empowering Dignity:
Addressing Menstrual Inequality for 500 Million People
In the face of an alarming statistic—500 million people lacking access to menstrual products and hygiene facilities—the members of the DWOFC are on a mission.
They firmly believe that every female should have greater access to menstrual products, and they're tackling period poverty head-on through their Annual Menstrual Product Drive.
DWOFC members are encouraged to donate menstrual products to support their community and provide dignity to those in need.
The drive runs through March 31st, marking their collective commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of women in Fayette County.
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The PFDW’s Political Action Committee (PAC) is funded by the Century Club and other contributors. The Federation’s PAC provides financial assistance and resources to qualified Democratic candidates for local, state, and federal offices.
PFDW does not endorse any candidate before the primary, however our members are free to endorse candidates. For additional information on our PAC, please visit our PAC Overview page on our website!
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Lastly, we would like to take a moment to acknowledge the recent passing of two cherished members of our community, whose unwavering commitment to advocacy and community engagement has left an indelible mark on the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women. | |
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Anna Payne, a 2024 OEDW Honoree,
was born with Cystic Fibrosis and, four
years ago, was diagnosed with Stage 4
Colon Cancer.
Despite these challenges, she served as a Middletown Township Supervisor and ran for State House 147 in 2024—a true fighter and dedicated public servant.
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Clarence Huggins, beloved husband
of Kathy Huggins, our 2016 PFDW Woman of the Year and Women in Blue Co-Chair.
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