Where are those May Flowers? Happy Mother"s Day!
I had the opportunity to represent OPRF at LWVIL Lobby Day in Springfield on April 18 with Heather Cunningham. We met with with Senator Don Harman to discuss the issues of the IRA, Fair Taxes, Fair Maps, and the override of the Governor's veto on Gun Legislation. We got a special tour of the Senate Chambers but Senator Harman wouldn't let us bang the gavel at Senator Cullerton's podium. I caught Senator Lightford on her way to her office. She did give praises to the League, supported the ERA, and agreed to read the material I left for her regarding Fair Taxes and Fair Maps. There are so many groups lobbying for their special bills and causes trying to meet with the Senators and Representatives, I wonder how anything gets done.
In April we had several opportunities to learn about "Shed the Straws", the Oak Park Education Foundation programs, the fight for the ERA, Engineered Foods, Toxicity, and your health, Fair taxes and Fair Maps. I hope you took the opportunity to learn about these issues.
The committee chairs are preparing their 2017-18 summaries for the Annual Meeting and looking for new members as they plan for next year.
The Oak Park Main Library will open the "Idea Box" for the month of May to "Mothers and Others for Peace" thanks to Mary Rose Lambke.The theme is "What are you doing to seed the roots of Peace?" I hope you will participate in the activities. The 1870 proclamation from Julia Ward Howe called for "an appeal for women to unite for peace in the world." How appropriate is that call for us today!
On May 22 at 5:30 we will be gathering for our Annual Meeting at the Oak Park Township Senior Center. Please plan to attend. We need your vote on our nomination slate, budget, updated program, and bylaws. Did you know that we have been approved by the IRS to be a 501(c)(3) Organization? We have planned an amazing program following our business meeting. Five of our 50+ members will share their special life stories, involvement in our communities, and in the League, followed by questions from you. We are so privileged to have this opportunity to have them with us. Don't miss it.
In the LWVIL E-News there is a monthly history article about the Women's suffrage movement and the League. I am attaching the article about
I will be in Italy with my family in May. If you have any questions or concerns you may contact our Vice Presidents Mary Haley or Kathy Balk.
Ciao!
Marge Massarello
