October 2025 Newsletter 🎃

October 2025 Newsletter

by Claudia Kozinetz

It was fulfilling to be with the Dare community at the College of the Albemarle in Manteo on Constitution Day as community members read-aloud the U.S. Constitution. Constitution Day commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. It recognizes all who have become citizens through birth or naturalization. The day is observed nationwide, with educational institutions required to hold programs about the Constitution. The United States Congress designated September 17 as Constitution Day on February 29, 1952, by joint resolution. We heard the words that form the foundation of our nation. Written in 1787 and ratified in 1788, this document created the framework for our government, defined the powers of its branches, and guaranteed

certain rights to the people. It begins with just three words — "We the People" — a statement that ultimate authority rests not in a king, not in a parliament, but in the citizens themselves. And so it reads, “to form a more perfect Union, to secure justice, to safeguard peace, and to preserve liberty for generations to come." A big "thank you" to all who participated in the reading and made it a successful event.

I updated you last month that LWVUS is joining No Kings 2 as a national partner on Saturday, October 18. The new update is LWV Dare is a cosponsor of the No Kings 2 rally that will take place on October 18, 10am-noon, at Woods Rd and the Bypass in Kitty Hawk. The Dare League will participate in a nonpartisan manner as an act to defend democracy, defend the rule of law and defend the integrity of the American system of justice. LWV believes the freedom to protest and assemble is a critical function of our democracy. Watch your email for further details about the Dare County

mobilization.

There are two events in October for which we need your RSVP – October 16th Lunch & Learn and October 30th Conversation with LWVUS President Dianna Wynn. Go to the League’s website to complete those RSVPs.

Oct. 16 RSVP

Oct. 30 RSVP

And lastly, it is not too early to begin thinking about the League’s Holiday Lunch and Silent Auction. We are asking you to solicit items for our silent auction. How? Perhaps you have a favorite restaurant/bakery/coffee shop that would donate a gift certificate, your go-to yoga location that would donate sessions, or you have a craft or service that you would donate. We want a wide range of items to entice all who attend the holiday lunch.

Thank you for your support of the League,

Claudia

by Claudia Kozinetz

What is Unite and Rise 8.5?

In past newsletters, we've introduced and provided updates on the LWV's Unite and Rise 8.5 initiative to mobilize 8.5 million people using the power of voter engagement as a cornerstone of our democracy. This month, for those who are new to Unite and Rise 8.5, we've provided a short video to provide a quick intro.

Learn More About Unite and Rise 8.5

Thank you all for coming, reading, considering, and appreciating our country’s constitution on Constitution Day (September 17)! And many more thanks to the College of Albemarle for hosting us in your beautiful space.

The LWV Dare County Health Committee partnered with the Dare County Health Department to present an informative program last week on the timely topic of, "Vaccines: What Everyone Needs to Know." The forum consisted of five local health care professionals that were willing to share their knowledge on providing immunizations to adults and children and was open to the public.

Pharmacist Doug Wingate opened the discussion with a brief overview of the history of the smallpox vaccine dating back to George Washington's Continental Army. In order to decrease the number of deaths due to the disease, he issued an inoculation mandate for his soldiers in 1777. The polio vaccine developed in 1955 has saved countless children from a debilitating disease.

Pharmacist Kevin Phillips, owner of Island Pharmacy, explained, in layman's terms, how immunizations reduce the risks of infections and prevent disease processes in the body. Vaccines stimulate your immune system to create the antibodies that protect you from specific illnesses.

Debbie Dutton, Public Health Nursing Manager for Dare County Health and Human Services, provided us with the latest CDC vaccine recommendations. She discussed COVID, Pneumonia, RSV, Flu and Shingles, urging seniors to consult with their primary care providers about what is best for them.

Dr. Kerith Elrod, provider at Pediatrics Plus, spoke about the current appropriate vaccines for infants and children entering public schools. She covered Polio, Hepatitis, Measles, Mumps, Rubella and DTaP.

Dr. Robert Gunther, Pediatrician, stressed how vaccines really make a difference in our overall health and well-being. He spoke about how fortunate we are to have the advancements in medicine available to us to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations for children and adults.

A question-and-answer period followed the discussion. All participants agreed that we should be celebrating the science and development of vaccines as one of humankind's great achievements.

A video of the event will be available on the LWV website at a future!