Region V Rep

Important Numbers:

• President

Donna Dennis

727-447-7380

• 1st Vice President

Mary Lou Ambrose

727-433-4045

• 2nd Vice President

MaryAnn Stickels

727-724-0234

• Corresponding Secretary

Evelyn Jamilosa

727-4522-5596

• Recording Secretary

Diane Lebedeff

727-252-3266

• Treasurer

Kathy Murray

727-442-1672

• Region Rep

. Janet Goen

727-937-8590

• Legislative Liaison

Carrie Wadlinger

704/240-0371

• Financial Review Chair

Shelby Freeman

727-581-4630

• Parliamentarian

Gerald Goen

727-937-8590

• Sergeant-At-Arms

Jasmina Forcan

727-692-3472

Media Chair/Historian

Michelle Mazuros

727-204-0973

DWCUP Website

DWCUP.org

DWCF, Inc.

DWCF.org

FL Demo Party

Fladems.com

PCDEC

Pinellasdemocrats.com

Chartered September 9, 1940 Octoberr 2017 Volume 9

Next Meeting NEXT MEETING October 23, 2017

Clearwater Main Library 100 N. Osceola Ave.

Clearwater 11:30-1:30 pm

Pinellas County Commissioner, Pat Gerard, has dedicated her

career to human services. She

has worked with victims of

assault, domestic violence and

homelessness. Pat began her

career more than 38 years ago working with the chronically

mentally ill in a community-

based rehabilitation program.

She served as a victim

advocate for the Largo Police

Department from 1984 to 1986. From 1986 through

1992, she served as director of

the Spouse Abuse Shelter of

Religious Community Services.

Beginning in 1992, she worked

with Family Resources, Inc.,

serving as Chief Operating Officer and currently as Chief

Grants Officer.

Pat Gerard served the City of Largo from 2000 to 2014, initially as a City Commissioner and then three terms as Mayor. Pat was the

first Mayor in Pinellas County to stepped forward to be part of the

national Mayors Against Illegal Guns.

In 2014 Pat was elected to the Pinellas County Commission where

she, along with Ken Welsh, Charlie Justice and Janet Long, turned

the Commission Blue after 50 years of Republican rule.

Bring in those unused hotel toiletries you have collected and we will deliver them to the women at the Haven by RCS

DWCUP dues are $20.00 for the year. PLATINUM – 3yrs. - $50 SILVER – 6yrs - $100 Gold – Forever Member - $200 Checks, preferably, payable to: “DWCUP” Send to Kathy Murray, 1011 Woodside Ave. Clearwater, Florida 33756.

President’s Remarks by Donna Dennis

The image of Las Vegas has changed from the naughty, anything-goes adult playground of America, to the scene of the worst mass shooting in our nation’s history. As I listened to the news and watched footage of the carnage, the knot in my stomach grew larger and harder. I literally could not eat. The wretched abuse of the Second Amendment has led to a time of unprecedented senseless violence. None of us is surprised any longer by hearing of such events. We just wonder, Where now? How many casualties? The clamor for a “national conversation on gun violence and gun control“ flares up and dies down, tamped by the bloated self-righteousness of the NRA and the Congress it has paid for. The only difference this time is that to-date, we don’t know why this gun nut committed this brutal act. The irony of that is there could be any number of reasons, yet all are beside the point that there is ready availability of military-grade weapons and firearm-altering devices to render legal firearms far more deadly. If a “Why?” is ever determined, will it matter? The majority of Americans will still support banning assault weapons and those who died in Las Vegas Sunday night will still be dead. And Congress will not pass any effective, substantive gun control legislation. Certainly we’re now hearing that even the NRA is speaking of regulating bump stocks. Don’t get too excited. This is mere appeasement; the odds of actual enactment of a bump stock ban are remote. Kudos, however, to our Senator Bill Nelson and other legislators who are attempting to introduce such meaningful legislation. If only the chances of passage weren’t so remote. Our frustration is unrelenting and unresolved. Oh, but they can pass a ban on abortion after 20 weeks and change the ACA to allow employers to stop coverage of birth control. Slap down those nasty women! In a quote attributed to Gloria Steinem but of unknown origin: “I want any young men who buy a gun to be treated like young women who seek an abortion. Think about it: a mandatory 48-hour waiting period, written permission from a parent or a judge, a note from a doctor proving that he understands what he is about to do, time spent watching a video on individual and mass murders, traveling hundreds of miles at his own expense to the nearest gun shop, and walking through protesters who call him a murderer. After all, it makes more sense to do this for young men seeking guns than for young women seeking an abortion. No young woman needing reproductive freedom has ever murdered a roomful of strangers.” What would appear to be a common sense regulation is non-existent. On one other note, now that mail-in ballots have dropped, please consider a YES vote for Penny for Pinellas. It supports our local infrastructure and safety net programs. We’ll hear more on that at our next meeting. This is a difference we CAN make at the local level!

on

Diane Lebedeff’s Testimony before the Pinellas Legislative Delegation Public Hearing

September 25, 2017

Legislative Report October 2017

Carrie Wadlinger, Chair

This year, 2017, we have an undercurrent of change fighting to ruin our

democracy. Our country seems to be moving backwards when it comes

to the 1st and 2nd amendments and our rights of freedom for “all” people.

Trump is using these amendments, twisting their meaning to advance his

agenda. Everything from guns, cakes, abortion, birth control, who is

permitted to serve, and who you love is where our rights are now in

jeopardy. These are the Far Right messages of hate and divisiveness!

We already know to make calls to our Senators and Congress officials.

These calls are of the most importance in these times.

Here are the phone numbers to make those important calls.

Senator Bill Nelson 202-224-5274 or 813-225-7040

Senator Marco Rubio 202-224-3041 or 407-254-2573

Congressman Charlie Crist 202-225-5961 or 727-318-6770

Congressman Gus Bilirakis 202-225-5755 or 727-940-5860

With the Holidays quickly approaching, I would like us all to reflect on

positive influences in our lives; our families, churches, friends, books,

music, laughter and good food to list a few. We need some fresh air in to

our minds so we are ready to keep up the good fight and

persist..resist…and move forward!

The song lyrics to “Change” by Christina Aguilera were released after

the Pulse Nightclub murders in Orlando. Sadly, we find these words a

source of comfort again and much too soon with the shootings in Las

Vegas. These lyrics speak to the victims, the trailblazers before us, and

they speak to each one of us today. We long for the day when people

realize we are all different but all the same… we are human, period!

What this song “Change” is calling for could come to fruition! Let us

keep the faith and move forward toward the desires of our hearts…

Peace and love on earth!

When I was young I would look in the mirror Didn't know it then but now it couldn't be clearer That I remember being filled with such wonder Before learnin' that the world can be harsher

Who you love or the color of your skin Or the place that you were born and grew up in

Shouldn't decide how you will be treated Cause we're all the same when everybody's breathing

Waiting for a change to set us free

Waiting for the day when you can be you and I can be me

Waiting for hope to come around Waiting for the day when hate is lost and love is found

Waiting for a change Waiting for a change (Change, change)

For all the brave and the souls who went before us

Stand tall, be proud and lift your voices Let 'em know who we are and our choices

And one day we won't have to sing this chorus

Waiting for a change to set us free Waiting for the day when you can be you and I can be me

Waiting for hope to come around Waiting for the day when hate is lost and love is found

Waiting for a change Waiting for a change

Hold on Waiting for a change.

REMEMBER IT STARTS WITH EACH OF

US…………

YOU…AnD ME

Registrants can stay in any of the hotels in the vicinity of the Frontline Community Center located at 3000 C.R. Smith Street, Orlando, FL 32805. However, Monica Readus has successfully identified a Hilton which will give us a discounted rate. A block of rooms has been reserved with: The Double Tree by Hilton Orlando Downton 60 S Iavanhoe Blvd, Orlando, Fl 32804. Call 866-247-3571 or 407-425-4455 Option #1 referencing the group name: DEMOCRATIC WOMENS CLUB OF FLA code:DMW Deadline for discounted rate 10-12-17 If guests book outside the block or do not mention the group name or code, they will not count as part of the room block. If you booked a reservation and did NOT indicate you are with the Democratic Women’s Club, please phone the hotel immediately @ 407-425-4455. The res rvation specialist will move your reservation over to the DMW block, and your discount will be included. The discounted room rate is $119/nt + 12.5%tax for a standard room. This rate is good for November 3rd and 4th according to availability. Please make your reservation before Thursday, October 12, 2017. Hotel Parking: Self parking is $19.17/nt., Valet parking is $22.37/nt., Day guest parking is $13.85.

Fun Stuff! CHOTSKY’S AND SWAG— Bring your cash/checks Stuffed 2017 Convention Bags will be made available in the Hallway. The DWCF Ways and Means Committee will be selling DWCF T-Shirts, Jewelry, etc. Please bring your check or cash to support DWCF. *** The DWCF Ways and Means Committee will be the ONLY vendor at this meeting. Clubs are not permitted to fundraise at this event due to lack of time and space. LUNCH Awards Luncheon is included the registration fee of $25 which must be received with your club’s registration from by October 20, 2017. There is no separate meal form, your club needs to complete the registration form. Lunch is included in the registration fee of $25. BANNER PARADE We are planning on having a banner parade at the end of the day. So, if your club has a banner, please bring it!!

TIME OF MEETING Doors close at 8:25 AM on November 4th. No walk-ins will be allowed. The meeting may last until 4:30 PM. MEETING PLACE The address for the conference is: Frontline Community Center 3000 C.R. Smith Street Orlando, FL 32805 PARKING AT COMMUNITY CENTER Parking at Community Center is free but it can take some time to be directed to park. Please allow 15 extra minutes for parking and walking to the Community Center, so you get there on time. DRESS CODE Business Casual. There will be a group photo taken before lunch.

Dear DWCF Members, Because Hurricane Irma prevented our convention from occurring, DWCF is having an exciting one day conference and general membership meeting on Saturday, November 4, 2017 in Orlando. Each club is to work with their Presidents or Region Chairs to register to attend. The registration forms were sent to Presidents on September 24, 2017. Deadline for registration is Friday, October 20, 2017

DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CLUB OF FLORIDA, INC. Member of the National Federation of Democratic

Women

FDP Conference We are pleased to announce that the 2017 Florida Democratic Party State Conference will be held on October 27 through October 29 at a new location: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort 1000 West Buena FDP 2017 State Vista Drive Orlando, FL 32830 Conference Transportation Info Parking for our group will be at ESPN Wide World of Sports. We have arranged for complimentary bus transportation for taking guests to and from ESPN Wide World of Sports Touchdown Lot and Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Transportation Schedule: Friday, October 27- 9:30AM to 11:00pm Round Trip Charter, ESPN WWOS to Coronado Springs Resort Saturday, October 28 - 7:00AM to 1:00AM Round Trip Charter, ESPN WWOS to Coronado Springs Resort.Sunday, October

29 - hotel guests will be allowed park on

site the day of 7:00AM to 1:00PM to Round Trip Charter, ESPN WWOS to Coronado Disability Parking Only verified disabled drivers and Coronado Conference. If you need disability arrangements, please contact our Disability Caucus chair Bill Rettinger at medicaidadvocates1@gmail.com.

Next Meeting

November 20, 2017 11:30-1:30 pm 100 N. Osceola

Clearwater Library

Nominating Committee Report By Carrie Wadlinger, Chair The nominating committee is composed of one Chair, Carrie Wadlinger, selected by the Board of Directors, two members, Janet Goen and Kathy Murray. The elected officers of the DWCUP shall be President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer and Regional Representative. Our club Bylaws state that the officers shall be elected by ballot every other year in odd numbers years in the month of November. The newly elected officers shall assume their official duties in January and shall serve for a term of two years. A person shall not be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office. The nominating committee will nominate one eligible person for each office and will be presented at the November meeting at which time additional nominations may be made from the floor. President: Presides over all meetings, appoints officers, the chairs of all standing committees, and make other appointments that are necessary. Other duties as requested by the Executive Board and the club members or by-laws. Vice Presidents: 1st V.P. Shall perform the duties of the President in her absence. The 1st V.P. will also serve as the Program Chair. The 2nd Vice President shall be the Chair of the Membership Committee. Recording Secretary: The Recording Secretary shall record the Minutes of all the meetings of the Club and the Board of Directors. She shall keep records of all Standing Rules and amendments to the bylaws. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be the sole custodian of all funds and shall disburse them only by the authorization of the Club President, Board of Directors or the Bylaws. Regional Representative: The Regional Council Representative shall attend all meetings and make reports to the club. At this time, I encourage anyone interested in serving in any of these offices to please contact one of the committee members as follows: Carrie Wadlinger Janet Goen Kathy Murray 704-240-0371 727-946-2644 727-442-1672 Carriew1945@gmail.com

We encourage you to get involved we need your ideas, talent and time. Please do not hesitate to step up.