Newsletter Highlights:

- Mental Health Awareness Month
- Information about LWVLF Convention June 2-4
- Field Trip to Seminole SOE Office

- Upcoming May Events
- Service Project for SafeHouse of Seminole
- Member Spotlight - Rosemary Closson

- Seminole County Charter Review Information    
- Request your Mail-in Ballot
- How to pay by credit card on ClubExpress

Mental Health Awareness

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, the month when people focus on the positive aspects of good mental health. But this year, in a way, it really began on April 22, when over a thousand people gathered at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater Orlando’s yearly fundraiser.  With a goal of $200,000, the funds will be used for services to families who have a person challenged by mental illness as well as the person themselves. All the services provided by NAMI are free.

As always, the goal is to increase awareness of mental health issues and to banish the stigma of seeking help. Generations Y and Z tend to be more accepting of that. Notable people present at the Cranes Roost event were Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and UCF Public Safety Chief Carl Metzger. Since problems often emerge between the ages of 18 and 24, Chief Metzger knows that his public safety crew must be trained in crisis intervention techniques.

At our meetings in May, green ribbons will be distributed in order for our members to express their support for Mental Health Awareness.

For more information about LWV Seminole County's Mental Health Committee contact Elizabeth Murphrey [email protected].

President's Message

Dear League Members, 

The League of Women Voters of Florida’s 2023 Convention is scheduled for June 2-4 in Orlando, Florida.  The theme for this year’s Convention is “Speak With One Voice and Make it Heard.” 

The following information is available for those interested in attending -

- The Seminole League is entitled to have a total of 11 delegates – President, Vice President and nine additional members.If you are interested in attending, please email your interest to Geraldine Wright.

- Convention Registration and Lodging – The Convention will take place at the DoubleTree Orlando located at 60 S. Ivanhoe Blvd. Orlando. 

All the information on Convention, including links to register for the convention and hotel reservations can be found at the link below:

https://lwvfl.org/lwvfl-state-convention-2023/

- This link will also give you information about Convention Scholarships, LWVFL bylaws, slate of officers and program.

Geraldine D. Wright, President

LWV Seminole

Field Trip To Supervisor Of Elections Office

What an informative and thorough visit we had on April 25th at the Seminole County Supervisor of Elections office! Chris Anderson, SOE, spent over two hours walking us through the office, introducing us to key personnel, sharing process, plans and visions and answering our questions. Most of our group made it into this picture on the left.

Chris Anderson is pictured above next to a slide that sums up the vision for the office...Excellence, Leading, Integrity, Transparency and Efficiency.  Chris shared with us his commitment to safeguarding the votes of the citizens of our county which he referred to as 'political capital' that needs to be as protected as our personal capital is at any bank. Although voting is an act of politics, he stressed that his office is guided by principle, not politics. 

Geri Wright is shown here presenting Chris with a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the League of Women Voters Florida. 

May Hot Topics 

May 25, 2023 at 11:30 am at Patio Grill, Sanford

Law and Consequences!

Join us for a discussion of the 2023 Legislative Session and what it means for us as women, as League members and concerned citizens. The impacts of this session will be far-reaching affecting our public safety, our public schools and our public and personal health. Spearheading our discussion will be Sadaf Knight, CEO of Florida Policy Institute and Jennifer Adams,  LWVFL Advocacy Chair.

SafeHouse Seminole Spring Wish List

LWV Seminole County is participating in a drive for much needed supplies and donations for SafeHouse Seminole. The needs are varied - from diapers and pullups to hygiene and cleaning products.

Click here to see the entire donation page including wish list items and other ways to donate.

https://www.safehouseofseminole.org/donate

Our drive will focus on kids products and personal hygiene items (see below). Items may be brought with you to our Annual Meeting on June 11th. For more information contact Mary Ann Feldheim [email protected]

Kids List

- Diapers and Pull Ups sizes, 3T, 4T, 5T and 6T
- Formula
- Wipes
- Juice boxes
- Breakfast Bars (like nutria-grain bars) – the kids can’t get enough of these!
- Snack packs for afterschool

Hygiene List:

- Full Size Shampoo and Conditioner  (for all ethnic groups)
- Body Wash
- Body Lotion
- Hair Brushes
- Toothbrushes and Toothpaste for adults and children

Click Here to view the League Of Women Voters Of Seminole County Newsletter - May 2023