League elects new officers, celebrate 40 years

EDITOR'S NOTEBOOK

Friday, June 19, 2009

Click here to enlarge this photo Submitted photo Left outgoing League of Women Voters of Calvert County President Kathleen Riley poses with newly-elected President Anne Mychalus. E-Mail This Article | Print This Story

At its annual meeting on May 12, held at Christ Church on Broomes Island Road, the League of Women Voters of Calvert County elected officers and started its yearlong celebration of its 40th year as a chartered league, according to a press release.

LWVCC officers include Dr. Anne Mychalus as president; Kathleen Riley as first vice president; Roberta Safer as second vice president; Barbara Fetterhoff as secretary; Dawn Balinski as treasurer; and six directors: Sharron Bickel, Christa Conant, Annette Funn, Debora Harris, Norma Imershein, and Fran Poling.

Newly elected to their positions are Mychalus, Riley, Harris and Imershein.

After thanking Safer for her two years of service on the state board, Mychalus recognized Funn's nomination to the LWV Maryland Board.

The potluck supper celebration had as guest speaker Lorraine Sheehan, who served 16 years in the Maryland House of Delegates and was Secretary of State of Maryland under Gov. Harry Hughes. The league was honored by the attendance of House of Delegate members, Del. Joseph Vallario (D-Calvert, Prince George's) and Del. James Proctor (D-Calvert, Prince George's), as well as Calvert County Commissioner Susan Shaw (R). President of the Maryland Senate Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-Calvert, Prince George's) sent the league congratulations on the celebration of its 40 years of achievements. Dick Myer, on behalf of U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), presented a congratulatory certificate to the league.

Elaine Dunkle, 50-plus-year member of LWV, was celebrated for her many contributions including her recommendation that Calvert's league continue its study on transportation looking at a regional perspective. Riley volunteered to take on this initiative. Other studies continuing in the coming year include: Town Centers Planning with Bob Poling at the helm, the Greening of Calvert County led by Balinski, Voter Turnout by Funn and Children and Families by Riley.

The league welcomes LWV volunteers to serve on these study committees and to serve as LWV observers for the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners and the Calvert County Board of Education meetings.

Begun in 1967 as a provisional league and chartered in March 1969, the LWV of Calvert County has been active ever since. This league has increased in visibility through the years by tackling issues such as transportation, water quality, housing, solid waste, education, children at risk, town centers, Women of the World, environmental sustainability, the budget process, mental health and the need for hospice. The league has also been active in international exchanges with trips to and from Zambia, Africa and hosting Russian leaders.

League to host Bullying on Sept. 29

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, Sept. 29, 6 to 9 p.m. The league and the Calvert County Board of Education will sponsor a forum on the issue of "Bullying." Details will follow soon.

LWV seeks new members

The mission of the League of Women Voters of Calvert County, a nonpartisan organization, is to inform voters on issues, to advocate for good government, and to increase grassroots involvement of the local citizenry in making a difference in local communities.

Women and men interested in becoming involved are invited to make contact by calling 410-586-2176, or by writing LWVCC, PO Box 1510, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.

‘Beautiful' people sought for annual volunteer awards

The Calvert County Department of Economic Development has announced that nominations are being accepted for the annual "Calvert You Are Beautiful Volunteer Awards." This project recognizes individuals whose volunteer service improves the quality of life for Calvert County citizens and visitors.

Nominated volunteers might be a tour guide at a museum or historic landmark, someone who organizes a local fair, festival or parade, or the person committed to making a difference by giving generously of his or her time to hospices, hospitals, homeless and other social service agencies.

All nominees must be residents of Calvert County.

Nomination forms are available online by going to www.ecalvert.com or by calling the Department of Economic Development at 410-535-4583.

Completed nomination forms should be returned to "Calvert You Are Beautiful" c/o Tammy Loveless, Department of Economic Development, Courthouse, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.

Applications must be postmarked or hand delivered to the Department of Economic Development by July 31.

All Calvert County nominees will be honored at a local awards ceremony sponsored by the Board of County Commissioners in fall 2009; one "special" nominee will be chosen as the volunteer of the year.

For more information about the Department of Economic Development and services available to assist county businesses, call 410-535-4583, 800-331-9771 or 301-855-1880; send an e-mail to info@ecalvert.com, or go to www.ecalvert.com.