September 2014 Monthly Meeting
The September meeting was videotaped and can be downloaded for viewing with the following link (in wmv format):
Lake County NOW, September 2014 Monthly Meeting
Lake County NOW, September 2014 Monthly Meeting
Florida NOW 2014 Conference
V-DAY EVENT A HUGE SUCCESS FOR LAKE NOW AND BAY STREET PLAYERS
The collaboration between Lake NOW and the Bay Street Players culminated in a weekend event to be remembered. The Vagina Monologues was presented at Bay Street on Saturday evening, March 15, 2014 and again on Sunday afternoon, March 16, 2014. There were a few empty seats during the Saturday performance, but only a few - and Sunday's performance, which was also interpreted for the deaf and hearing impaired, was a sell-out. Lake NOW was able to raise more than $5,000 to benefit The Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties, as well as to establish ourselves in the community as a vital presence for feminism. In addition to the money raised for The Haven, 10% of the proceeds went back to V-Day International, who granted Lake NOW permission for participation in this V-Day event.
A representative committee of members of Lake NOW and staff of the Bay Street Players met with Kelly Smallridge, MA, at The Haven in Leesburg on Wednesday, April 4, 2014, to present the check in the amount of $5,112. Ms. Smallridge stated "We are very grateful to Lake NOW and the Bay Street Players for donating this money to us to continue to serve the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. All our services are completely free. We serve men, women, and children - the entire community."
A representative committee of members of Lake NOW and staff of the Bay Street Players met with Kelly Smallridge, MA, at The Haven in Leesburg on Wednesday, April 4, 2014, to present the check in the amount of $5,112. Ms. Smallridge stated "We are very grateful to Lake NOW and the Bay Street Players for donating this money to us to continue to serve the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. All our services are completely free. We serve men, women, and children - the entire community."
At the March 2014 monthly meeting, there were several portrayals of our foremothers from U.S. history. Pictured here is: (top row left to right) Nancy Hurlbert as Alice Paul; Linda Robinson as Barbara Jordan; Laureen Mayson as Sojourner Truth; Susan Jaillet as Susan B. Anthony; Lucinda McGinn as Lucretia Mott. (Bottom row left to right) Irene Chandler as Bella Abzug; Sandra Paradise as Elizabeth Cady Stanton; Barbara Hill as Margaret Sanger. A good time was had by all!
Lake NOW Monthly Meeting Features Nancy Hurlbert on the ERA
At the January 2014 Lake NOW monthly meeting, Nancy Hurlbert (left) presented the history and current status of the Equal rights Amendment. Include were two different strategies that might yet be used to get the ERA passed in the United States. She also discussed the status of a Florida version of the ERA and how members can contact their legislatures to encourage its passage.
Judge’s Order Allows Lake County Gay-Straight Alliance Lawsuit to Go Forward
Lawsuit is second one brought in less than a year challenging school administrators’ efforts to thwart anti-bullying club
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 6, 2013
CONTACT: ACLU of Florida Media Office, [email protected], (786) 363-2737
OCALA, FL - In an order issued today, Federal District Judge William Terrell Hodges denied the Lake County School District’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by several students at Carver Middle School, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida, whose attempts to create a gay-straight alliance (GSA) at their school have been routinely thwarted by school administrators. The lawsuit, which was filed in December of 2013, is the second lawsuit in less than year brought by students at Carver Middle School challenging the School Board’s ongoing efforts to block the students’ constitutionally-protected right to establish a GSA to combat bullying at their school. The judge’s order also dismissed a motion for preliminary injunction which would have allowed the club to meet immediately, but the case will continue on to the next phase, where the parties exchange evidence.
In August, the school board passed a new club policy that included new requirements for middle-school student clubs and required all existing clubs, including the Carver GSA, which had been allowed to meet as the result of a settlement in the previous lawsuit, to reapply in order to meet. The students in the GSA submitted the club application explaining the goals of the club – including “to create and execute strategies to confront and work to end bullying, discrimination, and harassment against all students” – in October. On December 5th, after requests for an update on the status of the GSA application, the school board’s attorney stated that the Superintendent had denied the club application under the new club policy and would not permit it to operate as a school club, claiming that the club was not an extension of the school curriculum. However, numerous non-curricular clubs have been approved across the district. It was after this that the lawsuit was filed.
In response to the judge’s order issued today, ACLU of Florida LGBT rights staff attorney Daniel Tilley said the following:
“The school board’s ongoing effort to block these students from creating this club, including most recently their motion to dismiss this legal challenge, is the perfect example of why the club is so badly needed. All across the country, LGBT students are subject to serious bullying and harassment, and the students who make up the GSA at Carver are working to be a part of the solution by doing something that multiple studies have proven to work. Instead of supporting them, the school board is ignoring the problem, and in doing so, participating in it. Judge Hodges was right to throw out their motion to dismiss, and though we are disappointed that he also denied our motion for preliminary injunction, we look forward to continuing to make the case for why these brave kids should be allowed to stand up to the bullies.”
GSAs are student organizations made up of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students and their straight allies that advocate for an end to bullying, harassment, and discrimination against all students. GSAs exist in thousands of schools across the country. LGBT students in schools with GSAs are significantly less likely to experience victimization related to their sexual orientation and gender expression, and less likely to feel unsafe because of their sexual orientation than students without a GSA.
A copy of the judge’s order is available here: http://aclufl.org/resources/carver-gsa-order-denying-mtd/
More information about the lawsuit is available here: http://aclufl.org/?p=5004
# # #
About the ACLU of Florida
The ACLU of Florida is freedom's watchdog, working daily in the courts, legislatures, and communities to defend individual rights and personal freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. For additional information, visit our web site at: www.aclufl.org.
Here is a newspaper article from 1920!!! Women have just won the vote and support is being shown in this article. the article was donated to lake now by sue reisinger, professional journalist.
Other news hot off the press
Lake NOW members conduct protest march at wal mart orlando
Members of Lake NOW, led by Judi Phillips Jones, conducted a protest march at the Wal Mart in Orlando. They were joined by members of other NOW chapters.
Lake NOW members included Barbara, Mary, Nancy Judi, Marla and Mary Wilson! Twelve people total participated and the reviews were GREAT. They said ALL passersby were positive, many 'thumbs up', and some employees participated as well! We hope Wal Mart will recognize how the are discriminating and the impact it has.
THANKS TO ALL WHO TOOK THE TIME TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT FOR FAIR HIRING AND EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES!!
Here is a LINK to VIDEO of MARCH: CLICK HERE
Lake NOW members included Barbara, Mary, Nancy Judi, Marla and Mary Wilson! Twelve people total participated and the reviews were GREAT. They said ALL passersby were positive, many 'thumbs up', and some employees participated as well! We hope Wal Mart will recognize how the are discriminating and the impact it has.
THANKS TO ALL WHO TOOK THE TIME TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT FOR FAIR HIRING AND EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES!!
Here is a LINK to VIDEO of MARCH: CLICK HERE
Nan Rich, Candidate for Florida governor, visits lake now
Lake NOW proudly hosted a reception and meeting to honor Nan Rich, a candidate for Florida Governor. Over 45 members and guests attended a wonderful evening with Nan. She discussed Women's History Month, her reasons for running for Florida Governor, and personally interacted with numerous guests on a one-to-one basis. The entire group enjoyed the evening and we wish Nan the best as she moves forward in her campaign. Below are some photos from the evening. ALL photos may be viewed by following this link: PHOTOS
The HAven speaks to lake now
At our JULY 2013 meeting, we were very pleased to have two very special guests from The HAVEN, a shelter for victims of domestic abuse. Karyn Newman, Shelter Director of The Haven of Lake & Sumter Counties, Inc.; and Lori Bajares, a victim of domestic violence and an advocate for The Haven.
Karyn stated that one in three women is victims of domestic violence. The Haven provides a safe place, and empowers women through education. The Haven also has an outreach program and provides programs for victims of sexual assault. All of these services are provided free of charge. The Haven also provides women with items for personal hygiene and simple clothing since many come into the program with nothing. Items such as sweatpants, t-shirts, flip-flops and pajamas can be dropped off at their administrative office located at 2600 South Street, Leesburg (787-5889). The Haven is always looking for volunteers. A free three-day program for training volunteers is offered three times a year.
Lori, who owns a hair salon, shared her story and stated she now volunteers at the shelter providing haircuts and manicures for the women. Because Lori is very passionate about victims of domestic violence, she organizes fund raisers for The Haven several times a year. This year, November 7, there will be a silent auction from 7 to 10 at Ruby Street Grille; and on August 10 at Ruby Street Grille. Lori is trying to raise money for a children’s shelter and a pet shelter.
As a result of The Haven's presentation, several Lake NOW members did attend the training and will be volunteering at the Center! Also, many have already donated items to the center that will be useful (clothing, household items, and more.) One member has also enlisted the participation of a nearby Assisted Living (Tavares COVE) and residents there are gathering items and making donations!
Thank you ALL for everything you are doing to help women in incredible distress!!!
Karyn stated that one in three women is victims of domestic violence. The Haven provides a safe place, and empowers women through education. The Haven also has an outreach program and provides programs for victims of sexual assault. All of these services are provided free of charge. The Haven also provides women with items for personal hygiene and simple clothing since many come into the program with nothing. Items such as sweatpants, t-shirts, flip-flops and pajamas can be dropped off at their administrative office located at 2600 South Street, Leesburg (787-5889). The Haven is always looking for volunteers. A free three-day program for training volunteers is offered three times a year.
Lori, who owns a hair salon, shared her story and stated she now volunteers at the shelter providing haircuts and manicures for the women. Because Lori is very passionate about victims of domestic violence, she organizes fund raisers for The Haven several times a year. This year, November 7, there will be a silent auction from 7 to 10 at Ruby Street Grille; and on August 10 at Ruby Street Grille. Lori is trying to raise money for a children’s shelter and a pet shelter.
As a result of The Haven's presentation, several Lake NOW members did attend the training and will be volunteering at the Center! Also, many have already donated items to the center that will be useful (clothing, household items, and more.) One member has also enlisted the participation of a nearby Assisted Living (Tavares COVE) and residents there are gathering items and making donations!
Thank you ALL for everything you are doing to help women in incredible distress!!!
Florida NOW Conference in Gainesville on March 23-24, 2013
Lake NOW members participated in the Florida NOW conference held March 23-24 in Gainseville, Florida. Lake NOW was awarded the honor of being the host for the 2014 Florida NOW conference.
Judi Phillips jones attends national now convention in july 2013
Lake NOW's own Judi Phillips Jones attended the National NOW convention in Chicago, IL during July. She gave a wonderful presentation about the convention during our July Lake NOW membership meeting. She described the plenary sessions she attended, and described the wonderful presentations throughout the 3 day event. During this convention, Judi had the opportunity to speak Patricia Ireland, and as a result of that meeting, Patricia will be the GUEST SPEAKER for the 2014 FLORIDA NOW convention!!! Judi also brought back many goodies (promotional items) that will be organized and sold at upcoming meetings and possibly at the FL NOW conventional next year. GO JUDI!!
UPDATE ON LAKE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD ACTIONS - GAY STRAiGHT ALLIANCE - In April the final meeting and vote will occur
March 11th - BOARD CONDUCTED INITIAL HEARING AND VOTED TO ALLOW GSA WITH PARENTAL CONSENT
On Monday, March 11th, the Lake County School Board VOTED to allow Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) in the district’s high schools and middle schools. DOZENS of citizens provided moving and informative testimony that clearly made a difference to the Board members. In a 3-2 vote, they approved the GSA, but only with parental approval. That policy will also be enforced for ALL school clubs. While MANY expressed serious concerns about requiring parental consent, the consensus was that allowing the GSA was the overriding issue, and the dialog that will result may open many other doors between parents and their children.
The Lake County School Board was on the verge of voting to end ALL clubs in order to stop one brave student
from forming a GSA in her school. GSA’s are an important part of making schools a safe and inclusive place for LGBT youth and by attempting to block one, Lake Schools is perpetuating the anti-LGBT bullying that takes place in the halls of their school district.
On Monday, March 11th, the Lake County School Board VOTED to allow Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) in the district’s high schools and middle schools. DOZENS of citizens provided moving and informative testimony that clearly made a difference to the Board members. In a 3-2 vote, they approved the GSA, but only with parental approval. That policy will also be enforced for ALL school clubs. While MANY expressed serious concerns about requiring parental consent, the consensus was that allowing the GSA was the overriding issue, and the dialog that will result may open many other doors between parents and their children.
The Lake County School Board was on the verge of voting to end ALL clubs in order to stop one brave student
from forming a GSA in her school. GSA’s are an important part of making schools a safe and inclusive place for LGBT youth and by attempting to block one, Lake Schools is perpetuating the anti-LGBT bullying that takes place in the halls of their school district.
Tavares City Council Meeting
Lake NOW members were present at the Tavares City Council Meeting on February 6, 2013 to support a proposed city ordinance to allow registration of domestic partners. Supporters wore red. Lake NOW president, Judi Phillips Jones, was one of many who spoke to the council in support of the ordinance. The ordinance passed 4 to 1.
LAKE NOW Members participate at Lake County School Board Meeting
Lake NOW members were there to support a proposed Gay-Straight Alliance Club as reported by these stories in the Orlando Sentinel:
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2013-02-05/features/os-gay-straight-aclu-lake-20130205_1_gay-straight-club-gay-straight-alliance-equal-access-act
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/multimedia/os-pictures-lake-county-schools-gaystraight-alliance-debate-20130218,0,3902734.photogallery
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2013-02-05/features/os-gay-straight-aclu-lake-20130205_1_gay-straight-club-gay-straight-alliance-equal-access-act
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/multimedia/os-pictures-lake-county-schools-gaystraight-alliance-debate-20130218,0,3902734.photogallery
LAKE NOW Members Participated in Women's History Month Luncheon
A luncheon and lecture was held March 1, 2013 at Lake Sumter State College. Dr. Daniel Schafer presented. Several Lake NOW members attended and Nancy Hurlbert presented and disseminated petitions for Environmental Land
conservation.
conservation.
Lake NOW Holiday Party, December 20, 2012 at Cafe Gianni
V-day: until the violence stops!
presentation at w.t. bland library - March 30th, 1:00pm
given by our own Lake now's Julie devin benefits "Haven" sexual and domestic violence program in sumter - lake counties
V-Day: Until the Violence Stops! is an uplifting documentary that looks at the V-Day movement and the work women and feminists have done around the world. Until The Violence Stops features playwright and activist Eve Ensler in a powerful film that documents how The Vagina Monologues grew into the international grassroots movement stopping violence against women and girls - V- Day. The film highlights the 2002 season, where eight hundred cities around the world participated in V-Day by staging benefit performances of The Vagina Monologues. V-Day: Until the Violence Stops shows women from Harlem, New York to Ukiah, California; from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to the Philippines and Kenya, uniting and courageously revealing their intimate and deeply painful experiences with abuse ranging from rape to female circumcision.
This film is exactly 73 minutes long and there will be question, answer and discussion of the film afterwards, as well as a forum for community members to look at ways to promote their own V-Day events before April 30th.
For further information, please go to www.v-day.org
If you are interested on participating in a production of The Vagina Monologues, even if it is a very small one, before the deadline of 4/30/2013. It's very fun to do and can raise more money for HAVEN and Eve Ensler's amazing V-Day
organization. "
This film is exactly 73 minutes long and there will be question, answer and discussion of the film afterwards, as well as a forum for community members to look at ways to promote their own V-Day events before April 30th.
For further information, please go to www.v-day.org
If you are interested on participating in a production of The Vagina Monologues, even if it is a very small one, before the deadline of 4/30/2013. It's very fun to do and can raise more money for HAVEN and Eve Ensler's amazing V-Day
organization. "
LAKE NOW Elected Officers for 2013 - 2014
At the February 2013 monthly chapter meeting, officers were elected for the 2013 - 2014 term. The founding officers and new officers are shown below. Front (L to R): Sandra Gray Paradise, Second Vice-President (kneeling); Sherrie Aly, President; Carol King, First Vice-President; Mary Flangan, outgoing Second Vice-President
Back Row (L to R): Barbara Kaplan-Arnone, outgoing Treasurer; Barbara Hill, Treasurer; Karen Salvat, Secretary; Judi Phillips Jones, outgoing President; Les Jones, outgoing Secretary
Back Row (L to R): Barbara Kaplan-Arnone, outgoing Treasurer; Barbara Hill, Treasurer; Karen Salvat, Secretary; Judi Phillips Jones, outgoing President; Les Jones, outgoing Secretary
Below are Links to historical flyers and newspaper articles
Pink Tea, 1 Billion Rising flyers | |
File Size: | 3932 kb |
File Type: |
Val Demmings, Orlando Article Womens History | |
File Size: | 3863 kb |
File Type: |