We started the year with lively and informative New Year Breakfast at the Red Hen Bakery in Middlesex on January 12th that brought together League members from across the state. Hearing the variety of interests and activities among the members was invigorating as we began the new legislative session.

A number of members braced the frigid temperatures to participate and represent the League at the State House on January 19th as part of the Women’s March and Unity Rally. However, bad weather intervened again on February 12th cancelling the Anniversary Celebraton at the North Branch Cafe. The event was rescheduled for the following week, but attendance was less than expected given the last minute change.

A full day at the State House on February 15th for Legislative Day gave members the opportunity to speak with legislators and attend committee meetings. The League was introduced on the House floor. A presentation on Ranked Choice Voting was provided by League member Betty Keller in the afternoon.

Continuing conversation and an eventual vote will determine if the State LWV will take over dues collection for all of the local chapters. Discussions about the autonomy of local leagues will continue.

Please check your schedules and plan on attending the LWVVT Spring Lecture on March 23rd at the Capital Plaza. The speaker is Stanley Sloan who will talk about: Liberal Democracy Challenged: Can It Survive?. Bring a friend. Lunch is free for members, $10 for guests, but that $10 will be taken off the cost of a membership.

Check out the 13th Annual New England States Leadership Conference in April. The important theme is Advancing Civility in a Diverse New England. All the information is on our website, https://my.lwv.org/vermont/event/lwv-2019-regional-conference. You can register online or by mail.

Anne Mixer

for the LWVCEN Leadership Team