Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Former Wakulla Democratic Women's Club President Rachel Sutz Pienta joins DWCF officer slate with Dr. Maureen McKenna




Dr. Maureen McKenna for President

Maureen is a Ph.D. level Rehabilitation Counselor who has supervised multidisciplinary teams as part of her career. She is retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs where she helped veterans with service-connected disabilities. Maureen has been a member of DWCF for over 8 years serving as President of the DWC of Highlands County, DWCF Credentials Chair, DWCF Legislative Chair and is currently 1st Vice President of DWCF. As Legislative Chair, she increased DWCF's political visibility and clout by starting the successful, statewide annual Tally Days. She currently serves as board member on the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida and has been appointed by Allison Tant, FDP Chair, to the FDP Legislative Committee. It is clear, as President, Maureen will move our organization forward in a positive, progressive, and prepared manner which will serve to advance the future growth of DWCF.




Nancy Hurlbert for 1st Vice President

Nancy Hurlbert has been in leadership roles for over 3 decades, and specifically, active in DWCF since 2007. In March 2004 Nancy concluded a 4-year term as President of the Florida Women’s Consortium, a statewide organization of more than 30 women’s organizations throughout the state of Florida, representing some 250,000 members. She also concluded a 4-year term on Florida Planned Parenthood’s South Palm Beach and Broward Counties’ Voice for Choice Action Fund and PAC in December 2004. She served as the Lake County Coordinator for the unsuccessful gubernatorial bid of Congressman Jim Davis in 2006 and as the central Florida Coordinator for Sen. Clinton’s presidential campaign in 2007-2008. Nancy was elected Vice Chair of the Lake County DEC in 2007 and just completed a 4-year term as Chair (2009-2012) as Lake County Democratic Party Chair. As DWCF Bylaws Chair this past year, Nancy has assisted local Clubs and suggested more progressive ideas to move the organization forward. As 1st VP, Nancy will bring her organizational skills and “contact list” to fulfill her responsibilities with programming and Convention coordination.


Dr. Rachel Sutz Pienta for 2nd Vice President

Rachel joined the Capital City Democratic Women’s Club in 2009 and co-chaired the Golden Democrat Lunch in 2010. She founded the Wakulla Democratic Women’s Club and, as founding president, accepted the charter in July 2010. Dr. Pienta currently serves as the Communications Chair for DWCF, Inc. and has led the transition team for the CCE/PC. She has partnered with the Legislative Chair to provide key support for DWCF’s Tally Days event for the last 3 years. She has also served in leadership roles for FDP and several Democratic caucuses.


Anna V. Eskamani for Recording Secretary

An Iranian-American and Florida native, Anna has dedicated her life to the social justice movement. She graduated from UCF in the spring of 2012 with dual degrees in Political Science and Women’s Studies, and while an undergrad she spent her time writing, advocating, and organizing for progress. She serves in numerous leadership positions, and began her work with the DWCF in 2010 as a member of the Greater Orlando chapter. She served as the organization’s Secretary, and then rose to President. A lifelong feminist, grad student, and staff member of Planned Parenthood, Anna hopes to give the DWCF an added edge with her experience, leadership, and digital communication skills.

Carol Flaumenhaft-King for Treasurer

Carol King has been an active member of The Lake County DWC since 2005 and its Treasurer for three years. She also served as Treasurer for the Lake DEC. Presently, Carol is Region IV Chair. For over two decades Carol held various Time Inc. financial positions including Time-Life’s International Business Manager. She left Time-Life as VP of Time-Life Books, Inc. to start her own consulting business utilizing her skills in financial analysis, budgeting, and cost control. As Treasurer, her business skills will enhance the financial team of the DWCF.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

SENATOR BULLARD TO HELP KICK OFF “FLORIDA SPEAKS” TOUR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 27, 2013
CONTACT: Sean Nixon, (305) 234-2208



SENATOR BULLARD TO HELP KICK OFF “FLORIDA SPEAKS” TOUR

Seeking to bridge the disconnect between Floridians and state lawmakers elected to represent them, the Office of State Senator Dwight Bullard, Democratic Black Caucus of Florida, ACLU of Florida and Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials have come together to launch the “Florida Speaks Tour” scheduled to kick off in Pensacola, Florida on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at Bethel AME Church. The Florida Speaks tour is a series of town hall assemblies allowing residents of Florida the opportunity to publicly address their frustrations and hardships as a result of violations to their civil liberties, racial profiling, “Stand Your Ground” law, overuse of law enforcement in schools, and lack of access to suitable healthcare.  

“Too often Floridians feel as though Tallahassee is out of touch with the day to day challenges that they face," Senator Bullard stated. "This is an opportunity to allow those voices to be heard, so that we can create solutions based around some of their most pressing concerns."

Henry Crespo, president of the Democratic Black Caucus added, “As an organization we are dedicated to addressing voter concerns. This effort helps to raise the collective voices of residents across this great state that have been negatively impacted by current policies. We stand committed towards taking proactive steps in this much needed effort.”

 Throughout the tour the office of Senator Bullard will be collecting and documenting the testimonies of town hall participants in an effort to bring awareness to lawmakers, the governor, and his cabinet, to the many issues plaguing residents across the state. These town halls are expected to set in motion the creation of an action plan to address these concerns and decrease the potential of further hardships to Floridians.

“During the last few years, the people of Florida have witnessed unprecedented and wide-reaching assaults on their civil liberties and personal freedoms by their own legislature and Governor,” said Howard Simon, Executive Director of the ACLU of Florida. “Floridians have seen attacks on voting rights, the rights of women, poor people and public employees. We’re proud to participate in these forums to help people speak out and work to restore rights that have been under siege.”

 "The Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (FBC LEO) supports the efforts of State Senator Bullard and encourages the citizens of Florida to come out to these tours and speak up for change. With your testimonials Senator Bullard will be in a better position to affect the change this State needs," said Hayward Benson, immediate past president, FBC LEO. 

Scheduled dates are as followed:
September 14, 2013, - Pensacola (Escambia County)
October 26, 2013 -Orlando (Orange County) -Disney’s Yacht club
(Roundtable discussion with elected officials regarding tour at Florida Democratic Party State Convention)
November 9, 2013-Jacksonville (Duval County)
December 14, 2013- Miami (Miami-Dade County)
January 25, 2014- Daytona (Volusia County)
February 22, 2014 -Tallahassee (Leon County)

###

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Rachel Sutz Pienta slated to speak in Okaloosa Thursday August 22

Due to a cancellation, DWCF Communications Chair Rachel Sutz Pienta is going to be filling in Thursday night as the keynote speaker at the DWC Annual Dinner Meeting event in Okaloosa County. She will be talking about the women's vote in Florida past, present,and future!

Annual Dinner Meeting
Thursday, August 22nd
Guest Speaker: Doris Weatherford,
Author and Historian on History of Women in Florida and the U.S. 
6:00 pm at Holiday Inn Resort on Okaloosa Island
Fort Walton Beach, FL
Cost is $40.00 per person
 RSVP Required
Please Call (850) 678-0871

Tickets are still available and you can contact Judy Riley to purchase tickets - 850-217-4003 or rileyjb1501@gmail.com



Monday, August 12, 2013

Elizabeth Colbert Busch will headline DWCF State Convention in Panama City


“Democratic Women’s Club of Florida 2013 State Convention to Feature Elizabeth Colbert Busch”
Tallahassee, Florida -  Conference organizers announced today that the 2013 Democratic Women’s Club of Florida state convention will feature former South Carolina congressional candidate Elizabeth Colbert-Busch. DWCF Communications Chair Rachel Pienta said, “Our 2013 conference committee is pleased to announce an exciting line up of program sessions and featured speakers, including Elizabeth Colbert-Busch, for our 57th annual state convention.”
The convention will be held September 26 through the 29th at Edgewater Beach Resort, Panama City Beach, Florida.  Elizabeth Colbert-Busch will be the featured keynote speaker on Saturday, September 28.  Limited dinner tickets are available. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit DWCF’s website at http://democratic-women.org/.

Friday, August 9, 2013

Wetlands Protection Group to Meet Sunday



EMERGENCY MEETING
WAKULLA WETLAND ALLIANCE (WWA)
4 PM, AUGUST 11, 2013, SHELL POINT, FLORIDA
Shell Point Volunteer Fire House

EVERYONE IS INVITED TO THE WAKULLA WETLAND ALLIANCE MEETING
WWA, 272 Pine Lane, Crawfordville, FL 32327
Chair, Victor W. Lambou, 850-925-4477
Vice Chair, David Damon, 850-926-6002



Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Breaking News - Senator Smith launches "Stand Your Ground" site

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                               CONTACT:   MICHELLE DeMARCO
July 31, 2013                                                                                      850.487.5833

SENATE DEMOCRATIC LEADER CHRIS SMITH LAUNCHES STAND YOUR GROUND WEBSITE
FloridaStandYourGround.org designed to inform and engage public to press for changes

TALLAHASSEE – As inquiries continue to pour in from throughout the nation for better, more comprehensive answers to questions on Florida’s controversial “Stand Your Ground” law, Senate Democratic Leader Chris Smith (D-Ft. Lauderdale) on Wednesday announced the launch of a new website designed to inform and enlist the public’s engagement.

“This is how we begin the discussion, by informing the people,” said Senator Smith. “The website is a one-stop information center for anyone who wants to know more about the law, what it does, how it’s being misused, and the proposed changes to fix its dangerous flaws.”

Senator Smith, who earlier this month began a Twitter campaign called #HearTheBills, sponsored legislation this year that would have ended automatic immunity from arrest and taking oneself to a fight – two of the most controversial provisions of the Stand Your Ground law. The bill was never heard and Senator Smith is re-filing his legislation for the 2014 legislative session.

FloridaStandYourGround.org not only outlines proposed changes, but contains answers to some of the basic questions about the law, its history, and how the public can impact its future, including links to key lawmakers and model local legislation.

###

Link to the new website:



Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Wakulla Democratic Women Attend "Women Can Run" Event


"Wakulla Residents attend 'Women Can Run!' Event"

Crawfordville - Three Wakulla Democrats attended the "Women Can Run" Event" in Tallahassee on Monday, July 29.  Pictured below are Shirley Howard, Verna Brock, and Rachel Pienta.


Created by The Oasis Center for Women & Girls and presented in partnership with Leadership Tallahassee and the League of Women Voters of Florida Education Fund, Women Can Run! is a non-partisan program designed to encourage women to run for elective office or work on political campaigns in the future. Women from Leon, Gadsden, Wakulla and Jefferson counties are encouraged to participate.

This year, the Women Can Run! program will include a series of workshops that will be open to the public and a more intensive cohort program for a selected group of women. Throughout the year, we will explore topics related to preparing to run, managing a campaign and more. You will have an opportunity to get to know campaign experts and currently and formerly elected women right here in our community!


Location and topics to be announced for the following workshops. Registration will be required. All workshops below scheduled for 5:30-7:00 pm.
Workshop Day Monday, July 29, 2013
Workshop Day Monday, September 30, 2013
Workshop Day Monday, November 25, 2013
Workshop Day Monday, January 27, 2014
Workshop Day Monday, March 31, 2014
Workshop Day Monday, May 26, 2014
Full-Day Training Institute Saturday (Date TBD) in June, 2014

Interested in learning more or getting involved? Please call (850) 222-2747