Minutes from 8/21/10 Meeting

Post date: Aug 25, 2010 12:39:11 AM

Doris Rosen called the meeting to order at 12 noon.

Attendance was recorded by Dorris Kovalick. Introductions were made of all members present.

The Treasurer's report was made. We have a balance of $530.16. The new Treasurer will be given the necessary papers for the next meeting.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read. It was noted that guests Joann McMahon and Carolyn Eisner were omitted. The minutes were approved.

Old Business: Doris and Alice reported on the recent protest on Mother's Day outside of Rep. Legg's office against HB 1143, the "ultrasound bill". The press coverage was excellent. Another protest on HB 1143 was accomplished the following Thursday in front of Gov. Crist's condo in coordination with chapters from Upper Pinellas, Pinellas and Tampa and Planned Parenthood. Once again, press coverage was very good. The bill was vetoed!!

Alice and Doris reported on the Florida NOW Conference which was held at the Tradewinds Resort on St. Pete Beach. As this was Alice's first conference she reported that she had a wonderful time, met some wonderful feminists and attended great breakout sessions. Chief Jane Castor was the main speaker at the luncheon on Saturday. She was superb.

Doris and Alice reported on the National Now Conference which was held at the Park Plaza Towers in Boston. Once again the conference was very well attended by women and men from around the country, the plenaries were very informative and the breakout sessions, and hearings were very interesting. Of particular interest was meeting and speaking with Dr. Carhart from Nebraska. He received a standing ovation for 5 minutes and was very touched by the reception he received. Doris reviewed the resolutions that came out of the conference which are the basis for the policy for the coming year for NOW. A complete list can be obtained from www.NOW.org.

Doris reported that we are working with the TBAC members to obtain a bid for the 2011 conference in the Tampa St. Pete area. If we are successful, all members will be requested to assist.

Alice and Doris along with TBAC members attended the Equality Florida fundraiser in Ybor City. Chief Jane Castor was the guest speaker and she reported on the recent deaths of two fine officers from the Tampa PD. This was a devastating event for her and her department.

Alice and Doris attended the Tampa Family Gathering at a local church in Tampa. There was a well attended press conference that preceded a viewing of a new film "In Anita's Wake". This film was concerned with Anita Bryant's effort to get a ban on equal adoption in Florida, the only state that still has such a ban. Alice is trying to obtain a copy of the movie and if she is successful will have a viewing at her home.

Dorris Kovalick would like to turn over the Pasco NOW telephone to another person. She has manned the telephone for the past 20 years. The telephone answering machine is broken. A new machine will be purchased and Alice Donovan has volunteered to man the phone at her home.

New Business:

Jim Piccillo, who is running for Congressional District 5 has requested our help in contacting prospective voters just prior to the national election. His district includes portions of Pasco County. Several members volunteered to make calls.

On Friday, August 27th at 7:00 p.m., TBAC members are presenting a Women's Equality Day Celebration on the 90th Anniversary of Women's Suffrage. It will be at the UU Church of Clearwater on Nursery Road. Refreshments will be provided by TBAC. The church has offered to show the film "The Iron Jawed Angels" which portrays the roll of Alice Paul is getting the 19th Amendment passed 90 years ago this week. It is hoped that members will be able to attend. Transportation is available by calling Alice Donovan 845 5267 or Doris Rosen 845 7100. Several other members have also volunteered transportation.

On September 9th, the City of Dunedin is presenting NOW with a proclamation in honor of the 90th Anniversary of Women's Suffrage. Alice Donovan will attend representing Pasco NOW.

On September 11th, 2010, the Pinellas Democratic Women's Club is celebrating their 70th Anniversary with a luncheon at the Dunedin Country Club. Chief Jane Castor is the scheduled guest speaker. Karen Thurman and Kathy Castor have also been invited. The cost is $50 per person and transportation is available by calling Alice Donovan or Doris Rosen. Hope to see you there.

The Florida NOW State Council meeting is scheduled for October 2 in Orlando. Doris Rosen and Alice Donovan will be attending.

The next meeting is scheduled for October 16, 2010 at 12 noon. As we have several new members from the Spring Hill region, we are looking for a restaurant that will be closer for these prospective members as most of them work the afternoon shifts at a local nursing home. Two restaurants are under consideration. The location will be announced as soon as a selection is made.

A motion was made to adjourn and was seconded. The meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Alice Donovan (for Marylou Collura)