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| Message from the President
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LWVCC President
Teresa Stohs
LWVCC Rock Stars
On April 13th, we held our 51st Annual Meeting. We recognized two Lifetime Members, Dr. Kathy Ryan and Jeannette Boucher. We cheered our Unsung Hero, Lynn Martin and our Outstanding Community Partner, Naples Botanical Garden. We remembered one of our own in Memorial, Ann Campbell. We looked back with pride and we looked forward optimistically.
One of the most important things we did was to elect the 2026-2027 Board of Directors. Our Board is a working Board. In addition to serving on the Board, most of us chair committees, serve on multiple committees, and volunteer “on call.” So, when you have a chance, thank these Board members for their dedication and commitment.
I proudly present our new Board of Directors:
President – Teresa Stohs
1st Vice President – Stacy Vermylen
2nd Vice President – Beth Van Damme
Secretary – Susan Golden
Treasurer – Ellen Hannon
Lynn Martin
Tina Palmese
Wendy Riedel
Liz Smith Mao
Paula Scherwin
Jean Waller
Jen Lapham
Liza McClenahan
Diane Preston Moore
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Suzanne Low discusses The National Popular Vote Monday May 4, 3:00 p.m. via Zoom. Please register on the LWVCC calendar.
| LWVFL President Addresses the Membership | 
On Monday, April 13th, Jessica Lowe-Minor spoke to the LWVCC membership at our monthly luncheon, providing an overview of the status of several key issues facing Florida and the nation: mid-cycle redistricting, a Supreme Court case pending regarding Louisiana and the Voting Rights Act of 1968, additional requirements on proof of citizenship in order to register and vote, and an additional court case regarding the rights for volunteer groups, like the LWV, to gather petitions without undue restrictions.
“What can we all do to address these threats to our democratic process?” she asked. Lowe-Minor recommended active participation in our LWVCC Voter Services committee to educate and protect the election process, including volunteering for work at polls, helping people understand how to register or get help with documentation, reporting any barriers for voters, such as improper campaigning within restricted zones or other activities that could intimidate voters. She also recommended that each of us, and our League, pay attention to how to talk about issues, encouraging dialogue and meaningful discussions with those who might disagree. The Florida League is promoting a program called Bringing Floridians Together, a series of discussions, book groups, and events, complete with training on how to have more productive dialogue with those who have differing opinions.
Her final words were to encourage action, not anxiousness or rage. “Action is the antidote to anxiety,” she said. “Get involved, to protect democracy.”
Note: To see a complete report of Lowe-Minor's talk, go to LWVFL President Addresses the Membership posted on the LWVCC website.
| 2026 LWVCC Annual Meeting
Endowment Fund Report | Nearly four years ago, your League leadership had the foresight to create the LWVCC Endowment Fund, in order to secure the future of our League from tomorrow’s uncertainties, as well as providing resources to allow us to take advantage of exciting and consequential possibilities that we may not even imagine now.
Today we are thrilled to announce that the LWVCC Endowment Fund has reached over $75,000. This significant achievement has been made possible by the generosity and foresight of 50 of our members and friends. Thanks also to wise investments at the Collier County Foundation, our Endowment has grown from just over $51,000 one year ago, an increase of 46%!
In recognition of the generosity of former President Helen Franke in donating the original gift, which inspired the creation of the LWVCC Endowment Fund, the Helen Franke Legacy Society was established to honor all Endowment Fund donors.
We hope you will want to join the 50 individuals who have “voted with their wallets” to ensure the League has a strong future defending democracy and educating voters in Collier County, regardless of economic, weather, political or other unforeseen events to come. Your tax deductible contributions make our ambitious goal of $100,000 appear within reach!
For information about the LWVCC Endowment Fund, contact Endowment Chair Suzanne Low at Endowment@lwvcolliercounty.org. | Bringing Floridians Together
Making Citizenship A Verb | The League of Women Voters, as active citizens, is dedicated to protecting and expanding voting rights. We support our democracy through advocacy and education in our communities, recognizing that these efforts are crucial for a healthy democratic system. However, achieving these goals requires collaboration. Engaged citizens who vote, volunteer, and help organize play a vital role in this process.
Unfortunately, it has become increasingly challenging to unite for the common good, as societal divisions and isolation grow more pronounced. This fragmentation undermines our democracy, affects our communities, and diminishes our capacity for collective action. A strong democracy necessitates a collaborative and communicative citizenry.
Being part of a democracy means working together to address societal issues. A healthy democratic system relies on citizens’ willingness to trust individuals they may not know well. Engaging with diverse viewpoints requires identifying shared values and common interests. This is essential for fostering unity. When collaboration breaks down, it creates an environment in which authoritarian figures can take advantage of the situation and erode democratic principles. Increased polarization and social isolation can occur when there is a lack of cooperation among citizens.
Actively listening to a range of perspectives is a vital way to support democracy. Pluralism enables people with differing views to engage respectfully and resolve conflicts constructively. Encouraging dialogue among diverse groups helps build social capital and trust, thereby stabilizing our democratic framework. Pluralism serves as the “lifeblood” of a democracy.
Engaging with fellow citizens who think differently takes skills and practice. The LWVFL has developed an initiative called Bringing Floridians Together, consisting of presentations, book talks, and trainings to enable members to better connect with people of differing opinions. More details will be shared in The Update as they become available. Thank you for your active citizenry in supporting our democracy! | 
Voter Services Committee
Tina Palmese, Chair
Naples Pridefest
The LWVCC was once again well-represented at the Annual Naples Pridefest on Saturday, April 18. It was a fabulous day with many coming together to support our LGBTQ+ community. Our volunteers had the opportunity to provide useful informational material to voters on how to check voter status and to request vote-by-mail ballots. There were lots of fun give-aways too! Special thanks to all the volunteers: MaryJo Diegel, Cath Maslyn, Nancy and Grady Chism, Eileen Sepesi, Roseann McTernan, Cynthia Cromwell and Leslie Bruner.
 
Family Health & Wellness Fair
On April 11th LWVCC participated in the Healthcare Network's Family Health & Wellness Fair at the Immokalee Sports Complex. Members of this wonderfully diverse community had access to a wide range of free healthcare screenings and were able to connect with local multilingual resources. It was a fabulous family fun-filled day as volunteers Janet McQueen and Tina Palmese had the opportunity to interact with voters in the community.
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Education Ambassadors
Education Ambassadors attended two important meetings recently: the April 14 Collier County School Board Meeting and the April 17 meeting of the Florida State Board of Education held in Naples at the Florida Freedom Institute. The six Education Ambassadors who attended were disappointed that the Florida Board chose to meet at a private entity rather than one of our excellent Collier schools.
The School Board meeting agenda included a review of possible policy changes to the student code of conduct. These mostly non-controversial changes will be voted on at a later meeting.
In a follow-up to the court case regarding the Florida Citizens Alliance demand for the email addresses of district parents, which was decided in favor of the school district, we learned that the Florida Citizens Alliance has appealed the decision and that CCPS has filed for court costs if CCPS should prevail on appeal.
Chair Stephanie Lucarelli announced that on May 11, 2026 at 6 p.m., there will be a Forum in collaboration with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office on “Social Media, Online Gaming, Child Exploitation, and Human Trafficking.” The meeting will be held at the CCPS Administration Center and will be recorded and possibly live streamed.
The State Board of Education has responsibility for K-12 schools as well as 28 state university campuses that award both 2- and 4-year degrees. Agenda items included policies on threat management, transfer programs between that state universities and the Florida University system, and dual enrollment programs between high schools and the state universities.
The most controversial issue was approval of the elimination of Sociology from general education requirements, echoing a policy already in place in the University system. Opponents object to state interference in academic freedom and curriculum. While inclusion in general education would encourage more students to take sociology, it will still be available for students to take as an elective or as part of their major. This issue has had national attention.
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Environmental Affairs Committee
Lynn Martin, Patti Forkan, Co-Chairs
The April meeting of the Environmental Affairs Committee featured a presentation from Ian Easterling, biologist at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, on the research and removal efforts for the invasive Burmese python in Collier County.
Since 2013 the Conservancy’s python tracking team has removed over 25 tons of pythons and published 20 scientific papers on the invasive species. Burmese Pythons were introduced to Florida by the pet trade, and now there are more pythons here than in their native region. Within the 250 square mile study area east of The Conservancy headquarters, The Conservancy catches the snakes and surgically implants a radio telemetry transmitter in the males. After the snakes are released, the scientists follow and watch for multiple snakes in one location, which generally signals there is a female around. Females are captured, euthanized, and necropsied to study what they eat.
The Conservancy started tracking two male snakes in 2013 and now tracks 50. When the females are found, they are usually sitting on a nest of eggs. The gestation is two months and there are 12-120 python eggs. This year, The Conservancy has caught 7,000 pounds of pythons. Pythons eat 29 different species of mammals and 55 species of birds. They eat white tail deer, bobcats, and mammals that weigh more than they do. About the only thing they don’t eat is alligators. The pythons are starting to move into residential areas. We were shown a picture of a python that was caught in Port Royal. If you see a python in your neighborhood, please call the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and they will arrange for someone to come and remove it.
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Plastics Task Force
Loralee LeBouef, Chair
On March 5, 40 Greater Naples Leadership members and guests attended the Adult Continuing Education event featuring a panel discussion with Nan Kaehler and Laura Hansen Reynolds representing the LWVCC Plastic Task Force as well are representatives from Lee County and the City of Naples Recycling. This very informative and impactful event was well received.
On March 11, 100 attendees at The Naples Woman’s Club responded enthusiastically to our “Pass on Plastics” presentation. Laura Hansen Reynolds and Jean Waller fielded questions about how to reduce our plastic footprint and help not only the environment, but humans as well. The NWC has proactively eliminated the use of plastic at all their meetings making them a great partner of our efforts.
Our team actively worked with Oceana and Surfrider on two plastic container bills going through the Florida legislative session. Unfortunately, these bills did not pass but there are plans to reintroduce them next session.
Earth Day celebrations at the Conservancy of SWFL on April 18 got even better with the arrival of "Bad Bag Bird", aka Bob Argast of the Plastics Task Force. Thanks to Bob's creativity and enthusiasm, our message of the hazards of single-use plastic waste resonated with children and adults alike. Laura Hansen Reynolds and Vicki Stoller assisted with design and also repairs during the day. Better yet, Voter Services was by his side all day. The big question is.....where will "Bad Bag Bird" show up next???????
If you are interested in joining the task force contact Loralee LeBoeuf or Jean Waller. |
Membership Committee
Beth Van Damme, Chair
Welcome New Members!
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to our newest members:
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Dr. Rob Bogosian
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Lorena Correale |
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Marcia Davis |
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Patricia Frerick |
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Kathleen Kostic |
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Kara Laufer
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Mary Jane Masi |
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| We are excited to have you join our community! |
| League News From Across the Country
| National League News
For more information, visit LWV.org.
State League News
For more information, visit LWVFL.org.
| Please refer to the LWVCC Weekly Update for a complete list of upcoming events or visit the LWVCC website.
Members should log in to ensure they see members-only events and registration options. | Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in Government. We influence public policy through education and advocacy. Our goal is to empower citizens to take an active role in shaping better communities worldwide. The League of Women Voters of Collier County does not support or endorse any candidate or political party.
League of Women Voters of Collier County
P.O. Box 9883, Naples, FL 34101
Sent by lwvcc@lwvcolliercounty.org
| SUPPORT THE LEAGUE
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Recurring Gifts
It’s easy to make a larger-than-average gift by giving smaller amounts monthly.
We now have the ability to accept recurring gifts. Click the donate button
on our
homepage, and you will see options to give to the education fund or the endowment.
There are two buttons – Donate and Recurring Gifts.
You can make recurring gifts monthly or quarterly.
Give it a try!
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