Making Democracy Work

The Way To Get Involved

Mission Statement: The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan political organization. We encourage the informed and active participation of citizens in government. We work to increase the understanding of major public policy issues and influence public policy through education and advocacy.

May 2013 Events

School Readiness and Early Grade Reading: Schenectady's Children at Risk May 6, 7:00 PM at the McChesney Room of the Schenectady Main Library.

Rosalind Kotz, Ph.D. and Scot Felderman each have more than 30 years experience in community planning, evaluation and collaboration. Their work focuses on helping communities develop practical and effective solutions to community needs. Rosalind conducts research on neighborhood poverty, low-income housing, and homelessness. Scot spearheaded a number of community initiatives on early childhood and youth development. This presentation will feature their research on school readiness and early grade reading in Schenectady. You can see the updated presentation here.

Schenectady School Board Candidate Forum

Wednesday, May 15, 7 PM Schenectady High School Black Box Theatre 1445 The Plaza, Schenectady

All candidates running in the election have been invited; they will make statements and and answer written questions from the audience. Free and open to all. For further information contact Mary Maitino at 377-3248.

Working Group on Girls Community Forum Wednesday, May 22, 7 PM 1st Reformed Church 8 N. Church St., Schenectady

"Brunswick" Film and Discussion Thursday, May 29, noon 1st Reformed Church 8 N. Church St., Schenectady

Annual Business Meeting

Event: Annual business meeting

Date: Thursday, June 13, 2013

Place: Turf Inn, 40 Mohawk Ave. Scotia

Cost: $28.00 per person--includes house salad, entrée, coffee/tea, and dessert

Entree Choices: Chicken Florentine, Baked Scrod, or Vegetarian Saute. Please contact Joan Elliott at 346-4414 or isladecalma@msn.com to make your reservation and menu choice.

Our speaker will be Lawrence Spring, Superintendant of Schenectady City Schools. The topic is: Challenges of Being Superintendant of City Schools.

Please bring Bylaws, Slate of Officers and Budget information from the May Bulletin to the Annual Meeting.

You can get the proposed bylaws, proposed budget, and proposed slate of candidates right here on our website.

Sally van Schaick

Long-time League member Sally van Schaick passed away on Friday, April 5, 2013, just a few weeks short of her 91st birthday. Sally taught English at Linton High School and at Zoller Elementary School. She ended her teaching career with two years at the Waldorf School in Saratoga. Sally had many interests; she was a member and newsletter editor at the Environmental Clearing House and the Historical Society. She felt passionate about reproductive rights and served on the Planned Parenthood board for 18 years. In 1990, Sally challenged incumbent James Tedisco for his Assembly seat and came close to being elected. The League honored Sally in December 2011 with the Award for 50 Years of Membership. Sally has spread much love and support to her extensive family and her many friends. She will be missed by those who knew her.

Helga Schroeter