The Brown County Voter
March 2024
The League of Women Voters of Brown County is a nonpartisan civic organization
that encourages informed and active participation in government.
The League works to increase understanding of major public policy issues through education and advocacy. Membership is open to all regardless of gender.
We never support or oppose any political party or candidate.
Educate • Advocate • Empower • Reform | March is Women’s History Month | |
"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any."
- Alice Walker (1944 - ), novelist, short story writer, poet, social activist
| Just a Note
By Shari Frank, LWVBC President
We are so relieved and pleased to announce that there is no longer any consideration of getting obsolete 20-year-old voting machines to replace Brown County’s current hand-marked paper ballot system. No explanation was given, but one influencing factor may be that the Brown County Election Board member who was instrumental in the lengthy process to select the current election equipment is back on the Board! The newer version of the Microvote equipment in question was considered – and rejected – back in 2019 when the election equipment evaluation was completed.
Vote Centers are also tabled. Stay tuned for possible consideration after the 2024 election.
MEANWHILE … The 2024 Election is front and center. Please see the Election Deadlines below. Indiana is lowest and near lowest each election in the nation for Voter Turnout. Looking at the confusing array of deadlines for Voter Registration (a month before the election), for mail in absentee ballots, for early voting that doesn’t offer evening hours (in Brown County), for stricter and stricter Voter ID requirements…. Well, it’s no wonder.
So let’s make sure Brown County Voters KNOW THE DEADLINES. Let’s remove the barriers and get out the Vote! See the calendar following in the newsletter, or just go to www.Vote411.org or www.IndianaVoters.com for details.
I want to thank our local Brown County Candidates. A majority of them happily participated in www.Vote411.org. You can see their responses on positions in Vote411.org and they will be publicized in the Democrat newspaper next week, so grab a copy.
And, we hope to see you at our upcoming events! (Details later in the newsletter)
-
PUBLIC QUESTION: Brown County Schools ReferendumCommunity Conversation March 23rd, 10:00 am to 11:30 at the Barn Burner in Nashville
Learn about why the Brown County Schools have to ask for funds – understand the School Referendum that will be on the Primary Election Ballot as a Public Question. You may support it, you may not, but make a decision based on fact. More info is available on the Brown County Schools Website: http://www.browncountyschools.com/referendum-2024/ Learn details of what programs the funds will support and use a calculator to see what the tax means for you.
-
Candidate Meet and Greet- Come meet the candidatesfor all local offices.
-
Join us on zoom April 6th, 9am-10:30 am
There are more events and activities listed in the newsletter. We hope to see you there. And – we’d love to have you help as a volunteer with any of these events. If interested, please rsvp.
|  | TOTAL ECLIPSE!!!!!!
Our LWVBC April monthly meeting would normally be April 8. But, there is a little something happening that day so we thought it best to change the date. Possibly rescheduled for April 3. We’ll announce the day and time change soon.
If you have never seen a total eclipse, well, I hope you can take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity, right in our backyard. And I hope we have good weather!! Whatever you do, don’t plan to go anywhere during or right after the eclipse, because traffic jams are expected everywhere in the path to totality.
The first (and only) time I saw a Total Eclipse was a few years ago in Oregon. Totality was just 2 minutes. This will be almost 4 minutes. WOW! Double!
Before I saw it myself, I’d heard from others that a total eclipse is phenomenal. There are eclipse followers who travel the world to experience it. Well, I can see why. It is like nothing ever before seen. The darkness is not the darkness of night. It is a twilight, but not like dusk. At the moment of totality, we saw a hawk fly out of the trees and sing to the world. A small flock of birds flew up, circled around a bit, singing, then flew back down to the trees. I’ve heard animals also act differently but didn’t see it.
If you can view the eclipse, I strongly recommend it. Just be sure to have your eclipse glasses to protect your eyes. If you go somewhere, plan to stay for hours. Take something to do like cereal box viewers. Look up information about the shadows created at https://www.space.com/37776-shadow-bands-are-a-solar-eclipse-mystery.html .
And set a timer and start it when totality starts: 3 minutes 56 seconds - or whatever the time is where you are. You will need a timer to remind you to put your eclipse glasses back on. Time will disappear as you try to absorb everything around you during totality. Enjoy!!!!
| Upcoming Events of Note
March 23, 10–11:30 am: Community Conversation on the Brown County School Referendum at the Barn Burner. Please see the article in this newsletter.
March 24, 3-5:00 pm: Remarkable Women at Monroe County History Center, 202 E 6th Street, Bloomington IN. “Resilience Productions presents a new Remarkable Women production, written by Gladys DeVane in collaboration with and direction by Danielle Bruce. With a gifted mind and unrelenting determination, that is how Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray met every one of life’s obstacles. Take a glimpse into the life of this 20th-century trailblazer, gifted scholar, visionary writer, and fearless champion of truth and justice.”
March 27, 6-8 pm: Candidate Meet and Greet at the Brown County History Center. Please see the article in this newsletter.
March 29: LWVBC Janet KramerEssay Contest entries due for grades 6-8 and 9-12.
April 2, 10:00 am: Public testing of election equipment for Brown County voters in the Salmon Room.
April 6th, 9:00-11:00 am: Zoom Candidate Forum, US Congressional District 9 Democratic Primary candidates. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpfu6hrjItHNU3-occ5jIp5aIoEGOb_6Wa . The Republican Primary Candidates for 9th District declined or did not reply so no GOP Candidate forum can be offered.
April 9: Brown County Election Board meeting, 2 pm in the Salmon Room.
April 12,13 19, 20: Women of Lockerbie, 7:30 pm, Brown County Playhouse
April 14, 21: Women of Lockerbie, matinee 2:30 pm. If we have enough people, we may qualify for a group discount. RSVP if interested! Without discount: $20/ticket - so let’s go! browncountylwv@gmail.com.
April 20: Earth Day Celebration, 11 am -1 pm at the Brown County YMCA. Seeking volunteers for a possible LWVBC table.
April 23: Family Fun Fest, 5:30-7:30 pm, Deer Run Park. Rain date 4/25. Any Volunteers to help table? It’s fun! RSVP if you can help.
April 29: LWVBC annual meeting at Seasons Conference Center, 6:00 pm. Please see the article in this newsletter.
May 7: Primary Election. More information will be provided.
May 23: 6:30 pm: Janet Kramer Memorial Bench unveiling at the beginning of the Friends Trail by the Brown County State Park office. All are welcome.
| It’s Time to PLAN YOUR VOTE!
Know the Issues
- Come learn about the School Referendum (Public Question) on the ballot 3/23, 10-11:30 am at the Barn Burner.
Know the Candidates
-
Come to the Candidate Meet and greet 3/27, 6-8 pm, History Center
-
Find out everything you need to know on www.Vote411.org
-
Deadlines, candidates, where you vote, link to registration and more.
-
Local candidates are published now. State candidates will be available soon on Vote411. Please check back.
April 8: Voter Registration deadline: online. Check your registration. Since Brown County Clerk’s office is closed April 8, the Indiana Election Division extended the in-person registration deadline to noon April 9, but the online deadline remains 11:59 pm April 8. Make sure your address and name are up to date.
VRG-7: Voter Registration Application
National Mail Voter Registration Application
April 9 to May 6: Early Voting, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm Mon-Fri; 2 Saturdays preceding the election 9 am-1 pm. Location: Eagle Park, 1749 State Road 46E, Nashville. Watch for details on the Clerk’s website https://www.browncounty-in.gov/268/Elections, or www.Vote411.org or www.IndianaVoters.com.
April 25: Vote by Mail Application Deadline: April 25, 2024, at 11:59 PM (local prevailing time)
ABS-MAIL: Application for Absentee Ballot
Voters with Print Disabilities, Military and Overseas Voters: See additional deadlines and applications: https://indianavoters.in.gov/MVPHome/PrintDocuments
May 6: Homebound or those with disabilities: Traveling Board Application Deadline: NOON (local prevailing time), Monday, May 6, 2024 ABS –Travel Board: Application for Travel Absentee Ballot
|  |
"If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair."
| You are Invited to a Community Conversation on the Brown County School Referendum
Join a Community Conversation for Brown Countians about the School Referendum on the 2024 Primary Ballot, hosted by the League of Women Voters of Brown County.
Date: Saturday, March 23
Time: 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Where: The Barn Burner, 185 S. Jefferson Street, Nashville IN 47448
Join the Conversation
A panel of Brown County School District representatives will discuss how the referendum impacts the school district if it passes, and if it does not. The public in attendance will be invited to ask questions. Please come learn what your vote means:
— For you
— For the future of Brown County Schools | | | Visit www.Vote411.org for more information on the referendum and on the 2024 Primary Election. | | |  | You are invited to a Candidate Meet and Greet for the Brown County 2024 Primary
Date: Wednesday March 27
Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Brown County Historical Society, 90 E. Gould Street, Nashville IN 47448
Come meet the Candidates on the Brown County 2024 Primary Election. All local candidates in the 2024 Primary Election are invited, including:
— United States Representative, Ninth District
— State Senator, District 44
— State Representative, District 62
— Brown County Commissioner, District 1
— Brown County Commissioner, District 3
— Brown County Council, At-large
— Brown County Recorder
— Brown County Surveyor
— Brown County Treasurer
— Judge of the Brown County Circuit Court
Candidates will be invited to introduce themselves to Brown County voters with two-minute opening remarks. Then attendees will have the opportunity to converse with candidates in small groups.
This event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Brown County.
| Democrat Primary Candidate Forum on April 6
You are invited to a Candidate Forum - House District 9 Democrats on zoom
Tim Peck and D. Liam Dorris have agreed to participate in a Zoom Democrat Candidate forum for US Congress 9th district for the 2024 Primary. This forum will be held on Saturday, April 6 from 9:00-10:30 am.
The Zoom registration link is below and is also on the LWVBC website:https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpfu6hrjItHNU3-occ5jIp5aIoEGOb_6Wa
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
Note: Congressional 9th District GOP Primary Candidates were invited to a separate Republican Primary Candidate Forum on zoom, but Erin Houchin declined and no response was received from Hugh Doty, so we are unable to offer a GOP Primary candidate forum.
|
“Women are like teabags. We don’t know our true strength until we are in hot water.”
| LWVBC Annual Meeting is April 29
Our annual meeting will be held at the Seasons Conference Center in Nashville on Monday, April 29, 2024.
The keynote speaker this year will be Cory Joy, Executive Director of Do Something .Do Something serves as a hub between those in addiction and the resources to move people into recovery.
The League will be inviting this year’s Dorothy Stewart Scholarship winner as well as this year’s first-place winners of the Janet Kramer Essay Contest.
The buffet dinner menu will consist of:
Salads:
- Fresh Garden Salad with cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, croutons & assorted dressings
- Broccoli Salad
Entrees:
- Manicotti stuffed with cheeses and covered with spinach & tomato sauce
- Country fried chicken
Side Dishes:
- Vegetable Medley
- Mashed Potatoes with gravy or Oven Roasted Red Potatoes
- Fried Biscuits & Apple Butter
Dessert:
- Cheesecake with cherry sauce
Dinner this year will be $25.00 per person. Reserve your spot now by contacting Laurie Teal at laurie@laurieteal.com or browncountylwv@gmail.com. Looking forward to seeing you there! | March is Women’s History Month
Source: https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/womens-history-month
“Women’s History Month is a dedicated month to reflect on the often-overlooked contributions of women to U.S. history. From Abigail Adams to Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth to Rosa Parks, the timeline of women’s history milestones stretches back to the founding of the United States.
“The actual celebration of Women’s History Month grew out of a weeklong celebration of women’s contributions to culture, history and society organized by the school district of Sonoma, California, in 1978. Presentations were given at dozens of schools, hundreds of students participated in a “Real Woman” essay contest and a parade was held in downtown Santa Rosa.
“A few years later, the idea caught on within communities, school districts and organizations across the country. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. The U.S. Congress followed suit the next year, passing a resolution establishing a national celebration. Six years later, the National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned Congress to expand the event to the entire month of March.”
Women's History Month Theme 2024: “The National Women's History Alliance designates a yearly theme for Women's History Month. The 2024 theme celebrates “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” This theme recognizes women who understand the need to eliminate bias and discrimination from individuals' lives and institutions.”
International Women’s Day: “International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women, took place for the first time on March 8, 1911. Many countries around the world celebrate the holiday with demonstrations, educational initiatives, and customs such as presenting women with gifts and flowers.
“The United Nations has sponsored International Women’s Day since 1975. When adopting its resolution on the observance of International Women’s Day, the United Nations General Assembly cited the following reasons: ‘To recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security.’” |
“It doesn’t matter how strong your opinions are. If you don’t use your power for positive change, you are, indeed, part of the problem.”
— Coretta Scott King | LWVBC Supports Establishing SOFR Team in Brown County
Submitted by Cathy Rountree, LWVBC Health Committee Co-Chair and Board Member
Recently the board of the LWVBC voted to support the establishment of a Suicide and Overdose Fatality Review (SOFR) Team in Brown County. On behalf of LWVBC, Cathy Rountree sent a letter of support to Do Something for a SOFR Team. The contents of the letter follow.
“According to the Indiana State Department of Health’s County Overdose and Suicide Fatality Reporting, 2022, published December, 2023 (https://www.in.gov/health/trauma-system/files/22-Overdose-Suicide-Report.pdf)
Brown County had the highest suicide rate in the state: 64.23 per 100,000 people, compared to an overall state rate of 16.63 per 100,000 people. In the same report, Brown County’s rate of unintentional overdose deaths: 38.54 per 100,000 people, exceeding the state rate of: 37.44 per 100,000 people.
“Indiana State Department of Health data indicates a strong need for Brown County to develop public policy addressing suicide and overdose deaths. The League of Women Voters Brown County supports establishing a Suicide and Overdose Fatality Review (SOFR) Team for Brown County. The SOFR Team would review data, determine risk factors, and use this information to help make community-informed recommendations on policies, practices, and programs for prevention in Brown County.” | “Cabrini” - a Movie
Submitted by LWVBC Vice President Sunny Leerkamp
March is Women’s History Month and March 8th is International Women’s Day. This year on March 8th, in honor of International Women’s Day, the movie “Cabrini” was released. “Cabrini” is a depiction of the life of a diminutive nun who took on the Pope, an Archbishop and the powers that be in New York City to fulfill her calling to minister to orphans.
Frances Xavier Cabrini was born in 1850 in Italy, the youngest of 13 children. She was of delicate health from birth, and a lung condition was exacerbated by a near drowning incident early in her life. She aspired to be a nun but was rejected for admission by two communities due to her frail health. So, she started the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1880. Her dream was to go to China and minister to orphans. However, the Pope saw differently and sent her to the United States, the Five Points area of New York City, no less.
This area was notorious for its poverty and gangs. Life was cheap and orphans abounded, living in the sewers and abandoned buildings. Mother Cabrini and her seven cohorts walked into this environment and worked miracles.
The movie portrays this diminutive, frail woman, whose life was expected to not exceed two to five years, taking on the local Archbishop of New York and established banks and businesses to rescue, nourish and empower children to reach their full potential. She orchestrated a collaboration with Jewish, Polish and Irish business leaders to obtain funding for a multicultural orphanage. A former prostitute became one of her right-hand helpers. Providing health care to the poor also became one of her priorities and she established the Cabrini Medical Center in New York. Her order became one of the largest in the world and her reach extended not only across the U.S., but to South America, Africa and, yes, China.
She outlived all predictions, dying as a naturalized citizen in 1917 at the age of 67. Mother Cabrini became the first American Saint when she was canonized in 1946 and she was named the Patron Saint of Immigrants for her dedication to the orphans of all colors and cultures.
This movie is one of perseverance against ALL odds and is well worth seeing. | Brown County Middle School Reality Store – An Education Journey
Submitted by Shari Frank, LWVBC President
At right: Brown County Middle School Students Vote on Paper Ballots in the Voting Privacy Booth 2/29/24
| | | Editor’s Note: This article was originally submitted as a letter to the editor in the Brown County Democrat.
As a kid, I saved allowance, or chore money, to buy special items. But I’m pretty sure I never gave a thought to what kind of job I’d have as an adult, or how much I’d make, or how I would afford food, clothing, and shelter. Brown County Middle School’s Reality Store starts this conversation and it seemed to be a real eye opener for the 7th and 8th grade kids who participated.
Reality Store assigns students a salary and an occupation, based on their current grades. In the “Reality Store” students have to make decisions such as whether they will rent an apartment or buy a house, how often they’ll eat out versus cooking at home, will they get a fancy car or an economy car? What about childcare? Will they need an extra job? Can they make ends meet?
Reality Store was cancelled during the pandemic, but resumed this school year for 8th graders, and for the first time, 7thgraders. By starting in 7th grade, students have the advantage to try again in 8th grade. Will they be more motivated to improve grades to open more job opportunities? What choices might they change?
And, in the middle of all the busy tasks of living, will they take time to vote? They have to fulfill their survival needs, but might voting also make their lives better or worse? League of Women Voters Brown County (LWVBC) borrows the County “privacy voting booth” and creates hand-marked paper ballots for students to have their own election. We hope students will see that voting is easy, AND that it does impact their life. We hope they will become lifelong voters.
Principal Gavin Steele provided voting choices that would make a difference in school. 8th graders voted on which “bell” should determine their dismissal, and whether they could decorate the outsides of their lockers. They overwhelmingly voted yes on the locker decorations and selected an earlier dismissal.
Seventh graders got to vote for or against the school referendum and to vote on which lunch period they will have next year as 8th graders. The earliest lunch period won by a slim margin. A majority of 7th graders voted to support raising taxes to support schools, though most are not clear on the term “school referendum.” They also voted for a special activity in April. A majority selected an activity outside. As a write-in option, students also came up with a lot of creative activity ideas.
LWVBC thanks PNC Bank and Brown County Middle School for providing this wonderful educational activity for students. Special thanks to our LWVBC member volunteers who helped students vote: Shari Frank; Pam Raider; Cathy Rountree; Cassie Stratton; Laurie Teal. And many thanks to all the community members who staffed the various stations to help students determine their costs for housing, cars, childcare, food, insurance, pets and even dealing with unexpected events!
| |
“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.”
… and …
“There are two powers in the world; one is the sword and the other is the pen. There is a third power stronger than both, that of women.”
― Malala Yousafzai (1997- ), Pakistani female education activist, Nobel Peace Prize laureate | Info Links of Interest
The Eagle Eye quarterly newsletter from Brown County Schools
Updates from LWVUS
LWVIN Website (which offers many biographies of “Forgotten Foremothers”)
LWVIN March Newsletter
LWVB-MC March Newsletter
Election Security Rumor vs. Reality |
“We’re here for a reason. I believe that reason is to throw little torches out to lead people through the dark.”
— Whoopi Goldberg
| Here’s How to Contact Your State, Federal, Local Legislators
A list is provided below of the legislators who serve Brown County. For contact information on other state representatives and state senators, go to https://iga.in.gov/information/find-legislators. For information about your Congressional Representative, go to https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative.
For information on your County Representatives and meetings for Boards, County Commissioners and County Council:
State Senator Eric Koch
Website: https://www.indianasenaterepublicans.com/koch
Email: Senator.Koch@iga.in.gov
Legislative Assistant: Lucy Lynch lucy.lynch@iga.in.gov 317-234-9425
Phone: 800-382-9467 or 317-232-9400
Address: Indiana State Senate, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis IN 46204
State Representative District 62 Dave Hall
Website: https://www.indianahouserepublicans.com/members/general/dave-hall/
Legislative Assistant: Drew Sellers 317-232-9863 drew.sellers@iga.in.gov
Address: Indiana House of Representatives, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis IN 46204
9th Congressional District U.S. Representative Erin Houchin
Website: https://houchin.house.gov/
Phone: 202-225-5315
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RepHouchin
Address: 1632 Longworth House Office Building, Washington DC 20515
U.S. Senator Mike Braun
Website: https://www.braun.senate.gov
Phone: 202-224-4814
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikebraunforindiana
Address: 404 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington DC 20510
U.S. Senator Todd Young
Website: www.young.senate.gov
Phone: 202-224-5623
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SenatorToddYoung
Address: 185 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington DC 20510
Governor Eric Holcomb
Website: https://www.in.gov/gov/
Phone: 317-232-4567
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GovHolcomb/
Address: Office of the Governor, Statehouse, Indianapolis IN 46204-2797
Brown County Council
Gary Huett (President)
David Redding (Vice-President)
Darren Byrd
Jim Kemp
Joel Kirby
Scott Rudd
Judy Swift-Powdrill
CountyCouncil@browncounty-in.us
Brown County Commissioners
Jerry Pittman, President (District 3) 317-966-1724 pittmanj@browncounty-in.us
Blake Wolpert (District 1) 317-371-5091 wolpertb@browncounty-in.us
Ron Sanders (District 2) 812-947-3504 SandersR@browncounty-in.us
| | | | Making Democracy Work
Grassroots Leadership since 1920
Educate • Advocate • Empower • Reform
We cordially invite you to join us.
| | | We encourage you to learn more about the League by attending our meetings and other events, including legislator forums and Meet the Candidates. Membership is not required to attend these meetings and events.
Annual Membership Dues*:
$50/Individual $85/Couple $20/Friend of the League (non-voting)
Your dues include membership in the national, state, and local leagues.
*Membership Scholarships available. Email us for more information: browncountylwv@gmail.com
To join or to send a donation, mail your check payable to LWVBC, PO Box 74, Nashville IN 47448
Please include your name, address, phone, and email
Visit our website: www.lwvbrowncounty.org | LWVBC MEETINGS
LWVBC meetings are held the second Monday of each month.
Next Meeting: April 3, 6:00 pm (via Zoom) (NOTE: this day/time may change)
League Members, Friends, and the Public are welcome
To participate in the meeting, contact League President Shari Frank at browncountylwv@gmail.com to receive the zoom link. | The deadline for submission of articles for the April newsletter is 5:00 pm Friday, April 12.
The Brown County VOTER is published monthly. Please send your articles and/or suggestions to LWVBC at browncountylwv@gmail.com. | |