League of Women Voters installs new officers,

The League of Women Voters of the Mother Lode recently held their its meeting and elected new leadership for 2021-2022.

Incoming officers are Pam Vlach, president; Susan Medeiros, vice president; Cris Barsanti, treasurer; and Dorene Hensler, recording secretary. Other Board Members are Nan Fuller, communications; Jane Braga, voter services; Patti Cherry, membership; Sue Osborn, publicity; and co-chairs Trudy Craig and Deborah Rei, program.

The league encourages participation in government through education and advocacy to influence public policy. Voter services such as candidate forums and “pros and cons” on state propositions are examples.

At the annual meeting, members approved the expansion of the league’s activities to include issue studies. A committee on homelessness in Tuolumne and Calaveras counties was created to study the subject.

The objective of the study is to identify needs and effective homeless services. A report will be presented to the membership in the form of an action policy at the next annual meeting in June 2022.

The study will encompass such concerns as affordable housing, local transportation, children’s education, childcare, job training, employment opportunities, domestic violence services, and treatment for physical and mental health, and substance abuse.

Co-chairs of the study group are Rei, of Tuolumne County, and Craig, of Calaveras County.

Members of the community who have an interest and/or expertise in homelessness are invited to contact the league to discuss participation.

Contact the League of Women Voters of the Mother Lode at info.lwvml@ gmail.com or call 209-4540904.

Courtesy photo / League of Women Voters of the Mother Lode 2021-2022 Officers left to right:trudy Craig, Nan Fuller, Jane Braga, Patti Cherry, Cris Barsanti, Pam Vlach, Maria Benech (past treasurer); Brenda Mchenry (past program chair); Leonides Russell (past president); and Sue Osborn. Not pictured: Dorene Hensler, Susan Medeiros and Deborah Rei.