The Brown County Voter
August 2023
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 | Just a Note
By Shari Frank, LWVBC President
THE SECRET IS OUT: Nashville has an election November 7th, 2023!!
The Town of Nashville and other Indiana municipal elections are this year. Do you live in Nashville town limits? If you do, Nashville wants your vote! Let’s have record turn out! How do you know if you live in the town limits and have the opportunity to vote?
Nashville Town Council. There are six candidates for two positions up for election: Ross Benson; Marguerite Collins; Nancy Crocker; Bruce M Gould; Lance Miller; Rex Watters III.
Nashville Clerk-Treasurer: There is one candidate uncontested, the incumbent: Brenda Young.
The deadline to contest candidates eligibility is September 5, noon. The Nashville Town Election Board will meet September 5, 2 pm to address challenges, if any, and finalize the candidate list.
Important Dates for the Nashville Town Election:
- Register to Vote by the deadline: October 10th: Check/update your voter registration before then.
- Come to The Public Election Equipment Test at Nashville Town Hall - October 3rd, 10:00 am
- Apply for Absentee Vote by Mail ballot by October 26th https://indianavoters.in.gov or at the County Clerk’s office
- Early Voting: Dates and times of Early voting absentee in person for the Town Election
- Wed. Oct 11, 6 am – 11 am
- Wed. Oct. 18, 3pm-8pm
- Tues. Oct 24, 3 pm-8pm
- Sat. Oct. 28, 9 am-1pm
- Tues. Oct 31, 10am-3 pm
- Sat. Nov 4, 9 am-1pm
- Election Day is Tuesday, November 7th, 6 am to 6 pm
Remember your state ID (e.g. driver’s license) if you vote in person. For forms, to register to vote and more election information, Use Vote411.org or the state voter website https://indianavoters.in.gov, or call the County Clerk’s office.
What does Town Council do anyway? Why vote?
Check Vote411.org closer to the election to get Candidate positions in their own words. Come meet the Town Council Candidates at an LWVBC candidate forum in September/October. Watch for dates to be announced.
| Notes from August 14 LWVBC Meeting
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The minutes from the July 10 monthly meeting were approved.
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The Board voted to change monthly meetings to begin at 6:00 pm.
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The Board discussed the need for volunteers to help with populating Vote411 and with candidate forums for 2023 elections in the Town of Nashville and in Columbus. If any League members are interested in participating in this project, please contact Shari Frank at browncountylwv@gmail.com. A group will be meeting via zoom at 11 am August 21 to begin developing questions for the Nashville Town Council election.
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The Board agreed to host a table at the Nashville Farmers Market on September 24 to provide voter registration information.
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We approved tabling at the August 31 Overdose Awareness Day in Nashville.
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ClubExpress: Laurie Teal will offer a class on navigating the League’s website via ClubExpress. If interested, League members can contact her at laurie@laurieteal.com.
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We welcome new LWVBC members Laura Young, Judy Stewart, and Sue Lindborg. And THANK YOU to LWVBC members who have renewed their membership!
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DEI Committee meetings will resume September 18. Please contact Sunny Leerkamp at s.leerkamp@gmail.com.
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The next monthly virtual meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 11, beginning at 6 pm.
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We approved tabling at the Nashville Farmer’s market in September to advertise the Nashville Town elections and remind people to register or check their voter registration before 10/10/23.
| A Letter of Thanks
Adaline Adams, a Brown County Schools student, recently participated in the National History Day competition in Washington DC. LWVBC helped with a small donation for Adaline’s travel expenses, and we recently received this thank you from her.
The note reads: Dear League of Women Voters Members, Thanks again for supporting my trip to Washington D.C. for National History Day. I’m very grateful for your kindness. I placed top 40 in the nation out of hundred of kids in my category! While there I saw many cool memorials and museums. One of the exhibits at the American History Museum inspired my next project!. Thanks! Sincerely, Adaline Adams.
Congratulations, Adaline!
| Leagues’ Pollinator Fest a Rezzzzounding Success!
Submitted by Kristina Lindborg, LWVIN Natural Resources Advocacy Co-Chair
Did you know that without pollinators, we wouldn’t have chocolate? And this is just one example of their importance. About 80% of our food crops depend on pollination by animals. And pollinator numbers are in decline, due to a combination of habitat loss, invasive species, pesticide use, and climate change. To address this concern, the League of Women Voters of Brown County, along with the Johnson County and Bloomington-Monroe County leagues, held a Pollinator Fest on Saturday, July 22, at the Brown County Fairgrounds. The event was very well attended and a resounding success.
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Kristina Lindborg (l) in her bee regalia, with Pam Raider of LWVBC. | | | John Shuey, from the Indiana office of The Nature Conservancy, provided participants with a glimpse into the fascinating world of local pollinators. Then we learned how to create pollinator habitat from Allison Shoaf, District Conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Services of the USDA, and we learned about the negative impact of invasive plant species from Dawn Slack, Restoration Ecologist with Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management. The Brown County Hour had a conversation with Dawn last month.
In addition, there was a great children’s program led by Eli Major, interpretive naturalist with Brown County State Park. There were 29 exhibitors from a wide range of environmental organizations, offering a veritable beehive’s worth of useful information and fun activities. For example, at the LWVIN
Natural Resources Advocacy table,children of all ages could vote for their favorite pollinator.
In addition, The Tasty Plate provided delicious snacks for purchase.
On behalf of all three Leagues, we sincerely thank the presenters, exhibitors, and vendor for everything they did to make this such an informative and engaging event.
Here are two opportunities for you to help protect pollinators:
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You can voice your support for native plants along roadsides by completing INDOT’s one-minute Native Plant and Wildflower Public Survey. By increasing native plantings along our roadways, pollinator-friendly habitat is created. At the same time, carbon emissions are reduced, since such areas don’t have to be mowed as often.
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You can learn how to create more pollinator habitat on your property using the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services’ Pollinator Garden Design Guide. You can also call or visit the Bloomington Natural Resources Conservation Services office at 812-334-4323, 1931 Liberty Dr., to learn more.
|  | | The exhibitor tables were busy throughout the event. |  | Children at the event learn how to make a butterfly feeder to take home. | | |
A huge THANK YOU to all the volunteers for their hard work to make the Pollinator Fest a success. And a shoutout to Ruth Reichmann, who suggested a community conversation on pollinators.
From LWVBC: Laura Blackthorn, Shari Frank, Sunny Leerkamp, Pam Raider, Cathy Rountree, Jan Swigert, and Laurie Teal
From LWV Johnson County: John Kooi, Mary Kooi, Karen Lundsford, and Dee Johnson
From LWV B-MC: Kristina Lindborg and Ralf Shaw
THANK YOU to the exhibitors who participated in the Pollinator Fest. A directory of the exhibitors is available HERE.
| Indiana Legislators: Conflict of Interest Not of Interest to Us
Submitted by LWVBC Member Kathy Smith-Andrew
I was an Indiana State Senator for 10 years in the late 1980's through late 1990's, and I was proud of the rules we followed and our spirit of working together for the greater good of our constituents back home. Of course, there were a few bad apples in both political parties in the House and the Senate when I served there, but not as many as it seems there are today. I used to tell this to people who asked me what it was like, and how I felt about working with Republicans. The way I felt about the other legislators was like their fathers and grandfathers talked about their Army Buddies with whom they served in combat...they were like brothers. That's the way I felt about the majority of the men and women with whom I served in the legislature.
Today with the Political Partisan Battles that go on between the Democrats and Republicans in both the state and the federal legislative levels, the behavior seems to have evolved into fighting to get more done for myself, my friends, and my moral beliefs, rather than for the many different people and religions I represent. Ethical behavior loses in this environment, in fact, it seems to be almost gone.
| Climate Action Opportunities in August and September
Submitted by Kristina Lindborg, LWVIN Natural Resources Advocacy Co-Chair
Save Money While Lowering Your Carbon Footprint: The Hoosier Environmental Council (HEC) hosted their “Save Money, Take Action, Confront Climate Change” webinar on July 25th, to help Hoosiers take advantage of the many provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act that incentivize the shift to clean energy. As HEC noted in their recent follow-up newsletter, “For an incentive-based program to work to its full potential, we all need to participate. HEC and our partners are working to help make your participation possible!” There are many ways to save,and to find out how, you can use HEC's Consumer Incentive Guide, and/or consult the FAQ from the webinar. Also, the recording of the webinar is available here.
Hoosier Environmental Council’s Free Webinar: Maximize Your Impact. Be an Indiana Change-Maker, September 1, 12:00 – 1:00 EST: This webinar will feature Indiana State Senator Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) and Indiana State Representative Sue Errington (D-Muncie). They will share tips for being an effective advocate for issues that will be coming up in the Statehouse, with a particular focus on two of HEC’s top legislative priorities for the upcoming session: wetland protection and the need for local community solar. You can sign uphereto take advantage of this free webinar.
Climate Leadership Summit, Saturday, Sept. 8, 9 am – 5 pm Central, Indiana University NW, Gary: The Climate Leadership Summitis Earth Charter Indiana’s 8thannual statewide conference for elected leaders and community partners.Each year the event is held in a different Indiana community, bringing together participants from across the state to focus on climate change mitigation and adaptation. Mayors, other elected officials, experts, and advocates participate in a day of learning and inspiration to create resilient Hoosier communities.
The conference has both in person and virtual options. Registration for the virtual option is free, while registration for the in-person event is $40 for community members. You can register here.
|  | Recommended Film on American Hospitals
Submitted by LWVBC Board Member and Health Committee Co-Chair Cathy Rountree
The LWVBC Health Care Committee recommends this film and the opportunity to discuss health care solutions with local business, political and health care leaders.
American Hospitals, Healing a Broken System
Wednesday, September 13 @ 7pm
The Woolery Mill, 2250 W. Sunstone Dr., Bloomington, IN
Panel discussion after the film featuring Rep. Matt Pierce, Dr. Lee McKinley and Jeff Mease. Discussion moderated by Dr. Rob Stone. Sponsored by Medicare for All Indiana – Bloomington.
American Hospitals, Healing a Broken System, a new documentary film, goes beyond the typical ideological battles in health care debates and focuses on examining what's actually happening under the hood.
Today hospital care is too often about money and power than serving the health needs of patients and the community. American Hospitals examines the incentives driving health care’s astronomical pricing, its monopolistic practices and the pervasive inequities in access and treatment. The film identifies innovative solutions that deserve national attention to restore hospitals to their historic focus on community health at affordable cost. The film creators hope the documentary will raise public awareness and start a national conversation about the issues and solutions. You can watch the trailer.
| “Kiss the Ground” Will be Aired in Franklin
Submitted by Mary Kooi, LWV Johnson County
"Kiss the Ground": Enjoy this award-winning documentary to learn how regenerating the soil is one way we can reverse global warming. The film has stunning animation and striking NASA and NOAA visuals from five continents. The urgent call to action is delivered through the voices of leading scientists, ecologists, climate, and environmental activists. After the film, stay for a conversation with local experts about what our community can do. People of all ages and walks of life will love this film. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters Johnson County. Tickets are free. Get your ticket at https://lwvjcin.org, at the door, or on Eventbrite. A donation and pre-registration are appreciated.
Date: September 17, 2023
Time: 2 pm to 4 pm
Venue: The Historic Artcraft Theater, 57 N Main Street, Franklin, IN
|  | National Night Out in Nashville Well Attended
This year’s National Night Out event was held at the Village Green in Nashville on August 1.
LWVBC hosted a table to help thank and acknowledge all the first responders who work so hard to protect Brown County citizens. | Just some of the first responders who participated in National Night Out, with organizer Nancy Crocker. | August 2023 Diversity Calendar
National Black Business Month: Black-owned businesses make up nearly 10% of all American businesses. Seize the opportunity to support an underrepresented community, focusing on issues related to capital and generational wealth. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/01/31/a-proclamation-on-national-black-history-month-2023/
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month: This awareness month is dedicated to learning about the neurodegenerative disorder that leads to involuntary muscle movements. Early detection is key for improved long-term health. Recent advancements have led to the first FDA-approved therapy for the disorder.
August 9: International Day of the World’s Indigenous People: This day celebrates all indigenous people across the world and promotes understanding, respect, and preservation of their traditions and cultures. It was first celebrated in 1995.
| | August 26: Women’s Equality Day: This important day marks the adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment, which prohibits states and the federal government from preventing women from voting. In 1972, President Nixon issued the Proclamation for the first official Women’s Equality Day. | | | August 31: International Day of People of African Descent: A day designated by the United Nations to celebrate the contributions, achievements, and cultural heritage of people of African descent worldwide. It aims to combat racial discrimination and raise awareness of the challenges they face in society. | Here’s How to Contact Your State and Federal Legislators
State Senator Eric Koch
Website: https://www.indianasenaterepublicans.com/koch
Email: Senator.Koch@iga.in.gov
Legislative Assistant: Alexa Walden Alexa.Walden@iga.in.gov or 317-234-9425
Phone: 800-382-9467 or 317-232-9400
Address: Indiana State Senate, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis IN 46204
|  | Making Democracy Work
Grassroots Leadership since 1920
Educate • Advocate • Empower • Reform
We cordially invite you to join us. Gender doesn’t matter.
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
DONATIONS are welcome
Donations support the prizes awarded Brown County middle and high school students for the LWVBC annual Janet Kramer Essay contest; the Dorothy Stewart annual college scholarship, grants to Brown County students who win local contests to help with travel to regional or national competitions, general operating costs such as zoom, the website, and more.
To become a member or send a donation, you may use a credit card on our website, or 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
| Government Meeting Calendar
PLEASE NOTE: Meetings may be in person and/or virtual. See links below to check days/times.
Brown County Election Board
Salmon Room (check website for zoom link)
• September 13, 2:00 pm (check for possible changes)
Brown County Commissioners
Salmon Room (check website for zoom link)
• September 20, 6:00 pm (check for possible changes)
Brown County Council
Salmon Room
• August 21, 6:30 pm (check for possible changes)
• September 18, 6:30 pm (check for possible changes)
Brown County Health Board
Bi-monthly, third Tuesday, 5 pm
• September 19, 2023, 5:00 pm (check for possible changes)
Nashville Town Council
Town Hall
• September 21, 6:30 pm (check for possible changes)
Nashville Town Election Board
Town Hall
• September 5, 2:00 pm (check for possible changes)
Note: for all government and advisory board meetings and to verify times, please check the Brown County government calendar: http://www.browncounty-in.gov, the Town of Nashville calendar: https://www.townofnashville.org/town-council, or the Brown County Democrat: www.bcdemocrat.com
| LWVBC MEETINGS
LWVBC meetings are held the second Monday of each month
Next Meeting: September 11, 6:00 (via Zoom)
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 September newsletter is 5:00 pm Friday, September 15.
The Brown County VOTER is published monthly. Please send your articles and/or suggestions to LWVBC at browncountylwv@gmail.com.
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