New Web Site !!

The League of Women Voters Hong Kong has a new website to offer information to interested individuals and its members. This blog site will remain as an archive for the past activities relating to our organization, and be linked to the new website under 'Archives".

Please go to www.lwvhongkong.weebly.com

September 20th 2011 EVENT! Mark your calendar

You're invited to a luncheon for Hadassah International 20 September 2011 12:30 pm
sponsored by Kathy Chiron
at
Pure Bar and Restaurant, Hollywood Road
(on the escalator)
Guest speakers from Hadassah Medical Centre
Jerusalem
Dr Ilana Kadmon, breast cancer care specialist
Rina Turin, oncologist
breast cancer care: cultural differences and
update on cancer research
HK$400 (minimum) donation to
Hadassah International
RSVP schiron@netvigator.com

Hadassah International, with a presence on five continents, is a network of men and women of all faiths and nationalities that supports the world-renowned Hadassah Medical Center. This medical institution transcends politics and religion to provide all people regardless of ethnicity or religion with cutting-edge, compassionate care. Exemplifying what peace would look like in the Middle East, the Hadassah Medical Center was nominated for the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize.
CHECKS PAYABLE TO HADASSAH INTERNATIONAL MAY BE MADE IN US DOLLARS OR HK DOLLARS.

January - 2011 Meeting Minutes

Minutes for the League of Women Voters of Hong Kong

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

In the absence of President Beth Hall, Loretta Cox, Vice President, opened the business meeting at 10:30 AM. Officers present included Sandra Collins-de Lange, Treasurer, Marti Law, Membership, Phyllis Lubbers, Recording Secretary. Sandra Collins- de Lange said there were no changes to the Treasury from January; however, the February report will reflect $400 received today from Honora Rosen. Phyllis Lubbers, Recording Secretary said the January minutes will be available shortly on the website for member review. Marti Law informed the membership that the February meeting will be on Monday, 7 February. The speaker is Dr. Nancy Sussman, author of the book “Return Migration and Identity: A Global and Local Phenomenon.” Loretta asked the membership about any new business that needed to be discussed. Since no new business was brought up the business portion of the meeting was adjourned.

Marti Law introduced our guest speaker, Ms Fermi Wong, Hong Kong Unison, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting racial equality and harmony in Hong Kong society. She spoke of her efforts for an hour, and then opened the floor for questions. It was a very educational and informative meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Phyllis Lubbers’
Recording Secretary

December 2010 - Christmas Luncheon at Disney Land

Minutes for the League of Women Voters of Hong Kong

Tuesday, December 14, 2010


The League Meeting for December was a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Disneyland Hotel on nearby Lantau Island. Members were greeted at the entrance of the hotel by the staff and warmly welcomed with a glass of punch, and carolers sang our favorite Christmas songs. Martin, our tour guide, welcomed us and explained to us the itinerary for the day.

Before the tour began, Beth Hall, President, convened the group for a brief business meeting. Phyllis Lubbers, Recording Secretary, read the minutes from the November meeting. The minutes were approved as read. Sandra Collins deLange, Treasurer gave the treasurer’s report. The checking account balance is HK $14,309.26 and the savings account balance is HK$11,634.35. The Treasurer’s report was approved as read. Beth then announced that a nominating committee is being formed to prepare a slate of officers for next year’s board. She encouraged members to consider joining the committee. Beth then noted that the January meeting will be held on 11 January 2011 with Marti Law and Sandra Collins deLange hosting.

The meeting adjourned briefly until Amy Van Laak, Web Communications, arrived, and she presented the members with the proposed changes to the by-laws. The membership is requested to study the changes (which were sent earlier by email to the membership). Members will be asked to vote on these changes at a future meeting.

With the official business meeting over, the membership was given a tour of the hotel gardens, then entered the spacious kitchen where a baking demonstration of a traditional Yule log cake was given on our behalf by the wonderful chefs on staff. Then we were guided to our own station, laden with a sheet cake, chocolate cream filling, and candy flourishes to make our own Yule log cake.

Lunch was served in the Crystal Lotus Restaurant with Chef Rudy Muller introducing all the courses. There was traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings, and lobster tail, as well as tasty appetizers and a Christmas trio of desserts. The food and service were exceptional. A lovely surprise was the arrival of Santa Claus who presented us with our own beautifully boxed cakes. All in all it was a fantastic way to kick off the holiday season.

November 2010 - Meeting Minutes

Minutes for the League of Women Voters of Hong Kong

Tuesday, 23 November 2010

Residence of Celine Bendy

The November meeting of the Hong Kong Unit of the League of Women Voters was held at the residence of Celine Bendy, on 23 November 2010. Regine Potsatko and Celine Bendy were the co-hosts for the meeting. The documentary, Reminiscing the Handover, was edited by Joseph Bendy and he gave a brief explanation of the video. The narrator in the film was Celine Bendy. The video captures the historic Handover and it also showcases the lives of the Bendy family and friends in Hong Kong.

Beth Hall, President, called the meeting to order at 10:00 am. A business meeting was held first,
before the documentary. Phyllis Lubbers, Recording Secretary was not present and Marti Law, Membership, read the minutes of the 12 October 2010 meeting. The minutes were approved as read. Sandra Collins deLange, Treasurer read the report and she has not received all the dues from the membership She cannot report the amount of the contribution to the national headquarters, until all dues are received. The checking account balance is HK$13,000 and the savings account balance is HK$11,634. The Treasurers report was approved as read. Amy Van Laak, Web Communication Board Member was not able to attend the meeting.

Membership dues at the end of January will be half of the HK$400 fee for new members. This was a proposal by Debra Joyce, past President. The HK$200 will cover the remaining four meetings of the League calendar year. A motion to accept was made by Marjorie O’Brien.
Beth introduced the new member Carol Lampard and she joined the League during the meeting.

Board members Loretta Cox, vice President and Mary Chaney, Voter Services were absent today.

Beth discussed the December 14 meeting at the Disneyland Hotel. The hostess will be Robin Ernest. All members should have received an invitation by mail and only members with paid dues are eligible to attend. There will be no guests invited to the event.

Beth mentioned the school supplies drive for needy children. The League is partnering with AWA, Girl Scouts and St. James Settlement in collecting the supplies. The donations can be dropped off with these organizations and also the Church of All Nations will accept the donations.

The January meeting will be held on Tuesday, 11 January 2011 and Fermi Wong with Hong Kong Unison will be the invited guest speaker.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 noon

Respectfully submitted,



Marti Law
Membership

October 2010 - Meeting Minutes

Minutes for the League of Women Voters of Hong Kong

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Residence of Marti Law


The October meeting of the Hong Kong Unit of the League of Women Voters was held at the residence of member Marti Law on October 12, 2010. Beth Hall, President, called the meeting to order at 10:00AM. Beth welcomed all members, and then began the program. Mr. David Kosnoff, Democrat, and Mr. Chris Exline, representing the Republicans Abroad, shared their views on relevant political issues in the US. A question and answer session followed with Ms Sabrina Maguire representing the Democrats Abroad, as Mr. Kosnoff had to leave due to a prior commitment.

A brief business meeting followed the program. Phyllis Lubbers, Recording Secretary, read the minutes of the September 2010 meeting. The minutes were approved as read. Sandra Collins De Lange, Treasurer, presented a treasurer’s report, and they were approved as read. Marti Law, Membership Chair, had no report, but said membership applications were available for the membership to distribute to friends, and anyone who might be interested in joining the League. Bunny Chaney, Voter Services, recently attended the HKIS Welcome Back Coffee where she had a table with information about the LWV. She was also able to provide information in procedures for voting overseas at AWA CHAT. Patricia Lloyd representing the AWA Education and Scholarship Committee noted how pleased AWA is to be partnered with the LWV, and reminded the membership that all fund-raising money goes directly to the specific charity.

Beth Hall reminded members that the November meeting will be held on November 23rd instead of the second Tuesday.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:05.

Respectfully submitted,



Phyllis Lubbers
Recording Secretary

September 2010 Meeting Minutes

League of Women Voters, Hong Kong Unit
Welcome Back Coffee and Meeting
Residence of the Consul General; 3 Barker Road, Hong Kong
September 14th 2010 10AM

Attendees:
Amy Vonk, Fiona Ekkebus, Sandra Collins de Lange, Marti Law, Johnna Kosnoff,, Lisa Pittman, Vanessa Butterfield, Mary Conlon, Michelle Gustin, Kathleen Carlson, Keri Pennabaker, Fabienne Bertrand, Fran Ballard, Tamera Pacton, Beth Hall, Loretta Cox, Wendy Maize, Robin Brown, Rosann Kao, Sharon Vipond, and 9 HKIS students.
Beth Hall opened the meeting with a short introduction of Stephan Young, Consul General of the Untied States in Hong Kong.
Consul General Young gave a short talk outlining his experiences and describing his duties in Hong Kong. He emphasized his love of promoting and encouraging democracy. At the conclusion of his talk, a question and answer period ensued.
At the conclusion of Mr. Young’s talk, Beth Hall began the meeting by welcoming all attendees, and encouraged membership and participation. Beth gave a short history of the LWV in Hong Kong, and introduced the League of Women Voters Board. Beth also gave special recognition to the nine HKIS students, and their counselor, Ms. Kao.
Beth introduced Lisa Pittman as our resource for all voting information. Lisa described the MOVE act and described the voting process for citizens abroad. She reminded us that the Consul General’s office has Federal write-in ballots, and that most states provide electronic ballots with receipt of those ballots to be 45 days before the election. A voter must register each year to receive a ballot.
Beth made two announcements about upcoming events. The first was a lecture about Pakistani women living in Hong Kong, and the other was the partnership between the AWA and the LWV in promoting the Education and Scholarship drive for 2010-2011.
LWV Photo albums were available for browsing.
Loretta Cox asked for program ideas and/or partnerships.
Rosann Kao asked for more partnership opportunities with the LWV with her HKIS students.
Beth Hall closed the meeting with the announcement that the next meeting will be October 12th.