HomeMy WebLinkAbout24.08.14 - Minutes, Womens Commission
Minutes of the Washington County Commission for Women
August 14, 2024 6 p.m.
Members Present: Beth Harvey, Laurie Chrzanowski, Karen Hays, Skyla Heise, Gwenn
Leatherman, Kelsi Munson, Danielle Sweeney, Elise Weber; Commissioner Randall Wagner,
Guest speaker Brooke Grossman, Guests Tina Fraley & Leila Grossman
Not Present: Mary Hendrickson, Dawn Nally
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
The minutes of the June 12 meeting were brought forth and approved following a motion by
Kelsi and seconded by Gwenn.
Elise gave the Treasurer’s report. The only activity was receipt of $5,000 from the County
Commission. This amount will be used to partner and support TEDx Hagerstown Women on
December 10, 2024.
Beth announced that the County Commissioners have approved our request for funding for TEDx
Hagerstown Women, which the Commission will support as our Circle of Sisters event. We are
very grateful for the support from our commissioner liaison, Randall Wagner. Beth reported on
the Executive Board meeting which was held in July. On the agenda at that meeting were: a
review of the upcoming calendar, review of goals for the Commission for Women for the
upcoming year. One action item coming in October will be the nomination process for inclusion
in the Hall of Fame. Beth is suggesting Terri Blair, who was the first woman hired at the
detention center and rose in the ranks there. We would need to do some additional research on
Ms. Blair. Nominations will open in October. Beth reminded all that our September meeting
will be the Remembrance in the Park on September 10. She suggested that we arrive by 5:15 for
networking prior to the 6 p.m. ceremonies; park by the art museum. Another suggestion was to
explore possible partnerships with the Commission on Aging. In support of our efforts to recruit
student members to the Commission, Mary and Beth spoke to the HCC Honor Society.
Upcoming meetings are tentatively scheduled for Sept 10 – the remembrance ceremony at the
park; around October 13 Committee meetings should be scheduled; November 13 we hope to
visit Port 44 in Williamsport; December 10 will be the TEDx event. Note: Committees &
membership are listed below. Please send any comments on the meeting schedule to the whole
Commission for Women.
Beth introduced a guest – Tina Fraley, who was formerly President of the Commission for
Women and is interested in possibly rejoining the Commission.
Beth introduced our guest speaker – Delegate Brooke Grossman who provided an overview of
the proceedings of our state legislature. The legislators meet for a 90-day session and have 4,000
bills to hear. In March there is a cross-over day between the two chambers and deliberations on
Ways & Means. She mentioned that federal funds nearly always require state fund matches
which sometimes limits our ability to receive federal funds. One priority she mentioned was
affordable housing. The definition of “affordable housing” is that which matches the income
level of residents as distinguished from “low income housing.” In response to a question about
the women’s and children’s shelter which recently closed, Delegate Grossman mentioned a bill to
standardize shelters with regard to facilities and staff. Shelter operational costs could be a line
item in state and local budgets. Another question about protections for pregnant women working
in corrections elicited the response that it’s not clear whether that would be a legislative or
labor/collective bargaining issue.
Delegate Grossman mentioned the pre-legislative forum which is scheduled for the first week in
November. This offers a public forum in which to meet with delegates prior to the legislature
convening. She offered the invitation for Commission members to attend the breakfast event. In
addition, there is a post-legislative forum. Beth reminded all members that our official channel
for Commission for Women concerns is through our County Commissioners.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:13 p.m. following a motion by Skyla, seconded by Dani.
Respectfully submitted by Elise Weber, substitute Secretary
Current Committees & Membership:
Government: Beth Harvey (chair), Laurie Chrzanowski, Karen Hays
Education: Mary Hendrickson (chair), Dawn Nally, Kelsi Munson
Health and Human Services: Laurie Chrzanowski (chair), Dani Sweeney, Elise Weber, Gwenn
Leatherman
Public Awareness and Events: Elise Weber (chair), Laurie Chrzanowski, Skyla Heise