Everyone's Opinion Newsletter

Greetings and Happy Summer to All! The article in the April 2008 Issue of EON featured a story of me and one of the projects I was working on for June. Well, I am happy to say that all the hard work and labor throughout the past year in the planning and implementation of the details for the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women 2008 State Convention proved to be successful.

One of my main goals as a leader in this county is to continue to bring recognition and revenue to Blair County whenever possible. When I researched the previous history of the Convention having been held here, I was amazed that it was back in 1944! So at the last convention in Allentown, I stepped up, presented my proposal, facts, details, and figures and won the bid for Blair County.

The Convention theme “Democratic Women – the Keystone to Winning” couldn’t have been more appropriate for this year’s Presidential election. We picked this theme in August of last year before any primary candidates were chosen! Who would have thought that Pennsylvania would play such a key role in this election?

As women, we have a major responsibility in our society today to speak out on what we believe in, no matter which Political Party we belong to. I felt the lack of news coverage during the convention was not intentional; however, the news media missed an opportunity. They failed the responsibility to inform the public of the overall enthusiasm, excitement, and the amount of influence that a women’s voice can and should be heard on all levels of government. They missed the opportunity comparing the 1944 convention to the 2008 convention and the similarities of the women who were representing us back then and now.

During those four days, between 200-250 women from throughout the state visited Blair County and utilized our neighboring retail outlets, exercise facilities, restaurants, businesses, and yes; even our wonderful Blair County Ballpark which featured an East/West “Slugger-Fest” between Altoona Curve and Reading Phillies. This was perfect for the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia women. Those who chose to stay at the Ramada dinner enjoyed the cuisine of Chef Dominick and a Taste of Italy followed by an auction in support of our scholarship fund.

During the days, the luncheons were also unique with Friday noted as “Turn PA Blue” – everything from seed packets, blue Easter grass and blue jelly beans for rocks; you would have thought you were in a garden since it was held in the beautiful Patio Courtyard. Our speaker was Rep. Deberah Kula, 52nd District, and also featured journalists from throughout the state as our guests for the workshop entitled “Media Manipulation: Fact and Fiction." That workshop was well attended and lasted approximately two hours long and taped by PCN. Another workshop that day was, “Bead for Life” which helps eradicate poverty by creating bridges by using colorful recycled paper and turning them into beautiful beads. This beauty becomes income, food, medicine, school fees, and hope for impoverished North Americans and Africans.

The Saturday luncheon was hosted by Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll and was a tribute to the five scholarship winners chosen throughout the state. This focused on young women who are an appreciation to the Party for their morals, values, and education towards a brighter future. We need to continue to reach out to these young women who are the hope of tomorrow, and this is a wonderful way to get them involved.

Each night featured a theme. Thursday evening focused on “Pillars of the Party”; Friday evening, “Cornerstones of Our Communities”; and Saturday evening, “Foundations of the Future”.

Special guests included for Thursday, local and state elected officials: Senator John Wozniak, Commissioner Donna Gority, Jury Commissioner Fran Kuhn, and Democratic Chairman Frank Rosenhoover.

Our Friday evening dinner was highlighted with our Denim, Diamonds, and Lace dress attire. As you entered the ballroom, it was decorated in blue denim laces and lights throughout the netting with accents of navy rose bud petals and bejeweled with rhinestones on mirror centerpieces that sparkled like stars in the sky. Our speakers were Auditor General Jack Wagner, Rep. Scott Conklin, DNC Member Ruth Rudy, and congressional candidates Tony Barr, Kathy Dahlkemper, and Mark McCracken; and state representative candidate Joanne Tosti-Vasey. Following the dinner was a concert/show by Ricky Lee with patriotic tributes to our soldiers and loved ones to end the night’s festivities.

Saturday workshops included: “A Woman’s Place is in the House...or Senate!”, a round table discussion of elected women officials discussing the challenges, rewards and pitfalls of participating in politics as a candidate; and “Cover Your Assets: What Women Need to Know About Estate Planning,” which is an important part of our lives, whether we are married or single.

Then the highlighted event of the convention was our Saturday evening finale! I wanted everyone to be overwhelmed with patriotism as they entered the room. Over 100 flags cascading from the ceiling, banners, red, white, and blue everywhere. It was as though you were at a national convention; the unity and traditional values which brought our country forward were displayed throughout the night. Our speakers included Governor Ed Rendell who gave a powerful speech and greeted each table individually throughout the room. Also present was our candidate for State Treasurer Rob McCord.

What is amazing to me is that the same ideals and values that were presented in 1944 were present here. Yes, I am a proud Democrat. However, I do not fall into the mold when people clump everyone together. I feel every individual should be treated with respect and appreciated for their beliefs and background. I am pro-life, grew up in a strict Catholic, Italian family with respect to God, Family, and Country. I don’t judge or call names at other political figures just because of their affiliation to that Party. They make mistakes, they will be judged by God and the people. Even though people may not like our Governor or what he has done, we still need to respect him and others as the leaders of our state and nation, just as President Bush. I feel we are ready for a change, but I respect him as the President of the United States. It’s time we stood up for the individual – no matter what political party – and bring back the morals of this county, state, and nation; and I am ready to do that with whatever God has in store for me.

I want to personally thank ALL the businesses and donors throughout the area who supported our cause; republicans and democrats came together to support Blair County and showcase its beauty. We could not have done it without you all.

I want to leave you with a speech I wrote and spoke at the dinner in closing our convention. As Susan Anthony stated: “It was we, the people; not we, the white male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed the Union.”

As I mention each evening of the convention, I want every one of you who read this to think in your own mind of what it means to you, no matter what political party you may represent.

This was dedicated to our men and women fighting for our country and to our loved ones who are no longer with us.

Please remember our themes, Pillars of the Party, Cornerstones of Our Communities, and Foundations of the Future. Please read the words carefully, especially you women. Listen with your hearts, not your minds.

“We women are going to have to be intelligent on understanding some of the ‘FOUNDATIONS’ of a world with and without peace. If we are determined to have a nation and world where there is opportunity for all and an abundance of production, we must FIRST OF ALL, make its foundations secure with international relations which prevent war.

No one ‘Pillar’ is more important than a wise foreign policy that makes friends for us rather than drive customers away. We women have learned that the only way those who represent our way of thinking is to be elected. Our vote is our way of registering our opinion and if we don't vote and get out all the vote we can, we are letting our plans go by default.

The future security of every family in the United States is dependent upon the continued leadership of the United States. Women must and will demand security against future wars.

The United States has everything it takes to carry out our plans for social security, the resources, the manpower, the science and the technical skills. All that is required now are the initiative and good will of citizens like you, who must become acquainted with the challenge, and find ways to answer it.

Freedom from want or social security is the last frontier of democracy. We must achieve it, or our form of government will be threatened by all the "isms". For individual security is the soul of our democracy.”

This rings true today; however, ladies...what you have just heard is taken from the 1944 Speech to the State Convention of Democratic Women held in Altoona during World War II.

We are reliving their lives with these “foundations and pillars” established we WILL be the “cornerstones” to keep it together... We are the Keystone of the State... we are the PA Federation of Democratic Women.

Thank you, God Bless You and God Bless America!

Written & Submitted by Jo Ann Nardelli,

Chair, 2008 PFDW State Convention

3rd Vice President/PFDW

Secretary/State Women’s Caucus

Vice Chair/Blair County Democratic Committee

State Committee