The League of Women Voters was founded on February 14, 1920, as women and men around the country worked to get the 19th amendment passed.
About Us
In 1969, the League of Women Voters of Litchfield was formed, expanding to the entire county in 1995.
A Special Tribute to a Very Special Woman, Joyce Briggs
Joyce Briggs, A Founding Member of This Chapter
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of our founding members, Joyce Briggs on May 6, 2023. She was an amazing woman who contributed so much to her community and the people around her. She will be missed! Please read her bio for more information about her extraordinary life.
https://www.thurstonrowefuneralhome.com/.../joyc.../5188750/
MEET THE 2022-2023 LWV of Litchfield County OFFICERS
Marianne Seeber President
Kerry Mayers Vice President
Kerry Mayers Vice President
I love hanging out with smart women! Educating myself and my community about local, state and national issues has been important to me for decades.
I first joined the League in Brookfield, CT nearly 20 years ago and joined LWVLC in 2019 after moving to Roxbury. In 2020 I became a board member at large and in 2021, I stepped into the role
I love hanging out with smart women! Educating myself and my community about local, state and national issues has been important to me for decades.
I first joined the League in Brookfield, CT nearly 20 years ago and joined LWVLC in 2019 after moving to Roxbury. In 2020 I became a board member at large and in 2021, I stepped into the role of board secretary.
I’m a retired psychotherapist, a long time community volunteer and have been living in Roxbury since 2017. I have a young granddaughter whom I adore, and I enjoy building my gardening and learning how to paint pretty flowers from my garden.
I value the LWV because it keeps me sharp; it keeps me engaged and it keeps me passionate about our country’s democracy.
Kerry Mayers Vice President
Kerry Mayers Vice President
Kerry Mayers Vice President
Active in LWV since 1973 in California and in Connecticut, in Darien, Norwalk and Litchfield County. Strongest interest is in protecting and expanding the rights of the voters.
Other volunteer roles have been in area of the Arts, Gardening and her community. Returned to college 27 years ago to study architecture and then worked in that f
Active in LWV since 1973 in California and in Connecticut, in Darien, Norwalk and Litchfield County. Strongest interest is in protecting and expanding the rights of the voters.
Other volunteer roles have been in area of the Arts, Gardening and her community. Returned to college 27 years ago to study architecture and then worked in that field until moving to Goshen in 2008.
She is an artist whose paintings have been exhibited in group and individual shows. Her works are in private collections in England, France and both coasts of the USA.
In an effort to stay healthy, she dabbles in many sports. Most mornings are spent playing pickle, paddle, skiing, hiking or taking an exercise class.
Marie Pettibone VP Programs
Kerry Mayers Vice President
Marie Pettibone VP Programs
My name is Maria Jose Pettibone and to my friends I am called Marie.
I am a Connecticut native who grew up in Danbury and raised my three sons in New Fairfield. I received my education from Western Conn. University and University of Bridgeport majoring in Business Administration. After a career in management with Borders/Waldenbooks in Sta
My name is Maria Jose Pettibone and to my friends I am called Marie.
I am a Connecticut native who grew up in Danbury and raised my three sons in New Fairfield. I received my education from Western Conn. University and University of Bridgeport majoring in Business Administration. After a career in management with Borders/Waldenbooks in Stamford and Ann Arbor I returned to Connecticut and then relocated to Florida. In 2019 after the death of my significant other I returned to Connecticut.
My past affiliations have included:
Women's Center of Danbury as a group leader for recently divorced women; Volunteer with English as a Second Language (initiating mentorship at Federal Correctional Institute); member and director for the Danbury chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants (now part of Certified Public Accountants); member of New York/Connecticut Assoc.of Tax Professionals;
in Florida, President of the League of Women Voters of Citrus County followed by 2nd Vice President of Democratic Women's Club of Citrus County.
I am passionate about women's rights and have first hand knowledge of the obstacles that face all women today in our society. For this reason I joined the League once I had semi-retired and had more time to be involved. I feel that I have excellent organizational skills. I enjoy the challenges that the political environment holds.
Theresa LaVoie Treasurer
Patti Hamaguchi Secretary
Marie Pettibone VP Programs
Theresa is the owner and founder of The Resource Link, has over 30 years of experience in the energy efficiency industry. Theresa has been providing operational expertise to utility clients, home performance contractors, community based organizations and energy providers via executive level partnerships that increase process improvements
Theresa is the owner and founder of The Resource Link, has over 30 years of experience in the energy efficiency industry. Theresa has been providing operational expertise to utility clients, home performance contractors, community based organizations and energy providers via executive level partnerships that increase process improvements and customer satisfaction.
Theresa’s BS in Political Science has always played a role in seeking out organizations like the League of Women Voters to funnel her concern for the next generation of voters to be more engaged and connected to what is happening in the political environment, that eventually affects their day to day lives. Recent retirement has enabled her to devote more time to her interests, such as LWV, and provide her organizational services to the role of Treasurer.
Theresa has lived in Litchfield for over 20 years with her husband John. She has a son Chandler and loves golfing and dinner out!
Patti Hamaguchi Secretary
Patti Hamaguchi Secretary
Patti Hamaguchi Secretary
I was first introduced to the LWV in the late 1980's when I lived in Brookfield. We had a small, but wonderful group there, and I enjoyed meeting other women who were passionate about issues and serving the community. One thing led to the other and I ended up serving as Selectman there for two terms, but then married and moved to Californ
I was first introduced to the LWV in the late 1980's when I lived in Brookfield. We had a small, but wonderful group there, and I enjoyed meeting other women who were passionate about issues and serving the community. One thing led to the other and I ended up serving as Selectman there for two terms, but then married and moved to California’s “Silicon Valley” for 26 years before moving back to this area and settling in Watertown after my husband retired. I still commute back and forth to California about every 6 weeks since my businesses are still there.
I'm a pediatric speech-language pathologist and an app developer, as well as an author and a novice playwright—something I finally found time to indulge in and learn during the pandemic. My first play (Rebel with a Red Shawl) is slated to be produced in Rochester, NY in 2023 and is a bio about Susan B. Anthony. I'm currently working on a play about Ben Franklin and his relationship with his wife. (Yes, I like historical stuff--can you tell?). As you can see, I am a busy woman, but with the current situation of our precarious democracy, it seemed that taking notes for the LWV and serving as Secretary was one small way I could help our local group, and perhaps get to meet some other fellow civic-minded women at the same time. I’m married, have two children and one grandson!
Our 2022-2023 LWV of Litchfield County Board Members
Bibby Veerman Membership
Communications & At Large Candy Perez
Rosemarie Greco Advocacy
Bibby Veerman has been a member of the League of Women Voters for almost 50 years and is past president of the Watertown and Litchfield Leagues. She has chaired various League committees, among them, Voter Service. In addition, her community service led her to past presidency of Litchfield Aid and president of the Litchfield Women’s For
Bibby Veerman has been a member of the League of Women Voters for almost 50 years and is past president of the Watertown and Litchfield Leagues. She has chaired various League committees, among them, Voter Service. In addition, her community service led her to past presidency of Litchfield Aid and president of the Litchfield Women’s Forum. Bibby is a Litchfield resident, single with three grown children and three grandchildren. Her most enjoyable activity is bringing people together.
As a graduate of Wesleyan University, her major in Political Science makes her a natural for League service.
Bibby values the League because it gives opportunities to have a say in important political decisions and to do so in a non-partisan way where everyone’s perspective is considered.
Rosemarie Greco Advocacy
Communications & At Large Candy Perez
Rosemarie Greco Advocacy
Rosemarie Greco is a sister in the international congregation of nuns, the Daughters of Wisdom. She is a native of Brooklyn, NY, holds degrees in English and Theology from Marillac College, MO., Manhattan College, NY and University of Dayton, OH. Her service has been as Director of Religious Education for the Diocese of Rockville Centr
Rosemarie Greco is a sister in the international congregation of nuns, the Daughters of Wisdom. She is a native of Brooklyn, NY, holds degrees in English and Theology from Marillac College, MO., Manhattan College, NY and University of Dayton, OH. Her service has been as Director of Religious Education for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, LI, NY , the Diocese of Pueblo, Southern Colorado, faculty member of Uganda’s national seminary and Makerere University, Kampala, and as Executive Director of Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center.
Now retired, her energies as a Daughter of Wisdom are focused on the Boards of the Friends of Topsmead State Forest, the League of Women Voters, the Litchfield Land Trust and the Litchfield Housing Trust.
The mission of the League of Women Voters aligns with Rosemarie’s concern for justice and the the promotion of informed participation of citizens in government.
Voter Services Laura Stancs
Communications & At Large Candy Perez
Communications & At Large Candy Perez
I returned to Litchfield after an absence of 35 years. Who says you can’t ever go home again. I worked at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire in various roles in both nursing and hospital administration as an administrative assistant as well as supporting the Dartmouth Ethics Committee and coordinating yearly tri-state wor
I returned to Litchfield after an absence of 35 years. Who says you can’t ever go home again. I worked at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire in various roles in both nursing and hospital administration as an administrative assistant as well as supporting the Dartmouth Ethics Committee and coordinating yearly tri-state workshops. I loved my work on this committee and became fascinated with ethics.
Upon my return to Litchfield in 2014, I was introduced to the League of Women Voters of Litchfield County by a mutual friend and quickly felt a connection as there are so many ethical issues facing our democracy today. I have been a member now for several years and involved in promoting voter registration and helping to coordinate local candidate debates. It is stimulating and satisfying to work with such a bright, energetic and committed individuals. I strongly value the League for actively promoting the issues that contribute to strengthening our democracy.
In retirement, my interests include volunteering at Prime Find, photography, historical architecture, learning watercolor and hot air ballooning.
Communications & At Large Candy Perez
Communications & At Large Candy Perez
Communications & At Large Candy Perez
Current Organizations
Women & Girls Fund Executive Board- Northwest Community Foundation
United Way Women's Leadership Committee
Highland Watershed Association Executive Board
Town of Winchester:
Mayor (2009-11) & (2015-2021) Selectman (2003 – present) 10 Terms
Chairman Winchester Democratic Town Committee 2009-2022
Winchester Inland Wetlands
Current Organizations
Women & Girls Fund Executive Board- Northwest Community Foundation
United Way Women's Leadership Committee
Highland Watershed Association Executive Board
Town of Winchester:
Mayor (2009-11) & (2015-2021) Selectman (2003 – present) 10 Terms
Chairman Winchester Democratic Town Committee 2009-2022
Winchester Inland Wetlands Commission -2001-2005
Chair Winchester 250th Anniversary Committee
Retired:
Principal, Northwestern Middle School
Northwestern MS/HS and Wamogo MS/HS Athletic Administrator
Canton & Wamogo PE/Health Teacher
AWARDS: Torrington High School Hall of Fame 1999; Connecticut Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame 2008; Connecticut Women’s Volleyball Hall of Fame 2008; NASPE Connecticut Athletic Director of the Year 2005-06; CIAC Girl’s Basketball Committee Merit Award 2007; CTAHPERD Pathfinder Award 2011; Connecticut Democrats Women’s Leadership Award 2014
The League of Women Voters has always been at the forefront of protecting the vote and the democratic process but more importantly women's roles in our democracy. I grew up in the 1960's and 70's and learned the struggles of others ( as well as throughout history). It is my turn to continue to be a guardian of the LW
Hospitality & Corresponding Secretary Diane Ryan
Hospitality & Corresponding Secretary Diane Ryan
Hospitality & Corresponding Secretary Diane Ryan
I have had many roles, but consider being a nurse my vocation. Even though I’m retired, I continue to be a volunteer nurse--both as a parish nurse and as a member of a mortality review board. Helping others is its own reward.
I joined the League of Women Voters of Litchfield County about five years ago when encouraged by a smart woman I ad
I have had many roles, but consider being a nurse my vocation. Even though I’m retired, I continue to be a volunteer nurse--both as a parish nurse and as a member of a mortality review board. Helping others is its own reward.
I joined the League of Women Voters of Litchfield County about five years ago when encouraged by a smart woman I admire. I believe in a democracy where everyone’s vote counts. I am on the LWVLC board, functioning as the hospitality chairperson and corresponding secretary. I continue to be awed by the intelligent women and men League members.
Because two of my ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War, I joined Litchfield Patriots, Inc. which is preparing for the celebration of America 250—the two hundred fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Another interest is maintaining the Topsmead State Forest butterfly garden. I have been walking with the Litchfield Hill Walkers for over 25 years and have made many enduring friendships.
Litchfield and surrounding towns provide many opportunities for culture and learning. I am so grateful to live in Litchfield County.
At Large Pat Donovan
Hospitality & Corresponding Secretary Diane Ryan
Hospitality & Corresponding Secretary Diane Ryan
After a career as a Compliance Office for a Financial Services Firm I relocated to the Town of Litchfield.
In 2005 I joined the LWV of Litchfield County. During my time in the LWV of LC I have served as the Voter Service Chair & President. Additionally I have acted as the Voter Service Chair of the Ct State League.
Currently I serve on the
After a career as a Compliance Office for a Financial Services Firm I relocated to the Town of Litchfield.
In 2005 I joined the LWV of Litchfield County. During my time in the LWV of LC I have served as the Voter Service Chair & President. Additionally I have acted as the Voter Service Chair of the Ct State League.
Currently I serve on the Board of Finance of the Town of Litchfield.
In my spare time I enjoy mysteries & am a long time member of the Sherlock Holmes Society of New York & London.