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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

At the suggestion of a smart, passionate and community minded friend, I joined the League of Women Voters of Litchfield County in 2021. This was shortly after my family had moved to Goshen, full time, but I've actually been a resident of the area for many years. Woodridge Lake was where I spent every summer of my life from ages 1-20. After living in Los Angeles for twelve years while working as a writer for film and television, my husband and I moved back to New York City.  And when we were looking for a weekend home, I said it's got to be Goshen! In 2020 we doubled down on our love for the area, and moved here full time with our two little boys. Having my parents, grandparents extraordinaire, a couple miles down the road was a huge plus. And while much of my time is currently taken up with shuttling children to sports games and practices, I have tried to prioritize involving myself in the community we live in and offering my help whenever possible. This has included working, through our PTO, to support the students and amazing teachers at the Goshen Center School, volunteering with the Prime Time House holiday store, joining the board of Goshen Community Care, as well as becoming a member of the LWV. One thing I love about living in a small town is the opportunity to participate in and learn about the political process on a local level. I firmly believe, the more people, of all ages and walks of life, we have involved in this process, the better off our community. This is why I so greatly appreciate the work of the LWV, to involve ALL in our political process.

A non-fiction book group at the Oliver Wolcott library was my first introduction to the League of Women Voters. At that time the reading list was in support of developing a better understanding of state and national positions held by the League of Women Voters. As a library staff member, I was introduced to a group of wonderfully curious, passionate, and civic minded individuals, many of whom are still active in the League today. This group broadened my reading interest to include non-fiction: Oil the Anatomy of an Industry, and The Walmart Effect were just two of the titles that stayed with me. As a member of the League of Women Voters of Litchfield Country I’ve served as Voter Services Chair, Newsletter Editor, and Website Manager and social media coordinator. Today I continue to be the keeper of the Vote Today Signs and am happy to be rejoining the board as a Member-at-Large. 

Beside a passion for the League and libraries, I am an active member of my church, a gardener, a cook, a baker, a kayaker, a hiker, a reader and more. I am a happy dabbler.