Experienced voices addressing community issues, we are a Virginia non-profit, non-partisan, educational organization dedicated to a better informed and involved citizenry.
Posted August 2nd, 2024 by Amanda Jordan Categories:Future
The public is welcome to our meetings. The meetings are held at The Center at Belvedere, 540 Belvedere Boulevard, Charlottesville, VA 22901, the second Wednesday of the month from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. There is no charge, although we suggest you join our group which has been in existence for 25 years. The membership dues are only $25 per year and can be paid online on the ‘Join SSV’ page. Your dues will help us continue to deliver top-quality presentations. If you have questions, please email info@seniorstatesmen.org. Click the tab above to see samples of our newsletter.
Past programs are arranged in inverse chronological order. Speaker bios and links to videos and podcasts are given, with a program summary written by SSV board members
For the SSV May 14th program, Board member Sandi Meadows welcomed everyone and introduced Board member Jim Nix, who invited Senator Creigh Deeds, Delegate Katrina Callsen and Delegate Amy Laufer to share the eagerly awaited General Assembly update.
With 25 years in the VA Senate, preceded by 9 years in the VA House, Creigh Deeds holds valued seniority in representing all of Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville. He chairs the Commerce and Labor Committee and well as the Health and Human Services subcommittee. Service on the impactful Budget Conference Committee was noted.
Overview of the Budget:
Of the $161 billion two-year state budget, just $60 billion is discretional or general fund revenue. $101 billion is mostly federal funding. Virginia hosts 300,000 federal employees, the military installation in Hampton Roads, plus 100,000+ contractors who support federal/military services.
Virginia’s $4.7 billion “rainy day” fund is a “drop in the bucket” when you consider $101 billion in federal funds potentially at risk.
Senator Deeds stated that his areas of interest are: mental health, schools, energy, and solar. He said that, given the cuts made by the new administration, many representatives are looking for additional streams of revenue should a shortfall ensue. He addressed VA’s love affair with data centers. Loudon County is the world leader in data centers because of tax incentives given in the past. A bipartisan study group is looking at fixes should any of these data center operator’s flop.
Delegate Callsen highlighted several constituent amendments and pharmacy benefit manager legislation. This session she supported automatic placement in advanced math for those who score well on tests. She noted that the final budget has a record amount of support for education, including teacher raises. Delegate Callsen emphasized the importance of the Attorney General election.
Delegate Laufer expressed focus on tire and mattress recycling, asphalt recycling, and purchase of regional electricity purchasing. Another priority of hers is the “dam” bill as there are 1300 dams in the 55th Delegate District, with many along Highway 15. She also worked for confidentiality of personal information in the public-school enrolment process and continues to serve on the Rural Health Care subcommittee, where health care is a key.
Several questions were answered on Medicaid, teacher pay/retention, math teacher shortage, data centers, and car idling legislation.
Delegates Callsen and Laufer presented SSV a Resolution of Recognition in celebration of 30 years! SSV Founder Gene Ecton Davis was on hand to enjoy in the festivities.
Posted April 17th, 2025 by Amanda Jordan Categories:Programs
Russ Linden, a management educator and author who specializes in organizational change, presented a timely program on “How to Retain Optimism During These Troubling Times” He shared that optimism is a state of mind that is;
–hopeful about the future
–focuses on the positive side of things
–believes you can make good things happen
Optimists live longer, have better physical and mental health, recover faster from illness, are more resilient, have a better sense of well-being and are more engaged at work. Optimists inspire others.
Balanced optimism is best when optimism is balance with realism.
How can you promote Optimism in yourself?
1) reflect on things that bring you down and seek alternatives
2) reframe!
3) connect with peoples and activities that give you energy…positive energy.
4) be forgiving if yourself and others…
Give up perfectionism
5) keep the focus on your …keep the main thing the main thing
6) see attitude as a Choice
Final thoughts on balanced optimism:
Success isn’t final.
Failure isn’t fatal.
It’s the courage to continue that counts!
— Winston Churchill
Sally Hudson is the founder of Ranked Choice Virginia and former Delegate representing Charlottesville in the General Assembly. In that role, Dr. Hudson authored the legislation that allows Virginia cities and counties to use ranked choice voting (RCV).
We learned that Arlington County has had RCV in two elections, with positive responses from candidates and voters. Charlottesville will use RCV for the June 17th City Council primary election. Albemarle County is considering RCV for this year’s Board of Supervisors election, as is Falls Church and Loudon County. The Virginia Republican party has used ranked choice ballots at conventions to nominate candidates for statewide offices and three Congressional districts…Fourth, Tenth and Eleventh.
Beyond Virginia, Alaska and Maine use RCV in all of their state and federal elections. In addition, more than 50 cities and counties use RCV in local elections, from big cities like New York City and Minneapolis to small towns in Utah, Colorado, and Vermont. In 2024, DC voters overwhelming supported a ballot measure to adopt RCV for their elections, too.
RCV can be easily used in an election seeking one winner… or an election seeking multiple winners… like the Charlottesville City Council.
RCV allows each voter to show their preference for each candidate. The benefits: Voters get real choices. Candidates run better campaigns. Communities get representative leaders.
The main cost of using RCV is voter education. The current election equipment is already compatible with RCV.
Dr Hudson provided an opportunity for the 40 attendees to experience RCV as they shared their opinions on 5 top local issues: education construction, housing, natural resources, public safety and transportation.
The January 2025 program was led by J. Miles Coleman, Associate Editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of VA Center for Politics. Miles crafted very illustrative slides and prefaced his talk with the caveat that “traditional indicators” in analyzing elections were “out the window.” To our rapt audience of about fifty-five people, Miles turned first to Oceola County, Florida and said that “things began to go haywire for Harris there.” The numbers showed that county went 60% for Biden in 2020 but went narrowly for Trump in 2024. Closer to home, he looked at Loudon County, Virginia, where data had Harris carrying the vote by a 17% margin, this was down from Biden’s 20% in 2020. He and others were shocked that all the so-called “toss up states” went for Trump, especially in view of how well Democrats had done in the off-year elections. He attributed the difference to “Trump’s strength in getting voters who do not regularly vote to the polls to vote for him,” and remarked that there is a “Global Anti-Incumbent” view. Pre-election polls showed Americans likely to vote were evenly concerned about the economy and the future of democracy. His summarized that the 2024 Presidential election numbers showed Trump did better everywhere, even in California and New York, where democratic majorities were smaller. Miles expressed that the bell-weather governors’ elections in New Jersey and Wisconsin might be “markers” for America’s future direction.
Miles said Trump’s mandate is to “not mess up” and that Democrats must reach out in a meaningful way to the minorities that fled the party last year. He pointed out that “ticket splitting” was rarer and rarer. To keep the Senate from becoming staunchly in the column of the GOP, Miles suggested that the Democrats might focus on races in Maine and North Carolina, and on keeping Ossof in Georgia. He said the House is still remarkably close and that the Democrats gained 2 seats.
Finally, Miles looked at Virginia Governor’s races, saying that Spanberger probably has the Democratic nod and Winsome-Sears, the Republicans. Miles pointed out that Virginia is going to have a woman governor, and cautiously opined that if the mid-term elections go as in the past, the Democrats might “flip” the US house back in 2026. Miles ended his presentation by taking questions from the audience.
The December gathering began with the Annual business meeting. The Program Committee and the President shared reports. The Nominating Committee recommended the following directors for election: Sue Liberman for a renewal term of 2 years; five new members for 2-year terms each: Dr. Charles Chick Dassance, Dr. Frank Friedman, Ms. Connie Jorgensen, Ms. Sue Lewis and Ms. Sandi Meadows. Secretary Bonnie Brewer confirmed a quorum. All were elected by unanimous vote, to join continuing SSV Board members: Grant Brownrigg, Ella Jordan, Jim Nix, and Margie Swanson. Officers nominated and unanimously elected were: President, Sue Liberman, Vice President/Programs Margie Swanson, and Treasurer Jim Nix. The Secretary position remains open.
Part 2 of the meeting was a relaxing and thought-provoking program by Susan Tate on Wellness, health, and sexuality for seniors. Many valuable strategies and activities were shared, including staying physically and mentally active, meditating or simply taking time to reflect, reframing our words, resisting aging stereotypes and negativity, and pursuing/valuing personal connections. All 50+ in attendance were touched.
Part 3 of the meeting was a heartwarming and most deserved recognition of Gene Ecton Davis…one of the 5 individuals who founded SSV in 1995. President Sue Liberman shared an impressive and moving snapshot of Gene’s awesome contributions to our community and other communities.
See our website for the full text. The SSV Board is honored to make a personal donation of $200 to The Center library for the purchase of books in honor of Gene Ecton Davis.
Posted November 28th, 2024 by Amanda Jordan Categories:Programs
The November program, led by Libby Edwards-Allbaugh, Owner of the Tax Ladies, and Jason Statuta, Managing Director of Petrichor Wealth, gave the audience an opportunity to learn strategies to assist with keeping their taxes in check. Year-end tax and investment planning is essential to keeping more of what people earn. Tax planning involves analyzing your financial situation to ensure that all elements work together to enable you to pay the lowest taxes possible, avoid penalties and enhance your overall financial health.
The tax planning ideas that Libby and Jason focused on were understanding 2024 tax laws- both now and in the future, maximizing retirement plan contributions for those still in the workplace or self-employed; managing your Required Minimum Distributions (RMD’s) for those over the age of 70 1/2 through the use of Qualified charitable distributions (QCD’s); considering greater charitable giving in higher income years or using Donor Advised Funds (DAF) for highly appreciated assets when there is a windfall within a tax year; tax loss harvesting to capture the losses which can offset some or all capital gains in your taxable portfolios or the use of direct indexing funds- an investment vehicle that can provide enhanced tax benefits for some investors.
For individuals and small business owners, the advantages are clear. Reducing their tax burden, integrating tax strategies with broader financial goals and minimizing the risk of audits and penalties are all ways that integrated tax planning benefits the well prepared taxpayer.
Posted October 14th, 2024 by Amanda Jordan Categories:Programs
Sue Liberman, President of Senior Statesman of Virginia (SSV), emphasized the importance of seniors being informed and engaged in the upcoming election. The purpose of today’s meeting was to provide information and resources to help members feel confident about voting.
Jim Nix, SSV Board member and Treasure, and member of the Charlottesville Electoral Board, reviewed key election dates and deadlines, including:
· October 15th – Last day to register to vote
· October 25th – Last day to request an absentee ballot
· November 2nd – Last day for early voting. Jim stressed the importance of not waiting until the last minute to request and return absentee ballots due to postal service delays.
Jim introduced speakers Lauren Eddy, Albemarle County Registrar, and Taylor Yowell, City of Charlottesville Registrar. The registrars provided an overview of the various voting options and procedures, including:
· In-person early voting at their offices
· Requesting and returning absentee ballots by mail or drop box
· Voting provisionally if issues arise (e.g. lost/misplaced absentee ballot, same-day registration)
They emphasized the importance of voters checking their registration status and polling place; both noting that there are no major changes to voting procedures from previous elections.
The registrars discussed the security measures in place to protect the integrity of the election, including:
· Backup power and contingency plans for technical issues
· Bipartisan observation and oversight of all election processes
· Coordination with emergency management and law enforcement to ensure voter and election official safety
They assured the group that voting will continue no matter what, even in the event of power outages or other disruptions.
President Liberman closed the meeting by encouraging everyone to exercise their right to vote and have their voice heard. She also provided an overview of upcoming Senior Statesman events, including tax preparation tips in November and the annual meeting meeting in December…with a celebration and program focus on
Health, Wellness and Sexuality for the Senior!!
Posted September 27th, 2024 by Amanda Jordan Categories:Programs
More than 100 civic-minded seniors attended the 5th Congressional District Candidate Forum on September 11th at The Center. Senior Statesmen of Virginia (SSV), The Center and the League of Women Voters Charlottesville Area jointly hosted the Forum. The League provided voter registration services and voting information.
President Sue Liberman welcomed everyone and noted the events of 9-11-2001 as we remembered the solemn anniversary. She also paid tribute to the brave men and women on Flight 93. Their collective action avoided additional attacks on our democracy. President Sue encouraged everyone to take action and vote on November 5th…to again prevent an attack on our Democracy.
Gloria Witt, the Democratic candidate for the 5th District, and John A McGuire, Republican candidate, were invited to participate in the Forum. Gloria Witt accepted. Senior Statesmen member Bob Beard moderated.
Candidate Witt shared her background, noting she spent a long career in procurement, enhancing her negotiation and collaboration skills. She is successful in helping people with different, even competing, views find common ground and agreement. She believes a “no” is an opportunity to learn more, and that listening to other points of view can open up discussion and lead to consensus.
Candidate Witt stated that she has several family members who are teachers, and thus believes in the power of excellent schools; restoring a woman’s right to control her own body; changes in access to health care is needed; and changes in gun control to allow background checks and safety requirements. She believes climate change is real and deserves policy attention.
More than a dozen questions were asked, spanning additional topics such as the economy, inflation, Project 2025, Ukraine war with invading Russia, Gaza conflict among Hamas/Israel/Palestine, and more.
Candidate Witt encouraged everyone to vote and invited anyone interested to volunteer!
Posted August 21st, 2024 by Amanda Jordan Categories:Programs
To open our “Optimizing Brain Health” program, Dr Kathleen Fuchs of the UVA Memory and Aging Care Clinic (MACC) shared definitions, including cognitive changes in normal aging: slowed information processing, reduced mental flexibility, slowed learning, mild inefficiency in retrieval and words/names. Plasticity offers hope for older brains…it is new brain connections in response to life experiences. New thoughts and skills carve out new memory pathways. Repetition and practice strengthen these pathways. Animal studies show improved cognitive performance with: 1) enriched environment; 2) exercise; and 3) increased social interaction.
Cognitive reserve provides persons with higher lifetime intellectual enrichment the ability to withstand neurological disease progression without suffering cognitive impairment or dementia. Education (early and lifelong learning), cognitively challenging work, cognitive leisure activities, social activities and aerobic exercise are contributors to Cognitive Reserve.
#1 brain health activity: exercise. Exercise 3-4 times per week. Build up to 30 minutes. Increase your heart rate. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting, if you don’t currently exercise. Walking and talking double benefit.
Follow a Mediterranean diet. Watch sleep quantity/quality. Check hearing. Monitor your mood. Seek socialization.
IF interested in participating in research, contact Colleen Webber, UVA Memory Disorders Division, 243-5898 phone.
The Center’s Executive Director Melanie Benjamin shared literally hundreds of ways to improve plasticity and cognitive reserve at The Center, including exercise/fitness, painting/art, Spanish/Italian/French, crocheting, gardening, cooking, quilting, dancing, support groups (Parkinson’s, Womens, Cancer, Mental Health, ADHD, Grief, Retirement, Aging in Place, etc.), education (Pride Series, DEI Series, Brain Health, Cell Phone tutorial, Architecture, Good Life series, Funerals, Medicare, Vietnam, WWII, Money, Navigating Senior Living Options and more), luncheons, music performances, movies, documentaries, beer and bingo, book clubs, health services (flu clinic) AND MORE !!
Maintain your brain….you have the power.
*****
Following the program, the SSV held a reception welcoming everyone back to The Center at Belvedere:
