Marcia Halpern- Member of League of Women Voters since 1968

What first inspired you to join the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County?
I first joined the LWV in Huntington, NY after being introduced to the League by a neighbor. I worked on fair housing issues. Several years later, when I moved to Florida, the League’s presence in West Palm Beach was the main reason we chose to move here after visiting several areas along the East coast of Florida. 

How has the League changed since you first became involved?
At the time I moved here in 1975, there were two Leagues in Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach and South County. The League still functioned with the “unit system”, having meetings at members’ homes at several different times of the day and evening, where committees or study groups presented information. Facilitators directed discussions on actions or positions and brought groups to consensus. 

It gradually became more difficult to continue this model as more women were entering the workforce and it was more difficult to keep up the membership. The “old guard” was aging and that led to a merger of both groups to become the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County.  

What kept you committed enough to become a Lifetime Member?
I kept up my membership because I felt the goals and ideals of the League were important, but I became thoroughly involved in Ballet Florida. I figured the world’s problems would still be around when I couldn’t dance anymore. Sure enough, hardly anything was resolved. I returned to League work and here we are still fighting the good fight.

Do you remember your first League meeting or event? What stood out?
I remember going to my neighbor’s house in NY for a unit meeting and was impressed by the information and discussion.

How have you seen the League impact women and voters in Palm Beach County?
The League has been impactful by registering voters and printing the Voters’ Guide.

What would you like future members to remember about this chapter in League history?
The Voter Service Committee and the Speakers’ Bureau will be remembered and continued for the future.

What message would you share with women across Palm Beach County this Women’s History Month?
Contribute any way you can to preserving our rights. There isn’t left and right or red and blue…There is right and wrong. Stand for what is right.

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Marilyn Ricci - Member of League of Women Voters since 1974

What first inspired you to join the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County?
I joined because I wanted to connect with other women who cared about democracy and voting.

How has the League changed since you first became involved?
I don’t feel it changed that much. The League has always had a strong commitment to voting rights and a commitment to being observers to the functioning of local government. 

What kept you committed enough to become a Lifetime Member?
League members are an exceptional group of women. It is rewarding and fun to be in this organization that is committed to ensuring a strong democracy.

Do you remember your first League meeting or event? What stood out?
I was in Connecticut and the League was doing a study of the town government. The study was comprehensive about whether the town should have a charter. Eventually, the town did get a charter.

How have you seen the League impact women and voters in Palm Beach County?
Many women come to Palm Beach from other states (like me) where the government structure is very different. The League informs and helps women understand government in Florida.

What would you like future members to remember about this chapter in League history?
The League is front and center in fighting for voter rights.

What message would you share with women across Palm Beach County this Women’s History Month?     
Our voices must be heard. We cannot sit on the sidelines and let voting rights be taken away from us.    

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Linda Sorenson - Member of the League since 1971

What first inspired you to join the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County?

I originally joined the League in 1971 in Albany, NY. When I decided to move to Florida permanently in 2007, I immediately looked for the League in Palm Beach County. The League had always been a big part of my life, and I knew it would be the best way to learn about my new state’s government.

How has the League changed since you first became involved?

In the early 1970’s in Albany, the League was smaller and we had daytime and evening “unit” meetings in women’s homes in five areas of the county. Each group would study the same topic and come to consensus on a list of questions. The League did not include men at that time.

What kept you committed enough to become a Lifetime Member?

The intellectual stimulation and the friendships of like-minded women.

Do you remember your first League meeting or event? What stood out?

I do remember. We had childcare for $1, good coffee and intelligent, informative discussion.

How have you seen the League impact women and voters in Palm Beach County?

We are a large, unique organization in that we are nonpartisan, highly regarded nationally and locally. We work on good governance issues regardless of opposition from outside groups. Our information is trusted by voters.

What would you like future members to remember about this chapter in League history?

This chapter has championed diversity and inclusiveness, reaching out to young voters to get them involved in community participation and voting. We have many active study groups and opportunities for community outreach and action.

What message would you share with women across Palm Beach County this Women’s History Month?

We have power and influence when we unite with other intelligent women and men who care passionately about making lives just and fair for everyone. To feel a part of that is a great experience.

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Karen Wilkerson- Member of League of Women Voters since 1972

What first inspired you to join the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County?
Wherever I lived, I joined the League. I was always interested in the issues presented and discussed.  Some leagues are not county ones, but city or state chapters. I loved our local league.

How has the League changed since you first became involved?
The membership has become more diverse.  And leagues understand that we must work with coalitions.

What kept you committed enough to become a Lifetime Member?
I have been attracted to the League because it is always looking ahead.  We address issues quickly.

Do you remember your first League meeting or event? What stood out?
Yes! They offered babysitting... and that mattered. They hired an older person to come in and watch the children. It was in a church and there was room for the children.

How have you seen the League impact women and voters in Palm Beach County?
I think the league has become more visible, and it is not just a single-issue group. It educates voters through trust.

What would you like future members to remember about this chapter in League history?
Two independent leagues merged into the current League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County, forming a powerful united voice for voting rights and other strategic issues, while at the same time studying issues that led to position statements. The alliance formed is and was compelling. 

What message would you share with women across Palm Beach County this Women’s History Month?
Don’t overlook the opportunities of the future.

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Trudy Winsberg - Joined the League of Women Voters in 1965
In Memoriam - passed away June 15, 2025

In 1953 Trudy and her husband, Ted, moved to Florida and eventually settled on what became Green Cay Farms.

In the 1970s, Trudy co-founded and co-ran a women’s health clinic in Pompano Beach. At a time when this kind of work took courage and conviction, she played an important role in supporting reproductive healthcare and women's rights.

As a founding member of the South Palm Beach County Chapter of the League of Women Voters, she continued her commitment to public service, where she remained an active member for over 60 years.

Trudy passed away at home on June 15, 2025. She was 93 years old. She lived with purpose and generosity, and made a lasting difference in the lives of those around her.

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