League of Women Voters honors three
The League of Women Voters of Washington County will recognize Donald Carter, David Gatling and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Park Post 764 for their outstanding contributions to Washington County at an awards reception next week at Citizens Library, 55 S. College St. Washington.
The Memorial Park Post 764 of the VFW is being recognized for community education. Since 2006, Post 764 has provided honoraria for speakers of the World Affairs Council of the Pittsburgh International Program Series, which is hosted by the Peters Township Public Library.
These programs deal with international issues and promote democracy. The VFW also sponsors the Patriot’s Pen, a nationwide youth essay competition for middle school students, and supports the VFW’s program goals to enhance the quality of life within a community. Accepting the honor for Post 764 will be Scott Huenefeld, commander, and Michael Klauer, quartermaster.
Working to support democracy on a personal level in the city of Washington, David Gatling has gone door to door to encourage citizens to register to vote.
As political action chair of the NAACP of Washington, Gatling has continually reached out to engage young people in voting and has arranged transportation to the polls.
Most recently, he organized the candidate debate night in Washington, hosted by the NAACP and the 7th Ward Neighborhood Watch. Gatling will receive the league’s voter service award.
As a member of the Washington County Farm Bureau, Donald Carter has organized annual food drives for the Greater Washington County Food Bank, which benefits many local food pantries.
The food drive has engaged local 4-H clubs and local libraries in a friendly competition. More than 11,000 pounds of food was collected in the February-March campaign. Carter will receive the league’s community service award.
During the reception Tuesday, the three awardees will be honored and commendations from their nominations will be read. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with refreshments. A program, “Women and the Right to Vote,” will start at 6:15 p.m., and the awards presentation will be at 7:15 p.m. Donation is $18. Reservations are due by Saturday by phone at 724-484-7537 or email to driggle84@gmail.com.