2025 Summer Meeting in Pulaski County

The Pulaski County Democratic Woman’s Club hosted the July 19, 2025 summer meeting of the Kentucky Democratic Woman’s Club on the campus of Somerset Community College. Women from counties across the state were in attendance. The women were welcomed by Phyllis Lawson, Somerset City Councilor, and Lee Ann Drake, Pulaski County Democratic Party Chair. Members of the Warren County Club (Yvette Blaha, Barbara Pollock, Stephanie Morris) provided a recognition in honor of Romanza Johnson who passed away this year. Romanza was a long-time member of the KDWC and well-recognized philanthropist in her community.

Sam Flynn, Director of PreK4All, presented on the coalition formed by Gov. Beshear’s Executive Order in 2025 in an effort to provide preschool-kindergarten education for all Ky children. An Advisory Committee was formed consisting of leaders in education, child care, workforce development, government, and business. Members represent both parties. The Committee studies existing models of successful state-funded pre-kindergarten programs to make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly on best practices to effectively implement a voluntary pre-K program in Kentucky. Data were shared supporting the benefits for students, workforce, and communities as to why pre-kindergarten programs are necessary. Free merch was also shared! (More information can be found at Welcome - Kentucky Pre-K For All Program)

Following opening remarks by President Tammy Cranfill, club business meeting was conducted including officer and committee chair reports.

The afternoon agenda targeted training sessions on the topics of VoteBuilder (Paula Bowling

and Sandra Woodward, Boyd), officer and committee training (Cheryl Greene and Mary Ann

Johnson, Pulaski; Mary Jean Dittert, Madison) presented in break out sessions, permitting

members to attend their topic of choice. The final training session was conducted by Lindsay

Shrum, LCSW, who provided strategies for conflict management and mental health.

President Cranfill thanked the Pulaski County Club members, particularly Cheryl Greene, for the hospitality, and venue coordination including the social gathering at Pulaski County DWC

Headquarters downtown, to all the presenters and Hospitality/Meeting Site Committee Chair

Sherry Spradlin for assistance in coordinating the event, and to Joel Dowlen for transportation to and from the hotel venue. The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 pm.