Agenda for Town Hall Meeting

“How will federal cuts affect our families and communities?”

August 17, 2025

Civility and Respect Pledge 

I pledge to engage with civility, honesty, and respect, especially with those who hold different views. I will listen actively, speak thoughtfully, and step away from hostility. I value diverse perspectives as essential to an open society. When met with disrespect, I will set boundaries while maintaining respectful dialogue and prioritizing my well-being. I am committed to strengthening democracy through constructive exchanges

Welcome

Larry Ludewig and Annabel Park

Presentation

“Federal Cuts, Local Impacts” by Seth DiStefano, Policy Outreach Director at the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy

Seth DiStefano, Policy Outreach Director at the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy — A native of Randolph County, WV, Seth is a graduate of Tygarts Valley High School and holds a B.A. in liberal arts and sciences from West Virginia University. Seth leads the government affairs work at the Center and is especially passionate about food security, tax justice issues, and building a better future for working families through policy change. 

email: [email protected]

Speakers 

Betsy Orndoff-Sayers, Mayor, Town of Wardensville — Betsy is in her second term as mayor of Wardensville, with over 20 years in local government. After retiring from 32.5 years as a Family and Consumer Science Teacher in Prince William County, Virginia, she remains active in the West Virginia Municipal League, Wardensville Lion’s Club, Daughters of the American Revolution, VFW Auxiliary, Region 8 Planning and Development Council, and owns the MORE store. She holds a B.S. from West Virginia University and M.S. from George Mason University.

email: [email protected]

Steven Wendelin, Retired U.S. Navy Commander and Former Congressional Candidate — Steve served nearly 40 years in uniform, including combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. A resident of West Virginia since 2018, he was the 2024 candidate for the state’s 2nd Congressional District and remains an outspoken advocate for veterans, working families, and democratic values.

email: [email protected] 

Coletta Miller, Community Leader in Grant County — Coletta was born in Grafton, WV. She earned a teaching certificate from Fairmont State and a graduate degree in School Guidance from Loyola University. After 32 years in Maryland, she retired and returned to WV, living in Mt. Storm with her husband of 41 years. They raised three children, including an adopted granddaughter. Ms. Miller is politically active, attending rallies and meetings to defend democratic principles.

Ibi Hinrichs, Community Volunteer in Hampshire County — A nineteen-year resident of Augusta, West Virginia, she has been deeply involved in community service, volunteering for eight years with River House and its Camera Club, and five years with the Hampshire County Arts Council Fine Art Show.

email: [email protected]

Torli Bush, Poet and Resident of Morgantown — Torli is an engineer and poet from Webster Springs, WV. They hold an MFA in Creative Writing from West Virginia Wesleyan College and serve as a poetry co-editor for Heartwood Literary Magazine. Torli’s first collection, Requiem for a Redbird, is available from Pulley Press. It was named as a finalist for the Weatherford Award in Poetry.

email: [email protected]

Moderated Discussion

Closing

Larry Ludewig and Annabel Park