February Membership Meeting

Join Us!

Please attend our upcoming monthly meeting on Wednesday, Feburary 17, at 6:30pm. There will an Executive Board Meeting at 6:00pm. All members are welcome to sit in on the board meeting, as usual. Among other things, we'll be firming up our calendar and filling in the details on our programs for the year.

Guest Speaker and Discussion:
Schools, Funding, and the Future

Our special guest will be R. Stephen Olsen, current Treasurer of the Chelsea School Board.

The schools are important to everybody who lives in Western Washtenaw, and given the outlook for the State School Aid Fund, the failure of the regional enhancement millage in 2009, and continuing budget concerns, it is our hope that talking with a local school board member will be a timely topic of great interest to the community.

The converation with Mr. Olsen will be an informal 'citizen-to-citizen' question-and-answer session. Mr. Olsen will not be representing the District or the Board in any way. But as a school board member and current treasurer, he is in a good position to explain how things work, answer questions about funding, and so forth.

Please spread the word and join your friends and neighbors for this important discussion. We hope to see you there!

Contact current Western Washtenaw Dems Chair Adam Zemke for further information.

2010 Annual Membership Meeting Wrapup

Resolved: It's More Fun When You Win!

Our annual all-member meeting was held on January 22. Turnout was excellent at the Historic Chelsea Train Depot. Thanks so much to all who attended.

At the meeting, we reviewed 2009, and talked about about our planned activities for 2010, an important election year.

We are also fortunate to hear from local elected officials:

• Liz Brater (State Senator - 18th District),
• Ken Schwartz (County Commissioner - 2nd District), and
• Kent Martinez-Kratz (Chelsea City Council)

• Christine Green (announced for State Representative, 52nd District),
• Ken Schwartz (possible candidate for State Representative, 52nd District), and
• Adam Zemke (possible candidate for County Commissioner - 1st District)

Mark Schauer on Health Care Reform, the Supreme Court, and more

Special guest Congressman Mark Schauer (D-MI7) also addressed the crowd. Due to recent events in Massachussetts and at the Supreme Court, the Republican Party is energized and anticipating a flood of new financial support. We will need to come together to fight for a Democratic agenda and for Democratic candidates at all levels. Local groups like ours are going to be critical as we work to counter the big money and big special interests that will be backing our opponents.

Couldn't attend? Here's what happened.

Our good friend Chris Savage has posted a detailed write-up of Schauer's remarks and Q/A with the group. Inspiring stuff. Go read it right now.

Finally, we have a new slate of officers for 2010, accepted unanimously by the membership. Former officers are not going away, and look forward to helping the new leaders make this our most successful year ever:

• Adam Zemke, Chair
• Frank Parkinson, Vice-Chair
• Guerin Wilkinson, Treasurer
• Thomas Knox, Secretary

Pictures from the event forthcoming! Stay tuned.

Now, let's go out and make
Western Washtenaw even more blue in 2010!

Contact current Western Washtenaw Dems Chair Adam Zemke for further information.

Vision Meeting Wrapup

Looking Back, Looking Ahead

On Saturday morning, November 7, 2009, we held a very important meeting to review our vision and mission and refocus our attention for the upcoming year. Numerous folks came to share their vision for the WW Dems it with the group and help set the organization's priorities.

After attendees girded their loins with food and drink, we set to work.

Meeting minutes are now available.

Thanks to all who attended.

— Roy

Contact current Western Washtenaw Dems Chair Roy Schmidt for further information.

CROP Hunger Walk: Looking Out For Each Other

Thank You for Making a Difference

The WW Dems are fielded their first-ever team in the Chelsea/Dexter Area CROP Hunger Walk on October 4, 2009.

CROP stands for Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty. The first Hunger Walk was held in 1969, and each year, some 2,000 communities across the U.S. sponsor CROP Hunger Walks.

Hunger walks have been held in Chelsea since 1988, so we are in the third decade of local people coming together to fight poverty and hunger at home and abroad.

Every CROP Hunger Walk also directly supports the local community that participates in it. In the Chelsea/Dexter area, Faith In Action receives 15% of what is raised by local walkers.

Our team raised $500 in sponsorships and donations - not bad for our first time. Next year, we'll do even better.

In tough times, this financial support is critical for responding to local needs.

Thanks so much for pitching in. Looking out for each other in tough times is a value we all share.

— Tom

Contact current Western Washtenaw Dems Secretary and Team Captain Thomas Knox for further information.

You're Welcome, Western Washtenaw County

Adopt-A-Highway: Yes We Did!

Our last M-52 roadside clean-up for 2009 is in the bag. Actually, it's in eight bags, because that's how much trash we picked up on Sunday afternoon. Yeah!

Many thanks to everybody who turned out. It was a mini-jumbo crew this time around, but we still covered our two miles in just over two hours. The next clean-up will be in the spring of 2010 - hope to see you all then.

— Guerin

Health Care Reform: Let the Dialogue Begin!

Well that was quick. This is what we are up against folks.

Which is why it is so important to show our support for reform:

Thanks for stepping up, Western Washtenaw Dems!

— Roy

Jackson Health Care Rally Wrapup

YES, WE DID!

Friends, we turned out, along with nearly 500 folks from all over the 7th District. It was a great day for Democracy and for Democrats! Those opposed to reform were stunned as we owned all four street corners in front of Mark's District Office.

Some notable coverage and event recaps - you should really check these out to see what we are up against:

• Hundreds come out to rally in Jackson over health-care reform
  
  
• Live From the Front Lines of Healthcare (Umich Dems)
  
  
• Kos Diary by Chris and Anne Savage
  
  

Thanks so much for taking to the streets to let a vocal minority know what we care about. Mark was impressed and heartened by our show of support, and made an impromptu speech that got the crowd even more fired up.

A few pics to show the flavor of the event:

The original Call to Action from our good friends at Organizing for America:

There are those who stand in the way of progress, and wish to stop the health care reform American families so desperately need. To combat the voices of a loud few, come join us as we stand together with all who support health care reform.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2009 @ 3:30 P.M.

Congressman Mark Schauer’s District Office
800 West Ganson
Jackson, MI 49202

For more information please call 517.894.1892 or email OFAMICHIGAN@DNC.ORG.

Get the flyer and spread the word.

As OFA State Director, Aletheia Henry put it: "We need ALL hands on deck for this one". Please, folks, attend if you can. Bring a handmade sign to show your support for health care reform and for Rep. Schauer's stance on reform. We must start winning the day with these media events.

Thank you so much for all you do.
— Chris

Thanks for stepping up, Western Washtenaw Dems!

— Roy

July Membership Meeting Wrapup

Did you miss it? Here's the skinny.

We held a member meeting on July 13 on the back balcony at Dexter's Pub. A dozen members turned out for the discussion. Our revised calendar for the balance of 2009 is now available.

Contact current Western Washtenaw Dems Chair Roy Schmidt for further information.

Adopt-A-Highway Summer Cleanup

Done!

We had SIX volunteers who cleaned up our stretch of M-52 on July 12. More hands would have made lighter work, but the team soldiered on and finished the job in record time. All hail these doughty Dems:

• Bernadette Malinoski
• Erick Erickson
• Charlie Nielsen
• Adam Zemke
• Pat Kaminsky
• Jeff Prenevost

Sadly, due to insuperable technical difficulties, no pictures are available.

Never fear if you missed it. You'll get your chance to pitch in because we'll be doing it again in September! Stand by for a call to action when the date draws nigh.

To help you gird your loins for this project, you should know that it's not that bad.

• We don't pick up dead things (i.e., flattened raccoons), sharp and/or dangerous objects (never encountered yet), cigarette butts, syringes (never encountered yet), and stuff that has blown down into the ditches way off the shoulder.
• We do get visible bottles, cans, fast-food wrappers and other items of cosmetic concern.

That's all there is to it!

Contact current Western Washtenaw Dems Chair Roy Schmidt for further information.

Congressman Mark Schauer on July 4th

In Coldwater, Michigan

Western Washtenaw Democrats answered the call this weekend to walk with Congressman Mark Schauer (D-MI7) in the Coldwater and Quincy parades. We joined our fellow Dems from Branch County in both parades and had a blast.

Here's a picture you might enjoy of the Congressman with some of the WW Dems' kids and friends. (Click to embiggen.)

Happy Independence Day!

And while we are on the subject of parades and the like, we'll be needing volunteers for Dexter Daze and various other events in July and August. If you are interested in walking with the Western Washtenaw Dems, let us know!

Contact current Western Washtenaw Dems Chair Roy Schmidt for further information.

Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society

Join our team and help fight cancer

The Western Washtenaw Democrats participated in the Chelsea Relay for Life for the first time this year. Although the weather felt more like November than May, a good time was had by all. The number of teams, volunteers, survivors, caregivers, and friends & family who turn out for this event is truly astonishing.

At the opening lap, the Chelsea Relay had raised $48,000 towards its goal of $94,000. At the closing ceremony, the amount pledged had risen to $79,000. That's a lot of dough, but the Chelsea Relay still needs $15,000 to hit that magic number. If you can help, there's still time to support cancer research with a donation. You know what to do!

Our team collected $1650 in donations leading up to the big day, and also participated in the rummage sale and silent auction during the Relay. Now that we know the drill, next year should be even more fun and more successful.

A few of our team members are pictured above, including Chris Savage, Ann Savage, Roy Schmidt, Bernadette Malinoski, Thomas Knox, and Elsie Swanberg. Guerin Wilkinson and many others were also on the track during the long day and night. We made a good showing, and also fielded relayers during the Pirate Lap, Camoflage Lap, and other fun themed events during the day.

There are more pix at our photostream - check it out. Thanks so much to all who participated!

• Chelsea Relay Home
• WWDems Team Page

Contact current Western Washtenaw Dems Chair and our Relay for Life Team Captain Roy Schmidt for further information.

Spring Fundraiser Success!

Photos and Fundraiser Notes

Thanks to all our supporters and donors!

This year's fundraiser was held at the home of Dr. Irving and Cynthia Feller who graciously agreed to host our supporters for brunch. Jack Lessenberry (political journalist and host of Michigan Radio's "Jack Lessenberry’s Essays and Interviews") was our featured speaker.

The event was well-attended and Mr. Lessenberry's talk led to a good deal of discussion about what Democrats in Michigan should be doing in these difficult economic times.

In previous years funds gathered at similar events have enabled the Western Washtenaw Democrats to:

• host public events and programs,
• create and mail 20,000+ Western Washtenaw County Voter Guides,
• and manage an enormous poll greeter program on Election Day 2008.

Farm to School Program Summary

Photos and Meeting Notes

Thanks to all who attended and participated!

Food Service Supervisors Karen Carty (Chelsea School District), Julie Harsh (Saline Area Schools) and Sara Simmerman (Dexter Community Schools) join Michaelle Rehmann of Food System Economic Partnership (FSEP) and Deb Lentz (Tantre Farm) met with local citizens to discuss the obstacles that both the schools and the farms face when trying to start a Farm to School program. The issues touch on budgets, regulation, and legal matters. Michaelle also helped us navigate recent legislation passed in Michigan, in other states, and at the federal level. Turnout was great and a there was a vigorous discussion. Some pics of the event are just below.

Program fliers and handouts are still available:

• Farm to School Program Flyer

• About the Food Systems Economic Partnership

Want to know more? Follow these links:

• Food System Economic Partnership - Farm to School Program
• Michigan Farm to School @ MSU
• National Farm to School Website

Contact current Western Washtenaw Dems Vice Chair Jane Pacheco for further information.

Western Washtenaw Democrats "Kick some grass!"

Yes, we did!

A sturdy bunch of volunteer Western Washtenaw Democrats cleaned up our stretch of M-52 on Sunday, April 26, as we do three times a year. We are proud to report that the two miles of M-52 running south from Scio Church Road are now buffed, shiny, and ready for your driving pleasure.

We began at 1pm and finished before 3:30pm, thanks to the numerous members and friends who turned out. Thanks to all who participated! The spring cleanup is usually the toughest due to the accumulated flotsam and jetsam of the winter months.

We'll be doing this again in July and September so you still have a chance to kick some grass as you search for hidden "treasures" along the roadside. Stay tuned for more details. M-52 needs you!

Contact current Western Washtenaw Dems Chair Roy Schmidt for further information.

Fellow progressives in Western Washtenaw

There are many active progressives in Western Washtenaw striving for change. If you aren't familiar with the Dexter for Obama group, you should be. These grassroots activists rallied together as part of Obama for America (now renamed Organizing for America) during the 2008 presidential campaign, and they are still fired up, active, and working hard to make a difference.

Drop by and learn more about their activities and events - you won't be sorry.

Now Meeting All of Your Facebook Needs!

Yes, we are surging into the 21st century and you can now find us on Facebook. You should go there at once and become a fan! We've added a sidebar badge on this site (look to the left) that will be there all the time, for your linking pleasure. We'll do our best to update Facebook with our events, postings of interest, and photos of our activities.

Can Twitter be far behind? Signs point to 'No'.

February Membership Meeting Wrapup

We kept our meeting trim so we could carpool over to see Mark Schauer (D-MI7) in Dexter immediately after at his Town Hall.

Discussion centered around our Spring Fundraiser - dates and special guest are still not firm. We will likely push until April or May. We also discussed our various program plans for the year, and tried to zero in on community activities to get involved in. Our calender will be updated shortly with dates for the Western Washtenaw area Relay for Life and CROPWalk events, so stay tuned. No officer reports were given.

Please note there will be no member meeting in March.

The big event in April will be our program/roundtable on Farm To School programs, barriers, and opportunities in Western Washtenaw. Hence, there will no member meeting that month either. Stay tuned for more information on the program schedule and location.

Which brings us to our next member meeting in May! That event will be our annual Happy Hour to enjoy springtime fresh air, friendly conversation, and the beverage(s) of your choice. We will be meeting on Thursday, May 21 at 6:00pm at the Creekside Grill at 5827 Jackson Road in Ann Arbor. Find it! See you there?

Contact current Western Washtenaw Dems Chair Roy Schmidt for further information.

Annual Meeting Wrapup

Annual calendar from our January 29, 2009 meeting

At our annual meeting a draft calendar of events (updated 07/14/09) for 2009 was presented to the membership. This calendar is subject to change - check the website for the most up-to-date information. Member meetings and community events are firm, but our three programs and Spring Fundraiser still need to have their dates established.

Minutes from the meeting, including the officers reports, notes from the presentation by Roland Sizemore, and club election results will be posted shortly.

Inaugural Ball Memories

Photos from the Ball on January 20, 2009

Change: A Good Reason to Celebrate

Do you have additional pictures from the Ball? If so, and you'd like them included on our website, send them to the Secretary and we'll take it from there.