Rutland County Democrats - News & Events
January-February, 2010

Edited by Bob Soule

How hard it is to believe that it was only a year ago we were eagerly anticipating the inauguration of President Obama.... 

After the misery of watching the Bush administration's destruction and depravation of our great country for eight years, this past year seems to have flown by!  This is not to say that it has been an easy or pleasant year for the United States or the rest of the world.  But with all of the critical problems we face, it is reassuring for our country to have leadership that is strong, intelligent, and honest.  Although most of us will disagree with the President on some of his decisions, all of us can be confident that he is doing his best to exercise the power of the government "for the people".

1)  Rutland County Inauguration Party - Wednesday, January 20, 5:30 - 7:00 pm., at Table 24 restaurant, 24 Wales St., Rutland 

To honor President Obama and his untiring efforts to bring positive changes to our country, we are hosting a celebration on the anniversary of his inauguration.  The cost is $5 per person, for delicious appetizers (with cash bar).  We also encourage everyone to consider adding another $5 (or any amount), for a donation to ShareHeat Vermont.  All are welcome - spread the word!  RSVP appreciated - contact Marcy Tanger at:  tanger@vermontel.net  or 259-2344.

To get a PDF of the poster click here

2)  Voter Data Entry Training - Thursday, January 14, 6:00 - 8:00  pm., at Stafford Technical Center, Stratton Rd., Rutland

We need you!  We are providing several trainings in the data entry system being used by the Vermont Democratic Party for voter information.  This is a program that allows us to update our lists with accurate information, which will be vital  to our candidates in their campaigns this year.  This system does not require computer expertise to learn!  We need a number of individuals to help out so that we will be able to update the lists for all of our towns.   Please contact Mary Mellow at:  mtmellow@comcast.net  or 773-4560 to volunteer.

3)  Rutland County Democratic Committee Meeting - Monday, February 8,  (6:15 pm. Refreshments) Meeting starts at 6:30, at Neighbor Works, 110  Marble St., West Rutland

Come one, come all to our mid-winter meeting.  The legislature will have been in session for a month, and this is your chance to hear directly from our representatives about what is happening in Montpelier.  We will also be bringing county Democrats up to date on projects and events that are "in the pipeline" for this year's campaign season.  As we have done at past meetings, we encourage everyone to bring canned food items for us to donate to the Rutland Community Cupboard.

4)  Democrats Serving the Community – 1st Tuesday of the month, 5:30-7:00 PM, Park Street Mission, Rutland

For several months now, a small band of local Democrats have served dinner at the Mission one day a month, and we plan to continue this through the year.  Next month, our day will be Tues., Feb. 2.   No special skill is needed, as the meals are already prepared, so we just serve, then clean up afterward.  Those who have participated have enjoyed the opportunity to help out some fellow Vermonters, while sharing some interesting conversation.  This does not require an ongoing commitment, and even if you can only do it once, it is a help!  Please contact Mark Skakel at:  msforester@msn.com  or 773-3733 if you have questions or would like to help.

5)  Recent Events and Coming Attractions -

Special thanks to all who have written letters to the editor expressing support for our party's values, our causes, and our representatives!  It is very heartening to us all to see people taking a stand for what they believe in.  This is especially important to our representatives when their positions are being distorted or attacked.  Recent letters have included those from Bob Drachman, Gus Nasmith, Phil Stephan, and Andy Tanger.  Please note that we realize we are missing the names of others, for which we apologize... we appreciate you all!

The Tinmouth Harvest Dinner was a great success, as we gathered from all parts of the county to enjoy good food and camaraderie with fellow Democrats.  We also raised a significant amount of money to help our candidates in this fall's election.  Thanks to all who attended!  Photos of the event will be posted soon on our county website, rutland-democrats.org.

Preparations are beginning for our 5th Annual Women's Brunch, which will be held in the spring.  This is our opportunity to honor some of the outstanding women who are "making a difference" in Rutland County.  If you are a Democrat of the female persuasion who would like to help out with this event, please contact Anne Lezak at:  alezak@comcast.net  or 775-1695.