Edited by Bob Soule

We Rutland County Democrats can be proud of our legislators and the parts they played in the very intense session that just ended. We should each be sure to thank our own Representative and our Senator Bill Carris, for the long and grueling hours they put in to study and act on the complex and controversial issues before the legislature this year. From child abuse prevention, to marriage equality, to Vermont's energy future, to the budget, and of course the historic override votes, legislators had many difficult decisions to make.

Let’s show our legislators that we appreciate their dedication and courage. They have already experienced dishonest and unfair attacks from Douglas and his administration, and from local right wingers who are distorting their positions to try to make them look extreme. These attacks are sure to intensify as we move into next year, with its new campaign season. In addition to letting your legislator know that you support them, what can you do?

1) Public expressions of support, such as letters to the editor show others in the community many agree with the positions taken by the legislator.

2) Financial donation are always appreciated, to help build up the "war chest" that elections require these days.

3) Get actively involved with other Democrats through the county committee and through your city or town committee. If we all start raising awareness of critical issues and raising money now, we will be ready when the campaigns begin next year!

This summer we have a variety of meetings and activities to help us all get into the campaign spirit again; check these out...

1) 4th of July Parade - Saturday, July 4 (!), meet at 12:15, Brandon – (#25 in parade line-up)

2) Rutland County Democratic Committee Meeting - Monday, July 27, 6:30 PM, NeighborWorks Building, 110 Marble St., West Rutland

In addition to updates on Democratic events around the county, we will have a guest of honor - new Executive Director of the Vermont Democratic Party, Robert Dempsey. Although he has only been on the job a couple of months, Robert has brought new energy and ideas to the state committee, and he will share some of these with us. Robert is eager to hear your concerns and ideas, so come with your questions and suggestions!

As part of our effort to provide some public service along with our political activities, we are asking that you bring a small donation for the Rutland Free Medical Clinic. The Clinic will most gratefully accept the following items:

NOTE: We will gather at 6:15 for refreshments and mingling, so come a little early!

Click here for the poster and more details

3) Rutland Sidewalk Sale/Ethnic Festival - Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1, in Downtown Rutland

This event is a great opportunity to make our presence known, and raise a little money for local candidates. We will have a table, selling homemade ethnic foods of various kinds (get out your grandmother's recipes!). We need volunteers to work the table in 3 hour shifts (between the hours of 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM), and LOTS of cooks willing to make baked items or dishes that can be served in small portions. Please donate a favorite family ethnic treat – anything that doesn’t have to be cooked; we can keep dishes cold. Cookies, pastries, cold appetizers, salads that can be sold by the scoop or the piece are all great choices.

If you can volunteer for either or both of these jobs, please email Marcy at tanger@vermontel.net to let us know what works for you and we will fit you into a time slot. Marcy says - "We really need broad participation for this to be successful, and it’s lots of fun to be with other Dems! Thank you so much!"

4) 1st Annual Pittsford Potluck Picnic - Sunday, August 9, 12 noon - 3:00 PM, at the Pittsford Recreation Area

The Rutland County Democrats invite you, with your family and friends to a summer cookout, complete with swimming (lifeguard on duty), games (horseshoes, croquet, bocce, etc.), and of course, food! The County Committee will provide plates, cups, utensils, and napkins. We only ask that you bring a dish to share. Check out the poster below for details, and let Pat Menduni know what you would like to bring by sending her an email at: dunesvt@comcast.net

We are renting the pavilion for this event, so it will be happening, "rain or shine", with no admission charge for anyone with our group… FREE for all!

Click here for the poster and more details

5) "Doctor Dean Comes to Rutland" - Sunday, August 30, 4:00 PM

With the help of our own Allen Gartner, the Rutland County-Rutland City Events Committee has arranged for one of Vermont's Democratic superstars to come to Rutland. Governor Howard Dean achieved nationwide recognition as Chair of the Democratic National Committee; his "50 State Strategy" was a key in our party's return to prominence.

As both a physician and a politician, Howard has a unique perspective on the drive for national health care reform, and the many complex issues this involves. He will deliver a speech at the Main Street Park bandstand at 5:00 PM, which our committee and Governor Dean want to be open to the public and free of charge.

In addition, Governor Dean wants to help our Democratic committees raise money for local candidates. After experiencing the vicious attacks on legislators after the Civil Union debate in 2000, he knows firsthand what our representatives will face in next year's campaigns. We are organizing two ways to raise much-needed funds:

First, join the reception for Governor Dean with wine and hors d'oeuvres at the Chaffee Gallery from 4:00 to 5:00, at $25 per person.

Second, we are offering the opportunity for those can contribute more to sign on as event sponsors. The donation for sponsorship is $100.

This is our first major fundraising effort for the coming campaign year, so we need as many sponsors and reception attendees as possible to make it a success. To help sponsor the event, contact Jane Skakel at jskakel@msn.com or Kathy Milillo at Azurevt@aol.com.

6) Vermont State Fair - Friday, September 4-Sunday, September 13

As usual, we will have a Rutland County Democratic Party booth in the President's Building. Volunteers get a free pass to the fair, and will cover 3 hour shifts, so we need many of you to help! If you have done this before, let others know how easy it is. If you can volunteer for one or more shifts during the fair, please email Marcy Tanger at tanger@vermontel.net, and we will fit you into a time slot that fits your schedule. This is a great way to put a friendly face on our party.

7) Rutland County Democrats Caring for our Community - Volunteer Opportunity