First things first – VOTE!  Primary Day is Tuesday, Sept. 9;
(or vote early any day before then)
 

1) Right Now! - Vermont State Fair - Democratic booth in the President's Building through Sunday, Sept. 7
       With the expert help of our past chair, Mary Mellow, the county Democrats once again have a major presence at the fair in Rutland. A number of volunteers are staffing the booth.  We offer exposure for our candidates and their campaign materials, register new voters, sell Obama bumper stickers, buttons, and T-shirts, and answer questions about our party and its positions.  If you go to the fair, be sure to stop by and say hello.  We appreciate all of you who are putting in time at the booth!

2) Rutland Democratic Headquarters Now Open on Center Street - Volunteers Needed!
        Kate Lesniak, our VDP Field Organizer for this election is already busy at work with local volunteers at our new HQ in the beautiful Tuttle Building at 11 Center St. (formerly the home of the Artisans cooperative).  Kate says the office is open most weekdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and she and the crew of "super volunteers" who are staffing our HQ would love for you to drop in.  There are many ways you can help Democrats win this fall, including phone calling, stuffing envelopes, registering voters, canvassing, etc. - something for everyone!  While you are there, you can pick up signs, buttons, and other materials to show your support for our candidates.  The HQ phone number is 775-5812, in case you want to call to find out more.  You can also reach Kate by calling her at (716) 725-1995, or emailing her at klesniak@vtdemocrats.org.  

3) GRAND OPENING of Democratic HQ, Friday, September 12, from 5 - 7 p.m.
        Come one, come all to the celebration and formal christening of our HQ at 11 Center St.

  Click here to see the flyer

We will be serving refreshments and hosting a number of candidates for this occasion, including Speaker Gaye Symington, other statewide candidates yet to be confirmed, and many candidates for Rutland area seats.  Those who attended the opening two years ago will remember this as a festive opportunity to show our enthusiasm and support for our candidates -  and an occasion to have some fun with like-minded souls.

4)  Vermont Democratic Party - State Platform Convention, Saturday, Sept. 13,  at 12 noon.
        If you are a Democratic Town Chair, a member of the Rutland County Committee, or a 2008 candidate, you are automatically a delegate to the Platform Convention.  This meeting will take place in the Old Labor Hall, 46 Granite St. in Barre City.  There is a draft platform developed by a subcommittee of the VDP, and those who would like to review it can see/download it at:  www.vtdemocrats.org, or request a copy by emailing: kalthoff@vtdemocrats.org.  If you are interested in attending, we will arrange a carpool.  For questions or directions, email or call Anne Lezak at alezak@comcast.net or 775-1695.  

5)  Laughing 4 Change: Senate Candidates Fundraiser - Friday, September 19, 7:30, at the Brick Box, Center Street, Rutland
Come support our Rutland County State Senator and Senators-to-be: Sen. Bill Carris, Hope Blucher, Cheryl Hooker
with the funniest politician in Montpelier, Comedian and State Rep. Jason Lorber (check www.rutlanddemocrats.org for a flyer soon)
6:30 PM     Sponsors’ Reception
7:30 PM     Jason Lorber Live
8:00 PM     After-the-Show Reception
Tickets $25 payable at the door; Checks payable to Rutland County Democratic Party
To become a sponsor, call or email Rep. Steve Howard, 802-773-1226, stevenjhoward@earthlink.net
Don’t miss this chance to help our Senate candidates and experience the best standup comedian in the state. Jason Lorber is a truly gifted comic, who will no doubt entertain us with plenty of timely political humor.

6) Coming Attractions in September-October:

        House Parties to support our three great candidates for the State Senate – Volunteers are stepping up to host these events throughout the County; the list will soon be posted at www.rutlanddemocrats.org. If you would like to volunteer to host a party in your town, please contact Rep. Steve Howard at 802-773-1226, or by email at stevenjhoward@earthlink.net.

        Poultney Chili Cook-Off – Sunday, September 28th – We are seeking volunteers to cook, serve, and staff our booth that day, when a large crowd traditionally gathers to taste and vote on up to 25 chili entries.  Let’s win this contest, along the way to winning many more in November!  Please contact Anne Lezak at 775-1695 or alezak@comcast.net to volunteer.

    Rutland County Democrats Committee Meeting – Tuesday, Oct. 21, 6:30 PM (location to be named – check our website soon).  This will be the last meeting before the November 4 election.  We will share our Get Out the Vote plans for the final campaign season push, welcome statewide candidates, invite you to help organize our Halloween parade presence, and more!
    
     Rutland Halloween Parade – Friday, Oct. 31 – Mark your calendars now to be part of the Rutland County Dems contingent marching in this downtown Rutland traditional extravaganza.  More to come.

7)  Recent Successes - Summer Events and Fundraisers
        Thanks to the many, many of you who have volunteered and contributed to the several efforts put on during August by local Democrats and supporters:

        The Rutland County and City Committees worked together to have a booth at the Sidewalk Sale and Ethnic Festival in Rutland.  In addition to showing the colors for our party, we made a tidy profit selling delicious ethnic foods donated by party members.  Thanks to those who staffed the table and to our talented cooks!

        At Rutland’s Friday Night Live downtown festivities each week, we hosted a Rutland County Democrats table, from which volunteers fanned out to register dozens of voters, while folks could learn about candidates from the materials we had available at our table. We appreciate those who volunteered for this great opportunity to make ourselves known and provide a central place from which our candidates could greet potential voters.

        A special barbeque honoring our Congressman Peter Welch was held at the beautiful home of Ramsey Yoder and Denise McGinley in Tinmouth on August 16th.  A wonderful time was had by all, and thanks to the generosity of a number of sponsors and other donors, a significant amount of money was raised to help us to support our candidates.  Peter generously insisted that this money be directed to the Rutland County Democrats and the Vermont Democratic Party.   Thanks go to Peter, to the hosts, and to all those who contributed to this event.

        The Obama Unite for Change rally and fundraiser held on Thursday, August 28th was organized independently by a group of Obama supporters.  Coinciding with the historic occasion of Obama's acceptance of the nomination and the 45th anniversary of Dr. King's most famous speech, this gathering at the Vermont Marble Museum attracted a great crowd of over 200 and raised nearly $15,000 for the Obama campaign!   Our great appreciation goes to those who organized this tremendous event.  

8)  See who you recognize... more photos of Rutland County Democratic events on website
        Check out the Rutland County Democrats website to see some great new photos: - www.rutlanddemocrats.org