Saturday, June 27, 2009

Activity is getting started.





Float is nearly ready

Trekfest 2009 - Democratic Participation


The Washington County Democrats participated in the Riverside Trekfest again in 2009.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Washington County Democrats

Tuesday, June 9th, 2009
June Minutes

Minutes of June Meeting

The Washington County Democrats met at the Day Lounge at Halcyon House on Tuesday, June 9th, 2009 with 20 members present. The Chairperson Louise Frakes called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm with the group reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing “God Bless America”.

Minutes of the last meeting were provided in written form for the group. Minutes were also posted on the blog. Motion was made by Ferd Marie and seconded by Bob Spenner, that the minutes be approved. Motion carried.

Treasurer Kay Ciha presented the current Treasurer’s Report, and written copies were provided to the group, said report reflected a balance of $1,824.74 and will be filed for audit. The 2-year Budget will be covered later in the meeting.

The Treasurer gave a membership report. We had 61 households who have paid their 2009 dues. Membership written report will be filed for record. Copies are available for those needing them.

The Chairperson called for reports from the standing committees, as follows:

Affirmative Action – Kathleen Salazar, Chairperson – Kathleen indicated she was developing an outline of a plan to better incorporate the Hispanic community in the democratic process and presented a few ideas we might try, to encourage the members of the Hispanic community to attend events.

Platform – Matt Schaeffer, Chairperson – It was noted that Matt was not present and no written report was available.

Candidate Development – Rose Jaynes, Chairperson – It was noted that Rose was not present and no written report was available.

Community Events – Harold Frakes, Chairperson – It was noted that Harold was not present and no written report was available. The 2-year plan would be presented later in the meeting.

Veterans Caucus – Terry Phillips, Chairperson – It was noted that Terry was not present and no written report was available.

Old Business:

The chair noted that there was little interest in the group participating in the Ridiculous Day Parade. Many members were out of town, etc. It was noted that a new signup sheet was available at this meeting for people to signup for future parades. As a side note the Republicans did not participate either. Larry Marek was represented in the parade as State Representative. Also, Pete Morrison stated that Bob Krause, who is planning to run for U.S. Senator has been notified about events in Washington County over the next year so he will be able to participate with the Washington County Democrats if he desires and can arrange his scheduling. An informational list is being compiled on Sen. Charles Grassley for members use if the senator visits Washington County.

It was emphasized that the parade signup will enable us to better prepare for the events. Please indicate the events you plan on attending. Please note that there is a separate signup sheet for the Washington County Fair. We need people to fill the various time slots.

Robin Plattenberger will not be able to run the Relay for Life event, and Bonnie Bannister has been asked to take over and she has agreed to do so. If you would be willing to help, please contact Bonnie.

It was noted that due largely to unexpected cost, the participation with the RAGBRAI event had been cancelled. The various costs were explained by the Chair.

Shirley and Mimi completed quilt blocks, and Doris Parks indicated that she planned on making the cake quilt block.

The Chair reminded the group that we had open spots for those providing treats for the monthly meetings. Everyone was encouraged to signup for providing treats on the sheet if they could. It was noted that Margaret and Ferd Marie were providing treats for this meeting.

The Chairperson called for other old business and finding none moved to new Business.

New Business:

The Chair indicated that the Executive Committee developed a 2-year budget and that copies were available for review. The Chair went through each line item to explain each item of both income and expense for the period July 1st, 2009 through June 30th, 2011. Brief questions and discussion occurred regarding handouts for the Fair, etc. Motion was made by Bob Spenner and seconded by Ferd Marie that the Executive committee be authorized to select appropriate handout items and purchase larger quantities for both years Fair’s as the per item price would be much lower in bulk. Motion passed. Motion was made by Steve Maxon and seconded by Dave Ciha that the 2-year Budget be approved. Motion passed.

The Chair indicated that the Executive Committee developed a 2-year Operational Plan and that copies were available for review. The Chair went through each line item to explain each item described monthly for the period July 1st, 2009 through June 30th, 2011. Brief questions and discussion occurred regarding events, including coffees for Barb Edmondson that she had requested and the fundraiser that Becky Schmidt had requested. It was noted that other requests by candidates would be added as they materialized. It was clarified that the October 18th, 2009 Fund raising dinner would be held from Noon-2:00 p.m. to give both in town and out of town guests an opportunity to participate, and that the Executive committee was currently looking for a speaker. It was noted that in addition to the Washington Lighted Parade in November, Kalona also hosted such and event. Motion was made by Ferd Marie and seconded by Steve Maxon that the 2-year Budget be approved. Motion passed.

The Chair indicated that the next meeting would be held Tuesday, July 14th, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. at the Halcyon House.

Members were invited to stay for “refreshment and treats” and continue their discussions of the evening’s business after the meeting is adjourned. As previously mentioned, Margaret and Ferd Marie were in charge of the refreshments and treats for this evenings meetings. Members were again encouraged to sign up to bring treats at future meetings.

The Chair called for any other business and finding none the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.


Respectfully submitted,

Peter G. Morrison, Secretary

Two Year Operational Plan

Two Year Operational Plan

Monthly meetings held the 2nd Tuesday of the month Jan.-Dec.

June, 2009

Ridiculous Day Parade

Relay for Life

Brighton Parade

Kalona Parade

Riverside Parade

Make arrangements for Fair Booth

July, 2009

Wellman Parade

County Fair Booth

August, 2009

Fund Raiser for Becky Schmidt

Hold "coffees" for Barb Edmondson

Picnic or function with the Hispanic Community?

Second District Workshop, August 15th

September, 2009

Wiener Roast at Ferd Marie's

Harkin Steak Fry, Indianola

Secure Supervisor candidates

Sell tickets for Fund Raising Dinner

Organize Fund Raising Dinner

October, 2009

Fund Raising Dinner

Washington Homecoming Parade

Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner in Des Moines

November, 2009

Washington Lighted Parade (possibly also Kalona)

December, 2009

Christmas Party

2010

January, 2010

Appoint audit committee

Call /contact people to renew membership

February, 2010

Arrange for and organize County Convention


March, 2010

County Convention (have membership papers for people to fill out)


April, 2010


May, 2010

Arrange for Democratic Headquarters

June, 2010

Move into Headquarters

Ridiculous Day Parade

Relay for Life

Brighton Parade

Kalona Parade

Riverside Parade

Make arrangements for Fair Booth

July, 2010

Wellman Parade

County Fair Booth

Begin Campaigning for our candidates

August, 2010

Second District Workshop,

Help Supervisor & other candidates campaign

Make contact with HS about coming to Government classes

September, 2010

Wiener Roast at Ferd Marie's

Harkin Steak Fry, Indianola

Help Supervisor and other candidates campaign

Sell tickets for Fund Raising Dinner

Organize Fund Raising Dinner

Host seminars in public library & invite public, Hispanic community & HS students


October, 2010

Fund Raising Dinner

Washington Homecoming Parade

Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner in Des Moines


November, 2010

Move out of Headquarters and make final settlements

Washington Lighted Parade (possibly Kalona)

Host seminars in public library & invite public, Hispanic community & HS students


December, 2010

Christmas Party

2011

January, 2011

Appoint Nominating Committee

Call/contact people to renew membership

February, 2011

Appoint Budget Committee to prepare 2-year budget

Arrange for reorganizational meeting

March, 2011

Reorganizational Meeting

Budget Committee develops 2-year budget

April, 2011

Executive Committee develops 2-year Operational Plan and approves 2-year budget

May, 2011

Committee of the Whole to approve 2-year budget

Committee of the Whole to approve 2-year operational plan

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Events listing attachment

Attachment to the minutes of the meeting May 12th, 2009 of the Washington County Democrats:



Community Events

 

County Parades 2009*:

 

1. Washington: Chamber (653-3272):  Ridiculous Day Parade:  June 6

2.  Brighton:  Whoopee Days:  June 11 -13; Parade, Saturday, June 13

3. Kalona:  Kalona Days:  June 19 & 20; Parade June 20th; contact Chamber for more information

4. Riverside Trekfest June 26-27

5. Wellman:  July 4th Parade

6. Ainsworth:  Tractor Parade: August 22-23 contact person is Paul Tobin 657-2509

7. Washington Christmas Parade Nov. 27

 

*Do we want to have floats/presence in any all of these?

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Other County Activities:

8. Relay for life June 13th Washington Square noon to midnight--do we want to have a team?

9. Washington County Fair July 20-23 (set up on July 19th and tear down on July 24th) we will need booth setters for three afternoon/evenings--scheduled at July meeting

10. RAGBRAI July 23 join with Jefferson County Democrats and hold a watermelon/water/ice cream(?) stand in Brighton-- (half the cost/work and half the profit)

11. The Wall That Heals a replica of the Vietnam memorial wall will be in Richland end of July (July 30-Aug. 2)--opening ceremonies last week in July (?).

12.  Fund Raiser for Becky Schmitz--perhaps a picnic in Sunset Park for families; she would arrange for a main speaker. We would furnish the food and sell tickets. This would be her major fundraiser from Washington County this year. It would be good if we could raise at least $1000 for her. July/August timeframe

13.  September??? Pony Farm in Fairfield will be the kick-off Fund Raiser/Announcement of Becky's Re-election campaign

14. October 18th Washington County Democrats' Fund Raiser noon at 4-H blg. Washington Fair Grounds--speaker suggestions? Silent auction with event? We need to raise mega-bucks for next year's activities.

Washington County Democrats

 

Tuesday, May 12th, 2009

May Minutes

 

Minutes of May Meeting

 

The Washington County Democrats met at the Day Lounge at Halcyon House on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 with 23 members present. The Chairperson Louise Frakes called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm with the group reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing “America the Beautiful”.

 

Minutes of the last meeting were provided in written form for the group.  Minutes were also posted on the blog. Motion was made by Bob Spenner and seconded by Mimi Jacoby, that the minutes be approved.  Motion carried.

 

Treasurer Kay Ciha presented the current Treasurer’s Report, and written copies were provided to the group, said report reflected a balance of $1,686.86 and will be filed for audit.

 

The Treasurer gave a membership report.  We had 61 households who have paid their 2009 dues.  Membership written report will be filed for record.

 

The Chairperson called for reports from the standing committees, as follows:

 

Affirmative Action – Kathleen Salazar, Chairperson – It was noted that Kathleen was not present and no written report was available.

 

Platform – Matt Schaeffer, Chairperson – It was noted that Matt was not present and no written report was available.

 

Candidate Development – Rose Jaynes, Chairperson – It was noted that Rose was not present and no written report was available.

 

Community Events – Harold Frakes, Chairperson – Harold provided an events and activities listing. This sheet is attached for your review. The group was asked to vote on the Democratic Groups participation in the parades, events and activities. The group voted for participation in the following parades:

 

Ridiculous Day: June 6, Kalona Day: June 20, Riverside Trekfest: June 27, Wellman 4th: July 4th, all other the group opted not to have a presence at.

 

The group voted to have or participate in the following activities:

 

All activities the Washington County Democrats will have a presence at or participate in. Candidate fundraisers will be subject to date determinations and RAGBRAI information will be finalized after a meeting, which the Jefferson County representative will attend.

 

Veterans Caucus – Terry Phillips, Chairperson – Terry talked briefly about the veterans group possibly finding a woman representative on their commission.

 

Old Business:

 

Mimi Jacoby and Shirley Pfeiffer, presented completed quilt blocks pursuant to last months request.

 

Doris Parks indicated that she planned on making the cake quilt block.

 

The Chairperson presented a brief description of the executive breakfast with the Jefferson County executive committee. Becky Schmitz was present and Larry Marek was unable to attend.

 

The Chairperson called for other old business and finding none moved to new Business.

 

New Business:

 

The Chairperson introduced Jennifer Tuttle, a representative of SEIU group Change that Works. She talked briefly about the Health Care debate in Congress and the agenda. She passed out material to the group on the SEIU stance on the issue. I am providing an attachment to the minutes, of the SEIU material.

 

The Chairperson indicated that there had been some inquiry about changing the meeting date from the 2nd Tuesday of the month to the first Tuesday of the month. After a short discussion, Terry Philips made a motion, with a second by Bob Spenner to make the change to the first Tuesday of the month. The motion failed and the meeting time would remain the second Tuesday of every month.

 

The Chairperson presented to the group the political questions as follows:

 

“Under some circumstances, is it OK to use torture?” The general consensus of the group was that it was not OK.

 

Should we hold the Bush administration accountable and investigate and prosecute members of the administration for war crimes? The group was mixed on the levels of action on the issue, but most wanted the administration investigated.

 

The group was encouraged to discuss the political issues further after the close of the meeting.

 

At the request of the Chair, an Executive meeting was scheduled for June 7th, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Frakes residence.

 

It was noted by the Chair that Becky Schmitz is holding a Veteran’s Listening Post across the district on Tuesday, May 26th, 2009, and the nearest meeting is at the Fairfield Public Library at 11:00 a.m.

 

For your information: Contact information for Senator Schmitz directly is: Home phone: 641-472-2341 and her E-mail address is: becky.schmitz@legis.state.ia.us

 

It was further indicated that the Second District would next meet at the Riverside Methodist Church, on Sunday, May 17th at 1:00 p.m.

 

The Chair indicated that the next meeting would be held Tuesday, June 9th, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. at the Halcyon House.

 

Members were invited to stay for “refreshment and treats” and continue their discussions of the evening’s business after the meeting is adjourned.  Kay and Dave Ciha and Peter Morrison were in charge of the refreshments and treats.  Members were encouraged to sign up to bring treats at future meetings.

 

The Chair called for any other business and finding none the meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Peter G. Morrison, Secretary