HCDC JULY MEETING HIGHLIGHTS Hancock County Democratic Committee Minutes 07/21/05 Sam Spencer, Maine DNC Rep, speaking at the July HCDC meeting. Highlights: Minutes were summarized and accepted. Notice will be sent to the elist when minutes are available online. Treasurer's report: Julie Mattes prepared a financial report which Dexter Bellows presented, and it was accepted. HCDC Membership Report: Membership sign-up sheet is available. Platform Report: Kerri Ann Jones was elected as the third HCDC representative to the State Democratic Party Platform Committee. Chair Report: John Knutson reported he is involved with state party activities and appreciates support from other officers and HQ. State voter file project is taking more time than anticipated but results will be worth it. Towns will be able to update their voter lists more easily. John later reported on his success with fundraising efforts. Vice Chair Report: Dexter Bellows reported on the state party meeting in Ft. Fairfield, the progress being made on preparing the phone center and the upcoming Muskie Dinner (Aug. 7, Brunswick). He was re-elected to the state committee and the Party will be informed. Auction Update: Phil Bailey reported on the substantial progress made to date and encouraged everyone to volunteer and attend the Auction which promises to be even better with lobster, cole claw & corn for $15.00. Saturday, Aug 20, 4-8pm at the Monteux School in Hancock. Congresman Michaud and most of the Hancock delegation will be there. Please bring a dessert and join the fun. If you can volunteer the day of the auction, let Evelyn Foster know at evelyn(*)downeast.net (replace * with @). HQ Update: Heather Martin Zboray reported the call center will be open very soon and there is a need for more phone volunteers. Please consider helping with calls one night a week. The phoning is now the priority for HQ but help is always welcome there as well. This is an anti-discrimination issue and our message is Maine Won't Discriminate. Motion to raise and spend up to ($ amount withheld) was passed. As always, HQ is currently open Tues & Thur 1pm-6pm and volunteers are needed for clerical tasks, mailing, clipping services, updating lists and more. A sign-up sheet for volunteers was circulated. Volunteers at HQ or working from home are welcome. Volunteers are needed in every town for a variety of activities including organizing a town potluck, updating voter lists, candidate recruitment and more. Upcoming Events can be emailed to HQ. Call 664-6012 or email. Business cards with HCDC officer & HQ info are available. A letter from Sue Furth was read. She expressed her thanks for the recognition, her admiration and long time ties to HCDC and asked if the brick being placed in her honor might be inscribed, "Republicans, Don't Tread on Me". She asked to be named a life member of the Committee. It was moved and unanimously passed. Issues Forum: Sam Spencer, DNC member, gave an update on Howard Dean and DNC activities. Gov. Dean has only been chairman for 5 months and is keeping his word to visit as many so-called 'red states' as possible. DNC web site hits are up ten-fold and fundraising is not only double any recent 'off year' but the average contribution is $50 (instead of $1,000) and more than 600,000 Americans have contributed. Defining Democrats in a straightforward way is a priority. (truth, justice, and liberty for all?) Gov. Dean will be the keynote apeaker at the annual JJ Dinner on Oct. 20. Mark your calendar! Next meeting will be August 18, Ellsworth City Hall Auditorium, 7PM. Bring a Friend. Ed. note: The August meeting has been moved to the UU Church on the Bucksport Road. Sam donated a "Limited Edition" Dean shirt . He's promised to get it signed for our auction!