August 2005 Highlights Aug. 18, 2005 Minutes were summarized and accepted. Notice will be sent to the elist when minutes are available online. Treasurer's report: Julie Mattes presented a financial report and it was accepted. HCDC Membership Report: Membership sign-up sheet is available. There were no applications for membership from the July meeting. Platform Report: Par Kettis reported the committee had held its first meeting. Intent of the group is to shorten and sharpen the platform. HCDC members are represented on 3 of the 4 committees. Chair Report: John Knutson reported live from Camp Casey via cell phone. He described the camp with people camped out in many locations, letters from all over the world, and the effect of the hundreds of crosses by the road. Vice Chair Report: Dexter Bellows reported on Muskie Dinner (Aug. 7, Brunswick) where the Maine Won’t Discriminate bumper stickers HCDC made were well received. Gen. Wesley Clark spoke on revitalizing the party and developing a coherent, consistent message. Auction Update: Phil Bailey gave a preview of the auction items, food, etc. HQ Update: Heather Martin-Zboray said volunteers are needed for the Blue Hill Fair (4 days over Labor Day weekend) Call HQ. Looking for t-shirt design ideas. The call center is open and there is a need for more phone volunteers. Please consider helping with calls one night a week. The phoning is now the highest priority. This is an anti-discrimination issue and our message is Maine Won't Discriminate. Please consider hosting a house party for Maine Won’t Discriminate in September. She noted there were only 81 days left to the election. The by-laws committee has met and started the process of updating our by-laws to have them reflect current practices. The Winter Harbor parade was a big success. First time anyone could remember Democrats getting sustained applause in WH. 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. Issues Forum: Beth Reynolds, HCDC’s web master gave a great over view of the web site and its capabilities. Check out the website and all the various links. It’s a tremendous information resource. Photos from various Dem events are linked or on the web site and it is updated often.  Gov. Dean will be the keynote speaker at the annual JJ Dinner on Oct. 20. Mark your calendar!