Justice
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Respect
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Compassion
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Diversity
May 3, 2020
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Notes from the Chair:
Time for Some Fun
Our theme this week is “time for some fun”
as we all continue to cope with our changed circumstances. I certainly feel lucky to have my health and to not be suffering the economic and health hardship so many folks are enduring. We continue to urge support of
Hill Country Family Services
and ask that if you can to please help them with a donation.
I’m sure all of you have a story about your time sequestered at home with kids, pets and family.
Our dog has been very confused with my wife and I around so much. The normal routine is that we walk early in the morning, then he eats and takes a nap. Often, Sandy and I are both gone when he wakes up and who knows what he does to occupy himself. We have a dog door so he can pop outside to stalk squirrels and such. Now we are there all the time when he wakes up and it doesn’t take long before he comes over to me. Usually I am pounding away on the computer. He sits, pulls his ears back, open his eyes wide and stares intently, as if to say okay it’s time to play. If I don’t respond, before long I hear little squeals of impatience. If I persist in ignoring him, he will eventually head outside but usually I can’t resist and we both head out for a play session.
I cannot vouch for the authenticity of this next story other than it did come from a friend in Canada.
A singer friend in Canada related this story to me. Often he sings at funerals and was recently asked by a funeral director to play and sing at a graveside service in the country He got lost. and finally arrived an hour late and saw that the funeral party had evidently gone and the hearse was nowhere in sight. There were only the diggers and crew left and they were eating lunch. He went to the side of the grave and looked down and the vault lid was already in place. He didn’t know what else to do, so he started to play. The workers put down their lunches and began to gather around. He played his heart out.
As he sang and played “Amazing Grace”, the workers began to weep. When he finished, he packed up his guitar and started for his car. Though his head hung low, his heart was full. As he opened the door to his car, he heard one of the workers say, “I’ve never seen nothin’ like that before and I’ve been putting in septic tanks for twenty years.”
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A Few Updates
The Democratic Party Runoff Election is now scheduled for July 14, 2020.
T
he Texas Democratic Party (TDP) has taken legal action to clarify and expand the use of vote by mail for individuals who fear contracting Covid 19 at a polling place. We have prevailed in the first phase of the legal effort but Attorney General Paxton is challenging this order and there is no definitive answer yet. Late last week, Paxton issued a warning to County officials not to jump the gun and start implying that vote by mail will be expanded. This was in response to a notice published by the Harris County (Houston) Election Office saying that vote by mail would be expanded based on the initial ruling. So, no conclusion yet just lots of wrangling.
It would sure be good to know the result sooner than later so our Election Administrator, Staci Decker can complete her plans. Regardless of the results of the lawsuits there will still need to be in person early voting and election day voting. We are doing all we can to encourage folks to go the mail-in route if they can. The number of polling locations will be reduced. This is normal for a runoff but has the added benefit of reducing the number of poll workers needed.
One thing for sure, anyone over 65 can vote by mail in Texas.
If you are at all concerned about voting in person in July and are not already doing vote by mail, you should request a mail-in ballot.
There are a number of ways to request a mail-in ballot. Here’s an easy link that lets you prepare a letter requesting a ballot:
Vote By Mail
or you can call the Kendall Co. Elections office and request an application for Ballot by Mail at
830-331-8701
. The Election office will be happy to help you with any questions that you may have.
Here are some important dates to note:
- Monday, June 15, 2020 - Last day to Register to Vote
- Friday, July 3, 2020 - Last day to apply for ballot by mail (Received, not postmarked)
- Monday, July 6, 2020 - First day of Early Voting
- Friday, July 10, 2020 - Last day of Early Voting
- Tuesday, July 14, 2020 - Election Day
Kendall County Covid Update
Starting May 1, 2020 Kendall County has begun a reopening process that hopefully will be successful and also keep the virus from spreading. No doubt we will see. Basically, in-store retail services, dine-in restaurant services, movie theaters, shopping malls, and museums and libraries may operate at up to 50 percent of the total listed occupancy.
This Link
will get you to the detailed order setting out what is allowed.
Until we can be together again, please stay safe and please stay engaged. Thank you all for your support of the KCDP.
Kevin Henning
Kendall County Democratic Party Chair
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Get Your Ticket to the TxDem Online Convention this June!
Get ready for the virtual Texas Democratic Convention from June 1 to June 6
. Our star-studded lineup will leave Texans feeling engaged, informed, and inspired. Trust us, you're not going to want to miss this.
Get your virtual ticket today at
TDP20
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Note from the Training Chair:
Yes, We’re Still Continuing to Work!
We may not be having regular meetings or office hours, but there are plenty of opportunities to continue our work from home.
Check out Laura’s two training videos on ways you can still stay involved in activism at home:
Let’s continue to use this time of social distancing to further our goal of a great Democratic turnout this fall.
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Entre Vecinos
Some of you are aware of the local group called "
Entre Vecinos
" (Among Neighbors) that we've helped to organize as a way to listen, learn, and understand the needs of the Hispanic/Latinx community in Boerne and Kendall County, and to brainstorm ways we can help each other to address those needs.
We have introduced a
new bilingual
Website
where we aim to provide useful information updates and promote connection regarding key issues like education, health, housing, immigration, and civic participation. We invite you to take a look and pass along to anyone who may be interested.
If you want to be notified automatically when we publish new updates to the website, go to the site and hit the "Subscribe" link near the top of the page.
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Volunteer at the Corner Cupboard Grocery and Nutrition Center
Whether for an hour, a day or a regular, recurring slot, HCFS needs volunteers at the Corner Cupboard. Volunteers are trained in order to best interact with our clients.
Contact Rhonda McNeill
830.249.8643
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We will deliver signs
We have Rebeca Martinez and Wendy Davis signs.
We have temporarily closed the Office.
Please check back. We hope to reopen in May.
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Check out Kendall County Democratic Party
Facebook page!
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Donations made via Act Blue
go directly to Kendall County Democratic Party, except for a 3.95% credit card processing fee. The money we raise supports the Democratic Operations for Kendall County. We need funds to operate an Office, Train volunteers, “Get out the vote” efforts; Mailings, Posters, Advertising, etc.
Donate Online!
We encourage you to donate to the Party online with the secure online donation site ActBlue accessible from our
home page
.
We understand that some folks just don’t like online donations: “Prefer to donate via check or money order? Send it to PO Box 2321, Boerne TX 78006-6321.”
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Kendall County Democratic Store
Show your pride for the Kendall County, Texas Democratic Party! Apparel comes in a variety of colors and styles.
Check out the selections; KCDP logo t-shirts, sweatshirts, stickers, totes and more available
Purchase Here
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Feel free to forward to a friend!
Office
5
18 East Blanco, Boerne
( same building as Mary’s Tacos,
enter through rear entrance)
Hours: Closed at this time
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830-388-0109 bstrain947@aol.com
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