PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Susan Dollar
Well, what a strange time this is. Life as we knew it is now on hold. I know that you all are doing what you can to help slow the spread of the virus. It's difficult to be so isolated when we are, by nature, social animals. You can probably guess that I am a rather extreme extrovert, meaning that I need to be around people. A lot. So this is a real test for me to relax, enjoy the solitude, catch up on projects, and count my many blessing. I decided years ago that when possible, I would eliminate stressors from my life. (That's why I quit balancing my checkbook in 1996; thank goodness for electronic banking.) To eliminate stress now, I have decided not to watch any more of Trump's news briefings. It's one less trigger and there's
plenty of non-stop news, both positive and negative, to keep me informed. I'm also finding comfort in seeing the many people that are stepping up to help out during this crisis - community people such as the Amazon delivery man, the checkers at HEB, and local, state and national leaders like Dr. Fauci and Dr. Birx, and all the first responders and health care heroes. It's unfortunate - but not surprising - that the president has failed us. My hope is that people will think about this tragedy, remember it in November and vote accordingly. Harvard political philosopher, Michael Sandel, recently said this: "The common good is about how we live together in community. It's about the ethical ideals we strive for together, the benefits and burdens we share, the sacrifices we make for one another. It's about the lessons we learn from one another about how to live a good and decent life." Well said. I miss our Democratic community; I miss seeing all of you at our monthly meetings. I miss our gatherings and the energy generated when working on campaigns and causes. However, I know that this, too, shall pass, and I believe we will be stronger and better people because of it. There's so much to look forward to! We still have campaigns, conventions and elections ahead of us. Lots of good work to be done. Good work with good people, working towards a greater good for all. So until then, stay safe and stay healthy .
Hasta luego!
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Thursday, June 11,
6:00 pm
Thursday, July 9,
Noon
Thursday, August 13,
Noon
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MAY MEETING
Thursday, May 14,
Noon
As of this writing, we do not know the duration of the stay-at-home orders. We are tentatvely planning for our next meeting on May 14; however, please keep an eye on our BAD web and Facebook pages for further updates.
In the meantime, stay safe
and stay healthy!
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MARCH MEETING SUMMARY
Judy Dewey,
Secretary & Newsletter Chair
Yikes! I'd like to say something humorous and witty here, but it's pretty sad that we don't get to see each other and that our lives and the political process are on hold. But - we will stay strong, read a lot, stay in touch and be ready to get back to work supporting our beliefs and trying to help our county heal (and elect a new leader!)
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What I've been doing: I spend a lot of time in the yard when it is not raining - powerwashing anything and everything, planting seeds in all my empty pots (since I can't go to the nursery now), raking leaves, and using my Christmas gift clippers to trim everything in sight, including my neighbor's mountain laurels. I also amuse myself by working on photo books, doing jigsaw puzzles, catching up on movies, cleaning, and even doing a little cooking. There is nothing left in the house to straighten, clean, rearrange, remove, remodel or organize, so I'm beginning to get a little antsy.
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What I am reading: currently reading
The Woman's Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote
, by Elain Weiss. Recently finished:
Talking to Strangers
by Malcolm Gladwell and
The Beekeeper's Promise
by Fiona Valpy. Next up:
The Pioneers
by David McCullough.
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AMY LAMBIASE
Vice-President
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Well, with college going on at the kitchen table, the completion of 'Tiger King', and the SBA Paycheck Protection Program Application submitted (we hope! Not a smooth process, but did not expect it to be!), I find a lot of solace in nature. Watching the leaves pop out on the wild persimmon trees and the wild flowers jump up around the property has been a joy. I find myself going to my potting bench, replacing the work desk, and discovering great re-use ideas for just about everything, including leftovers. The new baby chicks have been delightful. Hen Solo, our lone big-girl chicken outside, will have some friends after they grow a bit (they are already much bigger than in the picture, with great feathers and excellent attempts to fly). Bringing groceries to 80 & 84 year old parents once a week, and when feeling extra adventurous
...getting in a bank drive-thru line to make a car payment (not recommended).
Keep on keepin' on everyone; hoping EVERYONE can see why it is actually really essential to have outstanding leaders at the helm - intellectual, smart, compassionate, articulate, and forward-thinking. . .PLEASE!
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BROOKE ORR
Membership
While we are consistently gaining new members, we deleted some members who have moved or who failed to renew. Currently, we are 165 members strong! It is time to renew your dues for April. You can join as a new member or renew your current membership on our website via PayPal or by mailing a check to P.O. Box 2132, Boerne, 78006. Dues are $40 for individuals or $25 for individuals 60 years of age and older. Remember that as a paid member, you can vote on club issues, receive the monthly meeting minutes, and run for club offices. Join us! Thank you all for your participation!
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SHARON NOACK
Treasurer
Here I am diligently working on a ‘big boy’ quilt for my 7 year old grandson. I am hand quilting about 2 hours a day or more - LOTS of little stitches. My son has been telling my grandson that he MIGHT get his quilt by the time he graduates from high school, so I hope this free time I have now will allow me to finish a lot sooner than that.
What I'm reading: “The Water Dancer” by Ta-nahesi Coates.
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BRENDA SCHMIDT
Activities
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At Home on the Range
I spend alot of time outside with my four dogs, Rio, Chief, Maxx and Whiskey. They love playing ball and helping me feed birds, mow grass and cut cedar. I started a flower garden specifically for hummers and butterfies. So far the mystic spears salvia are doing great and the zinnia seeds are now sprouting. When I'm indoors the things I find comforting are hot tea, New Age music and NY Gov. Cuomo.
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What I'm reading: books by Christopher Titmuss and his thoughts on Buddhism.
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With meetings cancelled and the office closed, there’s not much to publicize right now, so I’ve been working on other things. For starters, watch (and share!) my video on things you can do from home to keep our momentum going:
Keep an eye on the KCDP Facebook page and newsletter for more updates!
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Bruce and I love to cook and bake together, so that’s what we’ve been up to. Maybe not great for our waistlines, but keeps us sane. Last weekend: biscuits, cookies, a Finnish bread from scratch. This weekend: more bread (easily freeze-able) and probably some pasta with our stock of extra-fine semolina. It’ll look like the flour factory exploded in our kitchen, but should be fun!
What I'm reading: “The Night Tiger,” set in post-war Malaya and very good. Currently in “Wunderland” (multiple timelines, but the crux of it is in WWII Germany). A tough read sometimes, but I’m enjoying it. I got both from the library right before it closed. Hopefully you can find a digital copy.
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JUDY DEWEY
Secretary & Newsletter
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Well, I started making masks with the intention of donating them to any medical facility/service who might need them (knowing that these were not medical grade, but might be a back up). Meanwhile, Dr. Fauci said to the general U.S. citizenry - "Don't go outside of your home without a mask." So, I changed my focus and have been making masks for family, neighbors, friends, the UPS driver, etc! If anyone needs one, let me know. Elastic is scare, but if Amazon comes through, I get more just about the time my stock runs out.
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For my quarantine days, when I’m off work, I have been resting with my husband and pup, Texas. I FaceTime with family members and friends. I help my husband out with his “distance learning curriculum” (he’s a coach at NISD in San Antonio). I will also go on the occasional hike in our beautiful neighborhood.
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KRISTA BERMEJILLO-VASQUEZ
Social Media
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I just finished reading “Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Start Up” by John Carreyou. This book is the Elizabeth Holmes story. She was the young woman who dropped out of college and attempted to revolutionize the phlebotomy industry, but ended up defrauding investors out of millions of dollars—riveting story. I also just started reading “Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House”. Can’t wait to meet up with everyone when this is all over and begin my duties as Social Media chair! Stay safe and healthy, friends!
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KEVIN HENNING
County Chair, KCDP
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My buddy Gus and I are resting our eyes after mowing the lawn. In addition to lots KCDP work, I am doing some reading. Currently, I am reading “The Soul of America” by one of my favorite nonfiction writers, Pulitzer Prize – winning author Jon Meacham.
On the fiction side I am reading Margaret Coel’s “The Girl with the Braided Hair.” “Soul” is timely since it outlines how things have been worse than they are now (hard to believe) and how presidents and everyday citizens defeated the forces of hate thread and extremism. It is not a fast read as his books are packed with information and every word is worth taking in. I sure hope Meacham is right!
For relaxation, I love mysteries and seafaring novels. Margaret Coel is a historian and award winning mystery writer. She is loads of fun to read and you can get through one of her books in a couple of sittings. The series I am now reading takes place in Wyoming in an area that I have traveled to many times which makes it even more enjoyable.
Before the library shutdown, I grabbed the PBS Horatio Hornblower British Naval adventure series of 6 DVD’s. Sandy and I have watched two so far and if someone would like to borrow them when we are done, let me know.
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Speaking of borrowing, below are the books we have for loan in the KCDP/BAD office. If you would like one, let me know and I can drop it by your house. I have read “Stable Genius” and it is scary to hear firsthand how disfunction the current White House is. Changing that is our job one!
One final thought, remember Family Services could use our support. They are looking for both food and money donations.
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Earth Day
was a unified response to an environment in crisis — oil spills, smog, rivers so polluted they literally caught fire.
On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans — 10% of the U.S. population at the time — took to the streets, college campuses and hundreds of cities to protest environmental ignorance and demand a new way forward for our planet.
The first Earth Day is credited with launching the modern environmental movement, and is now recognized as the planet’s largest civic event.
earthrise2020
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TEXAS DEMOCRATIC STATE CONVENTION
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The Texas Democratic Party Convention, in San Antonio from June 4 to 6, has been canceled. It will be done virtually and a TDP team is in the process of working out the new Convention plan. We’ll provide the final details when we have them. We have fifteen official delegates listed below. We can add more to the list until April 20, so let me know if you are interested. I want to thank them for signing up to be our delegates. The Convention is always exciting and educational and I know that the TDP will do its best to make the digital version as close as possible to the real thing. You will not need to be an official delegate to tune in and see the happenings.
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Texas Runoff Primary Election
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R
unoff primary elections in Texas have been postponed until July 14, Gov. Greg Abbott announced in a recent proclamation.
The runoff election date was originally scheduled for May 26, but is being moved as the state fights the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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BAD BOOK CLUB
Stacey Gilfillan
Book Club Leader
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Theses were the books for March and April BAD Book Club.
We know everyone has lots of reading time right now. We will meet again sometime in the future and discuss these two great books.
Keep reading to educate yourselves, but also read some things to make you laugh and to nurture you souls!
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KEVIN HENNING
County Chair, KCDP
County Convention Results - now onward to the State Convention
Kendall County Democratic Party County Convention completed in record time.
County Chair Henning Called convention to order at 3:30 p.m. and the staff completed the business at 3:35 p.m. The convention staff: Convention Chair Bray, Secretary Bonner and Credentials Committee Rogers and Rosenberger
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Kudos to Kevin! he's been invited by Wendy Davis to participate in a “Texas-sized” virtual zoom conference luncheon on April 10th (his birthday!) alongside TX-23 Congressional Candidate, Gina Ortiz Jones and SuperMajority co-founder, Cecile Richards as the special guest. TX congressional districts 21 and 23 are two of Texas’ most competitive races and they are seats that can be flipped blue in November! In fact, Gina Ortiz Jones’ and Wendy were the only candidates from Texas to make the DCCC’s first “Red-to-Blue” List. Way to go, Kevin!
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KENDALL COUNTY
DEMOCRATIC HEADQUARTERS
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518 East Blanco Road (behind Mary's Tacos)
Phone: 830-331-0672
Ugh!! Our office is closed until further notice!
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2020 Census Update
Hopefully everyone turned in their census information. However, census registration coincided with the beginnings of shelter-in-place directives and increases in coronavirus cases. Our minds have been busy!
The link below is a review of the complete timeline for the 2020 Census .
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Click on any of these icons to be taken to their web pages.
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GET INVOLVED -
VOLUNTEER AT THESE ORGANZATIONS!
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Would you like to be there for your fellow man/woman. Do you enjoy helping people who really appreciate your efforts. Delivering Meals on Wheels to home-bound individuals in need within Kendall County may be just for you. Meals are ready to be delivered at 10:30 A.M. Routes average 1 to 1 1/2 hours to deliver. We are in need of drivers who can commit to 1 day per week.
Contact Josue' Romero
830-249-2114
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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
Volunteer at the Random Hangers
Hangers provides for families in need and generates retail sales for local and out-of-town shoppers where 100% of the proceeds support HCFS programs.
Contact Jill Ramsey
830.331.2219
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Volunteer Opportunities
Scheduled activities typically take place during office hours: Mon – Fri, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. No evening hours except for tutoring and citizenship classes.
Homework help/tutoring takes place Monday evenings, 7 – 8:30 p.m., when school is in session. No tutoring during summer, Spring Break or holidays.
Volunteer opportunities include office administration, transportation, teaching classes, assiting in the World Mosaic Market, and many more.
Contact CRS
San Antonio, TX 78240
Phone:
(210) 949-0062
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The heart of our organization is our volunteers. Together, wecan accomplish more than we could ever do individually. We have volunteer opportunities for all ages and skill levels. Volunteer opportunites include Hearts of Love weekend food bags prer, Pop-Up community dinners, after school programs, community workdays and many more.
Contact BCC via email at
info@boernecommunitycoalition.com
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GET INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY!
Let your voices be heard by attending these community meetings.
Click on any of the icons for more information.
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Boerne City Council meets at 6:00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at 9 Topperwein Road, Boerne.
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The Kendall County Commissioner's Court meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday at 9:00 a.m. in the County Courthouse, 201 E. San Antonio Street, 3rd floor.
The Planning and Zoning meetings are held on the 1st Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the Boerne Police/Municiap Court, 124 Old San Antonio Road.
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The Fair Oaks City Council meets on the 1st Thursday at 9:30 a.m. and the 3rd Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the FOR City Hall, 7286 Dietz Elkhorn Road, FOR.
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The Comfort ISD Board of Trustees meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the CISD Central Office, 327 High Street, Comfort.
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The Boerne ISD Board of Trustees meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 5:00 p.m. in the Administrative Offices,
235 Johns Road.
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The Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District meets on the 2nd Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at 9 Topperwein Road, Boerne.
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BOERNE AREA DEMOCRATS BOARD
President: Susan Dollar
Vice President: Amy Lambiase
Secretary/Newsletter: Judy Dewey
Treasurer: Sharon Noack
Membership: Brooke Orr
Activities: Brenda Schmidt
Publicity: Laura Bray
Social Media: Krista Bermejillo-Vasquez
Ex Officio member: Kevin Henning, KCDP
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Connect with us!
JOIN THE BOERNE AREA DEMOCRATS
Email: BAD@ boerne-area-democrats.com
Web: boerne-area-democrats.com
Facebook: facebook.com/boerne.area.democrats
Notice Regarding Photography and/or Audio/Video Recording
The Boerne Area Democrats captures photographs and/or audio/video recordings during our events. Such photographs and recordings may be used in BAD's advertising and social media relations to klet others know of our events. In addition, local news organizations may hear of our evengts, and BAD may allow them to record events for news reporting. If youdo not wish to bein photos/videos, please let the photographer/videographer know in advance.
This newsletter is intended for people interested in the work of the Boerne Area Democrats and the Democratic Party in general. To be removed from this mailing list, please click on
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