Idealism -- Integrity -- Independence
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NTD NEWS    May 16, 2018
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  Commentary     --   Events     --   Your Legislators 



This week, I spent a few days in Washington D.C. I was there to attend a conference focused on our country's ongoing battle to combat mosquitoes - particularly those that carry West Nile Virus, Zika and other nasty diseases. On Sunday, although I wasn't there to sight see, I had a free afternoon. So, I took the Metro to the Smithsonian stop, walked across the Mall, soaking up the feel of that grand expanse, and then paid a visit to the National Museum of American History.     
      If you have never been to that particular D.C. museum or haven't visited it recently, I think you'll find it interesting. The exhibits, graphic presentations, narrations etc. are quite modern, unlike those dusty old museums from another era. Its three floors vividly cover our nation's history from pre-Revolution to virtually the present day. The rooms also include displays covering the history of specific facets of our American society such as money, inventions, industry etc.      
     One aspect of the museum that was especially interesting to me was the choices made in selecting key events to tell America's story. Whoever made those decisions didn't shy away from some of the darker moments in our nation's past. Slavery, unnecessary wars, stripping away of selected citizens' rights each received varying levels of coverage. However I did feel that the wording of some of the narratives was careful not to upset certain American visitors who remain comfortable living with some level of denial.
      Even so, I know that designing a museum's narrative for presentation to an audience of 320 million assorted Americans is no simple task. You won't walk out of the Museum of American History with a deep and thoroughly objective knowledge of our nation's past, but you will come away with a stronger appreciation of the things that have made our United States so remarkable. And if you're in D.C. with children grade school age or above, I think you'll all enjoy many of the exhibits the museum has created.      
     Visiting a place dedicated to presenting America's unique story was a fitting start for my D.C. conference experience. The next two days offered repeated examples of our country's diversity and its distinctive approach to operating a complex society with a mix of large and small government, private enterprise, local oversight and volunteerism. It also gave me a taste of how our representative government "of the people, by the people and for the people" is designed to work.
      The men and women attending our gathering were from a range of American backgrounds and regions. There were scientists, administrators, industry reps, abatement district workers, and volunteers like me. We were from urban areas, rural farmlands, the western plains, the sub-tropical south. But with all of our varied profiles we were there to focus on one common mission: to protect the public from mosquito borne diseases. As a longtime volunteer on our local mosquito abatement district's board of trustees I've had conversations with mosquito abatement professionals from across the United States. Their widely different perspectives and experiences have been valuable tools in the banking of knowledge aimed at saving lives.      
     Of course, diversity has always been one of American society's biggest strengths. In times when we've recognized its value and taken advantage of its potential, our country has enjoyed its greatest success. - A gathering like our mosquito confab is one more way I'm reminded of that truth.
      During the second day of our D.C. activities our time was spent on Capitol Hill visiting the offices of our Illinois legislators in the U.S. House and Senate. Although most of those legislators were just returning from their districts at the time of our visits, we were able to speak with key members of their staffs.      
     One of our biggest goals was to present facts encouraging more sufficient funding of the CDC's (Center for Disease Control) efforts to combat mosquito borne disease at the local level. Especially in emergency cases, such as the recent arrival of Zika in the U.S. that found some local facilities unprepared for immediate action.      
      The reception we received in each office was respectful and it seemed to me sincerely engaged. As I walked down the long hallways of the congressional office buildings, I passed other Americans of almost every description headed toward their legislators' offices with their individual petitions. I felt I was witnessing America's representative government at its theoretical best.
     Late today, I came home from my D.C. trip with a reinforced appreciation of the public's strength in numbers. We have a democratic republic structured to encourage that. I also came home with a reinforced belief that big things can get done if enough individuals, however diverse, work together in pursuit of a common goal. Even if the big thing they're after is something as tiny as a dead mosquito.
  
                                                                           Nels Howard
                                                                           NTDO member since 1973   
  
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Drinks With Dems at Wilmette Wine Cellar

Thursday, May 31, 2018 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Wilmette Wine Cellar, 1100 Central Avenue, Wilmette


 
Let's get together and talk politics! New Trier Democrats invite you to join us for drinks, mingling and conversation with fellow progressives. Here's a great opportunity to network with like-minded people in our area and form connections with other Dems and activists. 

Drinks will be available for purchase. This event is not a fundraiser - It's just an opportunity to have fun and meet other area Dems. 

We will be collecting items to donate to the New Trier Township Food Pantry which is in need of the following: canned fruit and granola bars; canned meat (tuna, salmon, chicken); cooking oils and condiments; laundry detergent; and paper goods (Kleenex, towels, toilet paper). Anything you can donate is greatly appreciated!
 

Other events of interest:
  
Tuesday, May 22 in Evanston -  Deputy Voter Registration Training

When: Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at 7:00 pm
Where: Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave., 4th Floor, Room 4900, Evanston
What: Indivisible Evanston is hosting and Tenth Dems/Tenth Dems University is sponsoring volunteers to participate in a training seminar in Cook County for residents who want to become Deputy Voter Registrars.  Participants must be at least 18 years of age and registered to vote in Cook County. The event is open only to Cook County residents who are interested in helping to register new voters. Deputy Registrars must be trained in the county in which they live, but once trained, can register voters anywhere in Illinois. Training takes less than an hour. This training is being held through the County Clerk's office and is free of charge. Sign-ups will be taken up to 5 hours before the class starts. In most cases, late sign-ups will not be added to the class. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online or email indivisibleevanston@gmail.com.

Saturday, June 9 in Vernon Hills -  "2018 & Beyond" An Evening With Brad Schneider

When: Saturday, June 9, 2018 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Where: Vernon Hills Golf Course, 291 Evergreen Dr., Vernon Hills
What: Vernon Township Democrats  will host an evening with Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10).  Brad will speak about the upcoming 2018 election season, and beyond. He will address issues that affect residents of the district, and have a chance to speak with community leaders, constituents, and local candidates directly in this lovely, intimate setting. The event will be catered by Pear Tree catering. Cash Bar. You can  RSVP online or email info@vernontownshipdems.com.

Tuesday, June 19 in Evanston - Summer Reception for Rep. Robyn Gabel


When: Tuesday, June 19, 2018 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Where: Halim Time & Glass Museum, 1560 Oak Ave., Evanston
What: An annual fundraiser supporting State Representative Robyn Gabel (D-18). For additional information or to RSVP,  register online, email Katy Lagenfeld at katy@kjdstrategies.com or call 312-600-9496.


Wednesday, June 20 in Chicago - Reception in Support of Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, Democratic Candidate for State Rep. for the 17th District

When: Wednesday, June 20, 2018 from 5:00pm to 6:30pm Where: Law Offices of DLA Piper, 444 W. Lake St., 9th Floor, Chicago
What: Join the Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz campaign for an event supporting her candidacy for State Representative for the 17th District! To purchase tickets in advance, make checks payable to Friends for Jennifer and mail to P.O. Box 3042, Glenview, IL 60025 or make a contribution online by clicking here. Payment will also be accepted at the door. Ticket prices: $100 individual; $50 young professional; Co-Host $500; Host $1000; Co-Chair $2500; Host $5000. For questions or to RSVP, contact  Events.JenGGForRep@gmail.com.

Wednesday, June 20 in Chicago -  Debra Shore Summer Solstice Celebration


When: Wednesday, June 20, 2018 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Where: Erie CafĂ©, 536 W. Erie St., Chicago
What: Debra Shore, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Commissioner, launches her 2018 General Election Campaign with her Annual Summer Solstice Celebration. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online.



Monday, June 25 in Evanston -  Reception Honoring Rep. Laura Fine with Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky

 
When: Monday, June 25, 2018 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Where: La Principal, 700 Main Street, Evanston
What: A reception honoring Rep. Laura Fine for State Senate. The event features Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. To RSVP, email carly@ilsenatedems.org or call 312-630-7700.

Save The Date!
 
2018  New Trier Democrats' Events


Friday & Saturday, June 29-30, 2018
Visit New Trier Democrats at the Glencoe Sidewalk Sale

Friday & Saturday, July 13-14, 2018
Visit New Trier Democrats at the Winnetka Sidewalk Sale

Monday, July 16, 2018
New Trier Democrats' Annual Meet & Greet at Avli in Winnetka

Friday & Saturday, July 20-21, 2018
Visit New Trier Democrats at Wilmette Summerfest & Sidewalk Sale 

Saturday, September 8, 2018
New Trier Democrats' Annual Meeting and Picnic at Mallinckrodt Center

Sunday, October 14, 2018
New Trier Democrats' Annual Dinner at Maggiano's in Skokie

Thursday, December 13, 2018
New Trier Democrats' Holiday Party at Wilmette Wine Cellar
 
Your Legislators:


Legislators Democratic Legislators
who represent New Trier Township in 
Washington, Springfield and Cook County 
 



You'll be hearing a lot from these exceptional public servants. --
And they want to be hearing a lot from you. 
     The fact is, they need to hear from you and want to hear from you in order to represent you most effectively. So, the first thing you can do is get to know who these people are. The links below to their campaign websites are a good place to start. 
 
Jan Schakowsky , 9th U.S. Congressional District Representative  and Chief Deputy House Democratic Whip. The new Ninth District boundaries include all of New Trier except for Glencoe. 

Brad Schneider , 10th U.S. Congressional District Representative which includes a number of precincts in Glencoe.
     
Daniel Biss,   State Senator for Illinois' 9th State Senate District.The Ninth District includes all of New Trier Township.
  
Julie Morrison, State Senator for Illinois' 29th State Senate District. The district includes New Trier's northernmost precincts.   

Robyn Gabel, IL 18th District State Representative. The 18th District includes much of New Trier up to Hazel Avenue and Dundee Road.
 
Laura Fine , IL 17th District State Representative.
The 17th District includes the East Glenview and West Wilmette areas of New Trier Township.

Scott Drury ,  IL 58th District State Representative. 
The 58th District includes the northernmost precincts in Glencoe.

Larry Suffredin, Cook County 13th District Commissioner. The 13th District includes all of New Trier, Evanston and Niles Townships. 
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Sincerely,
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We are located at 800 Oak Street, Suite 112, in Winnetka, IL. Ph: 847-446-8030
Contact: newtrierdemocrats@gmail.com.

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