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Hill Country Chapter of
Texas Democratic Women
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A Message From Sylvia Ostos, HCTDW President
The board made the decision to cancel the April meeting because we want to be safe rather than sorry. This is a confusing time for all of us. The uncertainty is the worst part. We are getting so much information about the virus and what to do from the news and social media we have a hard time knowing what to believe.
My family, like yours, is being affected in many ways: self-quarantine, curtailing social events, entertainment canceled, trips to H.E.B. shortened, grandchildren home from school and graduation activities curtailed. One of the most jarring effects for me has been to learn I am in the "elderly" category due to my age. I don't feel that term fits but seems others think of me that way. How about you? Shows we need to expand our membership to those younger age groups.
The board will be monitoring the situation closely in hopes we can have the May meeting as scheduled. The nominating committee report will be in this newsletter. We will be looking at ways the election can be held.
There have been many suggestions we can follow to help us cope with this situation. I especially like the tours of zoos, museums and National Parks you can find on line. Until life gets back to normal stay safe, wash your hands, practice social distancing and check in with each other. We need to make sure we keep in touch with one another especially those who might not think they are important. A phone call or card would certainly let each of know someone cares.
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The following resolution was passed by the HCTDW elected officers:
Resolved, that the regular meeting of the membership scheduled for April 7, 2020 be canceled in accordance with the recommendation of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the federal and Texas government that gatherings of 10 persons be avoided for at least 8 weeks from March 15, 2020 and notice of such cancellation be given to the membership through the newsletter, website and Facebook..
...and further resolved that the business of the Annual Meeting, including the election of officers, shall be postponed until the next membership meeting called by the Board of HCTDW.
...and be it further resolved that should the U. S Centers for Disease Control or the federal or Texas government continue the current guidelines for number of persons allowed to gather, the May 5, 2020 meeting will also be canceled.
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Election of Officers
Nominations from the floor will be open at the next general meeting. The election of officers will take place at that meeting.
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A Message from Bunny Bond, HCTDW Vice-President
The April meeting was scheduled to host a speaker from Texas Freedom Network which is a state organization based in Austin. TFN is celebrating 25 years of supporting the following issues: education, textbook censorship, religious freedom, LGBTQ rights and reproductive rights. My hope would be that you search for
tfn.org and log on to read about its work.
On the menu bar click on these three selections to learn more: Issues, Resources and About. I am on the email list and find it very helpful to stay in touch with TFN work and issues I support. If you do not want emails, log on and read the blog.
And most important, check out the Get Involved tab on the menu bar.
As always, donations to support the
work of TFN are most welcome, and there is a Donate tab.
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Texas Democratic Women- Hill Country
Minutes of the General Meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2020
KROC 201 Holdsworth Drive Kerrville, TX 78028
Call to Order
The president, Sylvia Ostos, called the meeting to order at 11:45am.
Pledges to the Flags
Members and visitors stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas flag.
Inspiration
Inspiration was provided by Sandra Haldeman. She spoke of two women of integrity and courage who proved inspirational to her and many other women-Dorothea Lang and Dr. Priscilla Day Boekelheide, MD. They both epitomized an exceptionally strong commitment to others, persistence, and teamwork.
Introduction of Guests by President Ostos
Sylvia welcomed guests to the March meeting of the Hill Country Texas Democratic Women.
Opening Remarks by President Ostos
Besides welcoming guests and members to the March meeting of the Hill Country Texas Democratic Women, Sylvia thanked everyone for attending despite the two things working against the group this month. First, the change in meeting date because of the election. Our general meeting was postponed one week because of the primary election day which occurred on the HCTDW usual meeting day. Sylvia recognized the workers who worked the polling places during the election. There were about 12 of us in attendance. She stated that there were more than two million Texans who voted in the Democratic primary. Sylvia also commended the Texas Freedom Network group in the Rio Grande Valley that worked tirelessly to support a candidate that encourages Democratic views. The second reason Sylvia was pleased to have so many in attendance was because of the worry about the Coronavirus and the apprehension of being in a crowd. She reminded all of us to use basic common sense to deter the virus-don't stand too close to others, wash hands frequently, and use antibacterial lotion or soap. Then she mentioned that her husband was storing food in preparation of the virus coming to Kerrville. If any of us became hungy we were welcome at her house because they have plenty. Sylvia received a big laugh and broke all tension/concern in the room. Lastly Sylvia mentioned that email hackers have been busy requesting money and other items. She suggested that all emails that do not contain her name followed by the association's initials should be deleted immediately. If you receive such an email, report it to your webmaster.
Secretary's Report
The February minutes were approved as printed and posted.
Treasurer's Report
Bob Shipman stated that HCTDW's ending bank balance for February was about the same as January ( about $4500). Currently HCTDW has 114 members. No objections were stated and the report was filed for audit.
Executive Board Actions
No report.
Nominating Committee Report
The HCTDW nominating committee for new officers will put their report in the next newsletter. The members of the nominating committee are Kathleen Keller, Bunny Bond, and Heather Farmer. The election of officers is at our April meeting.
Membership Report
Barbara Young announced that the 2020 HCTDW Membership Directories may be picked up at the registration table. She restated that currently HCTDW has 114 members.
Legislative Report
No report
Lunch/ Meeting Report and Newsletter and Website Report
Linda Stegall was thanked for taking reservations. Jeannie Berger was thanked for putting out another excellent newsletter.
Fundraising Report by Sue Sommers
Sue Sommers reminded us that the 2020 Fundraiser is scheduled for March 21 from 6-10pm. The event will be held at the Guadalupe Basin Resource Center in the lecture hall, 125 Lehman Drive in Kerrville. The fundraiser will be a movie titled The Life and Times of Mollie Ivens. Ticket prices are $7.00. Sue also reassured everyone that everything was under control. Stephanie Ertel will be at the back of the room selling fundraiser tickets and providing Sponsor Forms. Stephanie told us that there were only about 30 tickets left. Sue pointed out that two items for sale at the silent auction were being modeled by Barbara Young, wearing a lovely jacket, and Susan Collins, wearing tasteful earrings.
Program speaker introduced by Bunny Bond
Bunny Bond introduced Richard Castanon from the U.S. Census Bureau. Mr. Castanon spoke of the dates that this year's census letters were to be mailed-March 11, 2020. He said that the census letters contained only 9 questions and were very noninvasive. This census asked for less information than the voter registration application. He stated that the US Census Bureau had accounted for the large homeless population, and how to take their information. He spoke of the Awareness Campaign that will be switched to the Motivation Campaign on April 1. Mr. Castanon stressed that the census information was not shared with any other organization for 72 years.
Websites he suggested for further information: 2020census.gov and census.gov
New Business/Announcements
- Bunny Bond encouraged each of us to volunteer for the Election Board. This board works wth all mail-in ballots.
- The Refugee Backpack Program is in progress. If anyone wants to know further information, contact Coral Adema.
- Sylvia reminded us April is the HCTDW annual meeting of record. We will be electing the officers for 2020-2021. Anyone wishing to run from the floor is encouraged to do so at that time.
Adjournment by Sylvia Ostos
The meeting was adjourned by President Sylvia Ostos at 12:50pm.
Submitted by Shannon Palmquist, Secretary
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HCTDW Board
HCTDW's board's regular meetings are held on the last Tuesday of the month at 1:00 p.m. at the Doyle School Community Center, 110 W. Barnett Street.
We will announce the next meeting once it is scheduled. Anyone interested is invited to attend.
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Membership
If you are receiving this newsletter and are not a member, won't you please consider joining? For a membership application, go to hillcountrytxdemocraticwomen.org and
click on Menu and then on Membership.
You can mail your membership application with payment to HCTDW, P. O. Box 293014, Kerrville, TX 78029.
Questions about your HCTDW membership? Any changes in your address, phone or email? Send them to Barbara Young at [email protected].
To make sure you continue to receive your newsletter, let Jeannie Berger ([email protected]) know if you have a new email address
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Relay for Life of Kerr County Temporarily Postponed.
The American Cancer Society has decided to suspend all activities until at least May 1, so Relay for Life of Kerr County (formerly set for April 17) is temporarily postponed, without setting a new date. Our team will continue to request contributions during the hiatus, and hope that we soon will reach a point where plans can be made with certainty.
Please contact Stephanie Ertel,
[email protected], if you wish to participate on the Dems for a Cure Relay Team.
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Election Information
City of Kerrville - rescheduled from Saturday, May 2 to Tuesday, November 3 There are three Council seats up for election: Mayor, Place 3, and Place 4 This is a non-partisan election.
Primary Runoff - rescheduled from Tuesday, May 26 to Tuesday, July 14.
The Democratic Party Primary Runoff is critical, as it decides the candidate for US Senator.
The two candidates are M. J. Hegar and Royce West.
The Office of the Texas Secretary of State - Elections Division is working on a new calendar of dates for the rescheduled elections.
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Democratic Events Around the Hill Country
Please refer to websites and other contact information
for updates on area activities.
Kerr County Democratic Party
To receive emails from the Kerr County Democratic Party, email Barbara Veldhuizen at
[email protected] and ask her to add you to her list.
Bandera County Democratic Club
Monthly Meetings on the 2nd Saturday of each month at the Bandera Electric Co-op Building Meeting Room on Highway 16 north of Bandera. Potluck at 11:30 a.m.; meeting at 2 p.m. Sundays, 10 a.m. at Mendoza's in Bandera, 680 State Highway 16S
Chair of the Bandera County Democratic Party: Lynn Oliver, 210-687-9701
Gillespie County Democrats
GCDA meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month, 6:30 p.m. at the Gillespie County Democratic Party Headquarters, 209 N. Crockett, Suite 1, Fredericksburg
Democratic Women of Comal County
Join DWCC for a monthly meeting:
2nd Friday of every month, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Tye Preston Memorial Library, Canyon Lake
3rd Monday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m., New Braunfels Public Library, New Braunfels
3rd Wednesday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Mammen Family Public Library, Bulverde
Visit
democraticwomenofcomalcounty.com for more information.
Medina County Democrats meet the third Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m. at Braden Keller Center in Castroville.
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Find HCTDW on Facebook
HCTDW invites members to "like" our Facebook page:
Texas Democratic Women of the Hill Country.
Websites
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Newsletter
If you have information for the newsletter or know someone who would like to receive it, please write Jeannie Berger at
[email protected]. You are welcome to forward this newsletter to anyone who would be interested.
The next issue of the newsletter will be sent in mid-April.
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Contact Information for Officers and Executive Board:
Standing Committee Chairs:
Hill Country Chapter of Texas Democratic Women
P.O. Box 293014
Kerrville, TX 78029-3014
hillcountrytxdemocraticwomen.org
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