News & Events


August 21, 2019
A slow day for news.
On most Wednesdays, I begin my day reading a couple newspapers, checking out NPR stories and mulling over what I might write about in this weekly commentary. Of course there are some Wednesdays when I already know the direction I want to take because, during the week between the Wednesdays, something major captured everyone’s attention. On those occasions I start writing down thoughts earlier.
 
Then there are those Wednesdays when our president has done something so outrageous or foolish or just plain buffoonish during the past week that I can’t resist talking about it, even though being talked about, whatever the reason, is what Trump loves. (Frankly, if I wrote a commentary every time Trump did or said something asinine, I could probably start a daily column. – And how depressing that would be, especially for me.)
 
It’s also true that every day, every week, every month there are ongoing issues that deserve our attention: Climate Change...gun violence...the corrosive effects of racism...of sexism...It's a list of heavy subjects that all justifiably demand action. But to talk about them in general terms, week after week, would get more than a bit preachy.
 
So, each Wednesday I look for a specific incident, policy or point of view that inspires me to present my personal take on it. -- And this week, nothing really grabbed me. Yes, our nation’s leader did propose that we buy Greenland from Denmark. But when Denmark’s Prime Minister called Donald Trump’s proposal “absurd,” the president cancelled his planned visit to Denmark and responded that Prime Minister Frederiksen’s words were “nasty.” He’s such a sensitive human being. Hearing such blunt language from those foul mouthed Danes shocks him.
 
And then there was today’s report on Mike Madigan’s fired Chief of Staff, Tim Mapes. It sounds like he was one of those bosses you hope never crosses your path in a job, an insecure guy who resorted to bullying and threats to “manage” his subordinates. (I wonder where he learned that?) And now an investigator’s report has advised Mapes’ boss, Mike Madigan, that he should be less trusting in delegating power to just one person. Gosh! I would not have thought House Speaker Madigan was such a naïve, trusting guy. -- You learn something new every day.
 
Other than those two colorful stories, I was reluctant to comment on the other news items I noticed. They were either too early in development, such as the shifting language used by Democratic Candidates to describe their proposed healthcare plans, or the news stories required a lot more research than my time allowed (or that I was willing to invest).
 
However, I don’t want to wrap up this week’s comments without offering something substantive to consider. It’s not a new idea. In fact, it’s been the underlying purpose of this New Trier Democrats’ newsletter since its beginning.
 
When you scroll down below this commentary, you’ll find ways to make use of services provide by elected officials such as County Commissioner Suffredin and State Representative Robyn Gabel. And you’ll read about several social gatherings, including two big ones with the New Trier Dems. You’ll also be offered a chance to learn about a fight for immigrant and economic justice going on right here in our own area. And you’ll see some fundraisers too.
 
Accessing services, building social relationships, gaining political knowledge, flexing financial muscle are important facets of our New Trier Democrats’ organization. And they all help us win elections. But...

The power behind our success at turning the North Shore blue continues to be our grass roots volunteers. I’m guessing that includes many of you. Offering you ways to volunteer has been a defining purpose of this newsletter.
 
Just a few days from now, on August 24, you can train to be a Deputy Voter Registrar, a valuable volunteer service that can affect the outcome of next year’s elections. There’s also information on canvassing potential Democratic voters in Wisconsin next month -- and as you know, the importance of winning Wisconsin in 2020 can’t be underestimated. There’s even an intriguing opportunity to have an impact on a state house race in Virginia.
 
These opportunities are all explained below. The month of August marks the end of our vacation season. Now it’s time to start thinking about the work ahead of us. We cannot, we must not allow Republicans to prevail in 2020.

Nels Howard
NTD Member Since 1973
New Trier Democrats' Events
Saturday, September 14, 2019: New Trier Democrats’ Annual Meeting & Picnic at Gillson Park

When : Saturday, September 14, 2019 - Annual Members' Meeting from 1:00pm to 2:00pm; Picnic for Everyone from 2:00pm to 4:00pm


What : At our Annual Members' Meeting, you'll hear what we've been up to this past year, as well as our plans for the 2020 election season. Please note that the Annual Meeting is restricted to Members only - If you're not currently a member,  why not join right now?

Our Picnic will begin immediately after our Annual Meeting and everyone - family, friends, neighbors - are welcome to attend. Our Picnic is always a great opportunity to meet fellow Democrats and hear from some of our local elected officials and candidates. We look forward to seeing you there!
Save The Date!

New Trier Democrats' Annual Dinner
New Date - Sunday, October 20, 2019 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Maggiano’s Little Italy Restaurant, Old Orchard Mall, Skokie
More Details Following Soon

New Trier Democrats' Endorsement Meeting
for the 2020 Primary
Sunday, January 26, 2020 from 1:30pm to 5:00pm
Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave, Winnetka
Other Events of Interest
Inclusion in our "Other Events of Interest" List – whether it’s a fundraising event for a specific candidate or an event concerning a particular issue – does not mean that the New Trier Democrats have endorsed that candidate or adopted that position on an issue. 
Tomorrow Night, August 22, 2019: Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin Co-Hosts Property Tax Appeal Workshop for New Trier Township

When : Thursday, August 22, 2019 at 6:30pm
Where : Wilmette Community Rec Center, 3000 Glenview Road, Wilmette
What : The Cook County Board of Review will accept 2019 property assessment appeals from New Trier Township property owners starting on Monday, August 19. Commissioner Suffredin will be co-hosting appeal seminars in New Trier Township to help residents better understand how to appeal their assessment with the Board of Review. Commissioner Suffredin is co-hosting this workshop with Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi, state Sens. Laura Fine and Julie Morrison, state Reps. Robyn Gabel, Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz and Bob Morgan and New Trier Assessor Jan Churchwell. If you have any questions about this workshop, contact Commissioner Suffredin’s office at 847-864-1209 or [email protected].
This Saturday & Sunday, August 24 & 25, 2019: Help North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic at the Port Clinton Art Festival in Highland Park

When : Saturday & Sunday, August 24 & 25, 2019, shifts from 9:00am to 1:00pm and 1:00pm to 5:00pm each day
Where : Port Clinton Art Festival in Highland Park
What : The North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic is looking for volunteers to assist the Clinic during the 2019 Port Clinton Art Festival in Highland Park on Saturday 8/24 and especially on Sunday 8/25. Volunteers will help at the six entrance gates with collecting admission donations, a portion of which will be later shared with the Clinic. The more volunteers the Clinic provides, the bigger share they may receive. The Clinic needs funds to be able to expand their capacity and help all those in need in our community. There are four shifts over the two days (9am-1pm and 1-4pm each day). Volunteers who want to help them can pick one, two or more shifts, and email Jan Baranczak at [email protected] or call the Clinic at 847-737-4042 to discuss the details.
This Saturday, August 24, 2019: Deputy Voter Registrar Training Sponsored by Tenth Dems

When : Saturday, August 24, 2019 from 10:00am to 11:00am
Where : Northbrook Public Library, Interactive classroom, 1201 Cedar Lane, Northbrook
What : A training for Deputy Voter Registrars will be held. 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 five hours before the class starts. In most cases, late sign-ups will not be added to the class.  Register online in advance . For additional information contact us at [email protected], or call 847-266-VOTE (8683).
This Sunday, August 25, 2019: Waukegan Canvass for Elizabeth Warren

When : Sunday, August 25, 2019 from 12:00pm to 3:00pm
Where : To be determined
What : Door-to-door canvass supporting Elizabeth Warren, a candidate for President of the United States. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online .
Tuesday, August 27, 2019: Senator Dick Durbin Fundraiser

When : Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at 7:00pm
Where : Home of Hon. Nancy Rotering, 46 Lakeview Terrace, Highland Park
What : A fundraiser supporting U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. For questions, contact Nancy Kohn or Michal Sered Schoenberg at 312-527-3667 or email [email protected].
Wednesday, August 28, 2019: Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin Co-Hosts Property Tax Appeal Workshop for New Trier Township

When : Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at 6:30pm
Where : Wilmette Library, 1242 Wilmette Ave, Wilmette
What : The Cook County Board of Review will accept 2019 property assessment appeals from New Trier Township property owners starting on Monday, August 19. Commissioner Suffredin will be co-hosting appeal seminars in New Trier Township to help residents better understand how to appeal their assessment with the Board of Review. Commissioner Suffredin is co-hosting this workshop with Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi, state Sens. Laura Fine and Julie Morrison, state Reps. Robyn Gabel, Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz and Bob Morgan and New Trier Assessor Jan Churchwell. If you have any questions about this workshop, contact Commissioner Suffredin’s office at 847-864-1209 or [email protected].
Thursday, August 29, 2019: Sierra Club Illinois Chapter 60th Anniversary Reception

When : Thursday, August 29, 2019 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Where : The Roof Crop, 1516 W. Carroll Ave., Chicago
What : A celebratory fundraiser in support of Sierra Club Illinois PAC.  Link to RSVP .
Monday, September 9, 2019: Information Session on Becoming a Delegate to the 2020 Democratic National Convention

When : Monday. September 9, 2019 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Where : Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster Street, Evanston
What : The top priority of Illinois Democrats in the next year is choosing a Democratic Presidential candidate who can win back the White House and who shares our common goal of supporting the hard-working people of Illinois. The Democratic Party of Illinois wants to engage Democrats across Illinois in the process of selecting our next President – someone who better reflects the values of our country and the diversity of the Democratic Party. That’s where you come in!  Sign up to attend a Delegate Selection Information Session to learn more about how to become a 2020 delegate .
Wednesday, September 11, 2019: State Rep. Gabel’s Chief of Staff Available for Assistance

When : Wednesday, September 11, 2019 from 1:30pm to 3:00pm
Where : New Trier Township Hall, 739 Elm St., Winnetka
What : Rep. Robyn Gabel’s Chief of Staff, Karen McCormick, will be available to answer questions about State of Illinois services. Township residents and neighbors are encouraged to drop by during the scheduled office hours.
Saturday, September 14, 2019: Indivisible Evanston’s Wisconsin Canvass

When : Saturday, September 14, 2019 – see signup for time options
Where : Kenosha, WI – see signup for meeting location options
What : Join Indivisible Evanston on September 14 as they canvass in Kenosha, WI as part of the Wisconsin Democrats weekend of action. After a great first canvass on August 10th, they are looking forward to heading back up north again to knock doors! Why Wisconsin is THE Pivotal State in 2020 & Why Our Boots on the Ground are Needed to Flip it: All predictive lists concur that Wisconsin, with just 10 electoral votes, could easily be the state that determines the 2020 presidential winner. Sign up for ONE of the four options available for canvassing on 9/14 from the Kenosha County Dems office, 5712 7th Avenue, Kenosha, WI.  SIGN UP HERE
Sunday, September 15, 2019: Wilmette Skype Meet and Greet Fundraiser with Ghazala Hashmi

When : Sunday, September 15, 2019 from 3:30pm to 5:00pm
Where : Address provided upon RSVP
What : Join Sister District for an opportunity to meet  Ghazala Hashm i ! Ghazala is the Democratic candidate working to flip Virginia Senate District 10 (Richmond). She will join them by Skype at 4:00 pm. Democrats are just one seat down in both the VA House of Delegates and the VA Senate. Sister District is working to flip both houses blue. This goal is within reach, but it will not be easy—and it is crucial, as Virginia is one of the most gerrymandered states in the country. This event is a great way to learn about Sister District, and if you plan to support Ghazala in any way this year, meeting her will be very motivating and help you connect with voters. For more information or to RSVP,  please visit their event webpage .
Tuesday, September 17, 2019: The Fight For Immigrant and Economic Justice In Our Own Backyards

When : Tuesday, September 17, 2019 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Where : Am Shalom, 840 Vernon Ave., Glencoe
What : The Jewish Council on Urban Affairs’ North Suburban Organizing Team presents an evening with Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, staff from the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic, and attorney and activist Lee Goodman. Hear about economic and systemic problems in our own neighborhoods and the connection between what we see here, within our immigrant community, and what is going on across the state and the country. Light refreshments will be served. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online .
Monday, September 23, 2019: Personal PAC Annual Awards Luncheon

When : Monday, September 23, 2019, Registration and reception at 11:00am; luncheon at 12:00noon
Where : Chicago Hilton and Towers, 720 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago
What : Personal PAC holds its Annual Awards Luncheon that will highlight the group’s efforts and raise funds to elect pro-choice officials. Pro-choice activist Cecile Richards is the keynote speaker. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online .
Looking For Something To Do Now?

Help Text Bank For Democratic Candidates In Virginia State House Races With Sister District

Text Banking is here!

You can sign up at  this form . They expect high demand for texting lists.
Please sign up to text ONLY for the two candidates, Alex Askew and Ghazala Hashmi, that our local Sister District is supporting!

Some things to know:

You need to do some reading and training on your own. This is done online. Texting will be done at specified times. You will sign up for a texting “event” and at the scheduled time, a batch of numbers will be released. Sign-up is available now. Texting began August 17 and will continue through Election Day. You must sign up and complete all training steps at least one week before your first texting event.

More details can be found in this Sister District/Red2Blue  Texting Guide .
Need help contacting your
representatives in government?

Visit our website for a complete list of everyone who represents the residents of New Trier Township - from Federal to Village level - and links to contact them.
Still not a member of the New Trier Democrats?
 
Your participation in grassroots political action
will make a difference. Come join us!

When you're a member of the New Trier Democratic Organization, you have an active role in affecting the political process by: participating in grassroots campaigns, staying in touch with elected officials, and playing a role in deciding which candidates are endorsed. You'll also gain  free admission  to select forums and events throughout the year.    

Come be a part of New Trier Township's grassroots political community.    
New Trier Democrats memberships are on a calendar year basis. We encourage our members to renew their dues annually every January.
Paid for by the NTDO-FED and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is available on the Board’s official website (www.elections.il.gov) or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois.