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Chair: Ginger Blair
Deputy Chair: Kimberly Valdez
Secretary: Carmen McZeal
Treasurer: Natalie Ward
Sergeant At Arms: Marc Meyer
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Click on the Contribute button to help turn Montgomery County Blue!
Please consider becoming a sustaining member at $10 per month (or more!).
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Montgomery County Democratic Headquarters
704 N. Thompson St. #195
Conroe, Texas 77301
936-703-5841
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Montgomery County Democratic Headquarters Hours
Hours of operation: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Monday through Friday
Due to the continuing spread of COVID, our policy now is for staff and visitors to comply with social distancing guidelines and masks are optional. To reach us, call MCDP headquarters at 936-703-5841 or email office@mcdptx.org. For urgent matters outside of office hours, please text 713-256-1420 or email chair@mcdptx.org.
NOTE: MCDP headquarters will be closed on on Monday and Tuesday July 3 and July 4 in celebration of July 4th.
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July 1, 2023 Newsletter
Happy 4th of July!
This flag represents every single one of us
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As citizens of the United States, Democrats understand the importance of the country's flag as a symbol of our nation's unity and pride. In fact, Democrats believe that true patriotism means upholding the values and principles upon which our country was founded. Whether it be fighting for equal rights, advocating for social justice, or protecting our environment, Democrats are committed to building a better America for all.
And by proudly displaying our flag while doing so, Democrats demonstrate their unwavering loyalty to the United States and their steadfast determination to make it an even greater nation.
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Please note: our newsletters contain a lot of links to make viewing the source easier - just click on images or linked text to explore
IN THIS ISSUE:
July 4th Parade - Join us!
Meet Gilberto Hinojosa, TDP Chair - July 6th
From TDC - Talking Points - Electric Grid, VETO Spree, and more
July 6th Fundraiser and Silent Auction - check it out!
Laura Jones Launches Campaign for U.S. House Texas District 8
SAC Report
Welcome Ann Milton - our new Elections Coordinator
We are building an IT Team
County Non-Profit Spotlight - VFW Post 4709
Democratic Party Events Around the County
Montgomery County Residents Talk About Race
MCDP Attends Willis Juneteenth Celebration
Make and Take Program Makes Its Debut
Training, Education and Activism Resources for Democrats
Joe and Kamala's Corner (click on an image to open)
Tweets (click on an image to open)
Blue Store - Show Your Commitment to Democracy!
Democratic Party Calendar of Upcoming Events
Other Groups and Community Events
This newsletter is published on or about the 1st and the 15th of every month.
no later than 3 days before publication.
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Come to Our July 6th Fundraiser And
Stay to Out-Bid your Friends at Our Stupendous Silent Auction!!
Thanks to the outpouring of generosity from our Democratic friends from across the County, we are having an amazing, outstanding, and STUDENDOUS silent auction at our July 6th Fundraiser!
Our themes are “Summertime” and “Freedom and Justice for All”. Below are Sam Fralick, originator, and designer of our “Banned Book” summer reading baskets along with his worthy fellow volunteers, Eleanor Peyton and Olivia Latham. Each of our summertime reading baskets includes a bottle of wine, a selection of books, and at least one banned book that includes the reason that it has been banned. You will be amazed and stupefied.
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Our auction will also include such summer surprises as an ice cream maker, a brand-new shop vac for summertime chores, an Air Fryer fit for a college apartment, paintings, home decorations, a palace for someone’s pet parrot, vintage Fiesta Ware, a collection of unopened liquor bottles for our gourmet cocktail makers, cat supplies, a Coach purse, evening bags, and more.
And don’t look now, but you will also have the opportunity to bid on a Peter Max signed and numbered serigraph print with a letter of authenticity. It is shown here, ably displayed by volunteers Nancy Johnson and Carol Stromatt. We also send our thanks to our generous donor who is looking for a good Democratic home in honor of her late father.
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CLICK HERE to purchase your Fundraiser ticket. Your ticket includes:
- an amazing keynote speaker
- delicious food in a great new Old Town Conroe restaurant
- fun with friends
- AND entry to the Silent Auction!
If you can’t come, please use the link below to donate to the cause or become a sustaining member as we continue to struggle to meet our budget goals and help to fund local Democratic candidates. If you are sending money to out of state candidates, please consider sharing some of that funding here at home or we will never be able to have viable contenders on our own ballots.
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Laura Jones Launches Campaign for U.S. House Texas District 8
On June 25, 2023 Laura met at MCDP Headquarters with many of her supporters to formally announce her campaign for US House Texas District 8. There was a great turn out and a lot of enthusiasm. Laura is committed and determined to win the election in 2024 but needs everyone's help and support.
There are lots of ways to support Laura:
VOTE! and get others to VOTE
From her website:
About Me
I’m a lifelong Texan, Army mom, and small business owner who has seen firsthand the challenges facing working families. The cost of living has gone up, but wages haven’t kept pace. As a result, it’s harder than ever for working people to make ends meet.
I’m running for Congress because I believe we need to elect people who understand working families’ challenges. I’ll fight for policies that will make it easier for working people to afford childcare, healthcare, and education.
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THE SENIOR ADVISORY COUNCIL REPORT
The Senior Advisory Council (SAC) functions as the steering committee for the County Executive Committee (CEC). The CEC, made up of all the Precinct Chairs across the County, currently meets every other month and the SAC, made up of the officers and chairs of the major committees within the organization, meets the alternate months. For more information on the structure of the Montgomery County Democratic Party, explore our website at www.mcdptx.org
This month, the Senior Advisory Council received reports from the Finance and Fundraising Committees as the Party continues to try to build its sustaining membership base to support our intern program and candidate support programs that are essential to putting Democrats in office in 2024. They also heard from the July 4th Parade Committee, the Latino Outreach, African American Outreach, and the Women’s Outreach Committees.
And, as you will see announced in this newsletter, Ann Milton was approved as our new Elections Coordinator and Diana Walker and Andy Nazar, two new Precinct Chairs, were introduced at the meeting.
There will not be a meeting of the CEC or the SAC during July in recognition of the summer vacation season, but Headquarters will still be open, and our committees will still be at work. The meeting calendar for the second half of the year was approved as noted below. Most dates are on the third Thursday of the month and meetings start at 6:30 p.m. All meetings are open to members and are held at our Headquarters and virtually by Zoom. It you would like to sit in on a meeting, call 936-703-5841 for more information.
CEC August – Aug 24, 2023
SAC September – Sept 21, 2023
CEC October – Oct 19, 2023
SAC November – Nov 16, 2023
*CEC December – TBD Statutory meeting to draw for ballot position
SAC January – Jan 18, 2024
*Statutory Meeting to draw for ballot position
Please scan the QR code below or click here to register for the July 6th Fundraiser and your opportunity to meet the Texas State Democratic Party Chair. Please also consider becoming a Sustaining Donor at this most critical time in our County’s history by clicking here.
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Welcome to Our New Elections Coordinator!
It’s that time again! Time to get ready for the Primary Elections and the November 2024 Presidential Election cycle. And while most of us will be totally focused on recruiting candidates and getting out the votes, one of our members will be totally focused on recruiting election judges and clerks. That person is Ann Milton, our new Elections Coordinator and she is just the person to step into Claretna Vaxter’s fine shoes to get that job done!
Ann now lives in Montgomery, Texas. She moved to our county from the Albany, Georgia area several years ago where she participated in the amazing GOTV work orchestrated by Stacy Abrams. She already serves as our Precinct 39 Chair and has worked as an Alternate Judge at some of our elections. Her amazing resume includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, and many years of experience in supervising employees, accounting, grant management, organizational management, and recruiting and training volunteers.
When Ann calls, please give her the support and encouragement she will need. Now that we have 111 precincts, she will be working to recruit 110 alternate judges, 1 judge, and about 333 Democratic clerks to staff our elections. Not an easy task to even contemplate!
Welcome to your new role, Ann! We are so happy to have you on board.
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County Non-Profit Spotlight
Each month in 2023, we will share information about non-profit resources in Montgomery County in hopes that those in need receive assistance and to make everyone aware of the great resources in our County.
This month we feature: VFW Post 4709
If you are looking for the Conroe VFW Hall, look no further than the iconic U. S. Army helicopter mounted strategically on their property at 1303 W Semands Ave, Conroe, TX 77301, where Post 4709 has been quietly serving our local veterans for decades under this simple motto:
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Originally founded in 1899 as the American Veterans of Foreign Service, the VFW continues to be a voice for veterans, currently deployed members of our Armed Forces, and their families. There are currently 2.4 million members of the VFW located in 8,500 Posts around the world and each of the Posts is completely dedicated to providing a place for all veterans and their families to feel at home and supported They quietly work to ensure that the veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of our country.
At VFW Post 4709, that caring attitude is demonstrated through their regular events and programming because nothing says “home” in Texas better than a free meal on the last Monday of the month, holiday socials with family and friends, fishing trips, and a place to gather for family friendly Bingo games open to the public on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday nights, etc. But mostly, there is a door there that is open and welcoming when a veteran shows up.
The Montgomery County Democratic Party experienced that welcoming, helpful, attitude directly this month. Here is the story.
In the midst of the windstorm early this June that left trees and branches down all over the county, one of our members in the FM 1488 area noticed a tree in her neighborhood that had smashed completely through the roof of a trailer home there. The home belonged to a 74-year-old veteran whom she was determined to help. Through a chain of phone calls and dead ends, the helper ended up talking to one of our Precinct Chairs who reached out to our County Chair, Ginger Blair, and together, through another chain of phone calls and dead ends, our Chair ended up talking to Marcey Philips, the Commander of VFW Post 4709. And that is where the chain of calls made all the difference. It was not another dead end. Quietly, and without fanfare, the 74-year-old veteran suddenly had a place to stay for the night and a lifeline to connect him with other avenues for help once the storm was over.
Our spotlight this month is a direct result of the help that this special Non-Profit Agency was prepared to deliver. We asked the Post Commander what we could do to help her organization and she said that she was just grateful that they were able to help. Their biggest need right now is raising money to repair their aging building and making sure they have funding so they can continue to be the organization that will “do more” for our Conroe area Veterans.
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Democratic Party Events Around the County
psst: you're missing a lot of fun if you aren't joining us!!
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These Two Heroes Gave Blood at the |
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Blood Drive on Thursday, June 22, 2023!
(l – r) Carol Ortiz and Samuel Fralick gave their blood to help others and got a free beach towel in return! Thumbs up and thank you!
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Blue Magnolia
On June 27, the Precinct Chairs of Magnolia met for their monthly planning meeting. We welcomed Diana Walker to our group and thank her for taking on responsibility as Chair of Precinct 91! With Diana joining our ranks, there are only four precincts of the 10 Magnolia precincts without a chair.
Our outreach to voters in Magnolia has started! We are beginning with a postcard mailing to introduce you to your Magnolia Precinct Chair. Watch your mailbox and reach out to your Precinct Chair to offer your support - even if it's just to acknowledge receipt of the postcard. It doesn't take much to keep us going but knowing we are reaching you sure does help!!!
If you live in Magnolia and don't get a postcard, contact us at bluemagnolia@mcdptx.org to be sure we have your contact information!
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These Montgomery County residents are talking about race — and don’t want to be the only ones
John Tindall, right, listens to his friend, Carl White, president of Montgomery County’s NAACP chapter, read from “The White Allies Handbook” during an April 26 gathering in Conroe. Tindall and White have spent the past few months trying to facilitate more conversations about race throughout the staunchly conservative county. (Marie D. De Jesús / Houston Landing)
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MCDP Attends Willis Juneteenth Celebration |
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Above: At VDR table, Wanda Anderson, Ginger Blair, Margo Crook, Carolyn Satcherwhite |
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Top Left: Mary Reed and pals near the water slide
Top Right: 3 kids in a fountain
Right: Mechanical Bull
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The “Make and Take” Program Makes Its Debut
The Blue Texas Store under the leadership of Judy Trosvig and Michele Lightfield is taking shape and expanding. You will find pictures of some of the items now available at the Store as you scroll down the newsletter in each issue.
A new program to help stock the Store and provide a creative outlet for our talented Democrats is the “Make and Take” program that will be offered from time to time. If you join us for one of the scheduled dates, you will be able to “make” one of the craft items presented on that date for yourself, “make” one for the Store to sell, and “take” the first one home.
So, if you are a long-time crafter or a first-time crafter, this is the program for you. Each session will be different, all the items needed to create the craft will be available free of charge, and each session, if you come, you will be taught by fine Democrats in the company of like-minded folks. It is a win-win proposition for everyone and fun besides!
So, mark your calendars! The first two sessions will be presented by Michele Lightfield and Carol Stromatt. The items to be made are pictured below. We hope you will come and bring a friend for a couple of hours of camaraderie and good works.
July 13 – Make and Take Bracelets
Montgomery County Democratic Headquarters
704 N. Thompson Street, #195
Conroe, TX 77301
10:00 a.m.
July 27 – Make and Take Wreaths
Montgomery County Democratic Headquarters
704 N. Thompson Street, #195
Conroe, TX 77301
10:00 a.m.
Please RSVP by email to office@mcdptx.org or by phone to 936-703-5841 so we will be sure to have plenty of supplies for everyone. And please do come! No experience is required. The crafts are easy, and you will be welcomed by all!
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Training, Education and Activism Resources
Sign up now!!
Wealth and Poverty - A unique opportunity to sit in on a class at UC Berkeley by Robert Reich, an American professor, author, lawyer, and political commentator. Class 13 (Beyond affirmative action: The shame of education and widening inequality)
The Campaign for Our Shared Future fights for equitable, anti-racist programs, practices, and policies that sustain schools and ensure opportunity for every child and a brighter future for us all. There are great talking points provided on this website.
Red Wine and Blue - Red Wine & Blue provides everything women need to successfully organize in their communities and beyond.
The States Project - We fuel majority-making campaigns for state lawmakers who will defend our democracy, safeguard our individual freedoms and improve lives.
Texas Freedom Network - The 2023 Texas Legislative Session is here! Join us in letting our state’s leadership know that we will continue fighting for our freedoms today, tomorrow, and forever. Click here to get in the fight!
National Democratic Training Committee (NDTC) has virtual training opportunities for all Democrats. Go to https://traindemocrats.org/events/ to sign up for any of their trainings.
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JOE and KAMALA'S CORNER !
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Lots of new and great items to show your commitment to Democracy and support MCDPTX!
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Event Calendar - For more details, click on the image and follow link to the MCDPTX.org website; click on the date to view event.
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Other Groups & Community Events |
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Democratic Club of The Woodlands Meeting
Wednesday, TBA , 2023
6:30 pm on Zoom
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Democrats and Progressives of Montgomery County
Morning Breakfast MEETUP
Saturday, July 8, 9:00 am
11133 Interstate 45 S · Conroe, TX
Hosted by Karen Cavanagh
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Paid for by the Montgomery County Texas Democratic Party, www.mcdptx.org. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. |
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