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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.
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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:
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
Veterans Administration Resources
Plastic Free July
Fiestas Patrias - Donors, Sponsors, Volunteers Needed
TDP - Weekly Talking Points
Fourth of July Parade
July Fundraiser and Chairman Hinojosa Meet and Greet
Commissioners' Court Update
Final Friday - Legislative Update
County Non-Profit Spotlight - Yes to Youth
Democratic Party Events Around the County
Make and Take Program - A Success! Next One Coming Up July 27th
Latest development in the MC GOP infighting feud
Training, Education and Activism Resources for Democrats
Commentaries - Texas Shame (Rather); Patriotism (Reich)
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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July 15, 2023
Newsletter
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National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month 2023
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is observed each July to bring awareness to the unique struggles that racial and ethnic minority communities face regarding mental illness in the United States.
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
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The Veterans Administration has a variety of mental health resources, information, treatment options and more — all accessible to Veterans, Veterans’ supporters and the general public. Explore this website t o learn more about a specific mental health topic or to find information specifically tailored to your needs.
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If you are not feeling the heat and you are not worried about the health of our planet, you may be watching too much Fox News!
We can no longer ignore the 100-degree temperatures that begin now in June in Texas instead of in July and we can no longer ignore the floods and wildfires that are impacting our friends and neighbors across the globe even as we read this.
So, what can we do to make a difference when we are totally focused on social justice reform, saving democracy, and electing socially conscious candidates at all levels of government? Can we each individually take on one more cause? Can we change just one habit that will improve the health of our planet?
We can, and we must! Since this is July, we can join the “Plastic Free July” movement that is growing across the globe.
The Plastic Free Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit global social movement that began in 2011 with the belief that small changes can make a big difference. Their most well-known initiative is the “Plastic Free July” program, which, according to the Plastic Free Foundation’s 2022 annual report, is “a social movement that now stops around three hundred million kgs of plastic polluting the world each year” an amount which is roughly the equivalent of thirteen thousand blue whales.
For 2023, participants in the program are encouraged to “refuse to use single use plastic” items such as water bottles, plastic utensils for take-out food, and so on. For our part, the Montgomery County Democratic Party headquarters has begun to remind each other to use the cool water from our donated water cooler in our own water containers or the ceramic coffee cups that our available in the office instead of using plastic water bottles every time we need a drink of water.
Submitted by
Margie Kremer
Chair, Precinct 48
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Sponsors and donors needed to support
MCDP’s Fiestas Patrias scheduled for
Sunday, September 17, 2023, at
Heritage Place Park in Conroe, Texas
Montgomery County Democratic Party Latino Outreach Subcommittee is hosting a festival and we welcome your involvement and support!
The festival will introduce Montgomery County residents to non-profit organizations and agencies that provide public services, such as health, housing, legal, immigration, shelters, and others. In addition, Voter Registration and information will be available to encourage eligible Latinos and others who are underrepresented in our political process, to register and to vote during all election cycles.
High profile speakers will address problems and issues impacting all communities and bring attention to widespread needs and solutions. Children’s activities as well as food trucks and other vendors will be abundant. Musical venues including mariachis, folkloric dancers and bands will perform.
Sponsored by the Montgomery County Democratic Party, the event will be well publicized within Montgomery and Harris counties.
If you are interested in supporting this event through a donation, sponsorship or by volunteering, please contact the MCDP at 936-703-5841 or by email to office@mcdptx.org.
Se necesitan patrocinadores y donantes para apoyar las Fiestas Patrias de MCDP programadas para Domingo 17 de septiembre de 2023 en Heritage Place Park en Conroe, Texas
¡El Partido Demócrata del Condado de Montgomery está organizando una fiesta y agradecemos su participación y apoyo!
El festival presentará a los residentes del Condado de Montgomery a organizaciones y agencias sin fines de lucro que brindan servicios públicos, como salud, vivienda, legal, inmigración, refugios y otros. Además, el Registro de Votantes y la información estarán disponibles para alentar a los latinos elegibles y otros que están subrepresentados en nuestro proceso político, a registrarse y votar durante todos los ciclos electorales.
Los oradores de alto perfil abordarán los problemas y cuestiones que afectan a todas las comunidades y llamarán la atención sobre las necesidades y soluciones generalizadas. Las actividades para niños, así como los camiones de comida y otros vendedores serán abundantes. Se presentarán actos musicales que incluyen mariachis, bailarinas folclóricas y bandas.
Patrocinado por el Partido Demócrata del Condado de Montgomery, el evento será bien publicitado dentro de los condados de Montgomery y Harris.
Si está interesado en apoyar este evento a través de una donación, patrocinio o voluntariado, comuníquese con el MCDP al 936-703-5841 o por correo electrónico a office@mcdptx.org.
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July 4th Parade
There is nothing that celebrates America more than the 4th of July. It brings together people of all backgrounds and fosters a feeling of belonging for everyone. And a 4th of July parade is the ultimate daytime festivity that showcases Americana at its best.
Once again, the Montgomery County Democratic Party had the honor and privilege of participating in the South County 4th of July Parade. Thanks to all who helped and were present, it was a rousing success. Our entry included a float with a public education theme, decorated by volunteers and many vehicles showcasing our outreach groups. We provided (blasted) patriotic music throughout the route and received cheers from countless spectators. This event is an opportunity to show the public that we are patriotic, that we are many, and that we celebrate our great nation along with and for everyone in the community.
This event is only possible because we are dedicated and work as a team to ensure all the many tasks in preparation are completed. We do this collectively because we believe that America is still the best place to be, and there is no more appropriate day to drive this point home. Above all else, when the work is done, we know how to have fun. It truly was a fun filled day!
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A Summer Evening with Chair Gilberto Hinojosa
July 6, 2023, Fundraiser Report
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The room was packed and the crowd attentive! |
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The Chair gave a rousing speech!
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The week of July 4th was a total whirlwind. The Montgomery County Democratic Party proudly participated in in the South County 4th of July Parade in full force with all our outreach committees, put together a Silent Auction made from a nearly miraculous outpouring of donated items, held an informal “Meet and Greet” with volunteers and Chairman Hinojosa, and capped the week with a successful fundraiser full of beautiful people in downtown Conroe.
Look for additional reports when all the results are tallied. But please know this! All the wheels are working; the gears are all in play; and the Montgomery County Democratic Party is on the move. Proof is in the pictures! When we call, please join us. We need you. We are working full tilt to step up our game on every front!
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COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT REPORT
By Ginger Blair, Chair
The July 11, 2023, County Commissioners Meeting had several significant items on the agenda but in this report, I want to focus on just one of them. Bridget Gaumer, Glenna Sloan, Natalie Ward, Carol Ortiz, Teresa Kenney, and Caroline Stansky attended the meeting also. The posted agenda alerted us to an action item related to the library that we felt might need our support. The library is the focus of this report.
It appears that some very conservative residents of the County take issue with the actions of the Library Director regarding her policies on the use of Library meeting rooms, purchasing policies, placement of books within the libraries, sabotage, lack of responsiveness, and general demeanor. At one point, the comments became so heated that Commissioner Noack and Judge Keough interrupted the speaker and pointedly asked him to refrain from any additional personal derogatory remarks against the Director.
Six or seven other members of the audience subsequently spoke about the prevalence of books in the library having a “woke” agenda and bemoaned the absence of a balance of books promoting Christian conservative values on the library shelves. A particular bone of contention was the purchasing policy that limits purchasing to vendors who specialize in supplying libraries with hardback books that meet all the requirements for longevity of shelf life, supply digital materials for online cataloging, etc. Other remarks focused on the placement of various kinds of books on the shelves for various age groups.
Six or seven other individuals, including Natalie Ward and myself, spoke in support of the Library Director and in support of having a diversity of books for all individuals. Teresa Kennedy, owner of Village Books in The Woodlands said, "Young people deserve to see themselves reflected in the books they read. They deserve to see that there is hope at a time in their lives when they feel there is none. Moreover, reading books that feature people in situations that young people have little direct experience within their own lives can foster empathy, tolerance and connection, which in turn will make them better community members, better leaders and better elected officials."
At that, the Commissioners adjourned into executive session and on their return did not issue an order to ban any books or to fire any employees, but instead returned and made three different motions that apply to all branches of the library. Motions were made and passed to:
- Give Purchasing Director Gilbert Jalomo the authority to expand the county's book vendor list to gain access to more conservative book themes.
- Direct Library Director Rhea Young to group books by genre within the children's section, and label and restrict access to sexually explicit books for those under 18 years of age.
- Give a "full vote of confidence" to Library Director Rhea Young.
Hopefully, these actions portend a more moderate Court in the future, and it was very refreshing to see the Court defend a hard-working County employee who was being harangued in public by a citizen.
Click here to see the recording. The Library discussion starts at 00:11:50.
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Final Friday, July 28, 2023
A Recap of the 88th Legislative Session of the Texas Legislature
Two speakers from the Texas Democratic Party office in Austin will be joining us for Final Friday at the end of July to give us an update on the legislation that managed to make it through the process this session.
Ryan Garcia, Political Director, and Brenda Cavazos, Deputy of Voter Protection, spent many long hours following the 11,800 bills that were filed in the House and Senate this Session and they are still processing the work of the First Called Session that immediately followed the close of the 88th Regular Session and the Second Called Session that was just called to order on June 27th. Their report is bound to be enlightening.
Remember, you are always welcome to come to Headquarters in person or attend the program virtually on Zoom. The program is typically one hour long. This will be worth every minute of your time.
Our Final Friday Social and Speakers Program is held the last Friday of the month at Montgomery County Democratic Headquarters, 704 N. Thompson St, Suite 195, Conroe, Texas, 77301.
You may also watch it on Zoom.
The link to watch virtually is highlighted in blue below. You may also watch on Facebook Live.
Topic: A Recap of the 88th Legislative Session of the Texas Legislature
Time: Friday, July 28, 2023, 6:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 858 7409 0628
Passcode: 41243
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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 spotlight Yes to Youth whose mission is:
YES to YOUTH - Montgomery County Youth Services strengthens the emotional and mental health development of youth and families by providing crisis intervention, counseling, and suicide prevention services. We provide a safe and nurturing home where abused, battered, sex-trafficked, homeless, and at-risk youth begin healing from the past and become empowered for the future.
Services include:
Individual, Group and Family Mental Health Counseling
Crisis Intervention for Youth and Families
Suicide Prevention for Youth and Families
BridgeWay Emergency Youth Shelter (Ages 10-17)
Healthy Supports Program for Pregnant & Parenting Teens
Prevention Presentations and Crisis Counseling in Schools
Decisions Parenting and Youth Skills Group
24-Hour Crisis Hotline 888-756-8682
ALL SERVICES PROVIDED AT NO COST TO CLIENTS
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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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It’s Not Too Late to Join Us
No RSVP Required
Pictured below are Volunteers Kelly Marts, Michele Lightfield, and Bob Eder working on a variety of projects at Montgomery County Democratic Headquarters where there are always friendly Democrats at work and plenty of things to do.
This Wednesday, July 19th, we hope to have 6 to 8 Volunteers drop in from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help us mail out letters and other information to our neighbors throughout the County. We can promise a morning of folding, stamping, labeling, and good cheer.
Please consider joining us. We could really use your help and you know it is for an excellent cause.
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Blue Magnolia
On July 12, 2023 we had the largest attendance yet at our monthly Evening Social and welcomed Laura Jones, candidate for US House of Representatives TX District 8. Twenty people - including several new faces - joined us for great food at Magnolia Thai Restaurant and great discussions!
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The “Make and Take” Program
is a Success!
Join us for the next one!
The amazing gathering of women for our first Make and Take on July 13th was a huge success - 18 new ladder bracelets were added to our Blue Texas Store!
Shout out to Carol Stromatt for helping put together the kits that were used to create the stunning ladder bracelets. Bracelets will sell for $15-$20 dollars and all of the proceeds will benefit MCDPTX.
At the next Make and Take event on July 27th, we will make vertical wreaths (see photo below). Again, make one for yourself; make another for the Blue Texas Store inventory.
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!
We hope you will come and bring a friend for a couple of hours of camaraderie and good works.
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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Texas Supreme Court ends latest
Montgomery County GOP infighting feud
For the latest information on this on-going saga, click here.
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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 14 (The Future of Inequality (& You?)). This is the last class of this program and the last class to ever be taught by Professor Reich (he's retiring!)
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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Texas Shame
Journalism Under Threat
JUL 13, 2023
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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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THU, JUL 27 - LWV VDR LUNCH & LEARN, 11:30am, 1155 Lake Woodlands Dr. 77380
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Democratic Club of The Woodlands Virtual Meeting
Wednesday, July 19 , 2023
6:30 pm on Zoom
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Democrats and Progressives of Montgomery County
Morning Breakfast MEETUP
Saturday, Aug. 12 , 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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