On the ground

Save the Date — September 20, 2008 — 
And Help Send Kirsten Gillibrand Back to Congress!

2006 was an historic election for New York’s 20th Congressional District: Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand was elected to the U.S. Congress.  Now it is up to all of us to make sure she returns for a second term.

What: A Farm Country “Rally for Gillibrand”
When: Saturday, September 20.  2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Who:  Featured Speaker To Be Announced
Where: The Thomson Farm, 4143 Thomson Hollow Road, New Kingston, New York            
Hosts: Alan Dee and Frank Buffone
And: Possible Live Democratic Donkey Photo Op!
Suggested Minimum Donation per Person: $35.00   
For More Information/RSVP: NewKingstonforGillibrand@yahoo.com 

Contributions or gifts to Gillibrand for Congress are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.
Contributions from corporations, labor organizations’ treasury funds and foreign nationals are prohibited.
Paid for by Gillibrand for Congress

The Town of Middletown Democratic Committee will be selling BBQ Chicken at theMargaretville Street Fair on Saturday, August 23rd. The location will be across from NBT Bank near the walkway to the Binnekill parking lot. The chicken will be prepared on site by Miller’s BBW of Walton. Homemade salads will also be offered for sale. There will be a50/50 drawing at 2:30 p.m., and tickets may be purchased from committee members or at the Street Fair. You need not be present to win the 50/50 drawing.

We are having an open house gathering for Barak Obama at 1:00 til ? at 3244 Betty Brook Rd., South Kortright on Sat. June 28th. Light refreshments will be served.

All are welcome, bring the family or friends. Please call to confirm (or email). 607-538-9424 or ottoverks1@netzero.net.

Bring your ideas and enthusiasm.

The 2008 DCDC Annual Dinner was held last Saturday, June 21st, at the SUNY Delhi Alumni Hall Hospitality Center and a good time was had by all.

We had a rather lengthy but highly distinguished roster of speakers, including Congressman Steven Israel (NY2, Assistant Democratic Whip, and more), Congressman Maurice Hinchey and Delaware County CSEA Union President George Lawson.

The Democrat of the Year award was presented by Joan Homovich (last year’s recipient) to the lovely and talented Tom Coddington. Additional remarks and congratulations were offered by fellow Hartwick alum and DCDC 2nd Vice Chair Tom Schimmerling.

I think Lenny Sienko, former DCDC Chair and current Hancock Town Chair, summed it up for us all: “The decor, the food, the service, the atmosphere, the presentations were all done with ‘a touch of class’.”

If you missed it (or if you were there and want to relive fond memories), check out these photos from the event, courtesy of Dan Flanagan:

[Show as slideshow]

Governor Patterson’s office announced last week that his Economic Security Cabinet, made up of 20 state agencies, will hold a series of meetings with the citizenry to discuss the economy.

Brave man! Or, to be more accurate, brave staffers!

The meetings will begin promptly at 4 p.m. and end at 7 p.m. They will be held as follows:

June 19 Western NY Region - Erie Community College-Downtown

June 25 Finger Lakes Region - Rochester City Hall

June 26 Central NY Region - Onondaga Community College

July 1 Southern Tier Region - Broome Community College

July 7 Mohawk Valley Region - Mohawk Valley Community College

July 16 Watertown- Jefferson Community College Plattsburgh - Clinton Community College

July 24 Mid-Hudson Region - Orange County Community College

July 28 New York City- Brooklyn Borough Hall New York City- Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building Art Gallery 163 West 125th Street

July 30 Long Island Region - Farmingdale State College

July 31 New York City - York College/CUNY

Naturally, none of these are what you might call nearby — the closest meeting will be taking place on July 1st in the Binghamton area. Then again, it’s worth your while to go (if you can spare the gas) and offer your input.