Combined DFA/MC Progressive MeetUp Tues April 5th

We're meeting up 7 PM at the Dusit Thai Restaurant, 2404 University Blvd. W. Wheaton, MD. Mapquest link: http://tinyurl.com/5ayb8 - there are very few parking spots at the restaurant, so look for parking in the municipal lot at Price Ave. and Fern St. We'll meet in the side room. This will be an informal, fun meeting. We will set up task forces and working groups on key issues.

Future Events: We're combining with a local group called the Montgomery County Progressive Alliance - formerly known as Montgomery County for Kerry. First Meeting 7:30 PM April 21st (place TBA).

Montgomery County-Wide DFA Progressive MeetUp Tues. May 10th

7 PM Tuesday May 10th we'll host a Conversation with State Democratic Party Chair Terry Lierman at the Wheaton Library, 11701 Georgia Ave. Wheaton, MD in Room #2 on the lowest floor. Get there early as activists from all across Maryland will be attending and there are only about 50 places. For directions and information, see: http://tinyurl.com/5uoqs

We're stepping up activity and unity with like-minded groups and individuals in anticipation of critically important elections and legislation in Montgomery County, Annapolis, and on Capitol Hill. We're working closely with 1000s of Democracy for America and Progressive Democrats of America activists nationally. We're planning events and forums for candidates running for the Senate and Governor as well as local offices, and other special events. High on the agenda are neighborhood projects like community clean-ups and canned food drives, lobbying days and much more.

Please share this information with everyone you know who might be interested. If you haven't already, please join the MC Progressive Alliance discussion group by sending an email to: MC_Progressive_Alliance-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Corrections

CORRECTIONS: There is NO "Chair" of the MC Progressive Alliance.
Mary Belle Feltenstein was left off lists of steering committee members.

The newsletter erroneously identified a Chair of the organization, even though no one has been elected to that role. The Steering Committee is drafting a Charter and Bylaws for the group - subject to membership ratification. After that, there may be officers elected in addition to the Steering Committee, but there are no Chairpersons as of this time.

MC for Kerry Becomes the Montgomery County Progressive Alliance

At a general meeting on March 10, members of Montgomery County for Kerry voted to dissolve the organization and create a new one, the Montgomery County Progressive Alliance (MCPA). The following mission statement was adopted: Our mission is to promote progressive values, policies, and candidates for elected office in Montgomery County, throughout Maryland, and nationally.

The following were elected as members of the temporary steering committee: Mary Belle Feltenstein, Robert M. Colton, Mike Hersh, Art Fabel, Naomi Bloch, Tom Colbert, Win Allred, and Ben Vaughn. Thanks to outgoing steering committee members including Debbie Coburn, Hal Ginsberg, Ned Preston and others whose leadership and dedication cannot be replaced.

The next general meeting will be at 7:30 on Thursday, April 21, 2005, at a location to be announced.

The name of the organization changed, and some of the people who built up the organization and showed the way to the 2,000+ volunteers are taking on new endeavors. But the goals remain the same. Start at the local levels and build a country where the voices of everyone are heard and investments are made in people, education, and health.

That may mean different things to different people but we want a government that listens and then acts to maximize the benefit to everyone and plans for the future. So that is what this organization is about: Listening to everyone, connecting like minded people and organizations , and using these coalitions to help our present elected officials and future elected officials govern with true compassion.

Montgomery County Democratic Spring Ball

The Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee's Spring Ball is Saturday, May 7, 2005 at the Indian Spring Country Club from 6:30 to 8pm will be the reception and silent auction, at 8-10pm will be the dinner/program/dancing. For tickets, Contact the MCDCC at 301-946-1000.

This is the MCDCC's biggest annual event, and lots of state and local Democratic celebrities will be there. The silent auction is the fundraising part of the event. We are looking for volunteers to: solicit donated items from individuals, organizations and/or businesses; help set up the auction during the day; and to help man the auction in the evening.

We are looking for donated items for the auction, which can be anything from retail coupons, books, videos, political memorabilia, tickets to sports or cultural events, a stay at someone's vacation condo, artwork, etc. Those interested in volunteering and/or donating something for the auction should contact debbiecoburn@aol.com.