Important Updates- August 16, 2005

As the long hot summer lingers, we're heading into a very active next few months. There are ongoing opportunities to volunteer at People for the American Way at their Dupont Circle offices - 2000 M Street NW 5th floor RSVP: (202) 467-2393 or volunteer@pfaw.org.

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Immediate Events: Please Support my friend Cindy Sheehan: http://www.crawfordpeacehouse.org/

I know Cindy Sheehan. She's a great person and she deserves our support, especially as the White House / Right Wing smear machine goes into high gear. I helped set up a website to help her: CindySheehan.com - http://www.CindySheehan.com please sign the petition to help her get a chance to give her side of the story. Also, call to voice your support for Cindy: (214)764-6668

Moveon.org along with Democracy for America and True Majority are hosting candlelight vigils in support of Cindy Sheehan. Two are being hosted in Germantown and Olney by local DFAers. You can click on the following link to set up a vigil:
http://political.moveon.org/event/cindyvigils/

Please attend one of these or a vigil close to your home this Wednesday night.

Vigil for Peace and Truth Outside Black Rock Center for the Arts 17 Aug 07:30 PM, Location: Germantown, MD 20874 Host: Sharon Polidoro Status: Public, open for RSVP, 49 Guests (Max 250)
http://political.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=3723

Candlelight Vigil in support of Cindy Sheehan corner of Georgia Ave. and 108 17 Aug 07:30 PM, Location: Olney, MD 20832 Host: Gina Angiola and Felicia Kimmel Status: Public, open for RSVP, 22 Guests (Max 500)
http://political.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=3835

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Upcoming Events:

1. MeetUp with Steve Silverman, County Executive Candidate
* Changed location and time *

2. Out of Iraq Actions, Bike for Peace, and DC Green Festival September 24-26

3. Maryland State-Wide Progressive Conference at College Park in October

4. Reminders: Please sign up with DFA-Tools:
http://tools.democracyforamerica.com/link/register.php?

Please join the Montgomery County Progressive Alliance:
http://mc-progressivealliance.com/

Please sign up for the MCPA Newsletter:
http://mc-progressivealliance.com/phplist/?p=subscribe&id=1

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1. MeetUp with Steve Silverman, County Executive Candidate

When: 7:30 PM Tuesday, September 6

Where: Meeting Room A
Bethesda - Chevy Chase Regional Services Center
4805 Edgemoor Lane
Bethesda, MD 20814
240-777-2706

Map / Directions: http://tinyurl.com/d7kse

PLEASE RSVP promptly so I can tell them how many of us to expect.

We're going to meet with the Montgomery County Democracy for America groups this month at the Bethesda Chevy Chase Regional Services Center in Meeting Room A on the second floor - elevator access. We'll begin at about 7:30 PM. Candidate for County Executive Steve Silverman is expected at 7:45. We have the Room until 10:00 PM.

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2. Out of Iraq Actions, Bike for Peace, and DC Green Festival September 24-26

We're helping to plan and will participate in several important events including a demonstrations and speeches Sept. 24th near the Washington Monument, teach-ins, and training sessions Sept. 25th planned for the UDC Law School, and lobbying members of Congress Sept. 26th on Capitol Hill. Watch for more details as available.

We will also participate in the Washington DC Green Festival. Exciting speakers including Gold Star Families for Peace co-founder Cindy Sheehan, Rep. Dennis Kucinich, Investigative Journalist Greg Palast, Code Pink founder Medea Benjamin, United for Peace and Justice founder Rev. Graylan Hagler. September 24, 10AM-9PM, September 25, 11AM-7PM. DC Convention Center 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW

Please let me know if you're able to house out-of-town attendees for the above events: mikehersh@mikehersh.com

Our friend Kim Louth is organizing a Bike for Peace Event with a Debate Contest tie-in set for Sunday September 25th. Please see her DFA Potomac MeetUp site for information:
http://dfa.meetup.com/818/

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3. Maryland State-Wide Progressive Conference at College Park in October

We're working with Democracy for Maryland, the College Park College Democrats, and others on an exciting one-day event planned for late October focusing on Ending the Iraq War, Verified Voting, and Empowering the Grass Roots in Maryland as we gear up for the 2006 Elections and Legislative Session. Volunteer to help with organizing, designing graphics, getting the word out, and much more. Please contact Mike Hersh at MikeHersh@MikeHersh.com to volunteer. Provide full contact information, what you'd like to help do and any other relevant info like experience, skills, time and dates available etc.

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4. Reminders: Please sign up with DFA-Tools
http://tools.democracyforamerica.com/link/register.php?

We're going to start using it as an eventual replacement for Meetup.com. I will keep various MeetUp sites going through December, but we'll start using the DFA-Link site now. Once your account is set up, join the Montgomery County Progressive Alliance / DFA group:
http://tools.democracyforamerica.com/link/group.php?id=156

You can also join the following groups:

Democracy for Maryland
http://tools.democracyforamerica.com/link/group.php?id=236

Montgomery County DFA
http://tools.democracyforamerica.com/link/group.php?id=237

Kim Louth's Potomac MD DFA
http://tools.democracyforamerica.com/link/group.php?id=241

Prince Georges DFA
http://tools.democracyforamerica.com/link/group.php?id=164

Univ. of Maryland College Democrats / DFA
http://tools.democracyforamerica.com/link/group.php?id=133

David Bailey's Gaithersburg DFA
http://tools.democracyforamerica.com/link/group.php?id=212

American University / Generation DFA
http://tools.democracyforamerica.com/link/group.php?id=94

DC for Democracy DFA
http://tools.democracyforamerica.com/link/group.php?id=205

See more groups at
http://tools.democracyforamerica.com/link/index.php

Stay involved and informed. Join the Montgomery County Progressive Alliance:
http://mc-progressivealliance.com/

Sign up for the MCPA Newsletter:
http://mc-progressivealliance.com/phplist/?p=subscribe&id=1

Thanks for reading this far!

Mike Hersh / 301-933-7169

- Chairperson, Montgomery County Progressive Alliance
http://www.mc-progressivealliance.com

- Organizer, Democracy for America Silver Spring-Wheaton
http://www.democracyforamerica.com

- Maryland State Coordinator, Progressive Democrats of America
http://www.pdamerica.org

- Radio Left Co-host - http://www.radioleft.com

- MikeHersh.com - http://www.mikehersh.com

Please Keep the Left Alive. Support:

- CindySheehan.com - http://www.CindySheehan.com

- "Become the Media Project" -
http://www.mikehersh.com/Become_The_Media.shtm

- Openly Oppose Bush Store - http://www.cafepress.com/antibush04

- After Downing Street Coalition http://www.afterdowningstreet.org

- Media Watch Project - http://www.democrats.com/media

Upcoming Events

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY PROGRESSIVE ALLIANCE NEWSLETTER JUNE 8, 2005

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Upcoming Events (More Details Below)

1. Conversation with MD Democratic Chairman Terry Lierman 7 PM June 9
2. Leisure World Democrats Host Roger Manno 7 PM June 9
3. Reception for Martin O'Malley 1 PM June 11
4. Doug Duncan's Prince Georges Barbeque 6 PM June 16
5. Young Democrats Anacostia River Cleanup 10 AM June 18
6. Elijah Cummings at the Breakfast Club 7:30 AM June 20
7. Greater Silver Spring Dems Mayor Martin O'Malley 6 PM June 22

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Stay up-to-date. Visit the website: http://www.mc-progressivealliance.com/
Please help spread the word! Forward this newsletter in email, print out, share, post on bulletin boards, leave in coffee house, libraries etc. Let us know when you connect with these or other groups and projects. Don't be shy. Inform us about projects you want to work on or need help with. Share ideas for topics, issues, speakers, and more to artfabel@comcast.net or call (301)-460-5716.

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GET INVOLVED WITH AREA EVENTS AND NATIONAL EFFORTS

Election Day November 2, 2004 we shared a vision about what we could do after Jan 20, 2005. The vision remains even if our schedule changed. Now, reaching out and working together is more important than ever. How can we make Montgomery County, Maryland, and the USA better? MCPA is answering that question. Ongoing efforts need volunteers.

We're making connections by supporting and working with / on:
Becoming the Media: http://www.mikehersh.com/Become_The_Media.shtm
Verifiable Voting: http://www.truevotemd.org/
Keeping Kids Safe from War: http://www.LeaveMyChildAlone.org
Teaching Kids the Facts: http://www.TeachTheFacts.org
Protecting the American Way: http://www.pfaw.org
Ending the Occupation of Iraq: http://www.pdamerica.com
Inquiry into Administration Crimes: http://www.AfterDowningStreet.org
Learning Facts about Iraq: http://uslaboragainstwar.org/calendar.php
Getting Affordable Housing: http://tinyurl.com/a58hg
Quality Health Care for All: http://www.americansforhealthcare.org
Sponsoring Sensible Drug Policy: http://www.ssdp.org/
Volunteering with the MC Democratic Central Committee: (301)-946-1000
Helping Crime Victims: https://volunteer.united-e-way.org/vsm/org/454310.html
Ending Violence and Abuse: http://www.aardvarc.org/dv/states/mddv.shtml
Community Service with Young Democrats: www.ydmaryland.org/

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

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1. Conversation with Maryland Democratic Chairman Terry Lierman
7-9 PM, Thursday June 9 (Rescheduled from May 10th)
Long Branch Public Library
8800 Garland Ave, Silver Spring, MD
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/7z2ot

The Montgomery County DFA MeetUp groups will host Terry Lierman, Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party to discuss local, state and national issues - including what we think the Democratic Party should be doing. Guests and new members welcome.

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2. Leisure World Democratic Club will host Roger Manno
7 PM Thursday, June 9
Leisure World, Ballroom of Clubhouse One
3701 Leisure World Boulevard, Silver Spring, MD
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/b92z8 or http://tinyurl.com/aq7ar

The Capitol Hill Legislative expert on the hidden horrors in the Bush Budget and Cheryl Kagan, former MC co-chair of the Kerry Edwards campaign will speak and answer questions.

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3. Reception for Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley
1 - 2:30 PM Saturday, June 11
Activity Center at Bohrer Park (Summit Hall Farm), 506 S. Frederick Avenue (Route 355) Gaithersburg
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/dtx77 or http://tinyurl.com/askdh
The Baltimore Mayor and Governor Candidate will host a reception.
See: http://www.friendsofomalley.org

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4. Doug Duncan's Prince Georges Barbeque
6 PM - 9 PM Thursday, June 16 Rain or Shine!
Newton White Mansion, 2708 Enterprise Road, Mitchellville, MD
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/73nup

Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan invites you to his Prince George's Community BBQ featuring the Marcus Johnson Band
Adults - $20.00, Seniors (65+) and Children (12 and under) - FREE

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5. Young Dems Anacostia River Cleanup
10 AM - 1 PM Saturday, June 18th
Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Rd., Bladensburg, MD 20710
Map and Directions: http://tinyurl.com/989km
http://www.anacostiaws.org/pics/watershedmap7.jpg

Young Democrats of Maryland www.ydmaryland.org/ will help keep the Anacostia River clean. Help fulfill the Democratic Party's commitment to protect our rivers and streams. For Future Projects and ideas contact the following coordinators:
Mel Franklin mel.democrat@gmail.com
Robert Friedman rfriedman88@gmail.com 301-254-0774
Denise Barnes (St. Mary's County) 240-431-1037

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6. Rockville Mid-County Democratic Breakfast Club Monday June 20, 2005
7:30 AM to 8:45 AM (yes that's in the morning!)
Original Ambrosia Restaurant
12015F Rockville Pike Rockville, Maryland 20852
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/bs4cp or http://tinyurl.com/bjxg2

Congressman Elijah Cummings will speak about the 2006 Governor's Race.
The relocated Original Ambrosia Restaurant is in the southernmost building in the Montrose Crossing Shopping Plaza, behind Old Navy. There are hundreds of parking places in its immediate proximity. Ingress/egress by car is either via Rockville Pike or Randolph Road. White Flint Metro Rail station is exactly one half mile south of the restaurant. For more info: Susan Magazine Telephone 301-340-8300 smagazine@magazinehillman.com

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7. Greater Silver Spring Democratic Club hosts Martin O'Malley
6 - 8 PM Wednesday, June 22nd
Christ Congressional Church
9525 Colesville Road in Silver Spring
Map / Directions: http://tinyurl.com/a7zyw

Baltimore Mayor and Candidate for Governor Martin O'Malley will appear.
See: http://www.friendsofomalley.org

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Wear your politics on your sleeve. Openly Oppose Bush Store: http://www.cafepress.com/antibush04

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Add / Change / Update your information to help us inform and involve you and tell your Montgomery County friends and others to sign up here: http://mc-progressivealliance.com/phplist/?p=subscribe&id=1

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Upcoming Events

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1. Ralph Neas of PFAW at Leisure World Thursday May 12
2. Sam Smith at Greens' Meeting Saturday May 14
3. Pete Seeger's 86th Birthday Concert Sunday May 15 (Philadelphia)
4. Rockville Mid-County Democratic Breakfast Club Monday May 16
5. Howard Dean in Montgomery County Rally Tuesday May 17th
6. MCPA Meeting Thursday May 19th
7. Potomac DFA meeting Tuesday May 24th
8. Chevy Chase-Bethesda DFA Meeting with Ike Leggett Weds. June 1
9. Take Back America Conference Wed. June 1 to Fri. June 3
10. DFA MeetUps Host Conversation with Terry Lierman Thursday June 9
11. The Stop Global Warming Virtual March on Washington (Ongoing)
12. Stay Informed and Involved with MCPA


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1. Leisure World Democratic Club hosts PFAW Director Ralph Neas

7 PM Thursday, May 12 - Leisure World, Ballroom of Clubhouse One
3701 Leisure World Boulevard, Silver Spring, MD
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/b92z8 or http://tinyurl.com/aq7ar

Ralph Neas of activist organization People for the American Way will talk about the threat to the filibuster, U.S. Senate rule that protects the rights of the minority party. Light refreshments at 7 PM, program at 7:30. Delegate Carol Petzold will introduce Mr. Neas and review Maryland's Assembly history for the last session.

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2. Sam Smith to Speak 6 to 7 pm May 14th

Montgomery Greens' May meeting banning+Low on Antique Row
3730 Howard Avenue in Kensington
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/abwbg or http://tinyurl.com/cglal

DC-area pundit Sam Smith, who is a prolific author, activist, and social critic, will speak. Smith is a longtime supporter and astute observer of the American political scene with a special interest in the Green Party. Smith's online journal, The Progressive Review, has been likened by some to the crusading left journalism and acerbic observations of I.F. Stone. For more information on Sam Smith, go to: www.prorev.com. For more information on banning+Low, go to: www.banningandlow.com

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3. Scheduled for 7 PM May 15 (Sunday): Philadelphia, PA

Sing Out! Concert honoring Pete Seeger The "Where Have All the Flowers Gone" concert will be sponsored by Sing Out! magazine at Keswick Theater in Glenside, PA, near Philadephia. The concert is. Pete will be the guest of honor and performers include Bruce Cockburn, Judy Collins, Ronnie Gilbert, Ginny Hawker & Tracy Schwarz, Janis Ian, Natalie Merchant, Holly Near, Odetta, Bernice Johnson Reagon, and Stephan Smith. Proceeds from the concert will benefit Sing Out! a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. For tickets and other information, visit the Sing Out! website for more info on this event: http://singout.org/whfgconcert.html

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4. Rockville Mid-County Democratic Breakfast Club Monday May 16, 2005

Representative Benjamin L. Cardin will speak on Social Security
TIME: 7:30 am to 8:45 am (yes that's in the morning!)
PLACE: Original Ambrosia Restaurant
12015F Rockville Pike Rockville, Maryland 20852
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/bs4cp or http://tinyurl.com/bjxg2

Relocated Original Ambrosia Restaurant is in the southernmost building in the Montrose Crossing Shopping Plaza, behind Old Navy. There are hundreds of parking places in its immediate proximity. Ingress/egress by car is either via Rockville Pike or Randolph Road. White Flint Metro Rail station is exactly one half mile south of the restaurant. For more info: Susan Magazine Telephone 301-340-8300 smagazine@magazinehillman.com

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5. Howard Dean in Montgomery County Rally

5:30 to 7:30 pm, Tuesday, May 17th
The Promenade, Music Center at Strathmore
5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/crrdy

Events are first come, first serve and tickets must be purchased in advance - proceeds benefit the Maryland Democratic Party. Howard Dean will also appear at a private VIP Reception from 5:30 to 6:15 pm. VIP Reception Tickets - $1,000 donation per person, Rally Tickets - $75 donation per person, Seniors - $50 donation per senior, Students - $25 donation per student with ID. Buy tickets online for the rally: http://tinyurl.com/dtttc

Once you've bought your ticket, please forward the email confirmation you receive to Kim Louth ( louth@comcast.net ) or Mike Hersh ( mikehersh@mikehersh.com ) so we can deliver it to MD Democratic Chairman Terry Lierman along with a signed copy of the resolution on Withdrawal from Iraq we plan to present to Howard Dean. (Of course, block out any credit card info.)

All events will be near the Grosvenor Metro stop on the Redline. Outdoor Special Events Parking on site, and other parking located in the Metro Garage off Tuckerman Lane ($4 Monday-Friday, must be paid using a Metro SmarTrip card, available at all Metro Stations). Limited short-term parking available at specially marked meters along Tuckerman Lane. For more information, see: http://www.mddems.org or call 301-858-8818 or 410-269-8818.

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6. MCPA Meeting (The group that runs this newsletter and more)

7-9PM Thursday, May 19th
Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School Cafeteria
4301 East-West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814
(near the intersection with Wisconsin Avenue)

Directions: http://tinyurl.com/clay4

We'll continue work on Political Action, Media, Community Service, and much more, and invite guest speakers to lead discussion on ways to get things done.

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7. Potomac DFA MeetUp 7-9PM May 24th
Hunter's Inn - 10123 River Road (Corner of Falls and River Road)
Potomac, MD 20854 - 301 299-9300
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/7wuet
Sign up and more info: http://dfa.meetup.com/818/

Kim Louth organizes substantive meetings leading to action on important topics each month. Kim writes: "We need everyone - we are going to start work on our Bike for Peace Project and our Buy Blue Local Network!" Guests and new members welcome.

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8. Chevy Chase-Bethesda DFA Meeting with Ike Leggett

7-9 PM, Wednesday June 1
Chevy Chase Library, downstairs meeting room.
8005 Connecticut Ave. Chevy Chase, MD 20815
(NOT the Chevy Chase DC Library at 5625 Connecticut Avenue, N.W DC)
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/de9ue

Ike Leggett, declared candidate for County Executive will discuss county issues with DFA members. Guests and new members welcome.

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9. Take Back America Conference Washington Hilton

2:00 pm Wednesday, June 1 and ongoing
(Please arrive at least an hour early to register)
1919 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/a9fjr or http://tinyurl.com/a25t2

Cost Varies from $25.00 - $325.00

Join thousands of fellow activists, elected officials, national opinion leaders and celebrities at The Campaign for America's Future's 2005 Take Back America Conference Join with progressives across the country for the most important gathering of activists, leaders and thinkers this year. Discuss strategies and an agenda for change, identify key issue campaigns, and kick off the drive to Take Back America.

Information: Natalie P. Shear Associates
Telephone: 202-483-3000 / 1-800-833-1354
http://www.ourfuture.org/projects/national_conference/2005/about.cfm

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10. Conversation with Maryland Democratic Chairman Terry Lierman

7-9 PM, Thursday June 9 (Rescheduled from May 10th)
Long Branch Public Library
8800 Garland Ave, Silver Spring, MD
Directions: http://tinyurl.com/7z2ot

The Montgomery County DFA MeetUp groups will host Terry Lierman, Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party to discuss local, state and national issues - including what we think the Democratic Party should be doing. Guests and new members welcome.

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11. The Stop Global Warming Virtual March on Washington

Please help Robert Kennedy Jr, concerned scientists, activists, elected officials, and me. This virtual march to stop global warming is an essential ethical action. We have an overriding moral obligation to protect our planet, and pass along our stewardship to the next generations. We only have one planet Earth, and we cannot afford to harm her. Nothing is more important. Join the march here: http://tinyurl.com/ahfbr

You will see this: "Welcome, Mike!" Don't be confused. This is the key part: "If you would like to join Mike on the March, please sign up below." Just add your contact information to join the march!

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12. Stay Informed and Involved with MCPA

If you haven't already, sign up for this website:
http://www.mc-progressivealliance.com/civicspace-0.8.0.3

Join our Discussion group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MC_Progressive_Alliance/

Join our MeetUp Group: http://dfa.meetup.com/721/

Submit Action Alerts, Events, and Articles for publication at the Blog, Website and Newsletter to Art Fabel artfabel@comcast.net and Mike Hersh mikehersh@mikehersh.com - please edit, spell-check, and proof read to help us include your submissions. For meetings and events, include sponsor and contact person, time, place (full street address), date, and summary of agenda, etc.