Dems and Friends of Eaton County Michigan

2009 Annual Eaton County Democratic Party Dinner Recap!

Eaton County Democrats came out in record numbers on October 8 for the third annual "Democrats in Action" dinner. Over 170 tickets were sold, and those attending were in a celebratory mood even in an "off-election" year. Speakers included Congressman Mark Schauer, who slipped in from Washington to greet us before heading back to work. Joe Brehler, chair of the Eaton County Commission, was keynote speaker and told us about the successes Democrats have had since taking control of the Commission, along with his vision of ongoing efforts to make Eaton County a better place to live. Mark Brewer, MDP Chair, gave us an update from the statewide perspective.

Neighboring legislators from Ingham County, Barb Byrum and Joan Bauer, dashed in to greet folks before heading back to the Capitol to deal with budget negotiations. They are always so supportive and we appreciate their efforts to join us, even briefly!

We heard from gubernatorial candidates Senator Alma Wheeler Smith and John Freeman, and Lt. Gov. John Cherry was ably represented by his wife, Pam Faris. In addition, attorney Richard Bernstein, who is considering a run for Attorney General, gave a brief talk. Court of Appeals Judge Douglas Shapiro, and two announced candidates for 71st District St. Rep., Mark Eagle and Bob Robinson, also attended. Democratic county commissioners and Delta Township officials rounded out our list of dignitaries!

The door prizes were again a big hit, particularly the week at Lake Anne Louise Resort in the Upper Peninsula donated by Tom and Donna Hay. Commissioners Carol Strachan and Roger Harris sold lots of 50/50 tickets, and the Silent Auction, though smaller than in the past, had quality items which were snapped up. We sold some Eaton County Democratic Party merchandise, and have a few t-shirts, hats, buttons and stickers left which will be at Party meetings while supplies last.

Many thanks to all the volunteers who worked on the dinner. We couldn't have done it without you! And for those of you who couldn't make it this year, we hope to see you in 2010!

Jacky Tennis, Events Chair

ECDP

ECDP 2008 Dinner Recap

This year’s dinner happened on a lovely clear fall evening, and there was no ducking from tornado warnings! Volunteers from the Waverly High School Jazz Band again played during the social hour as folks mingled before dinner.

Harry Moore and Sherry Freeman were our welcoming team, and Tom Anderson provided the invocation and led us in singing America the Beautiful. MC Joe Brehler started the evening by introducing Chris Lewless form the Obama campaign, who was followed by greetings from Rep. Mike Simpson, MDP Chair Mark Brewer, and Supreme Court Nominee (and now Justice!) Diane Marie Hathaway.

In addition to the speakers, honored guests included all eight county commissioners and three of the four additional candidates; Delta township candidates; Judge Julie Reincke, and State Rep. Joan Bauer, who joined us from Lansing. Rep. Barb Byrum, who had a conflict, sent her staffer, Gail Schupbach, to represent her. We are grateful for the support of our elected officials and candidates!

We were prescient in inviting our new Congressman, Mark Schauer, to be our keynote speaker! Mark gave his usual rousing speech and spelled out his hopes for changing the image and conduct of the 7^th Congressional District! (Congratulations, Mark!!!)

Thanks to organizations and individuals who purchased entire tables – some 200 tickets were sold – and to everyone who attended for a great evening of fellowship and good food! Thanks to the caterer for carving Barack Obama’s symbol and name on a watermelon – quite unsolicited and very much appreciated!

Congratulations to Ben and Lisa Lyons for winning the main door prize, a week at Lake Anne Louise Resort in Blaney Park!

Special thanks to all of the volunteers who helped make the dinner a success. Mark and Bonnie Smith coordinated the Silent Auction; Liana Bennet put together the electronic display; Brenda Simpson and Bonnie Smith created the centerpieces; Assistant Treasurer Howard Pizzo, Nell Pizzo and Jacky Tennis worked on the ticket sales; and County Commissioners Carol Strachan and Linda Keefe handled the 50/50 raffle.

Other decorating and planning help was provided by Barb Andersen, Sallee Anderson, Glenn Freeman, Jessica Madden, Mark Eagle, Cal Simpson, Chris Walker, and Darrell Tennis.

Of course, we are all winners as Eaton County Democrats, and we hope this dinner shows by a turnout even larger than last year’s that Democrats are going to continue to bring change to Eaton County! If you couldn't make it to the dinner, we hope to see you at future activities!

Thanks to all who participated – it was a great evening!

The Dinner Committee

ECDP 2007 Dinner Recap

Despite the threat of severe weather, over 150 folks came to Thursday’s "Eaton County Democrats in Action" dinner at the Grand Ledge Country Club! A temporary delay and ducking for cover until the tornado threat passed did not dampen folks’ enthusiasm, and we enjoyed spending the evening with fellow Eaton County Democrats and guests.

Volunteers from the Waverly High School Jazz Band played during the social hour – truly terrific young folks providing lovely background ambience.

State Reps. Mike Simpson and Barb Byrum joined us and introduced our speakers, MDP Chair Mark Brewer and MDP Treasurer Dianne Byrum. We are pleased to have Mike Simpson representing a portion of Eaton County, and Barb Byrum has always been very helpful and supportive, even though she is in Ingham County! Remarks by Dianne and Mark were inspirational and informative. We are very grateful for their taking time to join us and congratulate us on our achievements!

All eight Democratic Commissioners, as well as Delta Twp Trustee Sherry Freeman, were honored as leaders in our efforts to bring change to Eaton County. Recognition was extended to Judge Julie Reincke, who was unable to attend, for her stunning victory last year. We are hoping to have additional candidates next year for countywide and township offices as well as the county commission.

Sharon Renier and Senate Minority Leader Mark Schauer, both candidates for the 7th District Congressional seat, were recognized, along with Mark Eagle, who is running for 71st State Representative, Lawrence Hidalgo, candidate for the LCC Board of Trustees, and Don Willems, candidate for Grand Ledge City Council. We are grateful for the support of our elected officials and candidates!

Special thanks to all of the volunteers who helped make the dinner a success. The dinner committee met frequently and just about all were able to pitch in on putting up the decorations. Joe Brehler, Chair of the Eaton County Commission, did an outstanding job as MC. Mark and Bonnie Smith coordinated the Silent Auction; Vice Chair Ryan Latourette put together the electronic display; Sandy and David Kallen created the centerpieces; Pattie Dickinson designed the cupcake flag; Assistant Treasurer Howard Pizzo worked on the ticket sales and County Commissioners Carol Strachan and Linda Keefe handled the 50/50 raffle.

Other decorating and planning help was provided by Barb Andersen, Sallee Anderson, Becky Hilgert, John & Carol Strachan, Connie Lawson, Harry Moore, Rosemary DiPonio, Sherry Freeman, Jeanne Wright, Cal & Brenda Simpson, Chris Walker, and Darrell & Jacky Tennis. And of course, thanks to UAW 602 President Doug Rademacher for the invocation, and Tom Anderson, Diane Britt and Jim Dickinson for leading us in singing "America the Beautiful"!

Congratulations to James and Martha Miller for winning the main door prize, a week at Lake Anne Louise Resort in Blaney Park, and to winners of the TV, DVD player, Dell Printer, etc.

Of course, we are all winners as Eaton County Democrats, and we hope this dinner shows by the terrific turnout that Democrats are going to continue to bring change to Eaton County! By working together we will be able to continue to surprise with our success, not only raising money to further our goals, but receiving recognition for our efforts! If you couldn't make it to the dinner, we hope to see you at future activities!

Thanks to all who participated – it was a great evening!

The Dinner Committee