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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
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ECDP 2008 Dinner Recap
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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 7th 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
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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
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Schedule
For details on Dems and Friends Activities
follow this link...Calendar
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