The Official Voice of the Anderson County Tennessee Democratic Party Dec. 2015 Issue 8
Happy Hanukah, Merry Christmas, and Joyous Kwanza to all!
Winter Holiday Party a success!!
Enjoying the food at the Winter Holiday Party!
On the evening of Tuesday, December 8th the Anderson
County Democratic Party in conjunction with the Anderson
County Democratic Women hosted the annual Winter Holiday Party. This took place at the Oak Ridge Unitarian
Church and started at 6 PM.
Despite some members of the party who were out of town
for family functions (you were missed!), turnout was good.
Those who made it were treated to tasty food, drinks, and
desert. Many people who came bought unique dishes of
their own to share. It seems a lot of people in the county
party have culinary talent that I (Scott Julius, who could
burn water) lack!
After the meal and some good company while dining, we
heard from our County Trustee Rodney Archer. He gave a
heartfelt statement with an appropriate mix of seriousness
and humor. In this speech, he emphasized the need to get
out to vote. Mr. Archer also made a good point when he
said “Too often we allow the other side to define us”.
The dinner concluded with the swearing in of the new officers of the Democratic Women. Pat Combs, regional chair of
the Democratic Women, swore them in handing them each
a certificate. Lastly, Jean Hiser presented county Democratic woman chair Ann Mostoller with a well deserved gift.
A debate watch party in February!
The Anderson County Democratic Party is working on preparations for hosting a watch party for the Democratic Party
presidential debate for February 11th, 2016. It looks like
the time it will start will be at 9PM (the debate start time).
At this time, the party is still working out a location to host
this event. Most likely we’ll ask people to bring a dish to
share with the debate watchers. As we get more information about this, we’ll share it with you in The Anderson
County Democrat so watch this space in the next couple
issues for details!
“Too often we allow the other side to define us”
Rodney Archer, Anderson County Trustee speaking at the Winter
Holiday Party on December 8th.
“People need to know we exist, many people don’t know we’re
here. “
Bob Cowen, Chair of Roane County Democratic Party, at the Labor
Day picnic.
Editor: Pat Fain
Asst. Editor: Scott Julius
Consulting: Catherine Denenberg
Contact us: [email protected]
Anderson County Democratic Party: Respect….Inclusion….Equality
The Anderson County Democrat
A “Year in Review” by Assistant Editor Scott Julius
December 2015, Issue 8,
Page 2
Hello President Obama!!!!
It has been quite a year hasn’t it? At the national, state, and local level
2015 has been eventful. That’s why The Anderson County Democrat has
dedicated the final issue of 2015 for a look back at this year. As you’ll see
we had plenty going on and many ways to get involved. Speaking of getting
involved, this look back will show many places you can get involved in the
county party. If you know of anyone who may want to make a difference,
forward them this issue. There are plenty of ways to be active and stay
involved, if only people knew more about us! Too many people don’t know
we’re here and that needs to change. We can’t do this alone, so spread the
word!
In 2016 we’ll be continuing to look at issues facing the country and profiling the candidates views on them. As the election draws closer, we’ll be
taking a closer look at those running for office at all levels. We hope to
even have some of the candidates running at the local level even submit
articles for publication in this newsletter. It certainly would be a good way
to get word out about their campaign!
It has been a pleasure and a fun challenge putting together these newsletters this year. From the emails back and forth, planning meetings for the
next issue over coffee at Books A Million, and the satisfaction of seeing the
final draft get sent out Pat and I have enjoyed publishing The Anderson
County Democrat. We hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as we enjoy making
it. Have a Happy New Year and look for us in the email inbox again in January 2016!
In January President Obama paid the Knoxville area
his first visit while in office! He gave a speech at
Pellissippi State Community College then toured
Techmer PM in Clinton.
Anderson County Democrats lined the road leading
into Techmer PM to greet the President. It may’ve
been cold, but that didn’t stop us from welcoming
him! The excitement was in the air as his motorcade
approached us. Best yet, President Obama even
waived at us as he drove by! This is a day no one
who came will forget, especially the two lucky county Democrats that got to shake his hand in Knoxville!
Tennessee Democratic Party Chairwoman Mari Mancini comes to Oak Ridge in February!
In February, Mari Mancini, the newly
elected Chairwoman of the Tennessee
Democratic Party went on a talking
tour around the Volunteer State to talk
about the state of the party and how
we can win elections again. One of the
things that stuck out was how she said
that if the district lines were drawn
fairly, Tennessee would be more of a
purple state.
Before her talk, she went around the
room hearing the concerns of county
Democrats and getting to know the
people of our county. It was refreshing
to know we have good party leadership in Nashville!
Anderson County Democratic Party: Respect….Inclusion….Equality
The Anderson County Democrat
December 2015, Issue 8,
Page 3
Happy Cinco de Maya! A fiesta for the party in May!
In May, we had a Cinco de Maya fiesta! Originally this was
supposed to be the Chili Supper but mother nature with
her icy fury had other plans. So we made it into a Cinco de
Maya fiesta instead complete with salsa, corn chips, guacamole, and other Mexican foods. Party member Ray Garrett
even came with a sombrero (see left photo)!
In addition to great food, we got to hear a speech from
John Litz, who is the vice-chair of the Tennessee Democratic Party (see right photo, pictured with ACDP vice-chair
Herman Collins). He talked about how the political pendulum has swung far to the right in Tennessee and is due to
swing back our way again.
Secret City Festival
In June, we had our booth at the Secret
City Festival in Oak Ridge (left). Local Democrats had fun staffing the booth and we
sold much Democratic memorabilia. Many
thanks to those who came and helped us!
County Fair
In July, we had our booth at the Anderson
County Fair in Clinton. This year was special
as we won “Best of Show” and “First Place”
among the booths (right)! That was some
nice decorating talent on the part of party
chair Catherine who helped put this together.
In June, we also had a celebration for the
many recent Supreme Court decisions
made in our favor. The Republican part
may have had a nervous breakdown over
these defeats, but the world kept turning!
Democrats are on the correct side of history...and with the re-districting decision,
our votes to keep making history are
made that much easier! Plus the cupcakes
by Amanda Julius (left) were a hit!
In July, you have to beat the summer heat
with ice cream severed by our very own
Beth Hickman (right) at Baskin Robbins!
Best yet, proceeds helped S.A.R.G (Shelter
Animals Rescue Group).
Anderson County Democratic Party: Respect….Inclusion….Equality
The Anderson County Democrat
December 2015, Issue 8,
Page 4
On this final page, I make a collage of random photos from party
events throughout the year. There are simply more events that
happened in 2015 than I have room to cover in one issue! So enjoy the walk down memory lane. Look at all we ended up doing….still think there’s nothing going on and no way to get involved?
Anderson County Democratic Party: Respect….Inclusion….Equality