Holiday Get Together at Casey's

Our October meeting at Casey's was a great success... Won't you join us for a December get together? Not a regular meeting but a great gab fest to review the triumphs and troubles of 2009 and reinvent ourselves for 2010!

Let us know if you can attend: Casey's 7pm, Friday December 18. Send an RSVP to the blog editor ruthjcommunications@comcast.net so we can reserve a spot for you. You can order from the menu anything from a cup of coffee to a full dinner or dessert.

Not a great election for local Democrats

Local candidates just couldn't overcome the overwhelming Republican registration. But we congratulate those who did run and vow to build a bigger base to support those who will run in the future.

Lively Meeting at Casey's

Lively meeting and good discussion about everything from health care reform to local politics. Don't miss the next alternative to the regular business meeting. Meanwhile DO come to the Monday, November 9th meeting at the Greencastle Presbyterian Church at 7 pm.

Car Pool to Harrisburg

Want to rally for single payer in Harrisburg on October 20? We're setting up a car pool for Greencastle Antrim folks to travel there. Call Ruth or Dan 717 685 8005.

Contact Pennsylvania Senators

It is still important to call our Senators again before Tuesday markup of the health care legislation and and among your requests for a public option, please urge them to support Sen. Blanche Lincoln's Finance Amendment D-3 which speaks to Medicare Reimbursement for Licensed Professional Counselors.

Chambersburg Dems Host Health Care Discussion

The US Health Care System -- how it works, who pays for it, etc. Five spokespersons representing the medical society, the Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce, the insurance federation, the hospitals and health care providers association and a professor of economics from Shippensburg University, will discuss the issues from their perspectives. October 1, 7:30 pm - 10 pm, 159 S. Main --Capitol Theater complex in Chambersburg. Ask the tough questions!

RALLY FOR SINGLE PAYER IN PENNSYLVANIA

Single payer may be "off the table" on Capitol Hill but we can still fight for it in the Pennsylvania state legislature. We're organizing a group to travel to a big rally on Tuesday, October 20 in Harrisburg. Call 717 685 8005 if you would like to take part. We have a chance to lead the way. For more information on the single payer legislation that has been introduced, check out the web site which details the bill and the supporters. http://www.healthcare4allpa.org/legis.htm

President's Speech Could be a Game Changer

President Obama appealed to the better nature of the American people and of his opponents in Congress tonight to put aside politics and work on behalf of the millions who have no health insurance, the tens of thousands who are denied proper care because they haven't "enough" insurance, and the tens of thousands who are cut off from care because of previous conditions. You can listen to the President's inspiring message by going to http://www.whitehouse.gov/ The speech and a discussion of the issues are featured. Then get on the phone, send an email and call your friends and families around the nation .... tell them to put pressure on their members of Congress to pass genuine health care reform this year!

Picnic Was Great Success

The Franklin County Democrats picnic was well attended with terrific speakers running for national and local positions, including two senatorial candidates: Joe Sestak and Bill Kortz. Sestak is a member of Congress and Kortz is a member of the state legislature.

Our new Franklin County chair is Bruce Hockersmith. Paul Politis now serving as vice chair handled the MC duties and our former chair Beth Shupp George was there to say thanks to all and to introduce baby Elle to the crowd...a real charmer.

Franklin County Dems to Elect New Chair

The monthly meeting of the Franklin County Democrats will be Thursday, August 13 at 6:30 pm at Headquarters on Main Street in Chambersburg. The agenda will include: final picnic preparations, November elections/candidates, and election of a new County Chair. Most of you know that Beth Shupp-George, our current chair has resigned. A replacement will be voted upon to fill her remaining term which expires in 2010.

Per the bylaws, any registered Democrat in the county can be nominated for the position. However, only current committee members can vote. Vice-chair Paul Politis is running for the chair position . If you want to nominate someone, please let me know and make sure you and the candidate are present at the meeting. We will take nominations from the floor. Please remember, only current Franklin County committee members can vote for elected officers of the County Committee. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call Bonnie Overholzer, 717 352-4933.

The executive committee thanks Beth Shupp-George for her leadership and contributions to the local party over the past years and appreciates her willingness to stay active in the party.

Paying for Health Care With Bake Sales

Here's a wonderful video from Maine about paying for health care by begging for pennies on behalf of sick children who have no coverage. We've seen it here in Greencastle too. Containers on counters instead of affordable, accessible care. Write your Senators, write your Congressman, have your families do the same where ever they live. We need health care reform.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nonFMjU-iU8

Food Bank Needs Your Help

The Greencastle Antrim Democratic Club meets at the Greencastle Presbyterian Church. That's also the site for an important food bank for our community. Recently your editor made a donation to the foodbank and was told that the number of people requesting assistance had doubled. But, unfortunately, food bank contributions are down. Can you help? Please bring contributions for the foodbank to our next meeting or to the August 15th picnic. Dollars or canned goods or packaged goods such as cereal and pasta are welcome. If you cannot attend either meeting you can leave the contributions in the church office. Our neighbors need us!