New Year's Wishes from the Editor to You

* That all Democrats in Franklin County register and VOTE in 2011and 2012

* That the members of Greencastle Antrim Democrats get involved and turn out for meetings and events and pay their modest $5. dues.

* That the Republicans in the State and the Congress don't do too much damage

* That everyone who wants a job gets a job

* That the corporations holding onto billions in assets use it to expand production and hire people

* That you have a productive, healthy and happy year

* That your children show their love and appreciation

* That you read a good book, see a good movie and hear some great music, and, in other words

Happy New Year!

Activists Cheer Sestak Who Visits to Say "Thank You"

Franklin County Democrats gave a warm welcome to their Senate Candidate Joe Sestak at a meeting at the Main Street Deli in Chambersburg at 8:30 am, Dec. 7. A good crowd of more than forty joined in a frank question and answer session about the candidate's campaign, his future plans, and the future for progressive ideas in Congress. Rep. Sestak said he had not made specific plans about any future campaigns but would stay in "public service." Rep. Sestak is visiting every county in Pennsylvania and left Chambersburg to attend a similar gathering in Fulton County.

Greencastle Democratic regulars staffed a booth at the town's Heritage Christmas celebration on Friday December 3 and collected contributions for the local food bank and the club, giving out free hot chocolate and cookies donated by members. There's another chance to join them and give visibility to the club on Friday, December 10. We are raffling off two ticket for a ride on the horse-drawn carriage on December 17 at 6:30 pm in return for contributions to the food bank.

DON'T FORGET OUR DECEMBER MEETING ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2010. GOOD PLACE TO PLAN YOUR POLITICAL RESOLUTIONS FOR 2011.

*****FINAL NOTE: While you're distributing your end of year contributions, consider a contribution to the GreencastleAntrim Democratic Club. You can bring it to the meeting.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: NEXT MEETING AND A CHANCE TO TALK TO JOE

The Franklin County Democratic Club will hold a joint meeting with the GreencastleAntrim Democratic Club on Monday, December 13, 6:30 p.m., at CASEY'S Restaurant and Lounge, on Route 11 just south of the main intersection in Greencastle. The GA Dems meeting will begin immediately after.  It's a good opportunity to relax and chat and plan the future.

Don't miss a chance to meet with Rep. Joe Sestak who wants to thank Franklin County Democrats for their efforts on behalf of his candidacy for the U.S. Senate.  He will be in Chambersburg on Tuesday,
December 7, at 8:30 a.m. at the Main Street Deli, 177 S. Main St. (Next to Capital Theatre).

Don't Mourn...Organize!

That's been the rallying cry of progressives throughout our country's history.  And, although we have taken a backward step in this election, we cannot stop working for change and social justice for everyone in our country. There are plenty of issues that will need our engagement in the months ahead.  We have to protect the gains we made during President Obama's first two years -- particularly health care and banking reform. We need to pass fair tax legislation in this Congress. We need to protect Pennsylvania from the environmental degradation of drilling in the Marcellus shale. We need to continue to fight for single payer health care for Pennsylvania. Add your issues to the list and then come to our next meeting on November 8 at 7 pm at the Greencastle Presbyterian Church in Greencastle. Let's discuss "what is to be done!"

Holloween Parade and GOTV activiities

Busy month for GA dems and Frnaklin County Dems.  We've gained visibility with a "thank a Democrat" entry in the Greencastl, parade (see photo above), a successful dinner with a bang up speech from our headliner SEIU leader Jim Young, a visit and greetings from our Congressional candidate Tom Conners, and, an office on the square thanks to Paul Politis. Opened the weekend before the election and all day election day. Visit, make a phone call, knock on doors.

President's Report from the PA State Committee Meeting

The Pennsylvania State Democratic Party held its state committee meeting on September 24th and 25th. It was my pleasure to attend the meeting as your elected State Committeewoman. The Franklin County delegation also included State Committeeman, Garrett Blanchet, and the Franklin County Democrats Chairman, Paul Politis. The three of us covered a lot of ground.


 Roger Lund, Chair of the South Central Caucus (this is the caucus we belong to) and the Adams County Democrats Chairman, presided over a session devoted to developing revenue streams. All of our clubs could use a little help in this department! Several of the ideas to increase the funds raised did not incur additional overhead costs:
• An annual dinner honoring someone or some special group. This increases ticket sales & donations
• Premium seating. Seating at the table with the honored guest or speaker has a higher ticket price.

• An annual event focusing on raising funds for a scholarship.

• Instead of, or in addition to ad books at events, some clubs have been displaying ads on screens or walls of the venue.

• Have roving photographers at the event and sell a CD of the photos to event goers.

• Remind Democrats to consider giving a donation to their clubs as holiday gifts for their friends & family who are notoriously difficult to buy for!

• Monthly cheese & wine get-togethers specifically to raise funds via a donation basket.

The second session focused on getting out our vote. Bob Kefauver from the York County Democrats presented his club’s “GOOSE” guide. “Get Out Our Supporters Everywhere” (GOOSE) effort helps to more clearly focus on getting out Democrats. The top priority with this effort is to find a volunteer to chair a committee of dedicated people willing to manage such a program. The effort is most intense the 21 days prior to an election. However, the planning & organizing is ongoing all year. It involves identifying supporters, precinct by precinct, canvassing, telephoning, and growing the volunteer base.

Organizing for America (OFA) delivered the third session. The representatives described how OFA has become the Vote 2010 Coordinated Campaign. There was much discussion over the coordination between the county & local Democratic clubs and the Coordinated Campaign. Ryan and Devora will be conducting Webinars on how to use the VoteBuilder system. Also, the campaign will be posting daily talking points on the PA Dems website. To learn more about the Coordinated Campaign effort contact Jeff@padems.com.

 Jim Burn, State Democratic Party Chairman, and I spoke at length about the need in Franklin County. He said he feels he has a “a place to hang my hat in Franklin County, I feel at home there.” He is interested in meeting potential candidates. He said he wants to provide as much assistance as he can with growing our number of elected officials. Scott Conklin was very excited to see us, too. He is comfortable with helping our area because he knows what it is like living in the “T.” Dan Onorato addressed our small caucus meeting. He makes a great presentation; very personable & hard-hitting without all the hoopla. He apologized for not spending more time in our parts and attributed that to the money pouring in to the Corbett campaign from the new corporate citizens. Dan needs to concentrate on the areas where he can raise the most money & most votes.
Democratically yours,

Sheri Morgan
Franklin County State Committeewoman

Don't Miss the Franklin County Democrats Dinner on October 22

Our keynote speaker Jim Young is a Democratic Party and trade union leader with many years of experience in Pennsylvania. He promises to deliver a "BARN BURNER" speech for us. DON'T MISS IT! We want to have a good turnout for a guest traveling to Franklin County. Reserve your spot by sending a check

to Paul Politis, 357 Blue Bird Trail, Greencastle, PA 17225. Tickets are $25. or $10. for students  and people who are unemployed.

Monday October 18 Greencastle Antrim Democratic Club Meeting

Important news on pre-election activities, updates on the Franklin County dinner, opportunities to take part in this most important election on November 2. There's nothing "off" about the 2010 election. We need to get every registered Democrat to the polls.

Did You Hear President Obama in Wisconsin?

What a crowd! What enthusiasm! And, what a terrific speech! There were thousands of students and townspeople at the Madison rally and he gave them the speech they were hoping for. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dh2QcLq1ytc

Check Out Our Candidates Web Sites and Blogs

http://www.joesestak.com/

http://www.onorato.com/

http://www.connersforcongress.com/

Check out their position papers, ideas for building a better Pennsylvania and a stronger nation.

Let's Reach Every Democratic Voter Before the Election

The most effective way to reach Democrats is by knocking on doors.This will augment our telephone banks. Please volunteer for visits. People will go out in teams of two. You can volunteer by adding a comment here, or by sending an email to your blog editor. ruthjcommunications@comcast.net

Phone Bank Efforts Pay Off, Second Call-Out Scheduled

Thanks to the 13 folks who came out for the phone bank this evening. We made 319 calls & spoke with 90 voters. Twenty-five of the voters strongly support Joe Sestak and 19 are leaning towards him. Thirty-eight voters were undecided. Many voters did not know either candidate!

We're holding our second phone bank for Sestak and Onorato at the Gentle Laser Skin Care Center in Waynesboro, Monday 9/27/10 at 6:30pm. 1700 East Main St. (across from Burger King in Wayne Heights). There will be food and drink provided.

It's good to know that Chambersburg, Shippensburg, Greencastle and Waynesboro are all participating. Let's keep the United State Senate and the Governor's office Democratic! So much depends on it.