Middle Georgia Democratic Women

Census is Coming

noreply@blogger.com (A MacKay) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:00:00 +0000

Sandra Doughtery from the Regional Census Center was the guest speaker at the November meeting. She explained the census is easy (only 10 questions), safe (information is not shared, only statistical data), and is important (over 450 billion federal dollars are allocated to states based upon the census data.)

The 2010 Census is coming with new forms asking only 10 questions. You will receive a form in March by mail or a census taker may come to your door. If you want to see the form check the census bureau website at http://2010census.gov. The Census Day is April 1.

If you are interested in job opportunities, call 1-866-861-2010 for the Job Line

You may also receive a longer form asking a variety of questions that is part of the American Community Survey that is used between the 10-year census.

New Officers Elected

noreply@blogger.com (A MacKay) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:53:00 +0000

A new slate of officers were elected at the November 21 meeting with the terms of office starting in January 2010. The following were elected: President, Ann MacKay, 1st Vice President, Jodi Daley, 2nd Vice President, Sharon Howard, Secretary, Sharon Dawon, and Treasurer, Cindy Jones.

The state meeting in Fayetteville on Nov. 7 was great.

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:11:00 +0000

Attendees from our area were Fenika Miller, Betty Pearsall, Tina Simms, Diana Dunten, and Maryjane Crook.

Rally in Perry/Houston County Saturday, 10-24-09

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:05:00 +0000

The Middle Georgia Democratic Women and Houston County Democratic Committee held a free political rally and hot dog roast at Creekwood Park in Perry on Saturday 10-24-09 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Hot dogs, chips and beverages were served to every one who attended. DJ Dave provided some foot-tapping entertainment. Our speakers were governor candidates Dubose Porter and Carl Camon, SOS candidate Michael Mills, and US Senate candidate RJ Hadley.

Culture of violence and disrespect....

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:00:00 +0000

I had fun decorating a booth at the Georgia National Fair for the Democratic Party. I brought tables and chairs and flags and posters from home. Then I stopped by Kroger and bought blue and white balloons. My friend Fenika Miller brought a life size stand-up of President Barack Obama as a finishing touch for the booth.
And that’s when the vitriol began.
Grown men raised in the South whose mamas must have taught them better stopped by the booth on a regular basis and made rude, aggressive, and sometimes violent comments.
One sneering man approached the booth and said, “You better take that down.” He pointed at the Obama stand-up.
“Are you threatening me?” I asked. Twenty-three years in the public schools did not make me a shy person. I am a retired educator, age 73, with a head full of white hair but I will still stand up to bullies.
“I’m threatening him,” said the visitor. I’m coming back and I’ll pour gasoline on him and burn him up.” This sounded a bit like Mississippi in the 1960s to me.
After that, I had a chat with the manager in the McGill building and with fair security. Some nice guys at a nearby booth offered to help me if I had more trouble.
And there was more trouble, most of it occurring when women were volunteering at the booth. I guess the bullies weren’t up to trying to intimidate the men volunteers.
At one point a guy who apparently had gone obsessive on the subject of communism stood in front of our booth hollering, pointing, and doing everything but making good sense for what seemed like ten minutes, but had to be shorter. Two real Southern gentlemen helped me out by approaching the booth and standing next to him, one on either side. The ranter became quieter and quieter and finally slunk off. The presence of two men, both bigger than he was, seemed to have a calming effect.
Let me insert here that the Republicans that I know personally have manners and class and would be ashamed to act like those ruffians who taunted the Democratic women at the fair. If they are disappointed over the outcome of the 2008 election they are not showing it by snarling “You don’t believe all that crap, do you” when a Democratic woman asks, “Are you enjoying the fair?”
Another older man said he wanted to borrow our Obama image so he could hold its head under water at a nearby hot tub demonstration. Said this grandpa, “I would hold him under the water for ten minutes and smile the whole time.”
I would like to say that this rude behavior surprised me. I would like to say that it surprised me when a young man stood in front of our booth and went through the motions of firing an imaginary rifle in the direction of an image of the President of the United States. It doesn’t surprise me because I was at the same booth last year and encountered the same type of verbal abuse.
What does surprise and shock me is the culture of violence and disrespect for the Presidency that is taking root in my beloved United States of America.

Kristina Simms is a retired educator and state president of the Georgia Federation of Democratic Women. She is the author of a history of Macon, GA and several other books, and also an advocate for the mentally disabled.

MGDWC meets 9/19 for Quiche and Issues!

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:42:00 +0000

The Middle Georgia Democratic Women's Club will meet at Chef Audrey's Bistro in Warner Robins (WalMart Shopping Center) on Saturday, September 19, at 10:00 a.m.
The topic of the meeting is "Quiche and Issues." A delicious brunch will be served for $8.00. Reserve your brunch by calling Kristina Simms at 988-8560 or email ktina72@windstream.net New members always welcome.

OFA Health Care Rally -- Macon -- 9/1/09

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:17:00 +0000

Photos from the OFA Health Care rally with Alise Marshall and State Sen. Robert Brown in Macon. Our GFDW at-large board member Kimberlyn Carter was helping as emcee, and I also saw MGDWC member Margaret Ford . Margaret was on the 6pm news on WMAZ-TV! LEFT CLICK TO ENLARGE. RIGHT CLICK TO SAVE TO DISK.

Middle Georgia Women attend Town Hall Meeting in Warner Robins

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 05:39:00 +0000

Middle Georgia Women attend GADCC Meeting in Dublin

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 19:52:00 +0000

Georgia Democratic Disabilities Caucus

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 19:50:00 +0000

Organizations in Georgia serving the disabled have suffered during the last eight years. Now is the time to form a Georgia Democratic Disabilities Caucus. If you are disabled or a caregiver for a disabled person or a person who works with the disabled and you would like to make your voice heard by the Democratic Party of Georgia, please contact Rep. Pedro Marin at marin@georgiademocrat.org to join this caucus. Include your name, address, phone, and your suggestions for improving services to the disabled in Georgia.

Democratic Women are heard at Congressman Sanford Bishop's Town Hall Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:58:00 +0000

Democratic women from Peach County, Houston County, and Taylor County made their presence known at the Congressman Sanford Bishop's Town Hall meeting at the Pettigrew Center, Fort Valley State University, today. The crowd appeared to be about 250 people and, although some opponents of health care tended to be loud when they were given the microphone, the demeanor of the audience in general was respectful. Kudos to Congressman Sanford Bishop for being so very well informed on the Health Care bill. He carefully and knowledgeably went over the main points of the bill before the question and answer period began. From the Middle Georgia Democratic Women Club, four had a chance to hold the microphone, ask a question, and voice their support for Health Care Reform: Fenika Miller, Chair of Houston County Democrats and lst Vice President, MGDWC; Patti Rowell, member, MGDWC; Sharon Dawson, secretary, MGDWC; and Kristina Simms, Acting President, MGDWC, and President, GFDW.
Some other friendly faces in the crowd: Mary Ann van Hartesveldt (Fort Valley), Patti James (Taylor County), Spring Rosati (Macon County)
We were not allowed to carry in signs, and purses and other bags were checked by security as we entered the auditorium.
On the whole, this was a fine example of what a town hall meeting should be, and Congressman Bishop and the staff and police of FVSU are to be commended. As a "Blue Dog" Democrat, Congressman Bishop expressed his strong wish to keep costs down in any health care plan, but he also pointed out many sections of the bill that he thought were worthy, and needed by our citizens.

Carol Porter at MGDWC meeting August 15

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 17:05:00 +0000

Left to right; Carol Porter, Peggy Davis, Connie Cutlip. Peggy is a candidate for city council in Perry.

Carol Porter of Dublin spoke at the Middle Georgia Democratic Women's Club on Saturday, August 15, at Chef Audrey's Bistro in Warner Robins. Mrs. Porter spoke on behalf of her husband, Rep. Dubose Porter, who is a Democratic candidate for governor.
Transportation, energy and water problems were among the issues she focussed on, as well as cuts to education and Georgia's burgeoning prison population. For information about the Middle Georgia Democratic Women's Club and upcoming programs, contact Kristina Simms at ktina72@windstream.net or phone 988-8560.

Macon County Democratic Women to become Flint River Democratic Women's Club

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 23:43:00 +0000

Here's the interesting story ! There are several ladies from Macon County [Marshallville, Montezuma, Ideal, Oglethorpe} who belong to the Middle Georgia Democratic Women's Club. They are spinning off in January to become the Flint River Democratic Women's club. They meet at Rosati's Depot in Marshallville, a delightful gathering place where they enjoy a delicious brunch prepared by Spring Rosati in Cafe Locomotive. The Flint River Democratic Women's Club will recruit from not just Macon County but from contiguous counties like Peach and Sumter and Taylor.

Carol Porter to speak at August 15 meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 23:36:00 +0000

Hello MGDWC members and friends. Carol Porter (Mrs. Dubose Porter) will be the speaker at our next meeting on Saturday, August 15, 2009. We will meet at Chef Audrey's Bistro, in the WalMart Shopping Center, at 10:00 am and have a delicious brunch for just $8.00. Audrey's quiche is to-die-for ! And she also sets out pastries, fruit, juice, and coffee !
We appreciate Carol coming all the way from Dublin to be with us and talk about Rep. Porter's campaign. She's a good speaker, and you will enjoy hearing her. So be sure and RSVP to Tina at 478-988-8560 or ktina72@windstream.net and let us know if you will attend, and if you will partake of the brunch.
If you have not attended before, our meetings are fun and peppy, and you will meet like minded friends. We welcome new members.

Please RSVP for our July 18 meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 14:28:00 +0000

Please RSVP for our July 18 meeting

Demetrice Howard and Sharon Grant will tell us about Micasa, a substance abuse program and residence for women that is operated in connection with Phoenix Center Behavioral Care.
Substance abuse is such a serious problem in Georgia, but Demetrice and Sharon will inspire you with their success stories.
This is an issue we all need to know more about. Join us at Chef Audrey's Bistro at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 18.
RSVP to Tina at 478-988-8560 or ktina72@windstream.net . We need to know if you will attend and if you wish to partake of the brunch ($8.00)

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:59:00 +0000

State Senator Robert Brown, House Minority Leader, spoke at the meeting of the Middle Georgia Democratic Women's Club in Warner Robins on Saturday, June 20. After being introduced by acting club president, Kristina Simms, Sen. Brown discussed issues of interest to all Georgians such as improvements in transportation, supporting our public school system, and the responsibibility of employers to follow laws when hiring aliens.
The Middle Georgia Democratic Women's club meets every third Saturday for brunch and interesting programs. For information email ktina72@windstream.net

Macon County Chapter meets at Rosati's Depot 6/27

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:45:00 +0000

The next meeting of the Macon County Chapter of MGDW will be held on June 27 at Rosati's Depot in Marshallville. Our speaker will be Dr. Charlene Hanson who works with Karen Hatten at the Macon County Free Clinic. Breakfast will be served in the Cafe Locomotive located inside the Depot. Spring Rosati always serves a fantastic breakfast for only $8.00 a person. Please RSVP to Yvonne Sutherland at sutherland.yvonne@gmail.com and let me know if you will have breakfast.

MGDWC June meeting-- Sen. Robert Brown will speak

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:35:00 +0000

The June meeting of Middle Georgia Democratic Women's Club will be held at Chef Audrey's Bistro, Wal-Mart Shopping Center, Watson Blvd., Warner Robins GA on Saturday, June 20, at 10:00 a.m.
Our speaker will be state Senator Robert Brown. You will really enjoy hearing this dedicated Democrat.
Delicious brunch: $8.00 !

To: MGDWC Members and friends
A member of one of our sister clubs (DeKalb County) is helping a charity collect (new)cotton panties for Haitian girls who have no underwear. Imagine being so poor that you cannot afford to buy underwear for your daughters. Those kids are often seen sitting bare-bottomed on the dirt. Makes me sad just thinking about it. I have pledged to help collect panties, which will be sent to Haiti. If you want to contribute to this project, pls bring a package of panties, any size from little kids up to teens, to the MGDWC meeting on June 20. I will be responsible for mailing them. You can get packages of panties that are good quality and cheap at Family Dollar or Dollar General. I think they sell Fruit-of-the-Loom brand. Also Wal-Mart should have good prices.

FOOD DRIVE! Margaret Ford, in connection with the Obama campaign, is collecting canned goods and toiletries (soap etc). The beneficiary of the food drive will be New Hope Center in Warner Robins. Please add this to the notice to members. If they would bring a canned item or a bar of soap or a bottle of shampoo, that would be great! I want to thank Margaret for undertaking this because, as you may know, my daughter Claudia lives at NHC and the home is having a hard time financially.
Tina
Thanks,
Tina
See ya there !

Winner of the MGDWC Basket

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:31:00 +0000

I thought y'all would like to see a picture of the happy winner of the basket that Middle Georgia Democratic Women contributed to the state meeting in Forsyth County.

Check out the Macon County blog!

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:29:00 +0000

http://mcomgdw.blogspot.com/

Our Macon County branch has a really colorful blog. They are growing in membership and soon will "spin off" and form a separate club. Check out their blog and get updated on their news!

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Fri, 22 May 2009 20:18:00 +0000

Look for Middle Georgia Democratic Women on Facebook!

Field Trip to Warm Springs

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Tue, 19 May 2009 15:26:00 +0000

Several Middle Georgia and Macon County Democratic Women went on a field trip to Warm Springs on Saturday, May 16. The weather was nice, the food was good, and a pleasant time was had by all!

Up-to-date News!!

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Thu, 07 May 2009 15:38:00 +0000

A TRIBUTE TO BETH PERERA

Members of MGDWC are surely going to miss our departing president, who also served on the Houston County Democratic Committee and the board of the Georgia Federation of Democratic Women. She did us honor as a club president, as a candidate for the Georgia House of Representatives, and as a delegate to the 200 Democratic National Convention. She also put in plenty of volunteer hours for other Democratic causes, such as the booth at the Georgia National Fair and the Obama campaign. Beth gave generously of her self, her time, and her resources to advance Democratic causes here and state-wide. We wish her the best of luck and happiness in Vermont, and I bet that within two weeks of her arrival there everyone within a hundred mile radius will be proud owners of a new item of Pampered Chef cookware! Good luck, Beth!
We will miss you!

State Senator Robert Brown will speak at the Saturday, June 20, meeting of the Middle Georgia Democratic Women's Club. We are all looking forward to hearing him speak about the accompnishments (& non-accomplishments)of this year's legislative session. The brunch meeting will be held at 10:00 am at Chef Audrey's Bistro in the WalMart shopping center, Watson Blvd., Warner Robins. Chef Audrey's is located between Staples and PetsMart. A delicious brunch is available for $8.00 RSVP to
Tina at ktina72@windstream.net or call 988-8560. Guests are welcome!

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The Macon County Chapter of the Middle Georgia Democratic Women’s Club is honored that we will have a special guest at our May 23rd meeting, gubernatorial candidate David Poythress. The meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. at Rosati’s Depot in Marshallville. Please come and bring a guest. As always, a delicious breakfast in the Café Locomotive (located in the Depot) will be provided at $8.00 per person. RSVP to Yvonne Sutherland at sutherland.yvonne@gmail.com.

For more information on General Poythress visit his website:

http://www.poythressforgovernor.com/home

GFDW State Meeting in Forsyth County

noreply@blogger.com (Tina) — Sun, 03 May 2009 23:38:00 +0000

Kathy Bird, outgoing president of Georgia Federation of Democratic Women, installed new officers on Saturday, May 2, at the meeting in Forsyth County. Kristina Simms, of Perry, acting president of MGDWC, is the new state president. Members of MGDWC attending the state meeting were Spring Rosati, Margaret Ford, Yvonne Sutherland,
Kathryn Whitehead, Kathy Bird, and Tina Simms.

Spring Rosati, Yvonne Sutherland, and Margaret Ford received True Blue Circle pins for their club and civic activities.

UPCOMING events:

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 19:19:00 +0000

We have a very busy spring calendar, with many events coming in the next month.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

MGDWC Macon County Chapter April 25 at 10:00 at Rosati's Depot in Marshallville
Speaker to be Announced (Rep. Lymore James has been asked)
Saturday, May 2nd: GFDW Spring meeting in Forsyth County. $15 per peron to include lunch. Contact Tina Simms to make your reservation: ktina72@windstream.net
Saturday, May 9th: HoCo Dems SPRING TEA at Chef Audrey's 3-4:30, tickets $10. Contact Fenika Miller for tickets: fenikamiller@windstream.net Funds will go to support our 2010 Democratic candidates, and toward a scholarship for one graduating senior.
May 16th: in place of our regular meeting will be our road trip to the Warm Springs and Roosevelt's Little White House. Contact Tina Simms at ktina72@winstream.net if you'd like to go and have not already signed up. Warner Robins women are meeting at the Galleria Mall at 9:30am. Park near Sears/O'Charley's. Spring Rosati has a 15-passenger van. At least one other car will also be driving, so we need an accurate headcount to plan for add'l drivers if necessary.
Next regular Meeting: Saturday, June 20th. Meetings will be lead by Tina Simms until a new President is elected at the Nov meeting, with help from ALL OF YOU!
October 24th, Saturday - Democratic Rally in Perry for EVERYONE! Details TBA. We hope to have some if not all of our Democratic candidates for GOVERNOR in attendance.

We're growing like crazy... keep on SHOWING UP and keep on letting your VOICE be HEARD. It has been a pleasure being your President for the past 16 months. This is a 2-year term, but since I am moving to Vermont shortly, I am resigning as President. I am leaving you in extremely capable hands. Put YOUR NAME in the hat for President, or nominate another women in our club for this position. Fenika Miller is Chairing our Nominating Committee and would love your input on who would like to fill this spot. You will have a LOT of help in organizing our meetings, a lot of FUN, and you'll meet a crowd of amazing women in the process. I encourage even our newest members to consider this position.

SPECIAL THANKS to Chef Audrey for her delicious brunches that have kept us well fed during our lively meetings. Stay tuned for future meeting information from acting President, Tina Simms, who will fill in for me through our November Officer elections.

Beth Perera 478/714-5373, former President, MGDWC