General Meeting minutes--Saturday, June 10, 2023, 11:00am at HQ

Welcome and introductions: Vice Chair Julie Lesman welcomed members and asked everyone to introduce themselves.

Members in attendance: H.B.-?, Chip Brooks, Pat Cipolla, Bruce Clash, Carole DeWall, Tom DeWall, Henriette Evans, Jean Foschi, Beth Hinton, Wanda Hunter, Bohdan Kohutiak, Julie Lesman, Adam Messer, Larry Norton, Diane Putman, Molly Shane, John Sigle, Earl Smith, Jerry Stirkey, Jon Tarrant, Stephanie Taylor, Judy Wheaton, and Donna Williams

Approval of the Minutes: Donna motioned, and Tom seconded to approve the minutes from the April 13, 2023 meeting.

Treasurer’s Report: Donna reported that at the end of May, we had $3753. We had an unauthorized charge of $500 that was challenged and refunded. Since May, we spent $315 on stamps for an upcoming mailing and $617 in fees for the website subscription; we also received a refund for using a partial year of SquareSpace.

Election of new officers: The slate of officers proposed for 2023-24 is Chair--Julie Lesman; Vice Chair—Jerry Stirkey; Secretary—Beth Hinton; Treasurer—Donna Williams. Judy made a motion to elect the slate and John seconded.

Reports from Committees

·      Voting and Elections: Tom summarized the chart he created of the voter turnout—Ds had a greater overall turnout in all but two precincts; Citizens’ candidates took in 17000+ votes, more than 4000 over Teams’ candidates; Paula received the most votes overall.

·      Communications

o   Newsletter: No updates were available.

o   Website and Social Media: John reported that not much new activity was happening with FB.

o   Fundraising and Events:

§  The fundraising letter went out to 500 Super Voter households and then to newsletter recipients.

§  Picnic With the Party event details—Attendees can RSVP on ActBlue; John Smith and Jean Foschi will be speaking; Barrie Ann’s husband will DJ and call Chip re: details; Need to create a sign-up list for raffle and food and drink items.

§  Possible September event—Does anyone know of a business/space to hold an event?

·      Volunteers are needed to assist the Fundraising and Events committee

·      Volunteer Recruitment and Training – Judy spoke with Kate about the volunteer spreadsheet and is thinking about how to update it.

o   Julie mentioned that we will need to provide the Citizens’ group with volunteers for canvassing, mostly in September and October. They’ll also need help with funds for mailers, postcards, and texting efforts.

o   Jean Foschi spoke about the significant impact that Democrats are making—attending meetings; supporting Bureau of Elections’ workers; working to make I-81 safer; creating a Democratic stronghold that encourages voters to support our candidates; influencing Republican candidates to take moderate stances. She also called on Dems. to urge representatives to support county mental health funding. 

Area Leaders Report -- Carole discussed the upgrades made to HQ and encouraged members to check out the CCDC website for information. She also mentioned:

·      Matt is concerned about the Big Spring and S. Middleton areas.

·      PCPs are needed for 3-3, 4-1, and NM2 and Dickinson Townships to help with driving candidates, doorhanging, etc., in these areas.

·      County will hold events for the Borough Council and School Board candidates.

·      Jon mentioned that Rs still out-register Ds in the area; we must continue to find good candidate for the next school board election. Consider targeting outreach to older adults.

·      Bruce spoke about the Citizens’ primary outcomes and campaign—four of the five top candidates are Citizens’ candidates; a non-partisan slate and continue to support Jerry Eby. Citizens will need volunteers for canvassing and postcards.

·      Chip asked about canvassing training; Julie mentioned that past training has taken place on the day of canvassing, but some could be done in advance.

Announcements 

·      Larry (3-1) and Earl (NM1) were introduced as new PCPs.

·      There was discussion about the timely displaying of yard signs.

·      Check the website for information updates.

For the good of the Order and Adjournment -- Julie adjourned the meeting.