Cheshire County Democrats Book Club

We met last night and discussed Don't Lets Go to the Dogs Tonight, by Alexandra Fuller. We all thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who hasn't yet read it. It's about an English girl growing up in Rhodesia and is a very candid look at the lives of white settlers in Africa.

For December, we will be reading Presidential Courage: Brave Leaders and How They Changed America 1789-1989, by Michael R. Beschloss. I ordered a copy from Amazon for $12.00, including shipping. It's also available at the Keene Library. We will meet on Wednesday, December 12, at 6:30 at the Keene Public Library, second floor.

I hope you'll join us.

Cheshire County Summit

All County Democrats Welcome!!
Cheshire County Summit


In an effort to start early on the hard, but exciting work for 2008, each of the 10 democratic county committees will hold a county summit before the end of November. On Sunday, November 11th from 1:00pm-4:00pm at Keene High School, the Cheshire County Committee, local elected officials, and activists from across the county will come together for a County Summit. We have scheduled this Summit to strategically plan our efforts to turn our county Solid Blue in 2008! With a lot of hard work we made huge gains for Cheshire County in 2006 and we have a lot to be proud of. However, if we want to hold our majorities and elect more Democrats we have to start now. Join us at the County Summit on the 11 th and as we work to build the grassroots that will secure victory in Cheshire County in 2008!

Please contact Esther Dickinson (edickinson@nhdp.org) or 717-0294, Ellen Clement (399-4923) or Ann Heffernon at ( akheff@gmail.com) with any questions.

Please see the below agenda for additional information:

Agenda - Cheshire County Summit

Sunday, November 11, 2007

1:00-4:15 pm Keene High School

1:00 Opening Speaker

1:30 Solid Blue- Ian Graves, NHDP Field Director
This presentation lays out the accomplishments of 2006 and what we need to focus on to win in 2008, from the local level to electing a Democrat president.

2:00 Tools to Win
The new voter file will be featured and other resources that town/county committees will be able to use to maximize efforts in 2008.

2:30 Building and maintaining a successful town committee
Town Chairs from across the county will offer useful advice and insight about organizing and growing a successful town committee.

3:00 Adopt a Town
In this session folks from towns with strong town committees will sit with folks from towns who either don't have a committee or need help with the
committee they do have. The towns will discuss ways in which the committees can work together to help strengthen the weaker committees and
maintain the success of the functioning ones.

3:40 Discussion
The town committee teams will share what they discussed and what their plan is going forward.

4:00 Closing Remarks

The success of the Cheshire County Summit hinges on people from all over the county coming together to talk about strengthening the grassroots. Please forward this e-mail to as many people as you can. ALL ARE WELCOME!

Esther Kane Dickinson

2nd Congressional District Coordinator

New Hampshire Democratic Party

edickinson@nhdp.org /603-717-0294

Spaghetti Dinner - This Saturday Night

Spaghetti Dinner - This Saturday Night

The Cheshire County Democrats' Annual Spaghetti Dinner is this Saturday night, November 3rd, at Keene High School, 6:30 PM, doors open at 6:00. The keynote speaker is Senator Chris Dodd. It's always a great evening. We hope to see you there. Tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased from Eddie Albert at 352-4050, or from any of the following people:

• Alstead - Dale Woodruff
• Chesterfield - Tim Butterworth
• Gilsum - Barbara Bryce
• Keene - Kathy O'Donnell, Del Burridge, Suzanne or Larry Butcher, Chuck Weed, Melissa Laughner, Greg Martin, Eddie Albert
• Marlborough - Anna Tilton
• Nelson - Michael Cornog, Mike Demartelly
• Richmond - Barbara Hull Richardson
• Stoddard - Bob Englund
• Swanzey - Ann Heffernon
• Walpole - Tara Sad, Lucy Weber, Sue & Pete Hocking
• Westmoreland - Ellen Clement
• Winchester - Harriet Charland
• Tickets are also available at the door, but you are encouraged to purchase the tickets ahead of time.
  

*The dinner will be preceded by a Reception with Senator Dodd, at 5:00 PM, at the home of Delmar and Nancy Burridge at 7 Starlight Drive in Keene. Tickets for the Reception are $35.00.*

Cheshire County Democrats Summit

SAVE THE DATE!
Cheshire County Summit
Sunday November 11th - Keene High School 43 Arch St. Keene from 1:00 until 4:00
The Cheshire County Democratic Committee invites you to their County Summit!

Join us to chart our county’s course for 2008!

Shape the county’s grassroots action plan!
Learn about the tools it will take to win!
Work with other activists to ensure victory in all Cheshire County towns !

Stay tuned for more details…

E-mail Ann Heffernon at akheff@gmail.com for more information

Cheshire County Democrats Book Club

For November, we are reading Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight, by Alexandra Fuller. It's a memoir of a childhood in apartheid Africa. We will meet on Tuesday, November 13, at 6:30 PM, in the Green room at the Keene Public Library.

We hope you can join us.

Linda

From Publishers WeeklyA classic is born in this tender, intensely moving and even delightful journey through a white African girl's childhood. Fuller was conceived and bred on African soil during the Rhodesian civil war (1971-1979), a world where children over five "learn how to load an FN rifle magazine, strip and clean all the guns in the house, and ultimately, shoot-to-kill." With a unique and subtle sensitivity to racial issues, Fuller describes her parents' racism and the wartime relationships between blacks and whites through a child's watchful eyes. Curfews and war, mosquitoes, land mines, ambushes and "an abundance of leopards" are the stuff of this childhood. "Dad has to go out into the bush... and find terrorists and fight them"; Mum saves the family from an Egyptian spitting cobra; they both fight "to keep one country in Africa white-run." The "A" schools ("with the best teachers and facilities") are for white children; "B" schools serve "children who are neither black nor white"; and "C" schools are for black children. Fuller's world is marked by sudden, drastic changes: the farm is taken away for "land redistribution"; one term at school, five white students are "left in the boarding house... among two hundred African students"; three of her four siblings die in infancy; the family constantly sets up house in hostile, desolate environments as they move from Rhodesia to Zambia to Malawi and back to Zambia. But Fuller's remarkable affection for her parents (who are racists) and her homeland (brutal under white and black rule) shines through. This affection, in spite of its subjects' prominent flaws, reveals their humanity and allows the reader direct entry into her world. Fuller's book has the promise of being widely read and remaining of interest for years to come.

Cheshire County Democrats Spaghetti Dinner-SAVE THE DATE!!!!

CHESHIRE COUNTY DEMOCRATS HOLD ANNUAL SPAGHETTI DINNER
Senator Christopher Dodd Will Speak

Senator Chris Dodd will be the featured speaker at the Cheshire County Democrats Annual Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, November 3, 2007 at Keene High School. Dodd, who is U. S. Senator from Connecticut, is running for President of the United States. The Cheshire County Annual Spaghetti Dinner provides the opportunity for Democrats and other like minded individuals to gather for good food and company and to raise money in support of local Democratic candidates.

The Cheshire County Spaghetti Dinner has a long tradition of attracting prominent national political candidates. Past speakers include Al Gore, Bill Bradley, John Edwards, Richard Gephardt, and Howard Dean. This year the event promises to attract another capacity crowd as political interest is high during this early presidential primary season. All Democratic presidential campaigns will have a presence at the Dinner with informational tables about their candidates.

The Dinner is scheduled for between 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the Keene High School Cafeteria located on 43 Arch Street in Keene. The doors open at 6:00 pm. The Dinner is open to the general public, but tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets are $20.00, and can be purchased from your local state representative, your town or city Democratic chair, or call Eddie Albert at 352-4050 or Linda Cates at 827-3839.

A Pre-Dinner Cocktail Reception will be held at the home of Delmar and Nancy Burridge at 7 Starlight Drive, Keene from 5:00 p.m. until 6 p.m. Tickets for the Cocktail Reception are $35.00 a person.

Cheshire County Democrats Monthly Meeting

The Cheshire County Democrats monthly meeting will be held on Sunday October 14th this month because of Columbus Day weekend falls on the first Sunday of the month. Please join us then at 5:30 PM at our headquarters located at 2 Eagle Court behind The Works in Keene.

We look forward to seeing you-
Ann Heffernon

SCHIP Rally

Wednesday, October 3rd, President Bush VETOES Funding for Children’s Health Care
Thursday, October 4th, Keene Area Rally calling out President Bush and Senator Gregg’s misdirected priorities for America’s Children and calling on the US Congress to override the Bush Veto

WHAT: HEALTH CARE RALLY FOR AMERICA’S CHILDREN!
WHERE
WHEN
Keene Central Square
Main Street, Keene, NH 03431

Thursday, October 4th, 2007
12:00-1:00 p.m.



Last week members in the United States Congress voted to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Today the president vetoed this important funding for children’s health care. SCHIP, a program that has effectively worked for 10 years funds Healthy Kids Silver in NH, which makes health insurance affordable for working families whose jobs do not provide benefits; parents pay premiums on a sliding scale.

The legislation the president vetoed today was a bipartisan agreement struck by House and Senate negotiators to bring health coverage to nearly ten million children in need. The legislation would preserve coverage for all 6.6 million children currently covered by CHIP, and reaching millions more low-income, uninsured American children in the next five years. SCHIP has been effective for 10 years and is strongly supported by forty-five Republicans and almost every Democrat in the House of Representatives; Republican Finance Chairman Chuck Grassley from Iowa, Conservative Senator Orrin Hatch, more than a dozen other Republican Senators and every single Democrat in the Senate; 43 Governors, including the conservative Governor of Georgia, Sunny Purdue; and over 250 grassroots organizations all across the country have come out in favor of SCHIP.

Despite this incredible unity – President Bush and Senator Gregg have determined that voting against and vetoing SCHIP is going to be their legacy to our children.

Over 7,000 children in New Hampshire rely upon Healthy Kids Silver for health care coverage; the legislation the president vetoed today would have made coverage affordable for the families of another several thousand children in New Hampshire who need it.

SCHIP has reduced the number of uninsured children in working families by 35 percent. Focusing on preventive health care, many of the 6.6 million children covered by the program are now getting regular checkups. And their primary care comes from a family doctor, not from an expensive and inefficient emergency room.

Examples of this success can be found in every single state and study after study shows: Our youth enrolled in the Children’s Health Insurance Program are much more likely to have regular doctor and dental care; They report lower rates of unmet need for care; The quality of care they receive is far better than it was before; School performance improves; The plan is helping to close the disparity in care for minority children; And the Children’s Health Insurance Program has become a major source of care for rural children.

Here in NH, important programs that offer affordable health care to children from low-income families, like NH Healthy Kids, are threatened because they rely on SCHIP funds!

This program makes health care affordable for hundreds of thousands of working families in America. We need to send a message to our Senators that children’s health care is our priority!

Please join faith leaders, elected officials, human service providers, citizens and NH Healthy Kids recipients as we call on President Bush and Senator Gregg to stand with our working families and

Please bring your cell phone and we will be calling Senator Gregg’s Office and writing him letters at the event.

State Senator Molly Kelly will be attending and Governor Lynch has been invited.

For more information please call Ellen Clement, 603-399-4923
Or Jaime Contois at 603-504-2906

Jaime Contois
NH Organizer
Working Families Win
603-504-2906 (cell)
Jaime@wfwin.org
www.workingfamilieswin.org

Cheshire Democrats Book Club

For October, we are reading The Passionate Sage: The Character and Legacy of John Adams, by Joseph Ellis. According to one reviewer, "Adams has much to teach modern America". The Passionate Sage has been recommended as an excellent follow-up to this month's book. I look forward to reading it. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, October 17th, at 6:30 PM at the Keene Public Library.

Gov. Richardson's Keene Headquarters Grand Opening

Meet fellow Bill Richardson supporters and learn more about Governor Richardson’s platform and his background as four-time Nobel Peace Prize Nominee, seven-term Congressman, Ambassador to the United Nations, Energy Secretary, and two-term Governor of New Mexico

At the

Richardson for President, Keene HQ Grand Opening

Saturday, September 29th
6:00 – 8:30 pm
46 Main Street, Keene
(above Keene Fresh Salad)

Refreshments Provided

For more information contact

Jake Dilemani, Keene Office @ 505-228-5162/603-296-9670 jdilemani@richardsonforpresident.com or
NEWHAMPSHIRE.RICHARDSONFORPRESIDENT.COM

Susan Rice speaks on behalf of Senator Obama

Please join us as we welcome Susan Rice, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs with the Clinton Administration, to Keene.Susan will be speaking about her experiences, why she's endorsed Barack, and why she feels he's the best candidate to be a true leader on foreign policy. She'll also be answering questions from guests so feel free to bring along those who are interested in learning more about Senator Obama's policies.

When:
Saturday, September 22 at 12:15 PM

Where:
Sheila Cowing's Home
209 Gilsum StKeene, NH 03431

While RSVP’s are not mandatory for attendance, they are appreciated as we try to prepare adequately for the numbers. To RSVP please call Brandon at (603) 355-2008.

Jay Buckey To be at Granite Lake

Bob and Dita Englund
invite you to meet

JAY BUCKEY
CANDIDATE FOR US SENATE
Professor of Medicine at Dartmouth Medical School
Former Astronaut

Informal reception at Granite Lake
71 Cameron Cove
Saturday, Sept. 29th at 4:00

Directions: Take Route 9 east from Keene. Exit at signs for Nelson/Harrisville and Munsonville/Granite Lake. Turn left to Munsonville Village, and then turn left to West Shore Road (with the lake on your right). Turn right at the Englund driveway seven tenths of a mile from Munsonville Village.

RSVP: <englund@worldpath.net> or call 847-9727.

Mrs. Richardson to visit Cheshire County

Barbara Richardson is going to be visiting our area the 16th through the 19th of October. If you are interested in setting up an event, house party or tea with the First Lady please let me know as soon as possible so we can start planning and getting the word out.


Also;

Gov. Richardson's campaign will be volunteering for the Alzheimer’s Walk, the Humane Society Walk, Goshen’s Old Home Day’s Parade, Marlow’s Community Picnic and Meet the Senate Candidates in Chesterfield. Let me know if you would like any more information on any of these events or if you would like to attend.
Jamie L. Judd
Richardson for President, Inc
New Hampshire
Southwest NH Field Director
newhampshire.richardsonforpresident.com
jjudd@richardsonforpresident.com
603.296.9670 (office)
505.917.1562 (cell)

Chesterfied Meet the Candidates Event

CHESTERFIELD DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES MEET THE CANDIDATES EVENTChesterfield - The Chesterfield Democratic Committee will sponsor a Meet the Candidates event on Sunday, September 16th, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Chesterfield Town Hall, with featured guest, Congressman Paul Hodes (NH-2). Democratic Senatorial candidates Jay Buckey, Steve Marchand and Katrina Swett have also been invited to speak. Refreshments will be served.The event is part of the Chesterfield Democratic Committee’s continuing effort to encourage more citizen participation in politics and face-to-face contact between local voters and their state and national candidates. The public is invited to come to get to know the Democratic candidates running for the U.S. Senate, so voters can express their opinions and make a more informed decision in the primary elections.Congressman Hodes, who is currently serving his first term in Washington, will discuss some of his experiences there, and introduce the other candidates, who will each give a short speech. There will be time to chat and ask questions before and after the speeches. Representatives of the presidential primary campaigns will also be present at the event. Candidates Jay Buckey, Steve Marchand and Katrina Swett are each hoping to win the primary and represent the Democrats in the 2008 Senate race against Republican John Sununu. Jay Buckey, of Hanover, is currently a professor of medicine and an adjunct professor of engineering at Dartmouth College. He worked as a physician specializing in space research. He also served as a major in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and flew as a Payload Specialist Astronaut on the STS-90 Neurolab mission.Steve Marchand is the Mayor of Portsmouth, NH. He is the former Northeast Director of the Concord Coalition and Associate State Director of AARP New Hampshire. Strongly against the Iraq War, Marchand has received praise from liberals and conservatives alike for his work on taxes, the environment and healthcare.Katrina Swett, of Bow, was the Democratic candidate for Congress in 2002, served on the Executive Committee of the NH Democratic Party’s Finance Committee, was the Director of New England College’s Graduate Program in Public Policy and recently completed her Ph. D. in history with a focus on human rights and US foreign policy. Katrina Swett, of Bow, was the Democratic candidate for Congress in 2002, served on the Executive Committee of the NH Democratic Party’s Finance Committee, was the Director of New England College’s Graduate Program in Public Policy and recently completed her Ph. D. in history with a focus on human rights and US foreign policy.

Cheshire County Democrats Monthly Meeting

The Cheshire County Democrats will be postponing their monthly meeting on September 2nd and will instead hold our meeting on September 9th. As always, the meeting will be held at our headquarters located at 2 Eagle Court in Keene, behind Bagleworks.

Please join us at 5:30.

Have a happy and safe Labour Day weekend-

Temple New Hampshire Democrats Annual Picnic

The Temple New Hampshire Democrats invite the Cheshire County Democrats to attend their annual picnic:

August 26th, 2007
3:00 to 6:00 P.M.
At the Tobey House in Temple
64 Tobey Lane

Potluck

Featured Speaker will be Congressman Paul Hodes as well as Democratic Candidates for the U.S. Senate as well as many epresentatives of the Democratic Presidential Campaigns.

Please R.S.V.P. to 603.878.3227, or nadesha@msn.com

Govenor Bill Richardson and Barbara Richardson coing to Keene

Keene City Democrats Present:

Gov. Bill Richardson

What: Presidential "Job Interview" & Family Barbecue

Live Music and Activities for Kids!

When: Friday August 24th 6pm- start, 6:30- food, 7:30- Gov. Richardson Arrives, ends at 9pm

Where: The Horseshoe Pavilion at Wheelock Park

Why: Meet Gov. Bill Richardson, Hear him speak and Ask him questions.
***Join the Keene Community at a barbecue for the whole family!***

Hotdogs, Hamburgers and Veggie Burgers provided. A dish to pass/donations welcome but not required.

PLEASE RSVP to Kathy O'Donnell, 357.6103.

Sat 8/25-Kathy O'Donnell will be hosting the Talkback show Saturday morning from 9-11am? Call in 357-1290. Tim Dunn will co-host.

Cheshire County Democrats Book Club

We had a good meeting last week, and an interesting discussion of Not on Our Watch: The Mission to End Genocide in Darfur and Beyond. In addition to explaining the background of the crisis, the book listed many ways that each of us as individuals can help to raise awareness of what's happening in Darfur.

For September, we are reading, Second Chance: Three Presidents and the Crisis of American Superpower, by Zbigniew Brzezinski. According to The Washington Post, this book by Jimmy Carter's national security advisor, "grades the performance of Bush, Clinton, and Bush. Second Chance even comes with a full blown report card. (You can guess which president gets an F.)" Brzezinsky makes the case that "America will get a second chance - but not a third - to reclaim the mantle of global leadership".

I look forward to reading it, and hope that you can join us for our next meeting on Wednesday, September 12th, 6:30 PM, at the Keene Public Library, second floor.

Senator Edwards to visit Keene and Peterborough

Senator Edwards will be coming to New Hampshire as part of his Road to One America Bus Tour. There will be 2 stops in the Monadnock region. The first stop will be in Keene on August 23rd at 1:30 p.m. at Alumni Field (77 Arch Street), and the second stop will be in Peterborough on August 23rd at 4:15 at Depot Square on the river (School Street). With any questions, please contact our Keene HQ (428 Main, Keene)at 354-7826 or email enowlin@johnedwards.

Barack Obama is returning to Keene this Monday afternoon, August 13th, at 1:30 pm.

Keene Recreation Center (Keene, NH)
312 Washington St.
Keene, NH 03431

Click here for details and to RSVP:
http://nh.barackobama.com/RSVPKeene

Barack Obama is the one candidate whose presidency won’t just change
the party in the White House, but the lobbyist-driven politics in
Washington that has blocked progress on the issues most important to
working men and women -- issues like health care, the environment, and
education.
Barack will bring about this change because, unlike other candidates,
he actually believes that Washington lobbyists wield too much influence
and don’t represent the interests of working Americans.
That's why he's spent his career passing historic ethics reform in both
Illinois and in Washington, and that's why he's offered the most
sweeping ethics reform proposals of any candidate in this race.
But you don't have to take our word for it -- come see him for
yourself:
http://nh.barackobama.com/RSVPKeene

Due to space restrictions, an RSVP is required. We hope to see you there!

Heather

Heather Quinn
New Hampshire Director of Scheduling
Obama for America

Chris Dodd To Visit Nelson

Please Join the Nelson Democrats and
Presidential Candidate
CHRIS DODD
for an
Evening at Greengate
in Nelson, New Hampshire

Thursday, August 9th
5:30 pm

Light Refreshments will be Served

Greengate is located on Osgood Mountain with spectacular views of
Monadnock and the Supersanctuary protected lands.

Follow the signs to Greengate from Harrisville or Nelson Village
For directions and to RSVP please visit – http://chrisdodd.com/greengatehouseparty

RSVP: Elena DiTraglia
editraglia@chrisdodd.com, or 603-668-DODD (3633)

Cheshire County Democrats Monthly Meeting

Please join the Cheshire County Democrats for our monthly meeting on Sunday August 5th at 5:30 P.M. Our meeting is held at the Cheshire County Democrats headquarters located at 2 Eagle Court behind Bagleworks in Keene.

We look forward to seeing you!

Ann

Cheshire County Democrats Book Club

Tuesday, August 7th, at 6:30, upstairs at the Keene Public Library. We will be reading "Not on Our Watch: The Mission to End Genocide in Darfur and Beyond", by Don Cheadle and John Prendergast. In the New York Times, Dave Eggers recommends the book as a must-read this summer and says, "Prendergast has been fighting for Sudan for years, and there's no one better at explaining what's happening in Darfur and how it might be stopped. This book is a guide to effecting change - in East Africa or anywhere - through grass-roots vigor and vigilance."

Senatore Obama Book C;ub

Throughout the summer anyone who is interested in reading Senator Obama’s first book Dreams from My Father can participate in one of our book clubs. Anyone who has questions can either give us a call here at our Keene office 355-2008 or can send me an email to get connected to the ongoing group here in Keene. The next book club meeting will be held at Brewbakers on 8/7 from 7:00-9:00 PM. I have also attached a link to our website where they can get all the details.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/meeting/4vfsk

Ice Cream Social with Barack Obama (Official Event)

Ice Cream Social with Barack Obama (Official Event)

When: Ice cream will be served at 4:45 pm on Thursday, July 19

Where: Ben Mere Bandstand and Park, Corner of Lake and River Streets, Sunapee, NH

How: The event is free and open to the public.
An RSVP is not required but strongly encouraged due to space limitations and food purchases.
Please call Abby at (603) 355-2008 to let us know if you will attend.

Anyone interested in volunteering please give us a call and plan on being at the park at 2:45. Thanks!

http://nh.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/officialevent/4v82g


Thank you

Ann Heffernon

For the latest Cheshire County Democrats news and events visit our
new website:
http://www.cheshiredemocrats.org

POLITICAL EVENTS OF NOTE!

POLITICAL EVENTS OF NOTE!
(Please respond directly to those holding the following events with questions)

After months of scouting locations and getting settled, we're ready for our grand opening!

In honor of our office being officially ready for business, we'll be hosting a potluck lunch Sunday July 1st at 3:00PM and would love to have you join us. We're hoping this will be a way for us to meet many of you whom we haven't yet and for you to more closely connect with us, the campaign, the movement for Obama '08 within the Keene community.

Our office is located at 170 Emerald Street, across from the Center at Keene, and three blocks past Blueberry Fields. For further information, we can be reached at (603) 355-2008.

Please don't hesitate to be in touch with any questions, feel free to bring family and friends, and we look forward to meeting you!

Best,

Your Obama for America Keene Staff

Abby Witt

Brandon Riker

Jake Heller

****************************************

The Stoddard Democrats present Governor Bill Richardson at Lakefalls Lodge!

You are invited to join Governor Bill Richardson and the Stoddard Democrats on July 5th.at 6:45 p.m.

This is a great opportunity to see for yourself why the Governor is building momentum and gaining new support across the country!

Lakefalls Lodge, also known as "Shinbone Shack" is a beautiful site with its own pond, waterfall, lovely grounds and unique buildings in Stoddard New Hampshire.

Directions: From Keene, exit Route 9 when you see signs for Nelson/Harrisville and Granite Lake/Munsonville. Turn left and proceed to Munsonville one mile ahead. When you see the church, turn left on West Shore Road (with the lake on your right). After passing the lake and the intersection of North Shore Road, proceed straight ahead to the end of Aten Road. Proceed even when you see signs saying "private road". ( maps.google.com ) We will have someone located at Munsonville Village beside "Stoddard Democrats" sign to confirm directions.

Handicapped parking will be available, but there will be a short walk for most. Please car pool as much as possible.

For more information, call Jamie Judd at 505-917-1562 or Bob Englund at 847-9727.

Upcoming Events - (check out our Calander for more info)

The Cheshire County Democrats invite you to join us for our monthly meeting on Sunday July 1st at 5:30 at our headquarters. We are located at 2 Eagle Court, behind Bagleworks in Keene. Please remember that there is much construction, so you may have to plan on a new route.

Upcoming events:
(For all Candidate events, please contact the Candidates local headquarters or websites for information directly)
On Thursday, July 5th, The Marlow Historical Society will host a history-making event. On that date Bill Richardson will be the first presidential candidate to visit Marlow. Everyone is invited to attend and will have an opportunity to meet and ask questions of Gov. Richardson in an informal setting. He is expected to arrive at Jones Hall at 4 PM and will stay for about an hour.
We hope that all who can will come to greet Governor Richardson. For those who are interested in learning more about Bill Richardson you may access his website at www.richardsonforpresident.com/ *
Mary Blank
President, Marlow Historical Society

Cheshire County Fair;
Dates 7/31-8/5. We welcome volunteers to help staff our table! Please contact ann@cheshiredemocrats.org

Cheshire Democrats Book Club

This month we will be reading The Partly Cloudy Patriot, by Sarah Vowell. Publisher's Weekly says about the author, "Her best short, personal essays focus on her ambivalent relationship to American history and citizenship: no one in recent memory has been as insightful on the direct pleasures and perils of voting, the misuse of Rosa Parks as a metaphor, the appeal of Canadians (who "have this weird knack for loving their country in public without resorting to swagger or hate") and the relative merits of presidential libraries. She goes too far, cares too much and remains a very anxious and extremely funny citizen and shady patriot." The book is available in paperback. The meeting will be Tuesday, June 5th, 6:30 PM at the Keene Public Library, 2nd floor.

NH 2007 Midterm Convention

2007 Midterm Convention

We want you to be a part of the New Hampshire Democratic Party 2007
Midterm State Convention on Saturday June 2nd at Rundlett Middle
School.

Information and Directions! http://www.nhdp.org/

We are going to have some really exciting speakers at the convention
this year, including several of the candidates for President including
Senator Joe Biden, Senator Chris Dodd, Congressman Dennis Kucinich and
Governor Bill Richardson. The other Presidential campaigns are sending
representatives on their behalf, including Governor Martin O'Malley of
Senator Hillary Clinton's campaign, Congressman David Bonior of John
Edwards campaign and Michelle Obama from Senator Barack Obama's
campaign.

Also, we will hear from Governor John Lynch, Congresswoman Carol Shea-
Porter, Congressman Paul Hodes,  Senate President Sylvia Larsen, House
Majority Leader Mary Jane Wallner, and our candidates for US Senate
Jay Buckey, Steve Marchand and Katrina Swett.

Senator Dodd to Visit Keene April 22nd

12:15 p.m. Speech regarding "The New American Prosperity: Innovation and Energy Independence in the 21st Century"
Where: Historical Society of Cheshire County, 246 Main Street Keene, NH

Dr. Joseph Gerson to speak

"ROMANCING RUTHLESSNESS......"
Please join us for a special evening on Monday, April 9 in Keene to hear Dr. Joseph Gerson, Director of Programs for American Friends Service Committee in New England discuss the historical and current reliance of nuclear weapons as a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. Joseph is a rigorous scholar, international lecturer, and peace activist of some renown. He is also an impassioned seeker for the global elimination of nuclear weapons. He will be in Keene to bring us up to date on the realities that we and our children face regarding the state of nuclear wepaons and related current U.S. policy. He will also enumerate a number of thoughtful, informed actions we can take to urge the United States to live up to its responsibilities as signatory of the Nuclear Non-prolifersation Treaty. Joseph's new book, Empire and the Bomb: How the United States Uses Nuclear Weapons to Dominate the World has JUST been published and signed copies will be available for purchase. Daniel Ellsburg calls Joseph's book, "Brilliant, Gerson has uncovered the radioactive vein in our secret foreign policy." The organizations that have stepped up to help New Hampshire Peace Action bring this evening about are the KSC Campus Commission on Diversity and Multiculturalism, KSC History Club, AFSC-NH, and Mothers and Others Uniting. This event is free and open to the public. It will occur in the Lantern Room, first floor Student Center, Keene State College at 7:00 pm. I encourage you to be there if you possibly can.

Cheshire Democrats Book Club

For next month, we are reading Snow, by Orhan Pamuk, the Turkish author and winner of the Nobel Prize for literature. Publishers Weekly describes the author and book this way, "A Turkish poet who spent 12 years as a political exile in Germany witnesses firsthand the clash between radical Islam and Western ideals in this enigmatically beautiful novel." The meeting will be Tuesday night, May 8th, 6:30 PM, at the Keene Public Library, second floor.

Barack Obama to visit Keene

Barack Obama will be hosting a Town Hall forum at Keene State College on Monday April 2nd at the Spaulding Gymnasium. (Keene State College is located at 229 Main Street in Keene, New Hampshire). Tickets for this event are available at the Cheshire County Democrats Headquarters located at 2 Eagle Court in Keene (behind Bagelworks), from 9:00 A.M. until 6:00 P.M. Thursday March 29th through Sunday April 1st, and from 9:00 A.M. through 12:00 P.M. on Monday April 2nd. They are also available on line at www.barackobama.com.


Doors will open at 6:00 P.M.

Barack Obama to visit Keene-POSTPONED !!!

Town Hall Forum with Senator Barack Obama When: Friday March 16 -- Doors open at 6:30 PM Where: Keene High School Gymnasium, 43 Arch Street, Keene, NH How: The event is free and open to the public. To get a ticket go to:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/keene0316

Cheshire Democrats Book Club

For this month we've decided to switch from the Middle East back to the U.S. We are going to read State of Denial: Bush at War, Part III, by Bob Woodward. If the last book was disturbing, I can't wait to read this one. We are going to meet Tuesday, March 27, at 6:30 PM, at the Keene Public Library, in the Trustees Room on the second floor.

Peace March-POSTPONED UNTIL 3/24/07

To mark the 4th Anniversary of the U.S. MilitaryInvasion of Iraq: The Keene Community will call for ending war and occupation, for diplomatic solutions to international problems, and for funding humanitarian needs instead of funding the war machine. On Saturday, March 17, beginning at 10am, we will gather at the entry arch (Appian Way) of Keene State College on Main Street. A march will take place on both sides of Main St. and converge at Central Square by 11am for the weekly peace vigil. At noon, we will voice our need for peace and share nourishment. Bring signs, drums, music makers and peaceful intentions.For more information, contact Chris Hansen at603-835-6190 or marcuschristian@hotmail.com or callCheryl Quimby at 603-499-1975 Thanks for putting the word out, hope to see you all there!Regards,Cheryl

Molly Kelly to host Public Forums

A key player in Gov. John H. Lynch’s effort to solve the state’s school funding puzzle — state Sen. Molly Kelly, D-Keene — plans to host four public meetings in her district this week to solicit opinions and ideas about how to define an “adequate” education.
About a month ago, Lynch appointed the newly-elected Kelly to an eight-member task force whose job is to begin solving the school funding problem by developing a definition of an adequate education.
Kelly, who made education the dominant theme of her campaign last fall, said she considered it an honor to be asked to join the task force, which is preparing to tackle a problem that has gone unresolved for about a decade.
The challenge facing the state is to find a way to abide by the N.H. Supreme Court’s ruling that paying for an adequate education is the state’s responsibility, rather than the responsibility of local property-tax payers.
Legislators say solving the crisis will eventually require more than just a definition — it will also require figuring out how much money it would cost the state to provide an adequate education, and how the state will raise the money to pay for it.
But Kelly and other state legislators say it’s important, for the time being, to focus on the issue of what “adequacy” is.
“I understand that it’s difficult not to talk about the cost, but we’re really trying to do that,” Kelly said.
Roughly a decade ago, the N.H. Supreme Court declared the state’s system of paying for education — where the financial burden falls largely to local property taxes — unconstitutional.
Since then, efforts to resolve the issue have been struck down repeatedly by the N.H. Supreme Court.
In a ruling last year, the Court gave the state Legislature until July 1 of this year to come up with a definition of what constitutes an “adequate” education.
On Feb. 12, Lynch introduced his own definition of adequacy, which is based on the state’s school approval standards and curriculum frameworks.
The state school approval standards are a list of criteria all public schools must meet. They include everything from what students should learn in biology class to how much time they should have to eat lunch to how many should be in each 5th-grade class. Schools that fail to meet the criteria are given three years to make improvements.
Lynch’s definition doesn’t include all the standards. While it incorporates the criteria for English, math, science, social studies, the arts, world languages, technology, health and physical education for elementary, middle and high school, it leaves out standards for school facilities and guidance counselors, among others.
Kelly said Lynch’s proposed definition is only a starting point from the task force. She declined to comment on any of the details in Lynch’s definition, saying she’s not offering up her own views until after she hears from the public.
The task force, which includes four senators and four state representatives, is holding public meetings in Plymouth, Manchester, Dover and Claremont to seek public input.
The group isn’t hosting a forum in the Monadnock Region, which is why Kelly is hosting her own meetings in her district this week, she said. The public, however, may attend a forum hosted by the entire task force on Monday, March 12, at 6:30 p.m., at the Maple Avenue Elementary School at 210 Maple Ave. in Claremont.
Besides Kelly, the task force’s other members are senators Iris W. Estabrook, D-Durham, Martha Fuller Clark, D-Portsmouth, and Robert P. Odell Jr., R-Lempster, as well as state representatives Emma L. Rous, D-Durham, Kimberley S. Casey, D-East Kingston, James M. O’Neil, D-Merrimack, and Nancy F. Stiles, R-Hampton.
Kelly’s meetings:
Tuesday, March 6, at 7 p.m. at the ELM Community Center in Winchester.
Wednesday, March 7, at 6 p.m. at Chesterfield Elementary School.
Saturday, March 10, at 10 a.m., at the Cheshire County YMCA building on Lake Street in Swanzey.
Sunday, March 11, at 4 p.m., at Keene High School, room 9.
Members of the public may also attend a forum hosted by the entire task force on Monday, March 12, at 6:30 p.m., at the Maple Avenue Elementary School at 210 Maple Ave. in Claremont.
Kelly said she also welcomes comments sent to her via e-mail, at molly.kelly@state.leg.nh.us, or at adequacy@leg.state.nh.us.

Scott Ritter to speak in Keene

Wednesday March 7, 7pm. KEENE. 'The Case for Engagement with Iran.' Former UN Chief Weapons Inspector Scott Ritter will be speaking about the growing signs that the U.S. is preparing to attack Iran. Scott Ritter served as Chief Weapons Inspector for the United Nations Special Commission in Iraq where he was in charge of searching for weapons of mass destruction. Ritter conceived, carried out, and participated in over forty inspections. Ritter ultimately resigned from UNSCOM, determining that Iraq did not possess weapons of mass destruction, while unearthing the true threats to international justice and global security surrounding U.S. policy. A former Major in the U.S. Marines, Ritter established himself in his distinguished 12-year career in government service within the U.S. armed services. His most recent book, Target Iran, fully illuminates the truth about this potentially devastating conflict between the U.S. and Iran. Mabel Brown Room, Student Center at Keene State College. This event is sponsored by New Hampshire Peace Action, Mothers Uniting, KSC History Club, KSC Sociology Department, KSC Department of Political Science, and KSC Campus Commission on Diversity & Multiculturism and is free and open to the public. For more information, call 228-0559. tel. (603) 355 2816

April Cheshire County Democrats Meeting

Please join the Cheshire County Democrats for our monthly meeting on Sunday April 1st at 5:30 P.M. The meeting will be held at out headquarters located at 2 Eagle Court in Keene, behind Bagelworks.

We look forward to seeing you!

New Hampshire House Finance Committee Budget Hearings

New Hampshire House Finance Committee Budget Hearings

The House Finance Committee has scheduled five hearings on the budget across the state so that citizens, community leaders, community members, advocates, professionals, and organization representatives can appear before the committee to comment on the budget.

This is the first time in over 25 years that the House Finance Committee has taken its hearings on the road, opening up the process to those who cannot make it to Concord . The Finance Committee will be recording the hearings so that they may be streamed on the General Court Web site.

“If you breathe the air, drink the water, drive on a road, run a business, go to school, or enjoy the scenery, the budget affects the quality of your life,” said Rep. Bernard Benn, House Finance Committee Vice-Chair. “The budget impacts all of us, and we want to make sure everyone has a say.”

Everyone is invited to attend, whether to listen or to speak to the committee. The hearings are scheduled as follows:

(Click on the link for directions to the hearing)
March 5th, 4-7 pm, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Auditorium E and F, Lebanon
March 6th, 5-8 pm, Alumni Recital Hall, Redfern Arts Center , Keene State College, Keene
March 8th, 4-7 pm, Rochester Community Center , Rochester
March 12th, 4-7 pm, PSNH Auditorium, Manchester
March 15th, 4-7 pm, White Mountain Regional High School Auditorium, Lancaster

(EVENT CANCELLED DUE TO DEATH OF CLOSE FRIEND) Join Senator Dodd for a Roundtable Discussion on Education

"Presidential candidate, Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) will hold an Educational Policy Roundtable with any and all interested participants in the Keene Public Library, on Friday, February 16, at 1:30pm. Senator Dodd has been an advocate of quality public education throughout his long career. What will be the fate of “No Child Left Behind” in the New Congress?
Senator Dodd should have some insights.

A 5-term Senator from Connecticut, Senator Dodd's legislative accomplishments include the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Help America Vote Act and a law extending health insurance to an additional 5-7 million children. Senator Dodd has devoted his life to public service. After graduating from Providence College in 1966, Senator Dodd served in the Peace Corps for two years followed by a seven-year stint in the U.S. Army. In 1975 he was elected to Congress. In 1980, he was elected to the United States Senate. During President Bill Clinton's re-election campaign in 1996, Senator Dodd served as the General Chairman of the Democratic National Committee.
A strong advocate of progressive values and human rights, Senator Dodd has earned a reputation as a fair and decisive leader in our nation's capitol. In the 110th Congress, Senator Dodd is Chairman of the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and the Rules Committee." (written by:Frank Murphy)

Who:
Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT)

When:
Start: 16 Feb 2007 - 1:30pm
End: 16 Feb 2007 - 2:30pm

Where:
Senator Dodd will be in Keene, NH for a Roundtable Discussion on Education
LocationKeene Public Library60 Winter StreetKeene, NH

Hillary Clinton to visit Keene

When:
Sunday, February 11, 2007
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Where:
Keene High School Cafeteria
43 Arch Street
Keene, NH 03431

Why:
"She's not just starting a campaign; she's beginning a conversation. Join Hillary Clinton in Keene on her first trip to New Hampshire. Bring your friends and family and join the conversation."

Parking is limited at Keene High School - plan on carpooling and arriving early.

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/

Book Club News

In February we will be reading Nine Parts of Desire, The Hidden World of Islamic Women, by Geraldine Brooks. The New York Times Book Review says it is "a valid, entertaining account of women in the Muslim world." Publishers Weekly says "Powerful and enlightening...Brooks presents stunning vignettes of Muslim women." The book is in paperback, 239 pages, available for $14.00 at Toadstool. (Coincidently, the author is married to Tony Horwitz, author of Confederates in the Attic, which we read a few months ago.)

We will meet on a Tuesday night this time, February 27, at 6:30 PM. The February meeting will be at the Keene Public Library, 60 Winter Street, in the Trustees Room on the second floor.

Dennis Kucinich to visit Keene

On Saturday, February 3 at noon, the Keene City Dems will host Presidential candidate, Dennis Kucinich, at the Cheshire Co. Dems HQ, so you can do a first-in-the-nation job of evaluating his candidacy. It is a new day in D.C. and this is a "New" Kucinich, one that can make his views count unhindered by funding limits.

Dennis is now the Chairman of the Domestic Policy Subcommittee of the House Committee on Government Oversight. This is a new sub-committee giving him
oversight powers for every federal Department, Agency and Board. If you have concerns over the recent roll back of federal regulations, this is the Congressman to talk to. The Federal Election Commission, the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, etc., are under his jurisdiction. For voters that may be tired of sound bites, he has a thorough plan for dealing with the multiple problems in Iraq. The details on the subcommittee and the Iraq Plan are at: Kucinich.us. Even if you can't come, this material is worth looking at.

Congressman Kucinich will make a short presentation and afterwards there
should be as much Q & A as you want. Hope you take advantage of this
opportunity, that the other 49 states are fighting to get.

Contact info-Kathy O'Donnell-357-6103 EVERYONE WELCOME!

CCD Meeting delayed

Greetings!
The monthly meeting for the Cheshire County Democrats will be delayed by one
week in February due to the Superbowl. (Enjoy)!

Please join the Cheshire County Democrats for our Monthly Meeting!
Sunday, February 11th at 5:30 P.M.
at our headquarters located at 2 Eagle Court (behind Bagleworks) in Keene.

Birthday Celebration for Granny D!!!!

You are invited to a 97th Birthday party for

Renowned Campaign Finance Reformer

Doris Granny D Haddock

The Govenor's Executive Council Chambers

January 24th 2007, 1:00 P.M. through 3:00 P.M.

• Special party mementos go to the first to arrive
• Come for cake, coffee and a Granny D Hug!