***PLEASE ATTEND OUR FEBRUARY 13TH LUNCHEON***
Our guest speaker will be SEN. DAVE ARONBERG, Candidate for Florida's Attorney General plus we will elect a new slate of Officers and Directors. Click on Events for more details.
Dear Democratic Club members,
It seems like just yesterday that I was writing my 1st President’s column – introducing myself to you and musing about hopes and goals for the club over the next two years. And yikes! Talk about “blink of an eye”! Now, two years later, we can look back on some wild political rides. The youngest of my teenagers – who were often seen, ahem, “volunteering” or unwittingly mentioned on this page - is heading off to college. I have substantially more gray hair, but even more new laugh lines and friendships. I have enjoyed every minute of it! Almost. (Well, there was that time the luncheon speaker didn’t show; and there was that time we met in at new venue and no one could find the parking garage; and there was that outreach event in the freezing rain….) I honestly believe we have made a positive Democratic impact in this community over the past two years and I look forward to helping my successor accomplish so much more.
Absolutely none of our accomplishments would have been possible without the dedication and countless hours put in by the DCS board and volunteers. So this column is dedicated to them – and you - with my heartfelt appreciation.
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Thanks to VP David Shapiro who was always there to swoop in with his cape and save the day when needed.
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And to Treasurer Elaine Foster for keeping us out of jail and finding money for “just one more project”.
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To Jane Callahan, with regular assistance from Elaine, Dick and Diane Happy, Mary Preston and Paula John for making sure we were welcomed, fed and ID’d at the luncheons.
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Thank you to Jean Wieloch and her crew for showing us that sometimes the old-fashioned way still works best.
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And my thanks go to Corresponding Secretary Tom Cook for keeping us informed and up-to-date.
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JoAnne DeVries and Jane Callahan deserve kudos for daring to follow the Swiss watch-like precision of the Prestons as Membership Chairs.
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JoAnne DeVries and Mary Clupper deserve a standing ovation for plotting and scheming one outreach project or event after another. Not only did they find ways to enhance our Democratic presence in Sarasota, they physically schlepped tables, signs, literature and the cardboard president all over the county!
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Our stalwart FOCUS Editor, Debbie Trice and her “staff” – Dee Widder, Diane Happy and Dick Stammer – put out an extraordinary newsletter each month. I think Debbie may have been a Drill Sergeant in a prior life because she is SO good at getting us to produce and meet deadlines!
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And like the unforgettable Dennis Silver before them, Gerry Preston, Jerry Osterweil and Connie Goldstein make a formidable paparazzi, capturing our Democratic events and spirit.
Thank you all.
Next month I look forward to welcoming a new slate of officers and directors, but now, with gratitude and best wishes, I bid farewell to 3 board members: Wendy Grassi, Bill Coleman and Pat Rounds. (Remember that amazing dinner Pat chaired featuring Rep. John Lewis?) Their advice and contributions were welcome and valued.
And finally, my thanks go to all of YOU. It is your support and encouragement that have made these past two years so rewarding and fun for me! I have enjoyed getting to know you, working with you, sharing the political highs and commiserating the lows with you. During times of debate and unity, I’ve learned from your wisdom, strength and unyielding convictions as Democrats. I am honored to have served you and proud to stand with you.
Nancy
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