Northshore Democratic Women's Club

Meeting Minutes, May 20, 2012 (draft)

May 202012

Call to Order: The general monthly meeting of the NDWC was held in Abita Town Hall, Abita Springs, LA on 20 May 2012. The meeting was held at 3:00 PM. Joanne Pettit, President, but who had been on leave for some time, opened the meeting in Acting President, Renee Pitre’s absence. Renee had a family situation to attend to and was unable to attend the meeting but she coordinated ahead of time with Beverly Musson to open the hall and set-up. Joanne thanked Renee for all her work this past year. Renee assumed the role of President with little preparation and has done a wonderful job. Thank you Renee for all that you have done to forward the work of the NDWC!

New Business:

1. New Officer Installation.

Before installing the new club officers, Joanne formally stepped down as the club’s President. She then turned the meeting over to the new President, Ann Kirkpatrick.

Ann K. thanked Joanne for all she has done for the NDWC, to include forming it in the first place.

All the new elected officers, Ann Porter (Vice President) and Alexandra Wesley-Smith (Treasurer) spoke briefly about themselves and their qualifications for the positions.

Joanne then asked the club members if anyone had any issue with the elected officers. No issues were raised. She presented Ann K. with a blue donkey pin to commemorate her position as club President. This pin will be passed down to subsequent presidents.

As Ann K.’s first official act, she appointed Shannon Cockayne as the interim Secretary. She will become the official Secretary once she has fulfilled the 1 year membership qualification in June 2012. Shannon accepted the appointment and spoke briefly about herself.

2. Upcoming Events.

The Rev. Welton Gaddy will speak at Abita Town Hall on Thursday 24 May. According to the Times Picayune, Rev. Gaddy is an author who has written extensively on religion and politics. He will discuss religion and the presidential election on Thursday. The free event is from 7 to 9 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Gaddy, from Monroe, is president of the Washington, D.C.-based Interfaith Alliance. His talk is titled “‘But God Told Me I Could Be President’ — Religion and the 2012 Election.” The event is sponsored by Progressive Northshore Democrats and the Northshore Democratic Women’s Club. A reception and refreshments will follow the event.

Please contact Beverly Musson regarding support for this event. Gail Ledet will provide PA support if required. Shannon Cockayne made a motion that the NDWC needs to investigate the possibility of purchasing its own PA system. This motion was tabled until Ann K. has a better understanding of available club funds.

The NDWC will present Rev, Gaddy with two copies of Cookbook for the Hungry – one for him and one for him to hopefully pass on to Rachel Maddow from MSNBC (Rev Gaddy is a frequent guest on her show). Joan Simon from PND will present him with an Amazon.com gift card. NDWC may contribute to this. Ann K. is meeting with Joan later tonight to discuss the event/presentations.

3. Organizational Updates.

DPEC: Gail Ledet was asked to present a DPEC update. She did not have much to offer on DPEC proceedings as it only just recently convened as a new body. Instead Gail offered her thoughts about the NDWC and pride in how it and the DPEC are coming along.

Ann K. echoed Gail’s sentiments and then introduced Belinda Brown, a new DPEC member. Belinda spoke about acknowledging our party affiliation and honestly and openly supporting the party’s ideals. To this end Linda Hawkins recounted Annette Haynie’s effort to do just that at a recent Women of Infinite Possibilities meeting at Christwood.

PND: No update available.

OFA: Michael Baham, the Obama for America representative in St Tammany, thanked members for their assistance in two voter registration drives and a phone bank effort this weekend. He presented volunteers with a tri-fold pamphlet outlining some of President Obama’s accomplishments. He urged members to check BarackObama.com for upcoming events and asked that everyone RSVP for listed events via this site so that St Tammany gets “credit” for service to the campaign. He also identified Ann P. as his primary POC for phone-banking.

Shannon Cockayne mentioned she would be running a Voter Registration drive on both Delgado campuses on 30 May (10:00-2:00 and 5:00-7:00). Michael will post this on Obama.com. Please sign up. 30 May is the first day of classes so there should be a lot of foot traffic and ample opportunities to register young voters.

4. Miscellaneous:

Linda Hawkins asked if anyone was going to take a picture of the new officers to send to the Times Picayune. Liz Scott-Monaghan offered to do this. Linda also mentioned the establishment of the Abita Coalition for Sustainable Growth. She asked that everyone please “like” the coalition’s page on Facebook.

5. Old Business:

Ann K. circulated a copy of the last meeting’s minutes and Treasurer’s report. It was decided to table approving them in Renee’s absence and since the club officers only just took over.

Ann K. asked if there was any more business to discuss. No one responded so Shannon made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ann P. seconded the motion. No members opposed the motion. Meeting was adjourned.

Meeting Minutes, March 18 2012

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Apr 112012

The meeting at the Abita Town Hallwas called by acting chair Renee Pitre at 3:20 and Bev Musson agreed to take minutes. February minutes were approved and the Feb. treasurer’s report was submitted. The Feb. closing balance was $4,678.66.

The nominating committee consisting of Ann Porter, Joan Simon, Liz Scott, Della Perkins and Gail Ledet were introduced. Ann Porter introduced the slate of officers compiled by the committee, giving bios of each candidate as office was put to the floor. The opportunity to nominate from the floor was given, but no nominations were offered. The slate of officers which will be presented without opposition at the April meeting is: Ann Kirkpatrick, president; Ann Porter, vice president; Alexandra Wesley-Smith, treasurer. Secretary remains open. Bev. Musson volunteered to serve as hospitality chair.

The office of secretary was discussed and committee members explained that a candidate was chosen, but it was later discovered that she is two months shy of a full year’s membership, which the office requires. No nominations from the floor were given. It was discussed and decided that the office shall remain open and that according to the bylaws, the president may appoint a secretary. The nominating committee initially was to nominate Shannon Cockayne.

Upcoming events announced: PND on Thurs., March 22 at Joan Simon’s and DPEC on Mon. April 9 when the newly elected members will be installed.

All members were strongly encouraged to participate in the March 24 primary election, which includes the presidential primary and several local elections. The primary also included the DPEC and other state party seats. Club member running were Alicia Breaux, Ann Kirkpatrick, Billie Stanga and current chair Gail Ledet. Club members elected without opposition are Joan Simon, Ella Selmon, Della Perkins and Ann Porter.

Future club events were announced. Joan Simon, also chair of PND, said she has secured the Rev. Weldon Gaddy for a return visit on Thurs., May 24. NDWC will co host. Renee also has contacted PSC member and former gubernatorial candidate Foster Campbell for a future appearance.

Sign up sheets were passed around. They included suggestions for under 40 contacts for a potential new northshore chapter of Young Democrats of America. Also, members were asked to sign up for new potential social groups, including a movie group and a bowling group.

Bills being considered in the current state legislative session were also discussed, and the educational “reform” bills pushed by Gov. Jindal ®, were of particular interest. Member Nancy Lily, currently a public school teacher, spoke out against the measures and urged NDWC members to contact officials to express opposition.

The program speaker was Michael Baham, volunteer co ordinator in St. Tammany for Obama forAmerica. He explained to campaign structure, announced the opening of a local headquarters, and sought team leaders on the West Side of St. Tammany.

All were encouraged to ready the March 21 column in the St. Tammany News written by member Billie Stanga and Richard Boyd. The meeting then adjourned.

State Director of Obama for America Speaks to Club Members and Guests

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Jan 152012

Pat McCullough, State Director of Obama for America, spoke today to an enthusiastic group of Northshore Democratic Women’s Club members and their guests. The meeting was open to residents of the parish interested in hearing about the Obama campaign’s goals and plans to retain the White House in 2012.

Ms. McCullough emphasized the importance of a state-by-state approach for the President’s re-election. ”The organizations you build here in 2012 will be the organizations and leaders that turn Louisiana Blue in the future.”

Renee Pitre, spokeswoman for the Northshore Democratic Women’s Club, told Ms. McCullough, “We are here and ready to work!” Ms. McCullough will be back on the Northshore on Monday, February 6 to conduct Team training for St. Tammany. The meeting will be held at the regular monthly meeting of Citizens for a Better Community, to be held at 6:30 PM at the Masonic Hall at 2598 4th Street in Slidell.

Women’s Club Donates $2,000 to Feed Hungry People

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Jan 032012

By Liz Scott Monaghan

The Northshore Democratic Women’s Club presented a check for $2000 to the Mount Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church Feeding Ministry on Saturday Dec.10.

It was one of the highlights of an unusual event, a launching of the club’s “Cookbook for the Hungry,” which was created solely to benefit the hungry.

Women's club members and guests sample Sweet Potato Bread at launch party for the Club's "Cookbook for the Hungry"

The club has partnered with Mount Olive, and the ministry itself has sold 120 books and already used those profits to pay fuel and other bills, feeding ministry director Natasha Woods said.

One of the cookbook’s authors, Ann Porter of Slidell, explained that after the women’s club sponsored a forum on hunger in St. Tammany Parish in January, club members brainstormed about they could do to help alleviate the problem. The result was the cookbook.

She noted that this isn’t an ordinary community cookbook. It was designed by professional book designer Tina Henderson of Lacombe; edited by humor writer Liz Scott Monaghan of Folsom, and includes good-natured political pot shots as well as recipes from the club’s skilled cooks. It also includes directions on planting a vegetable garden, filleting a fish, and a few tips on healthful eating.

The book launch party, titled “Hunger Bites” featured tasting of 18 recipes from the book, including several seafood dishes, salads, desserts and a few items with quirky names such as “Undocumented Chili Dip,” “Black Bean and Corn Flip-Flop,” “Heckuvajob Brownies,” “Robocall Rice Salad,” and “Wing-Nut Oatmeal Cookies.”

The event’s organizers were Shannon Cockayne of Bush and Alex Wesley-Smith of Lacombe.

Cookbook Contributers and Event Organizers, First row, from left, Shannon Cockayne, Tina Henderson, Linda Hawkins, Dian McIlwain, Alex Wesley-Smith. Second row, from left; Janice Roussel, Joy Roussel, Susan Green, Gail Ledet, Ella Selmon, Ann Porter. Third row: Ann Kirkpatrick, Liz Scott Monaghan, and Nina Helfert.

Mount Olive Feeding Ministry, founded in 1986, currently serves and delivers 350 meals each day, six days per week, a total of nearly 90,000 meals a year. To purchase cookbooks, or to donate funds, contact the Mount Olive Feeding Ministry at 985.641.6026, or order them through OctaviaBooks.com or Amazon.com

Hunger in St. Tammany Parish: Yes, It Happens

Events, News, Uncategorized 1 Response »

Jan 212011

On Sunday, January 16th, the Northshore Democratic Women’s Club sponsored a forum on the problem of hunger in St. Tammany Parish at Abita Springs Town Hall. The forum was organized by club member Kathy DelCarpio of Pearl River. Kathy led the guided conversation between members of the panel and the community. The conversation was both deep and broad, with a full hour devoted to the structured discussion followed by 45 minutes of questions and answers with the audience. Over 80 people attended the forum.

Members of the panel were:

Dr. Tobey Pitman, ministry strategist for North Shore Baptist Associations. The North Shore Baptist Associations work with 91 area Baptist churches. One of Dr. Pitman’s roles is to help those churches with their service missions by helping them understand their communities and engage with them in solutions to the problem of hunger.
Ms. Ann Presley, St. Tammany Parish School Board Kids in Transition Program. The Kids In Transition program works specifically with homeless children, include those in transitional housing, shelters, and “doubled up” with extended family.
Mr. John Tobin, St. Tammany Parish Health and Human Services. The Department of Health and Human Services works with area organizations to identify resources and secure assistance through the private sector.
Rev. W.E. Thrasher, Mt. Olive AME Church Feeding Ministry. The Mt. Olive Feeding Ministry feeds up to 300 people, six days a week, most of whom are shut-in.

Panel Members, Forum on the Problem of Hunger in St. Tammany Parish

Panel Members (L-R) Dr. Tobey Pitman, Ann Presley, Rev. W.E. Thrasher, Kathryne DelCarpio (moderator) and John Tobin

Over the next few days, this web site will post a series of articles summarizing the highlights of the forum. Future club meetings will be devoted to identifying and implementing actions the club will take to work with organizations in the community to help out.

The St. Tammany News / Slidell Sentry reported on the event.

Panel says Hunger is an Issue in Parish

One Nation Working Together Rally, D.C.

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Oct 072010

Two NDWC (Northshore Democrat Women’s Club) hopped a plane to D.C. for the One Nation Working Together Rally, October 2, 2010, Washington D.C. The Rally drew an estimated 175-200k diverse people from all walks of life. While over 400 organizations and partners participated (see listing at www.onenationworkingtogether.org/partners ) many of us traveled to the Rally independently of any formal group because we believed the event was important to witness first hand. Susan Blalock and Linda Hawkins (NDWC members) decided that they were going to be apart of this very important day. Yes, we were correct, as noted at www.bluevirgina.us ,”it was overwhelmingly positive, peaceful diverse and upbeat” and inspiring to us all. The Rally was a success and the point of the “One Nation” was to show that progressives, too, are prepared to rally to their causes…the attendance numbers show that as 200 thousand progressives stood in Washington and told all of America that we count, too.” If you or any other members you know attended this rally, please send in comments and photos.

St. Tammany Democratic Parish Executive Committee Meeting

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Jul 182010

Highlights – St. Tammany Democratic Parish Executive Committee (DPEC), July 12, 2010

Chairperson Gail Ledet introduced the guests who were invited to share their perspectives, goals and objectives.

Guests:

Claude “Buddy” Leach, State Democratic Party Chair

Renee Lapeyrolerie, Executive Director, State Democratic Party

Lyncall Bering, State Director, Organizing for America

Myron Katz, Candidate US Representative 1^st Congressional District

Kathyrine Delcarpio, Candidate St. Tammany School Board, District 9.

Ms. Ledet requested that the audience members introduce themselves after the guests had finished their remarks and had answered any questions from the group.

Mr. Leach acknowledged the State Democratic Party staff and briefly outlined their responsibilities. He highlighted his personal and professional biography noting that at this time in his life he needed to do whatever he could to assist the ailing Democratic Party in the State. Buddy Leach, ”I’m a Democrat and I will always be a Democrat”. He commented on individuals who switch back and forth between parties at times searching for the highest paid political donors. Because the State Party is in dire financial straits he has had to go to the National Party for assistance. The National Party’s focus is on reelecting candidates for national posts. The State Party is assisting Charlie Melancon in his Senatorial campaign against the incumbent David Vitter. Even with the limited resources the State Party will assist democrats with advice, voter lists and information however the State Party will not endorse any one particular democratic candidate when more then one democrat is vying for a political office. Given the organizational and financial challenges he is faced with he assured the DPEC that the State Political Organization wanted to heal any rifts between it and local democratic organizations. They wanted to assist in development of potential candidates for public office and provide whatever resources they could offer for those candidates. Mr. Leach noted that Louisiana has 1.6 million people registered as democrats and the focus must be on the future of rebuilding. He noted the local elections were October 2 with any runoffs on November 2, 2010. The Jefferson/Jackson Dinner was tentatively planned for October, date to be determined and three (3) democrats would be honored.

Questions from the audience included the development, training and support capabilities that may be available in the future from the State level. Mr. Leach learned of DPEC, PND (Progressive Northshore Democrats) and the Northshore Democratic Women’s Club Democratic Candidate Workshop held May 10, 2010 as well as the various organizations’ web sites. He and also learned that all three groups continue to grow in size and connect with others in St. Tammany sharing democratic principles and values throughout the communities.

Renee Lapeyrolerie recently took over the Executive Director position. Her extensive work in Louisiana politics has provided her a unique insight into the political environment. She spoke of her position and desire for the future of the State’s Party. Her first task will be to strengthen the party and work to elect Democrats in the fall elections. www.lademo.org

Lyncall Bering, new State Director Organizing for America, spoke of the need to reenergize democrats. She reminded us that we cannot sit on the sidelines and let the Republicans and others take us back. Ms. Bering understood our frustrations but urged us to stand strong and consider all the accomplishments that have been achieved in this short time given all the challenges.

Myron Katz spoke of his desire to represent the 1^st Congressional District. His career and work with the Sierra Club, a small business owner, a energy conservation expert has given him broad experience to deal with the multi-faceted issues. He defined his “Market-based” solutions approach. His opponent, Steve Scalise, has not represented the District in a way that supports the everyday person. He is beholding to his Party and does nothing to advance the people of Louisiana unless his Party first approves. Steve Scalise’s voting pattern speaks for it self with NO as the only answer unless it benefits big corporations, big banks and big oil. Mr. Katz has the support of many throughout the area including many clergy. This is his first time running for a political office and many offered their help. www.katz4congress.com.

Kathyrine Delcarpio is a retired schoolteacher. She highlighted her background including her teaching experiences. She has never run for a political office. She wants to make sure that the children are the number one focus when it comes to education. Ms. Delcarpio described her observations over the years with the educational system in St. Tammany Parish and noted that often other considerations besides the children’s best interest win out. Resources need to be put back into the classrooms and that needs to be the focus of the School Board Members. Many offered to help in her campaign.

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Jun 302010

A glimpse into the Washington, D.C. Bubble:

Gulf Voices) Non-Partisan Event, Washington, D.C.

June 16 & 17, 2010

Linda Hawkins (NSDW Club member)

Clean Energy Works (CEW) sponsored an intense two-day “Gulf Voices Fly-In” in which I and over one hundred residents from the Gulf Coast traveled to Washington to present a message to gulf coast congressional officials and the media. We wanted to share our stories with various senators and the national media about the effects that the oil spill (gusher) is having on our lives, the local economy and the environment.

CEW is a coalition of organizations that includes The National Wildlife Federation, Environmental Defense Fund, Environment America, League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club, The Audubon Society, The Alliance for Climate Protection and other groups working to pass clean energy and climate legislation in Congress this year.

The Message:”The Gulf Coast Oil Spill Disaster highlights the importance of developing a new approach to energy in America. While we hold BP accountable, Congress needs to act now to pass comprehensive energy and climate legislation that will cut our dependence on oil, create clean energy jobs and cuts dangerous pollution.”

Our group of residents from Louisiana (LA), Mississippi, Alabama and Florida shared their life experiences and future hopes. They represent a broad spectrum of individuals with a wide range of political and cultural orientations. We had training in dealing with the media and using lobbying approaches to our congressional officials through various speakers who provided education on the many topical issues.

We presented the senators and/or their staff with jars of oil filled water that had been captured from Grand Isle, LA during the previous week.While the majority of our experiences with the senators and/or their staff were very positive, our communications with our Senator David Vitter left many of us feeling disheartened. Although we had an appointment that he was aware of, he stated that he did not have time for us. This in and of itself would have not been a problem but the rest of the experience was troubling. When we arrived at his office we were not allowed in because they said that they had no room for us. We stood in the open hall and were sent to the open vestibule away from his office. A staff person was sent downstairs to meet with the LA delegation. The staffer was not prepared, took no notes and said that this area was not his focus. Therefore the encounter was disappointing to many in the delegation. Upon our return from D.C. four of us held a press conference at Sen. Vitter’s Metairie, LA office to request a meeting with him and once again ask him to support comprehensive clean energy legislation.

On the other end of the spectrum, Senator Mary Landrieu met with us in her office and provided us with a contact list of her Oil Spill Response Team. She outlined her goals for the immediate future and was supportive of clean energy legislation with a “bridge” to the future.

An Honest Political Ad

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Jun 242010

Guess who this made me think of?

Timely Update to Jazz Classic

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Jun 232010

Rapper Mos Def, Lenny Kravitz, Trombone Shorty and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band collaborated on an update to the New Orleans jazz standard “It Ain’t My Fault.” The song is available on iTunes for 99 cents. Proceeds benefit the non-profit Gulf Aid. Gulf Aid ensures that proceeds from sales and donations are “distributed to organizations focused on supporting wetlands/coastal environmental issues & the well-being of fishermen, and the regional seafood industry,” according to its website.

Keith Sperra of the Times-Picayune wrote a great article about the recording process.

Here’s the video. It’s very cool.

I’ve looked for the updated lyrics but haven’t been able to find them. Can anybody help with that?

Older Entries

Meeting Minutes, May 20, 2012 (draft)

Meeting Minutes, March 18 2012

State Director of Obama for America Speaks to Club Members and Guests

Women’s Club Donates $2,000 to Feed Hungry People

Hunger in St. Tammany Parish: Yes, It Happens

One Nation Working Together Rally, D.C.

St. Tammany Democratic Parish Executive Committee Meeting

An Honest Political Ad

Timely Update to Jazz Classic

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