August 19th, 2025 Democratic meeting summary. Key points include:
● The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm. July minutes emailed and copies on the tables. Minutes were accepted. There was a moment of silence for Donna Woodruff followed by the pledge of allegiance.
● Glenda Breeden gave the treasurer report as Sandra Calvert was out of town. Current balance $2,802.60 with $180 in outstanding bills. Act Blue doubled from last month and a $50 donation was approved to be given to the Community Foundation for Donna Woodruff.
● A review of all positive Democratic actions taken in July. Good Trouble Rallies and Protests were attended, Baked Potato Bar at Cataract Lake Community Center, Cataract Lake Community back to school supplies event, (people wept as they were so happy for our donations & presence), Motorcade for Medicaid, Historic Tivoli Street Dance and water station, Gosport Lazy Days parade & booth.
● Frank Coffin spoke of positions open for election in 2026 and handed out sheets on those positions and their duties. ● The technology report was given by Collin Rotella. We now have Instagram & Blue Sky. David Henk reported that we now have 351 Blue Sky followers.
● Outreach: a.) Stephanie reported that there was a line around the building in Cunot and our presence was welcomed. b.) There will be a new food pantry in memory of Donna Woodruff. c.) December 13th: Cunot is having a Christmas celebration. Other areas having Christmas events that we might interact with…Gosport, Coal City & Cataract. We applaud the positive actions taken to answer the question: What does a Democrat Look Like.
● Fundraising: JoAnn Neal discussed the Hog Roast & Auction change of date to Oct.18 and location to Democratic Headquarters. We are looking into closing off the street for that occasion. Still looking for a hog & also things for the auction. Pine Woods has already donated a golf foursome. Bubba Wiggles & The Rotations may donate playing music at the event. Need to get a copy of the insurance from George Brinson & check into insurance on event for the day.
● Judy Darnel encouraged everyone to use 5Calls.org to contact our representatives and senators, both national and state.
● Bill and Glenda Breeden attended the 8th District meeting at French Lick. They reported that Mary Allen is running for US Representative in the 8th Congressional District of IN in 2026 & Sally Busby is running for IN State Representative in District 78. Both decided to run because they have children with special needs and programs have been cut.
● Glenda is ordering 300 more constitutions for tabling at the Apple Butter and Spencer Pride Festivals. 250 were given away at the Owen County Fair.
● Glenda interacted with Bob Heaton at Lazy Days. Heaton said "Democrats are scaring people.”
● Bill talked with the sheriff at Lazy Days; suggested we write to him about what we expect from our sheriff concerning ICE: What if ICE shows up at Fiesta Owen County on October 11th (2-8pm)? Attend. Bring your cell phones.
● Blythe Potter was our guest speaker. She is running for Indiana Secretary of State. The Secretary oversees the elections. Follow blythepotter.com. Suggested doing a voter handbook and sending it out. “Bitches Get Stuff Done.”
a.) The increase in local income taxes. Who is doing this? The Republicans!
b.) Losing PBS. Who is doing this? The Republicans!
c.) Current administrations actions: voter access restricted, student ID’s no longer valid.
d.) The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act is being updated; it creates unnecessary voter barriers. She mentioned that 585 thousand voters were purged.
● Duane Cheney spoke about going after the purple. There are 180 days left until the primary date to election. 41% voted before election day…need to act now.
● $500 Fundraising Opportunity: Spencer Pride is looking for 10 people to clean up after Pride Fest.
● My Path Race volunteers needed for October 18th. Go to their Facebook page to register. Terry Urban will donate $100 to the event so that the Democrats will be recognized as a sponsor.
● The next Protest/Rally is Labor Day, Monday, September 1st.
● Meeting adjourned.
NEXT MEETING: September 16th; Supper/Social 5:30-6:30; Business Meeting 6:30-7:30
Submitted by: Ann and Dave Henk