December 16th, 2025 Democratic Meeting
December 16th, 2025 Democratic meeting summary. Key points include:
● Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 6:32pm and followed by the pledge of
allegiance. A moment of silence was taken for the Venezuelans blown out of the water.
● Approval of the minutes: November minutes approved and copies on the front table.
● Treasurer’s report: Current balance of $5429.20 with $300-$500 in bills still
outstanding. A proposal was made and approved to give Mary Allen, running for
Congress, a $100.00 donation.
● Guest Speaker: Mary Allen from Evansville was introduced. 8th district candidate for
Congress, the Peoples house. “The house where we work for the people.” She has
visited 19 of the 21 counties in the district since announcing candidacy 5 months ago
building relationships. She shared stories of meeting with farmers in Gibson County.
They are scared of the current policies. Now is the time to come together on shared
values. 1.) All kids should be fed. 2.) We need quality public education, 3) We all want
affordable health care. We want future generations to have more opportunities. A future
rooted in transparency, accessibility, integrity, honesty. Jar was passed for additional
donations for Mary Allen’s campaign. www.maryallenforcongress.com or email:
● Outreach Committee:
1.) Our partnership with Pantry 279 homebound food deliveries meet at
Headquarters every Monday at 1pm. They also help with supplies for our 12 little
food pantries. Still can use more people to help with the deliveries.
2.) Breakfast with Santa: Snowy weather worked against us but we fed 28 people
and gave away 5 or 6 elf food boxes. In addition we were able to give away gallons
of milk.
3.) Coat Drive: Special thanks to Maureen Kipp for arranging a partnership with
Area 10 Agency for the aging. Many of the people using their rural bus route didn’t
have proper winter wear. Their driver was very grateful and enthusiastic for these
donations.
4.) We participated in the Christmas on the Square Merry Meter Contest.
5.) January 7th is planned to take down the Christmas decorations and also have
an outreach committee meeting.
● Building report: A couple of outlets were added to the building. One outlet was added
in the middle of the floor so Collin can plug in a projector. We’ve got circuits to add a
couple more outlets but that would require more volunteer manpower. We also need
some organizing and decluttering of the two front rooms. Chamber of Commerce was
contacted about fiber. Fiber is being brought into Spencer by a company called
Mainstream. We are on the list but it will probably be about a year.
● Running for office: Julie Coffin gave a report for Frank as he was attending an election
board training meeting. Candidate filing begins January 7th at 8am and ends noon
February 6th at noon sharp. Filing needs to be done in person at the courthouse. It
cannot be mailed or emailed in. If you are indisposed, you can send it in with another
person but your signature needs to be notarized.
Bill: There are a lot of positions open. Everyone was encouraged to think of someone we
know who would be good in office. People don’t come out to vote if they don’t know who
is running. We need to fill the ballot with Democrats.
● Veteran’s Outreach: Bruce McAllister spoke on the Veterans outreach. He prepared a
draft letter ready to go out to businesses, organizations, and individual people. The
veterans fund currently has $500.00 but wants to reach a thousand before we start
advertising.
● Legislative Update and opportunities: Judy Darnell gave a report. Spoke on Snap
benefits, attacks in the Caribbean, Europeans coming together to support Ukraine,
House Bill 1032 & Senate bill 53. Judy had some copies to hand out and Collin to post
Judy’s info.
January 24th, the Chamber of Commerce is hosting their first legislative breakfast
at 7:30am at the Owen Valley Christian Fellowship.
● Tivoli sign up: Signup sheet on the front desk.
● Wonderful turnout and thank everyone for bringing pizza tonight. Meeting adjourned
NEXT MEETING: January 20th; Supper/Social 5:30-6:30; business meeting 6:30-7:30
Meeting Minutes Prepared By: Ann Henk and David Henk