April 21st, 2026 Democratic meeting

April 21st, 2026 Democratic meeting summary

•  Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm and followed by the pledge of

allegiance.  Thank you to all who brought food and to those who attended the No Kings rally. 

• Approval of the minutes:  March minutes were approved.

• Treasurer’s report:  Current balance was reported with several bills still outstanding.  The

veterans’ fund was also reported.

• Chair Report:  

1. Mary Allen signs are going up all over and we have more available especially for

highway traffic & greater visibility.

2. Progress on the flagpole.  It will be up shortly.

3. The little food pantries were mentioned as people are grateful and noticing.  “Every good

revolution always starts with feeding people”.

4. We need poll workers for the primary election. Currently need 4 more workers.

5. Bill introduced the guest speaker, Dave Crooks, the district chair.  

• Dave Crooks was impressed that we had such a nice headquarters.  He answered quite a few

questions but admitted that he didn’t have all the answers. He stated that when Democrats are

in power the people benefit.  When Trump and the Republicans are in charge only the

millionaires’ and billionaires’ benefit. Indiana has some of the highest utilities in the country.

Also, many people have been priced out of the insurance market place.  He talked about VAN

being used for the elections and he could help with access to it.

• JoAnn Neal, food committee, asked for help.  Everyone who brings food is appreciated but it

is difficult to plan if they don’t let JoAnn know what they are bringing.  She asked for a show of

hands of people willing to be on the committee. JoAnn once again asked people to contact

her.  It was also mentioned that there is a donation jar for the meals.  This raises money for the

party.

•  Outreach committee:

     1.)  Thank you! The $1000-level was raised for the Cataract Bean fund by the candidates

and a few others.

     2.)  Trivia night June 27th.  Doors open at 6:30 and start at 7:00. This is a nice way to get

some folks in the community, who maybe don’t know us, feel comfortable coming to a meeting. 

     3.)  Ruth Jones is making a beautiful quilt (Preserving Democracy - using canning jar

theme) to be donated for the 4-H scholarship auction at the fair.

     4.)  The building is still being used by the Owen County Theatre and Arts Alliance for a June

12-14th production of Frozen.

     5.)  Request made to take snapshots of the little pantries being filled to be posted on line. 

Great opportunity for the candidates to be noticed doing good deeds.  

1.  SMS messaging - approx. 30 people signed up, copy the QR code so you won’t miss

out on what’s going on.

1. Jane Rubeck spoke about setting out flags especially around the 4th of July.

• Fundraising report: Ann Henk gave a report of where our money is going and what is needed

annually.  This also included a wish list of some items.  Since it’s an election year, items were

listed to support our candidates.

1.  Sustainer Program was introduced–Imagine this:

a. 30 sustainers @ $250/yr. (approx. $5.00/wk) = $7,500. If you go to any fast food you’re

spending more than $5.00.

a. 30 sustainers @ $125/yr. (approx. $2.40/wk) = $3,750--cost of a cup of coffee

                       Imagine something better!… $7500 + $3,750 = $11,250 

We need to elect the candidates to facilitate change.  This program will allow us to help the

candidates, sustain the party and its ongoing expenses.

1. Film at the Tivoli featuring Bill Breeden’s political trial in 1986 documentary still in

transition.

1. Blue Bash Dinner (previously known as Jefferson/Jackson Dinner): JoAnn Neal, chair,

early planning stages of a sit-down dinner in the fall prior to election. Need to find a good

candidate speaker that will electrify and bring in people. Also, if anyone has connections with a

caterer.  Looking for people willing to join this committee.

1. Aprons for the Tivoli & other functions.  We got a reduction on the Campaign shirts and

were able to get 8 aprons at no additional cost.

1. Purchased 2 swags, United States 250th anniversary flag for use at the fair, the float and

all festivals.  One swag is displayed up front.

1. Annual Yard Sale May 8th & 9th:  Usually nets about $1,000.  

a. Julie Coffin, chair, In addition to donation of items there is a need for helpers to

organize everything. There is a bright yellow sign-up sheet up front with take-in times and

dates. 

a. After the meeting we need people to put away all the chairs. Table set up will be this

Saturday.     

• Building Report:  David Henk asked if anyone had a good idea to stabilize the flag pole

installation.

•  Legislative Report:  Judy Darnell reported on several issues.

a. Foreign Surveillance Act in 1978 

a. 25th Amendment

•  Glenda Breeden, vice chair, mentioned the following:

a. April 25th:  National Day of Action to stop Ice Warehouse Detention centers. 

a. May 1st:  Nationally happening… No school, No work, No shopping.  OK to support your

local businesses, but not the national chains.

a. July 4th Linton parade was also mentioned.

• The meeting adjourned.

NEXT MEETING:  May 19th; Supper/Social 5:30-6:30; business meeting 6:30-7:30

Submitted by:  David & Ann Henk, co-secretaries