Whiteside County Democrat Newsletter

June 2008 From the grassroots, miracles grow. Vol.2, No.3 (7)

 

Staff—Editors Kent McNeill and Fred Turk, Reproduction—Kathy Nelson, Tabetha Ross and Terry Near, Collation—Jane and John Espinosa, Janie Dawson, Glenn Truesdell, Marilyn Kollie and Virginia Ray.

 

If you know of someone who would like to receive this newsletter by e-mail or postal mail, please send us the name, address, and/or e-mail address, by contacting us at whitesidecodems@yahoo.com. If you wish to be removed from our mailing list, call 815-625-3266. Any feed back regarding the quality of the newsletter would be appreciated.

 

NEWS BITES

 

Ø      Fourteenth Congressional District Representative Bill Foster has an office in Dixon at 119 W. 1^st St., 288-0680, amanda.york@mail.house. On Saturday, June 7, he will talk with all at the Country Market, 928 1^st Avenue, Rock Falls, from 2:00 to 3:30. It’s a great chance to express your expectations of him.

Ø      State Rep. Mike Boland invites all to the 10^th Annual Barbecue/Fundraiser on Saturday, June 28, 1 to 4, at his home, 3658 1^st Street, East Moline, 61244. Tickets are $25 and contributions are welcomed.

Ø      Illinois State Democratic Brunch and Convention brunch will be on Wednesday, August 13, beginning at 9:00 at the State Fair Grounds in Springfield. If interested, Call Lowell Jacobs, 815-625-2432.

Ø      Big Bucks Bonanza will be held on Sunday, November 9, 1 to 5, at Arnies Happy Spot in Deer Grove. Tickets cost $50. Please consider buying a ticket and volunteering to sell a few. Call Lowell Jacobs.

 

MARTY MULCAHEY RUNS FOR STATE SENATOR OF THE 45^TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT

 

Marty is challenging unelected Republican Tim Bivins. Marty is 44 years old, married and has three children. He majored in Political Science and minored in History at Northern Illinois University. He has worked eight years as Field Liaison Officer for Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White. Marty is committed to public service and if elected will work to see that our district receives a fair return for our tax investments.

 

Marty promises to run a strong enthusiastic campaign. He needs our support. There will be a number of political actions and fund raisers in which you can participate. He can be reached in any of the following ways: marty@martymulcahey.com, 815-776-0161, or 409 Franklin St., Galena, IL 61036.

 

KEN NOVAK FOR 90^TH DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE

 

“I’m excited about being a voice for small business and hardworking people throughout this District. I will listen to the people and I will learn from them. If elected, I will be accountable to the District.” Ken proposes sales tax free days for basic goods and job creation incentives. He can be reached at www.votekennovak.com or 815-857-3056. He needs our support. He has numerous fundraisers and events planned.

 

REDUCE-REUSE-RECYLE ARE THE THREE R’S OF ECOLOGY

Mark Jacobs

 

Has everyone seen the new cloth style $.99 grocery store bags--the ones with the strap handles and the name of the store printed on the side? Save-A-Lot just came out with a jumbo size, and it is a nice color, too. I think I am up to about ten or fifteen of these things now in as many colors. I just picked up a couple of neon colors from a Hy-Vee store two weeks ago. We use them for so much more than just carrying the groceries home. Nonetheless, the hardest thing is remembering to take them with us to the stores.

 

IDEAS FOR PRICINCT COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND CANDIDATES

“The heart of any successful campaign depends upon the dedicated work of precinct committee people.” At April’s General Meeting, Field Director Pat O’Brien for Representative Phil Hare offered the following possible duties that can be accomplished: voter registration; canvassing; fundraising; phone banking; and listening and talking to the public regarding issues, concerns, and candidates. It would be wonderful if each person would volunteer at least one hour per week during the summer and early fall and than really work hard for the Get Out The Vote effort during the final days before the election.

 

Pat also suggested that candidates consider seeking a serious group of volunteers, inviting supporters to attend fundraisers, developing an informational card regarding qualifications and positions on issues, and introducing yourselves to groups unions, clubs, organizations, etc.

THE DANGER OF RADON IN YOUR HOME

Virginia Ray

Radon is a cancer-causing natural radioactive gas that you can not see, smell or taste. It is in the ground and rises to the surface and seeps into our basements. It is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer in America. Professional, licensed mitigators are available. The State of Illinois will send a homeowner a free test kit. For information, use 800-589-3464 or www.state.il.us/iema. Call me if you need personal assistance. (815-589-1245)

 

WANT TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE WORLD?

On Wednesday, June 11, at 6:30 pm, a discussion will be held at the Rock Falls Library concerning the economic beliefs that power the world today. The focus will be on the content of, “The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism,” by Naomi Klein. Mark Jacobs, Dan Kenney, and Fred Turk will lead the discussion and encourage a lively interaction of views. Case examples of the US, Iraq, Sri Lanka, Chile, and South Africa will be included. Refreshments will be served. Call 625-4657 if there are any questions.

 

DVD’S AND FILMS

Ø      Charlie Wilson’s War—You can learn how good intentions lead to disastrous results and the way in which our government often functions. The story is about Afghanistan, the Taliban, and terrorism.

Ø      The 11^th Hour—Leonardo DiCaprio’s DVD documentary treats the global environmental crisis and radical solutions that can make life sustainable. We have the technology now, but lack the will.

Ø      The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz—The four agreements are tell the truth, don’t make suppositions, don’t take things personally, and do your best. The book is very practical, readable and short.

Ø      The Power of Forgiveness—Martin Doblmeier reveals how forgiveness can transform our lives. Examples are given (Northern Ireland, 9-11, the Amish) in which people grapple with their pain.

Please send the editors the names of books and films that have been meaningful to you.

 

 

Whiteside County Democrats

1905 New High Street

Rock Falls, IL 61071-3130