Cohasset Democratic Town Committee Meeting

January 7, 2012

Members Present:  Donna McGee, Pat Laugelle, Joe Stanganelli, Agnes McCann, Deb cook, Kevin McCarthy, Ted Carr, John Chapman, Gail Collins, Margy Charles, Judith Chutte, Peter Pescatore, Mary Lou Clark

Movie Night:  The November movie selection drew a number of people, some from other towns.   Twenty two people enjoyed the documentary, Inside Job, which revealed the lead up to and immediate consequences of the 2008 financial meltdown.  Movie night for the winter spring season will continue in February.  Among the movie selections being considered are:Kimjongilia: the Flower of Kim Jong II, the Best Money Government Can Buy?, King Corn: You Are What You Eat, and The Last Hurrah.  

Any members who wish to be of help with movie night should

let Gail or Agnes know.

Food Drive:  The December Food Pantry drive was a big success.  Twelve volunteers distributed grocery lists, collected donated groceries, cash and Stop and Shop food cards, and delivered 3 truck loads of groceries to the Food Pantry.  

Community Outreach: Ginny Najmi asked if it was feasible to identify other community services/projects the Committee could work on, such as an Earth Day clean-up.

John Chapman suggested the possibility of getting young people involved in tutoring elders on electronic media.

Ted Carr and Margy Charles will try to arrange aninvitation to  young people at Cohasset High School  to come to our caucus in February.  

March Forum:  John Chapman has arranged to have author, David Shactman speak on the subject of his book, Power Politics and Universal Health Care, on March 7th at 7:00P in the Meeting Room of the Paul Pratt Library.  This book, co-authored by Stuart Altman, internationally recognized expert on health care and adviser to 5 U S presidents, and David Shactman, health care specialist, will be available to purchase. The book chronicles the inside story of the almost century long battle for comprehensive/universal health care.

Ted Carr will follow up on the possibility of taping Dr. Shactman's talk using a video camera which may be available through the High School.  

In addition to this March forum Kevin McCarthy is working on one focusing on the needs of returning veterans which is in the works for May 2012.

Treasurers Report:  Peter Pescatore reported that here is $4505. in the scholarship fund and $3,148 in the general fund.  

Membership dues are currently due!

New Members:  Four new Committee members were nominated and elected and will be on the ballot in November 2012.  The Committee welcomes enthusiastically its new members: Deborah Cook, Diane Kennedy, Howard Altholtz and Richard Fitzpatrick.

Technology Renewal: It was voted to renew the contract with the web

server for 2 years at the cost of $270.

Cohasset Democratic Caucus:  The caucus will be held on February 18 at 9:00 in the Meeting Room at the Paul Pratt Library. Doors to the caucus room will close at 9:15. Any Cohasset registered Democrat may declare him or herself a candidate for delegate to the Massachusetts Democratic Convention in June.  There will be seven delegates elected: two women, two men and three alternates.  If someone wants to be a delegate who is not able to attend the caucus, please contact Kevin McCarthy at 781-534-0509.