Cohasset
Democratic Town Committee
Meeting
notes April 2, 2011
Members Present:
Kevin McCarthy, Agnes McCann, Sally Sisson, Peter Pescatore, Chartis
Tebbetts, Ned Tebbetts, Fred Koed, Judith Chute, Marylou Clark
Candidates for Selectman:
Two candidates, Diane Kennedy and Fred Koed gave brief talks followed by
a question and answer period.
Treasurer’s Report:
Peter reports that some members need to catch up on their dues.
Discussion followed regarding some members who have not been active for some
time with some members present asking if those people should be contacted to see
if they’re still interested in being on the CDTC.
The CDTC slate will be on the 2012 ballot. There are 30 members on the
Committee at present. There are
slots for five more members.
There is $6,090 in the
Committee account of which $3,283. is scholarship funds.
CDTC Meeting Times:
Members discussed the problem with Sat. morning conflicts; with youth
sports particularly. Kevin will
check with the library schedule and then send out a survey asking for
preferences of available weekday evenings and Sat a.m. and will report back
results.
Education Forums:
Seventeen people were in attendance at the forum on the Massachusetts
Bullying/Cyberbullying law. Betsy
Connolly’s presentation of the law was excellent and comprehensive and generated
many questions and comments.
Assistant principal of the
Chartis suggested that
Garrett Bradley and Bob Hedlund be invited to the May education forum which will
focus on future school finances given the cutback in state funds.
Ned and Sally remarked that the topic of unions is relevant at this time
and that panel members should be prepared to discuss that at the May forum.
There was a need expressed by some members that a date be set soon for
this important forum.
Scholarship:
Kevin reported that Betsy has all details in place for the CDTC
scholarship.
There is a need for another person on
the scholarship selection committee to review applications.
Ginny suggested that next
year a more specific description be added to the scholarship application asking
students to describe their interest in public service. She will draft something
regarding that for next year’s application.
Movie Night:
Funds amounting to $385. were proposed and voted as a donation for the
Paul Pratt Library’s movie license.
The next movie night feature is “No Impact Man” to be shown on 4/15 at the
library.
Yard Sale:
This year’s scholarship yard sale will be May 13th and 14th.
Volunteers are needed to help with a variety of tasks both on the days of
the sale and before with preparations for the sale.
All on the Committee are asked to help with donations and patronage as
much as possible!!!!
Volunteers are also needed to make baked items
or to bring donuts.
Food Drive:
As part of the Committee’s community outreach, food drives for the
Cohasset Food Pantry will be held periodically throughout the year every 3 to 4
months. The next food drive will be
at Shaw’s on May 21 from 9:00 to 12:00.
Volunteers are needed!
Voter Outreach:
Membership Chairperson:
A proposal was presented at the March meeting to seek a Committee member
to volunteer for the position of membership secretary.
That person will reach out to existing members to see if they’re
interested and reach out to registered Democrats in order to generate new
members. A motion was made and approved to create this year-long position.
Agnes McCann volunteered to take this position.
CDTC Publicity:
A suggestion was made to create a handout for Committee events stating
who we are and what we do. Another
suggestion was made to donate needed items for active duty military; one
possibility was suggested by Ginny to have a donation box at the yard sale.
Future Forum:
A forum is in the works for fall/winter with Coleman Nee who has
enthusiastically and generously agreed to speak on veteran’s issues and his role
as the new head of Veteran’s Affairs in
Kevin expects to have lists
from the State committee and he and Ginny will work together on that study for
voter I D purposes.
Fundraising
was discussed as a potentially valuable
component of any CDTC activity on an ongoing basis and particularly for funds
which could be used to support candidates in the 2012 election.
Special Notes:
Kevin read a heartfelt note from Helene Leib thanking the Committee for
generous contributions made in Ed’s memory to Appalachia Service Project and the
Crittenden Women’s
Committee member, Mary Lou
Clark, shared some photos of a ceremony conducted by the Oklahoma State Senate
recently commemorating her Father, General Clark’s, long military service;
particularly his heroic role in the Battle of Midway.
It was suggested that she share this information with the reference
librarian, Gayle Walsh for possible availability to Cohasset residents.
Important dates:
Movie Night:
Friday, April 15th at 7:00P at Library (“No Impact Man”)
Town Meeting:
Sat. April 30
CDTC meeting:
Sat. May 7
Town Elections:
Sat. May 7
Yard Sale:
Friday and Sat., May 13 and 14
Food Drive:
Sat. May 21
*To stay informed and
keep up to date with President Obama’s presidential activities, policies,
travels, etc. go to www.whitehouse.gov
Many thanks to Sally Sisson
and Agnes McCann for taking this month’s meeting notes!
www.cohassetdemocrats.org