Presidential Debates and Volunteering for the Democratic National Convention

After watching the 2nd Republican Presidential Candidate Debate last night, I am more motivated than ever to work to elect a Democratic President in 2016, and to volunteer for the Democratic National Convention, being held in Philadelphia, July 25–July 28, 2016.

And for those who have been waiting, and waiting, for the first Democratic Presidential Candidate Debate for the 2016 race, mark your calendar for Tuesday, October 13, 2015 (on CNN). You might also stop by the Upper Perk Library (350 Main Street, Red Hill)  before the debate, for the next Upper Perk Democratic Club meeting, beginning at 7 p.m. Because local races and local politics matter – and every vote counts in every election.

And because we’ll be making more plans for our participation in the Upper Perkiomen Halloween Parade (Sunday, October 25th, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.) – and we’re always looking for more volunteers; to work on the float, to donate candy, and to walk in the parade that night.

County Commissioner Val Arkoosh in Upper Perkiomen Valley

The rain held off, and one of the Democratic candidates for Montgomery County Commissioners, our current County Commissioner, Dr. Valerie Arkoosh  (wearing khakis and a dark blue polo shirt) walked along Main Street greeting potential voters and visiting with members of the Upper Perkiomen Democratic Club; Bill, Kathy, Kathy and Greta, this past Saturday at East Greenville/Pennsburg Community Day. Montgomery County Treasurer Jason Salus is the gentleman at the far right of the photograph.

We filled and handed out dozens of red and blue helium balloons, along with campaign buttons and magnets, literature, and tootsie rolls (everyone needs a snack now and again)

Shapiro/Arkoosh campaign staffers also came by the UPDC table, and stayed to help out and greet our neighbors in East Greenville and Pennsburg. They also left some more buttons and magnets that we’ll be happy to hand out at our next UPDC meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2015; 7 p.m. at the Upper Perkiomen Valley Library, 350 Main Street, Red Hill, PA.

Community Day – September 12, 2015

Here’s hoping the thunderstorms hold off until tomorrow evening, giving everyone a chance to come out and walk down Main Street in East Greenville and Pennsburg to celebrate Community Day. I expect there will be good music, good food, good neighbors, and a chance to find out what’s happening with local volunteer organizations, non-profits, and businesses.

For more than a few years, the Upper Perkiomen Democratic Club (UPDC) has set up a table in East Greenville, handing out literature, voter registration forms, and absentee ballot request forms. Often we have buttons, pencils, signs, and other UPDC and candidates’ swag.

Thanks to the Josh Shapiro/Val Arkoosh Campaign for County Commissioners, we have a tank of helium to fill up Shapiro/Arkoosh balloons, which we will be giving away along with buttons, bumperstickers, and more, at our UPDC table tomorrow. AND Josh Shapiro and Val Arkoosh (Democrats who are currently serving as Montgomery County Commissioners, and running for re-election this fall) are both planning on coming out to Community Day and walking all along Main Street, introducing themselves and getting to know our neighborhood and neighbors. They are hoping to get to town between noon and 1 p.m.

So stop by, say hello, and pick up a balloon and other swag between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. (look for us between the East Greenville Borough Hall and Java Good Day Cafe).

Changes

Fall 2015 will be a season of change for the Upper Perkiomen Democratic Club.

If you are reading this, then you already know that we have a new website! The former website, first set up in 2000, served us well. But with WordPress we’ll be able to more easily offer opportunities for guest blogs (articles/posts) and for folks to comment on posts and issues. Comments will be moderated, for language and trolls (but not political opinions – the Democratic Party has a big tent and so does the Club). This format also makes it easier to update and to search for older news and information. We will continue to have pages with voter information (including links to the all new online voter registration in Pennsylvania) and contact information for elected officials, in addition to other pages we think you’ll find interesting and useful.

After a trial period last spring, we’ve decided upon a new permanent meeting place; the Upper Perkiomen Valley Library (350 Main Street, Red Hill), on the lower level (parking available out front, out back, and in the nearby bank parking lot). The Upper Perkiomen Democratic Club (UPDC) will continue to hold its meetings at 7 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.

What else is changing? Well, we know we’ll be working to elect a new Democratic president next year (and with the Democratic National Convention being held in Philadelphia next July, there will be lots of interesting volunteer opportunities). And we want to get more people involved and hear what you’d like to be doing to make a difference, locally and nationally. This fall’s big push will be for local and county wide races, and we know we always see a big increase in interest in the UPDC and in political activity in presidential election years, so starting in January there will be lots going on – and we hope you’ll bookmark this blog and sign up to receive post alerts to help keep informed about what is happening, near and far.