GREETINGS FELLOW DEMOCRATS!





To everyone we forgot...

...here are a few more. A few conventions around the state got ugly... Not ours and that is a thank you to everyone who attended.


From a Reader

There are too many people to thank personally for making the convention such a great experience. In addition to the marvelous people you (Maggie) have singled out earlier we can’t overlook County Chair Wiggins, Cheerleader Coats, Parliamentarian Halter, Convention Chair Parrish, all three of the people quoted in the Sunday EAGLE, TDW water and husband cleanup provider Biggs, remarks giver Cauley, pizza man Gendron, make it happen Charletons, and on and on and on.........all of you did wonderfully well and should feel elated over your accomplishments. Thanks to all who made the DEM. day go so well. And as one person sitting by me commented, "THIS IS THE PRESIDENT ELECTION.....surely I CAN GIVE ONE DAY!" I loved the attitudes in the room.

Take care all and warm congratulations.





Dear Friends of TDW

WOW! 2008 Is turning into an eventful and exciting year for both the Democratic Party and Texas Democratic Women!

We began 2008 with a successful Winter Meeting brunch in January. Over 60 members and guests at Frittella’s heard Dr. Rich DeVaul and his wife Mary discuss America’s health care crisis. Also at that meeting, Sherry Ellison requested that TDW consider reinstating its scholarship program. Carol Reynolds made the motion to do so, and it was passed unanimously.

Seven Brazos Valley TDW officers and members attended the State TDW Convention the first weekend of March in Austin. They included: Maggie & Gene Charleton, Teri Metcalf & Bob Presley, Bridget Bassett, and Carol & Doug Biggs. Our mascot, IMA BLUE, also made an appearance!! Brazos Valley was proud to have nominated Bridget Bassett and Elizabeth Berigan, M.D. for the 2008 STAR AWARD, and both awardees were announced at the convention luncheon. Bridget and Beth are “star” volunteers for democratic and social causes in our community. Boyd Richie, along with many state and county office-seekers introduced themselves to us at the event. Photos, etc. from the convention and Winter meeting will be available for viewing at the May 3rd Meeting.

At our most current board meeting last week, it was decided that TDW will present one scholarship to an A&M Consolidated High School senior and one to a Bryan High senior. We are now asking for CONTRIBUTIONS to the 2008 SCHOLARSHIP FUND. TDW will MATCH FUNDS for up to the first $200 for each scholarship!! The criteria will be that each recipient should be a female, have a B average or above, have been active with the Democratic party, and be able to attend the TDW May 3rd Luncheon to receive her award.

We were also pleased to welcome Alexandra Maki, representing the Aggie Democrats, and new member Audrey Bunting to our board. Linda Coats, Treasurer, explained to us the requirements for filing our Ethics Reports, and Teri Metcalf will be holding a committee meeting to review our TDW Constitution.


UPCOMING TDW BRAZOS VALLEY EVENTS:

Spring Meeting
May 3rd, 11:30 a.m
Scholarship Presentations, Lunch & Meeting
Margarita Rocks

Blue Denim Luncheon
September 13th, 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Briarcrest Country Club


A BIG THANK YOU...

...to six members who have volunteered their time to prepare and present gift bags to newly-naturalized citizens at several ceremonies, which are conducted at the Courthouse in Bryan. They are:

Angelita Alonzo
Alberta Anderson
Maggie Charleton
Linda Coats
Phyllis Fahlquist
Evelyn Mermonstein


Volunteers are Needed

TDW will be selling bottled water to the expected 700 attendees at the County Democratic Caucus. Proceeds will go to our 2008 Scholarship Fund. VOLUNTEERS would be most welcome to assist Bridget Basset, Bob Presley, and Doug Biggs. Time – 1:00 p.m. Location - Kemp Elementary School (in gym, at back of school) 1601 West Martin Luther King in Bryan. Contact me (Carol Biggs) 690-6039 or cbiggs@flash.net

Volunteers are needed to help with the Blue Denim Luncheon on September 13th. If you have not already signed the “Events” Sign-up form that was available at the October meeting, you can sign up at the May meeting or send an email to bridgetbassett@suddenlink.net.

And finally, if you would like to hand out or prepare bags at future Naturalization ceremonies, call Maggie at Headquarters for instructions - 779-5600. Upcoming dates are: April 24th and May 15th.


Is your Membership Current for 2008?

This eNewsletter is being sent to all current as well as past members. If you want to check to see whether you are current, please email Bridget Basset at the above address.

To conclude, please know that I welcome all feedback, so send me your thoughts and suggestions.

Carol Biggs
President TDW Brazos Valley





Irene is a loyal Dem. If you can help great. If not great too.

Dear Friends and Family,

As you may know, I have accepted the challenge and am participating in the Hill Country Ride for AIDS on April 26, 2008 with the Faithful Flyers. I am helping to provide life-saving support to thousands of people living with HIV and AIDS through the excellent work of 10 local AIDS services organizations in the Greater Austin area.

Support us, the Faithful Flyers of the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Don't be an April Fool, act now!

We have pledged to raise money for Hill Country Ride for AIDS. Your contribution will help us reach our goal and others in our community. It is so easy to support this great cause - you can make a donation online by simply clicking on the link at the bottom of this message.

Offline contributions made out to the HCRA can be sent to me, Irene Erion, P.O. Box 9646, College Station, TX 77842.

Thank you for your support; you really do make a difference.

Sincerely,
Irene Erion

Click here to visit my personal page.


Click here to view the team page for Faithful Flyers.





Brazos County Democratic Party
P.O. Box 4568
Bryan Texas 77805
979-779-5600 Fax 979-779-5601

America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.
Harry S. Truman, Democrat, President of the United States of America