Dems in the news:
Congressman Paul Tonko guest speaker at Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser at Goold's
Congressman Paul Tonko spent some quality time with Schodack Democrats and other supporters at the Schodack Dem's Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser At Brookview Station Road Winery at Goold Orchards on Sept. 16.
More than 50 people turned out to hear the Congressman, nibble on tasty hors d'oeuvres, sample the wonderful, award-winning wines of the Brookview Station Winery and talk politics.
"Our annual wine tasting is always a great time," said Elizabeth Gable, town chair. "The Brookview Station Winery is such a beautiful, intimate venue. We are lucky to have such a wonderful place in Schodack."
Congressman Tonko spoke at length about the hardships suffered by those in the 21st Congressional District who were devastated by hurricane Irene and tropical storm Lee.
In addition to the congressman, the event was attended by candidates DA Rich McNally; Judges Ray Elliot and Tom Breslin; John Snezick who is running for Sand Lake town board; and Schodack Town Board candidate Linda Underwood.
Tom Wade, Rensselaer County Democratic Chair and Castleton Mayor Joe Keegan were also in attendance.
See more pictures on our Photo Gallery page.
More than 50 people turned out to hear the Congressman, nibble on tasty hors d'oeuvres, sample the wonderful, award-winning wines of the Brookview Station Winery and talk politics.
"Our annual wine tasting is always a great time," said Elizabeth Gable, town chair. "The Brookview Station Winery is such a beautiful, intimate venue. We are lucky to have such a wonderful place in Schodack."
Congressman Tonko spoke at length about the hardships suffered by those in the 21st Congressional District who were devastated by hurricane Irene and tropical storm Lee.
In addition to the congressman, the event was attended by candidates DA Rich McNally; Judges Ray Elliot and Tom Breslin; John Snezick who is running for Sand Lake town board; and Schodack Town Board candidate Linda Underwood.
Tom Wade, Rensselaer County Democratic Chair and Castleton Mayor Joe Keegan were also in attendance.
See more pictures on our Photo Gallery page.
Bagel Breakfast a big success
The Bagel Breakfast Forum held on Saturday, June 25 was a huge success. Speaker Mark Streb helped cut through a lot of the confusion and help people understand the issue of consolidation. DA Rich McNally spoke about his successes in prosecuting crime in the county. Investigator Gary Gordon, candidate for Rensselaer County Sheriff, told residents what his plans were for improving the Sheriff's Department.
The event drew by about 70 people from the towns of East Greenbush, Nassau and Schodack who asked some great questions about consolidating or sharing services between schools, towns, villages and police forces.
The event was sponsored by the Democratic Committees of East Greenbush, Nassau and Schodack. More than three boxes of food were also donated by attendees and given to the food pantry at Conserns-U.
The event drew by about 70 people from the towns of East Greenbush, Nassau and Schodack who asked some great questions about consolidating or sharing services between schools, towns, villages and police forces.
The event was sponsored by the Democratic Committees of East Greenbush, Nassau and Schodack. More than three boxes of food were also donated by attendees and given to the food pantry at Conserns-U.
Schodack and Nassau Democrats hold Bagel Breakfast to talk politics
The Nassau and Schodack Town Democratic Committees have forged an alliance that is working to inform and motivate Democrats in both towns.
Their second co-sponsored event (the first being a victory celebration a couple of years ago) was a Bagel Breakfast held recently in Nassau.
More than 60 people showed up to chat and discuss local politics as well as hear Rensselaer County Legislator Peter Grimm and Linda Underwood, former Schodack school board member and two-time political candidate, speak about community and grassroots activism.
Peter Grimm arrived at running for office after years of helping in numerous community projects in Troy. Linda Underwood arrived at the same conclusion after years of grassroots activism and community involvement in Schodack.
Several others spoke about community projects that Democrats are involved in - Rain Worthington explained how the Nassau Sunshine Fund works (mini-loans to Nassau residents in need), Sam Whaley told the group about the Nassau Food Compact (devoted to providing a local market for food from local farms), and Tony Kirby from Schodack spoke about commercial design standards, not only for the Town of Schodack, but also the entire area.
Besides Grimm, elected officials in attendance included Nassau Town Board Members Sue Hains and Ray Seney and Castleton Mayor Joe Keegan. Former county legislator Brian Zweig was also there.
Town chairs Mark Berger (Nassau) and Elizabeth Gable (Schodack) were pleased with the turnout and the enthusiasm of the group.
Their second co-sponsored event (the first being a victory celebration a couple of years ago) was a Bagel Breakfast held recently in Nassau.
More than 60 people showed up to chat and discuss local politics as well as hear Rensselaer County Legislator Peter Grimm and Linda Underwood, former Schodack school board member and two-time political candidate, speak about community and grassroots activism.
Peter Grimm arrived at running for office after years of helping in numerous community projects in Troy. Linda Underwood arrived at the same conclusion after years of grassroots activism and community involvement in Schodack.
Several others spoke about community projects that Democrats are involved in - Rain Worthington explained how the Nassau Sunshine Fund works (mini-loans to Nassau residents in need), Sam Whaley told the group about the Nassau Food Compact (devoted to providing a local market for food from local farms), and Tony Kirby from Schodack spoke about commercial design standards, not only for the Town of Schodack, but also the entire area.
Besides Grimm, elected officials in attendance included Nassau Town Board Members Sue Hains and Ray Seney and Castleton Mayor Joe Keegan. Former county legislator Brian Zweig was also there.
Town chairs Mark Berger (Nassau) and Elizabeth Gable (Schodack) were pleased with the turnout and the enthusiasm of the group.
Meet the candidate drew a good crowd
Linda Underwood, the Democratic candidate for a seat on
the Schodack Town Board, held an informal meet and greet on Tuesday,
October 25 at 7 p.m. at the Peter Andrews VFW Hall on Scott Ave. in
the Village of Castleton. The event was organized by the Schodack
Democratic Committee after a Meet the Candidates Night sponsored by the
non-partisan Schodack Planning and Development Association and
moderated by the League of Women Voter’s was cancelled because the
Republican candidates declined to participate.
“It is troubling that the incumbents didn’t wish to speak with and listen to the residents of Schodack, but their decision did not stop me from following though with such an important event,” Underwood said. “I welcome the opportunity to speak with community members because I feel the foundation of Democracy is an informed electorate. It is important for residents to get to know the candidates, question their stand on the issues and express their concerns about the direction the town is going in."
While the Democrats invited the incumbents to the event, they were all no-shows.
Underwood explained her positions on issues ranging from planning and zoning to the use of fund balance and contingency funds to pay regular, recurring bills. She explained how she would engage residents in two-way communication through regular weekend informal meetings, TV coverage of meetings through public access TV and more open discussion.
Residents also shared their frustrations with the status quo, the appointment and hiring of less competent people because they are politically connected, and ever-raising taxes and expenditure.
“It is troubling that the incumbents didn’t wish to speak with and listen to the residents of Schodack, but their decision did not stop me from following though with such an important event,” Underwood said. “I welcome the opportunity to speak with community members because I feel the foundation of Democracy is an informed electorate. It is important for residents to get to know the candidates, question their stand on the issues and express their concerns about the direction the town is going in."
While the Democrats invited the incumbents to the event, they were all no-shows.
Underwood explained her positions on issues ranging from planning and zoning to the use of fund balance and contingency funds to pay regular, recurring bills. She explained how she would engage residents in two-way communication through regular weekend informal meetings, TV coverage of meetings through public access TV and more open discussion.
Residents also shared their frustrations with the status quo, the appointment and hiring of less competent people because they are politically connected, and ever-raising taxes and expenditure.
Schodack Dem's food drives gather
400 lbs in donations
The Schodack Democrats' food drives in May and July were extremely successful, with more than 400 pounds of food collected along the Maple Hill Road corridor, Castle Ridge, Glaz Estates and Maple Crest in May and in Clearview, Old Post Road and Tina Lane.
The driving force behind the food drive is Committeeman Ed Prevost (ED 10), who made the suggestion several months ago as a way of helping the community.
Club members jumped on the idea. Volunteers for this food drive were Ed Prevost, Elizabeth Gable, Joe and Mary Ellen Grimaldi, Matie Flowers, Ray Ludwig, Olaf Stackelberg, Caroline Leising, Steve Roth and Linda Underwood.
"We would like to thank the community for being so generous and helping their neighbors who are going through a hard time." said Elizabeth Gable, town chair. "All the food donations are staying right here in Schodack, at the Anchor's Food Pantry."
The Anchor Food Pantry is located at Trinity Lutheran Church on Green Avenue in the Village of Castleton.
Schodack Democrats will hold four food drives a year, each in a different area of town. The next one is planned for November.
The driving force behind the food drive is Committeeman Ed Prevost (ED 10), who made the suggestion several months ago as a way of helping the community.
Club members jumped on the idea. Volunteers for this food drive were Ed Prevost, Elizabeth Gable, Joe and Mary Ellen Grimaldi, Matie Flowers, Ray Ludwig, Olaf Stackelberg, Caroline Leising, Steve Roth and Linda Underwood.
"We would like to thank the community for being so generous and helping their neighbors who are going through a hard time." said Elizabeth Gable, town chair. "All the food donations are staying right here in Schodack, at the Anchor's Food Pantry."
The Anchor Food Pantry is located at Trinity Lutheran Church on Green Avenue in the Village of Castleton.
Schodack Democrats will hold four food drives a year, each in a different area of town. The next one is planned for November.
Maple Hill senior Payne Morgan receives Schodack Democratic Club Scholarship
On Thursday, May 19 Linda Underwood, Democratic committee member and former Schodack Central employee and board member, had the pleasure of awarding the Schodack Democratic Club's annual scholarship to the Maple Hill High School winner. Payne Morgan was chosen for his essay on American government and the recommendation of Maple Hill faculty.
"In recommending him, Mrs. Hebert and Mr. Frese said Payne exemplified leadership, respect for others and hard work," Underwood told those at the ceremony. "Our country needs citizens and elected officials with these characteristics."
Each year the Schodack Democratic Club awards a scholarship to one Maple Hill High School and one Columbia High School senior who is going on to college.
"In recommending him, Mrs. Hebert and Mr. Frese said Payne exemplified leadership, respect for others and hard work," Underwood told those at the ceremony. "Our country needs citizens and elected officials with these characteristics."
Each year the Schodack Democratic Club awards a scholarship to one Maple Hill High School and one Columbia High School senior who is going on to college.