Blue hats, Oconee Democrats dedicate themselves to make Oconee County a better place, before and after Christmas
The Oconee County Democratic Committee has a subgroup called the Blue Hats and they have been the catalyst for the past and present Christmas parade performances and entries. We have had horse drawn carriages and assorted other parade tactics, but this year the local Democrats plan to hand out cards to be sent to Veterans. The idea will be to try and hand out as many cards as possible during the parade route Dec. 1. Trying to sing and explain what we are doing will be a challenge, but hey, anything is possible, including bringing our troops home alive from Iraq and Afghanistan. I entered a few links to find the books and what not
The Blue Hats will become caffiends at Watkinsville Jittery Joe's (Main Street to where Barnett Shoals, state routes 16 and 441 Business District comes together in a Five Points like intersection) Saturday at 1 pm getting cards ready to hand out. The following is from unapproved minutes and only presented for your educational and publicity needs as well as a chance at getting involved. Here is a glimpse at how we do it, although I was an unexcused absence at this meeting.....so the following are borrowed:
Community Service:
o Adopt-a-Road: The next pick-up is scheduled for January 12. Sarajane volunteered at last month’s meeting to “captain” this clean-up (with the help of Pat P.), and she will contact the Fire Department to get permission for us to park at the Barber Creek Fire Station (and possibly have access to the bathrooms and deposit the trash in their dumpsters).
o Donation to the Sexual Assault Center: As previously agreed, the committee will donate at least half of the proceeds from the yard sale to the sexual assault center. Becky will arrange a photo op when she presents a check for $600 to the appropriate person.
o Donation to the Oconee Veterans Memorial: Pat Adams made a motion, seconded by Pat Priest, to donate ${XXXX} to the Veterans Memorial in honor of Veteran’s Day. The motion passed unanimously. Becky will arrange a photo op when she presents the check to the appropriate person.
Fundraising Opportunities:
o Yard Sale: The yard sale on October 20 was a huge success (see Treasurer’s Report above). Many thanks to Rita for providing the space, expertise, and leadership, to Jonathan for the publicity, to all those who donated items, and especially to those who helped set up, sell, and clean up. The unsold items have been donated to Project Safe, but still need to be transported to them. The consensus of the committee is to hold a sale again next year, same time, same place.
o Bike Ride: To be on the agenda for our December meeting.
o Event at Artist Studio: Pat A. reported that {redacted} have declined the opportunity to host an event. However, she has talked to the owner of Circa Antiques in downtown Watkinsville who has agreed to host an event. Pat A. and Pat P. will explore the possibilities further with a goal of some kind of event after January 1.
Public Awareness—Pat Priest:
o Book Group: The next meeting will be held on Thursday, November 15 at the new Five Points Deli on Epps Bridge Parkway starting at 6:30 to discuss The Omnivore’s Dilemma.
o Christmas Parade, December 1: All Oconee Dems (we need 20-30 to make a good showing) are invited to march in the Watkinsville Christmas Parade. Please wear blue and white. (Oconee Dems tee shirts and sweatshirts are available through Cafe Press —the committee gets a percentage of the sales.) We will distribute holiday cards addressed to veterans at the VA hospitals as we walk along the parade route, and ask people to stamp and mail the cards. We need children’s wagons to haul the cards (email Pat P., ppriest@charter.
o Fourth Sunday Series: The October presentation by Joan Prittie from Project Safe was successfully held at the Oconee County Sheriff’s complex. Sheriff Scott Berry gave attendees a tour of the facility prior to attending the presentation. Presentations in November and December are suspended due to the holidays, but will resume January 27, 2008. Possible programs include health and recycling issues.
o Movie Night: Attendance has been good at all. Pat P. will continue to schedule events as good movies present themselves without additional “approval” from the committee.
o Veterans: Pat P. is organizing a distribution of holiday cards to veterans in the VA hospitals. She is asking for donations of extra cards (such as those which come from charities) which committee members will address (at the upcoming Blue Hats gathering) and distribute to people lined up along the Watkinsville Christmas Parade route with the request that they sign, seal, stamp, and mail them.
o More Veterans: Pat A. will talk to the owners of The Sanctuary about using the facility for a program to hear veterans speak about their experiences, etc., to be held January 13, 2008. We will ask for donations to the Oconee Veterans Memorial fund.
o Photography Workshop: Pat P. has gotten no response yet from Bill about the possibility of holding this event at First United Methodist Church (on Hwy 441). She will investigate the possibility of holding the event at the Greek Orthodox church on Mars Hill Road.
o Energy-efficient workshop: No mention at this meeting.
House Parties: The Democratic Party of Georgia is holding a house party on December 2, complete with a conference call with state and/or national officials. Becky will get further details from Ted Terry, DNC rep at the state party, and will report at the Blue Hats meeting. She is considering combining the house party with the Oconee committee’s annual holiday party at her house, December 2 (everyone is invited). Jonathan will work with her on the planning and execution. Details to follow.
Blue Hats: Blue Hats will meet November 10 to address holiday cards to veterans and to hear reports from Becky and others on various items, as noted above. Everyone planning to attend is strongly requested to contact Rita in advance (706-207-8535 or bonanzagirl@Please note: Subsequent to the committee meeting, Rita found out that Krimson Kafe will be closed on November 10. Blue Hats will meet at 1:00 at Jittery Joe’s in downtown Watkinsville.
Comments