Jan 30 2009
January Activities
The Oxford County Democrats celebrated Inauguration Weekend with parties honoring the more than 700 individuals that worked locally during the 2008 campaign and celebrating the Inauguration of President Barack Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden. The events included a Community Service component in the form of a collection of food for pantries in Mexico and Norway, and donations to Keep Oxford Warm. A total of $100 worth of food and $204 in cash was collected as part of the service effort requested by President Obama commemorating Martin Luther King Day.
The first party was a mid-day lunch on January 17 at the Eagles Hall in Rumford, attended by over 60 people and featuring remarks by Commissioner of Economic and Community Development John Richardson of Brunswick, and Maine Democratic Party Vice Chair Marianne Stevens of Kingfield. Andrea Quaid delivered greetings from Congressman Michaud. The following candidates thanked their supporters: Rep. Matt Peterson of Rumford, Rep. Sheryl Briggs of Mexico, Tim Carter of Bethel, John Patrick of Rumford, Jarrod Dumas speaking on behalf of his father Paul Dumas of Mexico. Patrick delivered greetings from Senator Bruce Bryant of Dixfield who was working in the mill. Sheriff Wayne Gallant and Chief Deputy Dane Tripp were also in attendance as were Register of Deeds Jane Rich, County Chair Cathy Newell and Vice-chair Roy Gedat.
The second event took place on January 19 at Tuscany Hall in South Paris with over 75 in attendance and featured remarks appropriate to Martin Luther King Day by former Maine Attorney General Steve Rowe of Portland. Andrea Quaid delivered greetings from Congressman Michaud. Candidates in attendance to thank supporters included Senator Bruce Bryant of Dixfield, Register of Probate Bruce Rood of Waterford, Rep. Terry Hayes of Buckfield, Charleen Chase of Bethel, Russ Newcomb of Norway, and Cathy Newell conveyed remarks from Paul Dumas and John Patrick. Former Representative Rosita Gagne Friel, Sheriff Wayne Gallant and Chief Deputy Dane Tripp were in attendance. Roy Gedat called in from the Inaugural Reception in Washington hosted by Representatives Michaud and Pingree. At both events, attendees enjoyed a 50-50 raffle and received special commemorative bookmarks.
A party on Inauguration Day was held in Brownfield hosted by Dawn and Larry Hall with 30 in attendance. The volunteer recognition party for Southern Oxford County occurred in November in the form of a potluck supper attended by 60 people. “Our effort in 2008 was truly astounding,” County chair Newell stated. “The Oxford County Democrats will work hard to keep our volunteers connected as we move forward to 2010 and beyond.”
The Oxford County Democrats held their biennial election of officers at a special meeting held in Rumford on January 17 at 2:30 PM at the Eagles Hall. County chair Cathy Newell of Greenwood was re-elected, Mike Broderick of Bethel was elected to the position of Vice Chair and Roy Gedat of Norway was elected as Treasurer. Newell announced that there will be a county committee meeting and strategic planning session in February in Bethel with details to be announced.