Meetup Evanston

This Sunday, over 30 volunteers stopped by and lent to hand to produce hundreds of Obama buttons! The event was such a huge success that we're doing it again, this Wednesday afternoon and evening.

Please sign up for a shift so we can maximize button production! The DPOE is located at 826 Custer, in Evanston. For more information, please contact Alex at alex@janschakowsky.org

Wednesday, April 30th
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Democratic Party of Evanston, 826 Custer, Evanston, IL 60202

Join other Obama supporters on Sunday, April 27th from 12:00 Noon to 5 PM for a button making party at the Democratic Party of Evanston office. This is a great opportunity to do something creative to help Obama, meet fellow Obama supporters, and help spread the word about the next President of the United States.

Please sign up for a shift so we can maximize button production! The DPOE is located at 826 Custer, in Evanston. For more information, please contact Alex at alex@janschakowsky.org

Sunday, April 27th
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
1:15 PM - 2:30 PM
2:30 PM - 3:45 PM
3:45 PM - 5:00 PM

Democratic Party of Evanston, 826 Custer, Evanston, IL 60202

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky's 7th Annual Women's Power Luncheon will feature guest speaker Valerie Plame Wilson this year. Congresswoman Schakowsky has also stated that she plans to invite whoever is the eventual Democratic Presidential Nominee to the Luncheon to speak.

Doors will open for registration at 11:30 a.m. with the lunch and program from noon until 2 p.m.

For those of you who will recall the packed Hilton Hotel Ballroom last year, please note there has been a change in venue. This year the Ballroom will be much bigger capable of comfortably seating and serving everyone quicker.

If you can only afford attending one political event this year, MAKE THIS YOUR "MUST GO TO EVENT"!

It is never too early to sign up and your payment will not be requested until mid-April. Please email Host Committee Member, Sue Schell, sue@hardschell.com,
with the number of tickets you wish to reserve in your name. Please remember to state whether you are a student.

Come To This Democratic Network "Unity Now" monthly gathering of like-minded folks for some conversation, food & drink as we discuss the state of our union.

Please remember, invite a friend who also may be ready for some active change in government!

For more info: Sue Schell sue@hardschell.com Or John Lee Bingham JohnCanSpeak@aol.com

Join us at the Evanston Farmers Market on Saturday for fresh local produce and some home grown grassroots politics. This is a great opportunity to get involved as we we work the very receptive crowd at the Evanston Farmers Market at the corner of University Place and Oak Avenue near downtown Evanston. Last weekend was very successful, we were able to gather hundreds of signatures, and the Apples are delicious. Hope to see you on Saturday.

For more info, or to RSVP, contact Alex at 847-491-0865 or Alex@janschakowsky.org

See also http://www.janschakowsky.org

Saturday, September 29th, 12:00 PM - Canvass for Jan Schakowsky, Dan Kotowski, and Aurora Austriaco in Park Ridge

Democratic candidates are running and winning all over the 9th District. Following State Senator Dan Kotowski's successful run for the State Senate, Attorney Aurora Austriaco has decided to run for State Representative in the 65th district. A trailblazer in her own right and a true American success story, Congresswoman Schakowsky is proud to support Aurora for State Rep. Join us as we give her a hand this Saturday afternoon. We will be meeting in Park Ridge at 12 Noon.

For location, contact alex@janschakowsky.org. See http://www.janschakowsky.org

Saturday, September 29th, 9:00AM - Petiton Blitz at the Evanston Farmers Market

Join us at the Evanston Farmers Market on Saturday for fresh local produce and some home grown grassroots politics. This is a great opportunity to get involved as we we work the very receptive crowd at the Evanston Farmers Market at the corner of University Place and Oak Avenue near downtown Evanston.

See http://www.janschakowsky.org

Thursday, September 27th, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM - Volunteer Open House at the Democratic Party of Evanston

Interested in finding out more about Petitioning and what you can do to volunteer? Have a completed petition that needs notarizing? Come by the DPOE office at 826 Custer Avenue (Map) in Evanston anytime from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM this Thursday. We'll have a notary present to stamp your completed petitions and light refreshments.

See also, http://www.janschakowsky.org

Wednesday, September 26th, 6:30 AM - Metra Petition Blitz, Central St. Station, Evanston.

If you are an early bird, this volunteer event is for you. We will meet bright and early at 6:30 AM at the Metra Station located at Central Street and Green Bay Road in Evanston.

See http://www.janschakowsky.org

EVANSTON DEMOCRATIC NETWORK SALON NIGHT THIS THURSDAY, SEPT. 27 AT 7pm AT FIREHOUSE GRILL 750 CHICAGO AVE-NW CORNER OF KEDZIE & CHICAGO in EVANSTON

Come visit with this eclectic group of people as we begin our planning for the upcoming presidential campaign. After only our first two meetings this year, our group has the following committees in place/with names of the Chairs responsible for the direction and activities that volunteers will be undertaking.

Following is the committee information:

People Against the War/Veterans Against the Iraq War…John Lee Bingham

Media Corps. & Rapid Response….Sue Schell

Fundraising for Battleground State Travel…..Benita Cohen

Phone Banking Volunteers……… Joe Bianco

Voter Registration Volunteers….Co-Directors Barbara Ebey & Mary Claire Peceny

Visibility Events Volunteers…..Adelaide Rowe

Door-to Door Canvassing Volunteers…..Zachary Zilliack

Please note, that Zach agreed via email to head up the door-to-door canvassing initiative and will be an excellent addition to our team. Many of you may recall, that in the 04 election, Zach was very active in our Kerry campaigning efforts and has just returned to us after finishing law school and his internship these last six months in D.C.

Each Committee Chair will speak about their ideas for the particular committee they lead, going forward. Nothing is off the table,...however, now is the time for valuable brainstorming. Everyone's ideas are valuable.

Many of you are not happy at how the Democrats in Congress have allowed Bush to manipulate things his way. Our genuine concern is about what would happen to us should we have to endure another four years of Republican Hawks. That is why our group is opening its call to volunteers so please be sure to invite family members and friends, so we can attract all like-minded people on this war to work towards electing a strong anti-war person who can win in 08.

This election cycle is going to get ugly and we have to be prepared to help those elected officials attempting to do the right thing in Congress, as well as the candidates we believe to be the best suited for taking over the management of our gov't during one of this nations' most difficult situations. Let's face it, we are a nation in crisis!

The heavy lifting by this group will not happen until the 08 campaign really starts heating up after the primary, so currently, everyone is spending time getting to know each other and proposing ways to best reach undecided voters in 08.

Please do stop in on Thursday, whether you can only make it for 15 minutes. No one is keeping attendance records, also volunteers never lose their jobs, eh? haaaaaaaaaaaa

If you have any questions or need more information, please email me at sue@... . Having said that, John and I hope to see you at the Firehouse Grill on Thursday. We need everyone's help to get things done "RIGHT" in 08, aka "WINNING".

These meetings are co-moderated by Sue Schell and John Lee Bingham

WE WILL BE GATHERING TO SHARE LOTS OF IDEAS AND OPINIONS, AS WELL AS SIGNING PETITIONS FOR THOSE PEOPLE RUNNING ON THE SUPER TUESDAY BALLOT.

For example, some of you may not as of yet heard, but our Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin is going to run for State’s Attorney. In addition, Daniel Biss, running for State Rep in the IL 17th District may have some ways for us to be of service in his race. So, think of this as a mega-brainstorming session prior to things racing ahead at the break-neck speed they tend to go at during a campaign. It has been John and my philosophy not to wear down volunteers to the point of losing them prior to getting to “E” Day. Here is an interesting article forwarded to me by Ashish Sen, Dem Volunteer Media Corps. correspondent, describing the recent rush of legislators to Iraq during the summer break. Should be interesting to those of you who know the legislators who are named in the NYT article: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/26/world/middleeast/26visits.html?th&emc=... Susan M. Schell Evanston, IL

Camp Wellstone comes to DuPage County August 3-5!

We know that many people in power today - regardless of political party or ideology - could do a better job of improving our communities. We need new leaders who understand what it means to send a loved one off to war, teach in a classroom without textbooks, or have to choose between paying for healthcare or buying diapers. We can't sit around and wait for those leaders. It's up to us to make a change. Now you can learn how by joining the famous Camp Wellstone for a training session in DuPage County, Illinois!

Camp Wellstone is a weekend-long training session for building grassroots organizing skills for people interested in making change on issues, electing progressive candidates, or running for office themselves. Don't miss out, register today! August 3-5: DuPage, Illinois

If you are not already a member of the Wellstone Action Network, please join by clicking this link: at http://www.wellstone.org/camp/events_detail.aspx?itemID=10698&catID=3752 to get announcements when trainings open for registration. Based on the late Senator Paul Wellstone's model, we integrate grassroots organizing, electoral organizing, progressive public policy and ethical leadership. The cost is $100 or just $50 for students, low-income, or unemployed participants.

Camp participants are responsible for their own accommodations. The training location will be announced to registered participants.

If you have questions about these trainings, contact Adriana Barboza at adriana@wellstone.org or call 651-645-3939. For more information go to www.wellstone.org.

All are welcome to join as we gather to hear how we can organize our energies to insure success in the 08 Presidential race. Various committees will be looking for volunteers, so please stop in to sign-up now.

Committees that will be available for volunteers to work with will be:

Veterans Against the Iraq War ......John Lee Bingham

Democratic Media Corps--Rapid Response Group.....Sue Schell

Illinois Travelers to Iowa & other states.....

Phone Bank Volunteers.....................

Fund raising.....................

voter registration....................

visibility events........................

Door to door/canvassing.....................

We will also be reporting about the status of each of the 08 Democratic campaigns, their immediate need for volunteers and what those needs are.

As you may have heard, The Democratic Party of Evanston has nominated Sen. Barrack Obama as its choice for the 08 Presidential ticket. However, we will make ourselves available to all Democrats in the race. I hope everyone feels invested in our mission of assisting a Democrat in order to win back the White House. Please remember to invite friends, especially those who have been complaining about our government, but not doing a darn thing to change our leadership.

New people are always welcomed to join our team as we head together to VICTORY in NOVEMBER. Let's hope that this will be a reunion of sorts from the old "Kerry Meetup" days where many new friendships were made and many lessons learned. Your hosts for the night will be Sue Schell and John Lee Bingham previously part of the Kerry Meetup team. So do plan on coming, even if you can only stop in for one hour.

Although not necessary, PLEASE RSVP so we know how many handouts will be needed.

FOR MORE INFO EMAIL: sue@hardschell.com

A chance to decompress and toss back a libation with good
like-minded folk. We're a social gathering with no agenda other than
"changing democracy one pint at a time". Every Wednesday evening @ 7.

The evening will begin with appetizers and drinks hosted by Mayor Lorraine Morton at the Ecology Center. Then, you will progress to one of our dinner sites where you will be hosted by Congresswoman Jan Shakowsky, State Senator Jeffrey Schoenberg, State Representative Julie Hamos, County Commissioner Larry Suffredin or Water Reclamation Board Member Debra Shore.

The night ends when all guests reconvene for dessert and coffee at the Ecology Center. Private bus transportation throughout the night will move everyone from location to location.

This wild night has received rave reviews from attendees over the years and is often described as the least expensive dinner for two that people have enjoyed in years.

Once again, all are welcome. You do not have to be an Evanston resident in order to attend. However, it is highly recommended that Republicans may want to think twice before joining in this very Progressive Democratic evening of food, fun and conversation!

To purchase tickets for this great event, please go to www.dpoe.org and look for the link "rsvp".

We look forward to seeing and hearing from all past Kerry campaign volunteers and of course, all volunteers for any Democratic issues or candidates. Try to reserve tickets early. This usually is a sell-out event, which just keeps growing every year.

It truly is a blast!

Whether you live in Evanston or not, please join us in the Evanston Fourth of July Parade as Democrats march in unity against the Iraq War.

Last years marchers included Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Senator Dick Durbin, State Senator Jeffrey Schoenberg, State Representative Julie Hamos, Cook County Board Member Larry Suffredin and State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias.

Every year is better than the last and this year's parade promises to be a "doozie". For more information about joining us for the march, please contact sue schell at sue@hardschell.com

As information develops regarding this special day, more details will be added to this site.

Happy Marching !!!

Join us and other Progressives, For Food, Fun & Conversation This Sunday, June 3 AT 2 P.M.

DANIEL BISS IS RUNNING FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ILLINOIS 17TH DISTRICT. If you don’t live in the District, for Democratic sakes, come any way!
AND DO...PLEASE INVITE FRIENDS!!!!

Event Date: Sunday, June 3, 07

Place: Sue & Tim Schell’s House, 1246 Hinman Ave., SW corner of Hinman/Dempster, Evanston

Time: 3 to 5 p.m.

Ticket Price: $40

PLEASE RSVP AT 847 328 2734

Daniel Biss, who is running for State Representative represents everything good about Democrats. Personally, I wish he could run for President, however, he does need to run for something a little less ambitious first.

The 17th district, which includes parts of Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, Morton Grove, Winnetka, Northfield, Glenview, and Northbrook, votes overwhelmingly Democratic for all other offices. However, it’s current State Representative is Republican, Elizabeth Coulson, whose voting record, not surprisingly, looks like that of a Republican.

After what Illinois accomplished in November, just think of what we can do for this area of Illinois, which definitely should be a Democratic State District! Biss has the backing of Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Cook County Commissioner Larry Sufrredin and Water Reclamation Board Member, Deb Shore.

This should be an exciting race to watch because Democrats have an opportunity to re-claim this Illinois District that has been held by a Republican posing as liberal on issues. However, Biss' is prepared to challenge how Coulson's voting record in Springfield, really reflects her Republican values, which under scrutiny will surely surprise many of her constituents.

WE HOPE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO JOIN US FOR THE AFTERNOON TO HEAR DANIEL SPEAK ABOUT THIS IMPORTANT RACE!

THE HARD SCHELL REPORT, Tuesday, May 15, 07

The Obama campaign is heating up, and the first trip to Iowa is right around the corner. Come to the Evanston Public Library on May 30th to find out how you can do your part to elect Barack our next President. This meeting in Evanston is to organize a bus trip to Cedar Rapids, Iowa,from the Evanston area to campaign for Barack in our Sister City, Cedar Rapids, at least three times before the Iowa Caucauses next January. Learn more about how we'll campaign for Barack in Cedar Rapids and who from the Evanston area will be joining us for all the fun!!!!

If you are interested in housing while in Iowa,the Obama campaign has generous people who are opening their homes to volunteers. For more info, contact Jamie at jloyd@barackobama.com or (312) 533-8830.

T E R R A I N C O G N I T A : The Promise & The Peril of Stem Cell Research

directed by Maria Finitzo • produced by Kartemquin Films

Terra Incognita offers a close-up look inside the life and laboratory of Dr. Jack Kessler ¬ renowned stem cell expert and the head of neurology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine.

In 2001, Dr. Kessler's 15-year-old daughter, Allison, fell while skiing, leaving her paralyzed below the waist. In response to her accident, Kessler changed the scientific focus of his lab to regenerating the damaged spinal cord.

Featuring personal interviews with the Kesslers, the lab researchers and others affected by spinal cord injury, Terra Incognita movingly depicts the high stakes involved in the quest to harness the full potential of stem cell medicine.

The film will have its Chicago-area premiere at two public outreach events sponsored by the Silverstein Lecture Series, Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University.

These events are FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. No tickets are
required. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Following the film screening, there will be a question and answer session with Dr. Kessler, bioethicist Dr. Laurie Zoloth, and film director Maria Finitzo.

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky's guest speaker at her annual Womens Power Luncheon will be THE SPEAKER of the United States House of Representatives, Democrat Nancy Pelosi, the first woman in U.S. history to hold this important position. Also, Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman to run for Vice President when her name appeared on the Presidential Democratic ticket with Fritz Mondale will also be in attendance at the meeting.

 Date: Friday, May 5th Time: 12PM-1PM – Lunch

1PM-2PM - Networking Hour Location

 Chicago Hilton, 720 S. Michigan Ave.

Cost: $125.00 per ticket

 Please be sure to share this info with the Democratic women you work with and your friends. It isn’t every day that The Speaker of the House comes to Chicago.  To reserve your seats for the luncheon, email requests to sue@hardschell.com We look forward to seeing you at the event!

Sue Schell & Benita Cohen, Luncheon Cohosts

Join us on the Evanston Obama Express buses to the Old State Capitol in Springfield as we witness the historic announcement of U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's plans to seek the presidency in 2008 on Saturday, February 10th.

Coach buses equipped with rest room facilities will depart promptly at 5:00 am 5:30 am from 820 Davis Street in Evanston, with convenient and moderately priced all-day parking available directly across the street. We'll have coffee and bagels/donuts to fuel us for the 3 1/2 hour trip downstate, and the buses will arrive in time for the opening of the gates to the Old State Capitol @ approximately 9:00 a.m.

The whole program for the event is tentatively scheduled to begin before 10:00 am, and will conclude by 11:00 a.m. Please note that the announcement will be outdoors, so dress warmly!

Immediately after the big event, we'll have a chance for everyone riding the Evanston Obama Express to swap stories over lunch near the Old State Capitol before leaving Springfield by about 1:00 p.m. for the return trip to downtown Evanston.

To guarantee your spot on the Evanston Obama Express, please email your name, address and phone number to State Senator and Evanston Township Democratic Committeeman Jeff Schoenberg @ sen.jeff.schoenberg@comcast.net.

** Reservations will be handled on a priority basis and will be accepted through Thursday, February 8th. **

Contributions towards the cost of the buses are encouraged.

Looking forward to seeing you on the 10th!

We are having our October Meetup on Tuesday at the Firehouse Grill in the upper room. No speakers, no agenda, but there will be folks who can talk about various campaigns and how to get involved. Come out and have dinner with your fellow Dems.

COME TO THIS DEMOCRAT "UNITY NOW" COCKTAIL PARTY AND MEET CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE PHIL HARE

*****CONGRESSWOMAN JAN SCHAKOWSKY, HONORARY CHAIR**********

This Fundraiser – at the home of Sue and Tim Schell is being held in honor of Congressman Lane Evans. Congressman Evans Legacy as a PROGRESSIVE VOICE IN CONGRESS,must be retained. His decision not to run again due to health reasons, makes this an important race for DEMS to support because the REPUBLICANS have targeted it as a "must win back" seat.

That is why we are being urged by the Democratic Party of Illinois and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky to support Candidate Phil Hare for Congress in the IL 17th District. After serving as Evans Dirstrict Director for 25 years, he has impressed those around him as an excellent candidate well suited to take on the issues that matter to us the most. Hare will continue to be a PROGRESSIVE VOICE FOR ILLINOIS IN CONGRESS.

During this event, you will have an opportunity to meet and hear from Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and Candidate Phil Hare about the upcoming Nov. election.

Great appetizers, drinks and political/community fellowship will also be served.

Our Goal is to Raise Campaign Funds for this Progressive Candidate.Prior to Evans holding this seat, historically it was a Republican district, which means the Republicans are supporting this race with lots of dollars. Shouldn't Democrats view this seat as just as important as the Chicagoland seats? Surely the Republicans have!

Host Committee Members are:
Sue & Tim Schell, Dr. Robert Cohen & Benita, Daniel Dennison, Daniel Biss, Rennie Heath, and Judy Freeman

Please R.S.V.P. to Sue Schell at 847 328 2734 or email @ s.schell@susanschellproductions.com

HELP DEMOCRATS WIN THE HOUSE IN 06!

Rahm Emanuel will be speaking about and signing his new book THE PLAN: BIG IDEAS FOR AMERICA at Columbia College. There is no charge for the event and ample parking across the street from the school.

Private Intimate Reception With Second District, Mississippi, DEMOCRAT CONGRESSMAN Bennie G. Thompson. Come meet and greet Congressman Thompson, the Ranking Member on the House Committee on Homeland Security.

Hosted by: Friends of Bennie Thompson
Millicent L. Knight, O.D.
Harvey L. Echols, M.D.

Please RSVP: 847-869-8746