Meriden Democrats

STEPHANIE THOMAS: SAFEGUARDING OUR DEMOCRACY – Tues. June 30, 7pm, Dawg House

Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas describes her mission as, “Making government more accessible, elections more secure, and civic participation part of everyday life.” As Connecticut’s chief elections official, she confronts historic challenges to our democratic process, working every day to protect the sanctity of our vote from the threats mounted by Donald Trump and his accomplices. Please join us for an evening with Secretary Thomas as she describes the significant election reforms in our state, including early voting, no excuse absentee ballots, voting machine upgrades, a new centralized voter registration system, election night reporting, and implementation of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of Connecticut.

Drinking Liberally Midstate/Meriden provides a casual time each month for moderate, liberal and progressive folks from all towns to gather, engage in stimulating conversation, and share a drink together, alcohol or otherwise.
> Please arrive early to order great pub grub and your favorite cocktail or mocktail.

WHEN: Tuesday, June 30, 7:00 pm
WHERE: Dawg House Bar & Grill, 999 Broad Street, Meriden
To hear about future events, join our email list:
• https://livingliberally.org/chapter/ct/meriden_140801
To follow us on Facebook:
• www.facebook.com/Drinking-Liberally-Meriden-225386204697268/
For more info:
• Diadette Hernandez, [email protected]
• Jeff Freiser, [email protected], 860-836-8545

Rhudean Raye celebrated her 100th birthday today with many of her countless friends and admirers. As Meriden’s civil rights matriarch, she remains a relentless force for a better world. Born in South Carolina, she arrived in Meriden as a young woman and quickly made her mark. Miss Rhudean was Meriden’s first Black teacher and one of Meriden’s first Black nurses, serving her community in both professions. In 1985, she founded the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. / Albert Owens Scholarship Breakfast, which is still going strong, each year bringing together hundreds to share inspiration and assist the next generation of leaders. THANK YOU AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RHUDEAN RAYE!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR MAJOR UPCOMING EVENTS!
Please save the dates for all these not-to-be-missed happenings ahead. See the flyers below for additional information.

* Monday, June 1, 5:00 p.m.
Pride Flag Raising
Curtis Cultural Center
175 East Main Street, Meriden
> After great organizing and significant debate, the Meriden City Council recognized June as Pride Month, requiring the flying of the Pride Flag for the entire month.

* Saturday, June 6, 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Jahana Hayes Fundraiser
Cheshire [location to be announced]
> The Cheshire Democratic Women’s Club is hosting a fundraising reception for Jahana as she seeks re-election to Congress. Once again, national Republican PACs will spend millions here trying to defeat her. RSVP to [email protected].

* Sunday, June 7, 11:00 a.m.
Jack Fazzino Day of Action
Linear Trail/Red Bridge Parking Lot
562 Oregon Road, Meriden
> Jack is the endorsed Democratic candidate for State Senator, but a Cheshire Town Councilor is challenging him in an August primary. Let’s knock on doors and make phone calls, to assure that Jack continues to serve us at the State Capitol.

* Thursday, June 11, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Hilda Santiago Fundraiser
Guambras Grill
231 West Main Street, Meriden
> State Representative Hilda Santiago is running for re-election. Your financial support is particularly important because it will allow Hilda to qualify for a grant from the Connecticut clean elections fund.

* Sunday, June 14 [time t/b/a]
CT Dems Women’s Leadership Brunch
Aqua Turf
556 Mulberry Street, Plantsville
> The Connecticut Democrats’ annual Women’s Leadership Brunch is one of the best political events of the year, offering inspiring speakers and joyful camaraderie. If you would like to join the Meriden Democrats table (and get a reduced-price ticket), please quickly contact DTC Chair Ron Weller: [email protected].

* Tuesday, June 16 [time t/b/a]
Ned Lamont Fundraiser
Tiano Smokehouse Prime
1388 East Main Street, Meriden
> Governor Lamont is running for re-election, but faces an August Democratic Primary. (Further event details are awaited.)

* Friday, June 19, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration
Meriden Green
77 State Street, Meriden
> The Meriden/Wallingford NAACP is sponsoring its annual Juneteenth event. Look forward to stirring speakers and talented entertainers.

* Tuesday, June 30, 7:00 p.m.
Stephanie Thomas at Drinking Liberally
Dawg House Bar & Grill
999 Broad Street, Meriden
> Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, Connecticut’s chief elections official, has forcefully opposed Donald Trump’s assault on voting rights. Engage in a conversation with Stephanie at Drinking Liberally Midstate/Meriden, as she continues to promote civic participation and seeks re-election.

* Tuesday, August 11, 6:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Primary Day
Find your poll location at https://portaldir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx
> Meriden voters will have two Primary races on the ballot: Governor [Ned Lamont (endorsed) vs. Josh Elliott] and 13th State Senate District [Jack Fazzino (endorsed) vs. Jim Jinks]. Be sure to vote and volunteer to help your favorite candidate.

* Saturday, August 15, 12:00-5:00 p.m.
Meriden Pride Fest
Meriden Pride Center
328 Paddock Avenue, Meriden
> Meriden Pride once again offers its community-powered Pride event featuring live entertainment, local craft and food vendors, community organization displays and resources, and family-friendly activities.

Thanks, as always, for showing up and making a difference.