1) President Obama delivers his State of the Union Address:

Picture from Whitehouse.org

"It is our unfinished task to restore the basic bargain that built this country – the idea that if you work hard and meet your responsibilities, you can get ahead, no matter where you come from, what you look like, or who you love. It is our unfinished task to make sure that this government works on behalf of the many, and not just the few; that it encourages free enterprise, rewards individual initiative, and opens the doors of opportunity to every child across this great nation."

More at Daily KOS

2) Greetings from the Chair:

As we celebrate love this month, I can’t tell you enough how much I love being a SOUTH COUNTY DEMOCRAT! Beginning last month, our committees have been working hard with moving the club forward.  We have an irreplaceable group of dedicated and eager volunteers within our club, that are awesome!  It has been amazing to see all the creativity and work getting done!   Make sure you attend this month’s meeting, to hear all the wonderful things they have been working on. 

As a club, we have decided to host a St. Pat’s Party on Friday, March 15th.  The success of this event will really depend on our memberships selling pre-sale tickets.  I’m hoping that everyone can at least sell three tickets to the event.  Tickets will be available at the February meeting.  Come and let’s enjoy a fun filled atmosphere with our fellow democrats!

Powerpoint presentation on fracking: I will begin a discussion at our February meeting with a short Powerpoint presentation about what fraking is and why it is so important to the State of Michigan.  Please attend to learn more.  We are still working on getting guest speakers to our club.  I’m hoping after the state convention, we will have better luck. 

On a different note, because we had such a great turn-out at our last meeting, we will hold February’s meeting in the larger room with the microphone set-up.  Please don’t forget that our social potluck begins at 6:00 PM and the business meeting at 7:00 PM.  See you there!

February’s Raffle Prizes include:

• Two Coupon Books to Burger King
• Plush Heart Blanket
• $25 gift card to Lowes
• Giant Box of Chocolates

Don’t forget if you bring a possible new member for SCDC, you and your friend will each receive a bonus raffle ticket. The more friends you bring, the more raffle tickets you earn.  (PLEASE NOTE: Free bonus raffle tickets given only for someone who’s name we do not have on the SCDC roster.)

Sincerely,
Jeanne

3) February Meeting:

Wednesday - February 13, 2012
Social (Potluck) - 6:00 PM -- General Meeting - 7:00 PM
Bell Building
305 N. Third Street, Niles MI

Children with their parents are always welcomed!

Special Powerpoint Presentation on
Fracting and its impact on Michigan

Beginning January, 2013, our monthly meetings will be held the second Wednesday of each month at the Bell Building in downtown Niles.

Potluck/Social begins at 6:00 PM -- South County Democratic Club is not only a political organization working for the families of Berrien County but also a group of friends and neighbors who enjoy each other's camaraderie and good fellowship. That friendeliness will continue. Since food is no longer available from our host (as it was with the Moose Lodge), we encourage our members to bring a dish to share during the social hour before our business meeting: Good food, good people equals good times. (BYOB)

If you cannot provide a dish to share, please do not let that deter you from attending our meeting and social. Knowing the generosity of SCDC members, there will always be enough food for everyone. Come to our meeting -- we need you!

Business meeting begins at 7:00 PM. All Democrats, progressives and liberals are invited. Never an admission fee -- free to all concerned citizens of southwestern Michigan. Bring a friend! Kids welcome!

Special request/community service: We are working with local food pantries each month. If you bring three canned goods to the meeting, you will receive one free raffle ticket (limit one free ticket). The Salvation Army in Niles will be receiving February's donation. Items that were requested include spaghetti sauce and pasta, canned tuna, condensed soups, peanut butter, and canned fruit.

4) St. Pat's Day Party - Friday, March 15:

5) Make a 2013 donation to South County Democratic Club:

Below is a link to our ACTBLUE account. Please consider making a holiday gift to our club. A $10, $20, or $50 gift will help us in the 2014 election as we gear up to DEFEAT SYNDER and the cold-hearted Republicans who voted against the working families of Berrien County with their right-to-work-for-less vote. Give!