Dr. Bill Honigman of Progressive Democrats of America will be the special guest at the Club's Wednesday, April 9 meeting.  This meeting will start earlier, at 6:45 p.m., and the program will be the first item on the agenda, followed by club business and legislative action.  Free to club members, $2 at the door for non-members, all residents are invited.  Clubhouse 3, Dining Room 1 is the place, and light refreshments will be served. 
 
"Dr. Bill" is chair of the OC chapter of PDA and also SoCal State coordinator.  He is a practicing emergency room physician and a long-time progressive activist on the grassroots level.  Of PDA, he says, "Our job...is to remind our leaders that the will and wisdom of the people is paramount in a democracy." 
 
Dr. Honigman will speak about PDA and take questions from the audience.  Please remember the earlier starting time of 6:45 p.m. to accommodate Dr. Bill's schedule and plan to attend this interesting and informative meeting. 
 
For info on the April 9 meeting or the Club, call Barbara Amster at 460-0517. 

[Not an official Laguna Woods Democratic Club event]
this Saturday, March 29, 3:00-5:45pm

[Venue]:  Clubhouse 3, Dining Rm 1, 23822 Avenida Sevilla, Laguna Woods, CA 92637  Note: RSVP needed (for gate entry, directions) to Jonathan Adler, 949-581-2178 or LawGuruLaguna@yahoo.com

[Incidentals]:  Event Web Site:  http://Results-OC.Blogspot.Com (be sure to visit it for a wealth of details & background on the event, RESULTS, & speaker)
Cost: Free    Event for ages: All    Handicapped accessible? Fully   Refreshments

[Event title]:  Workshop by RESULTS founder for considering activism with top  citizens' lobby to create political will to end dire global poverty, hunger & disease, and for self-sufficiency via micro-loans

[Event summary]:  Think you can't change the world?  Learn how you CAN: Leverage an hr/wk into powerful speaking/writing to Congress, media, AID, World Bank to prioritize truly life-saving, poverty-ending, aid

[Event's fuller details]:  Be sure to click “Event Web Site” link above (or paste in your browser “http://Results-OC.Blogspot.com”) for fullest details on this workshop;  its leader Sam Daley-Harris, founder of 28-yr-old RESULTS & its Microcredit Summit Campaign;  RESULTS’ issues, strategies, scores of historic successes, & quoted kudos by leading public figures;  and Sam’s book, "Reclaiming Our Democracy: Healing the break between people and government."
     RESULTS founder Sam Daley-Harris will be in O.C. (from DC) to lead the workshop (you may call it “My Legacy: A Share of Ending Poverty”). It’ll have videos, discussion, introspection, and learning to speak/write powerfully – to Congress, media, A.I.D., World Bank, etc., to create political will – on issues of dire global poverty, hunger, disease, micro-enterprise, self-sufficiency, and U.S. interests in healthy nations & people (i.e. customers / suppliers), not failed states & societies (you recall all that those yield) – specifically, on prioritizing aid that really does effectively save lives and help end dire poverty.
     You'll look at (being fully free to decline) this high-leverage way to make a big difference in the world by strategically investing just an hour/wk or so to gain skill as a citizen activist with RESULTS, backed by its long, wide, reputation for  trusted facts and non-partisan advocacy – working with (& helping create)  both parties’ Congressional “champions” on our issues.
     House Hunger Cmte Chairman Tony Hall said in 1993: “RESULTS is, pound for pound, the most effective lobby in Washington.” The Baltimore Sun said: “RESULTS is ... a case study in grass roots lobbying.” “A staggering example for other ... organizations,” another paper said.  And, from a most closely informed partner, micro-credit pioneer Muhammad Yunus, 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and founder of Grameen Bank (of Bangladesh), this:
     “From ... 1987 when RESULTS arranged for me to talk by conference call to editorial writers in dozens of US cities, to ... the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006, no other organization has done more to put Grameen Bank on the map than RESULTS ...  no other organization has been as critical a partner in seeing to it that microcredit is used as a tool to eradicate poverty and empower women than RESULTS and [its] Microcredit Summit Campaign.”

LWDC to Screen "Uncounted,"  David Earnhardt's volatile film on election irregularities
 
Steve Spanier, director of the OC chapter of ReclaimDemocracy.org and a long time activist committed to creating and maintaining a true American democracy, will be the special guest of the Laguna Woods Democratic Club at its Wednesday, March 12, meeting at Clubhouse 3, Dining Room 1, 7:15 p.m.  Mr. Spanier will make comments and take questions after the showing of "Uncounted:  The New Math of American Elections."
 
Emmy Award-winning filmmaker David Earnhardt's recently released feature-length film chronicles this century's election process malfunctions and explores the many ways in which individual votes don't get counted, including intimidation of minority voters, voting machines which either do not work or cannot produce a paper trail for recounts, and the sudden inaccuracy of exit polls after a 40-year success record, among others.
 
Club members and residents are invited to view this vitally important film on the big screen.   Light refreshments will be served.  For more information, call Club President Barbara Amster at 460-051



Super Duper Tuesday - February 5 Election Watch Party at Clubhouse 7, 7-10 p.m.; snacks and drinks; bring old campaign buttons; take part in a poll regarding primary results.  24 states will hold primaries on the same day.  Historical!  Exciting!  Come join us.  Jointly sponsored by AAUW, NCJW, and the Democratic Club.  Call Sue Dearing for info 855-6965.
Dear Gov. Dukakis:  I thought you'd be interested in seeing the Orange Co. Register's coverage (copied & pasted from their website) of your excellent talk to our Club last Saturday.  All the reviews of the event from our members & guests that I've seen on my email were highly laudatory.  I, too, thought that both your talk and dialogue in the Q&A were absolutely top drawer, and highly entertaining as well, and we're all very grateful for your willingness to come and do it.

I'll later upload, and send you by email, the photos I took.   --Jonathan Adler


Former Massachusettts Gov. Michael Dukakis waves following his speech during the democratic party's annual state convention, Saturday, May 14, 2005, at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell, Mass.
LISA POOLE, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS





Saturday, January 19, 2008

Dukakis encourages grass-roots Democratic effort

Former presidential candidate, speaking at Laguna Woods Village, urges knocking on doors and face-to-face discussions.

By ELLYN PAK
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
LAGUNA WOODS – Former presidential candidate Michael Dukakis encouraged more than 150 local Democrats on Saturday to stoke a grass-roots effort before the upcoming elections.
Dukakis, a former Massachusetts governor who lost his bid for president in 1988, spoke at Laguna Woods Village and encouraged seniors to talk to their neighbors face-to-face about Democratic candidates.
"The only way we can guarantee that people are hearing their message … is going to their front door and knocking on them," said Dukakis, whose wife, Kitty, also attended the event sponsored by the Laguna Woods Democratic Club.
The Brookline, Mass., native was defeated by George H.W. Bush. Though he didn't say which candidate he favored, Dukakis spoke bluntly on Saturday about the current administration and some of the Republican presidential candidates.
"I should have won that election," he told attendees. "If I had beaten that old man, you wouldn't have heard of the kid."
The current economic state in the U.S. could have been avoided, Dukakis said. He also spoke critically of U.S. health care and said the Iraq war was the "worst foreign policy in the history" of the nation.
He said that starting early to build relationships with voters was crucial. He encouraged the Democrats to use the Internet, but also urged precinct captains and volunteers to hit the streets to secure enough votes.
"Most voters are not politically involved," said Linda Moon, a Huntington Beach resident who voted for Dukakis years ago. "Having some personal contact about politics will have an impact."
Now 74, Dukakis is a visiting professor of public policy at UCLA and resides in Los Angeles during the winter. He also teaches political science at Northeastern University in Boston.
Columnist Dena Bunis writes that style, not substance, distinguishes the Democratic candidates. News 3.
Contact the writer: 714-704-3788 or epak@ocregister.com
Clinton for President Campaign representative Erin Brinkman will speak to the Laguna Woods Democratic Club on Wednesday, January 9, Clubhouse 3, Dining Room 1, at 7:15 p.m.  A Southern California native and Harvard grad (with honors), Erin's lifelong role model has been Hillary Clinton.  During her Harvard years, Erin interned for Edward Kennedy, Loretta Sanchez, and President Bill Clinton.  She has a degree in Government and a Special Citation in Spanish.  For more information on this meeting or Club business, call President Barbara Amster at 949 460-0517.
The Club's Nominating Committee, chaired by Bob Richmond with Anita Hammerschlag and Manny Tuteur, presents the slate of nominees for 2008 directors.  Nominations from the floor were solicited at both the November and December regular meetings of the Club, but those nominated declined to stand for election.  On January 9, 2008, Club members will vote for next year's directors.  The slate is:
 
President:  Barbara Amster;    Vice President:  Sylvia Clark;    Treasurer:  Susan Shields
Recording Secretary:  Derril Kripke;      Corresponding Secretary:  Marion Sapiro
Directors-at-Large (three):  Jim Davis, Don Pierce, CeCe Sloan

The Wednesday, December 12, regular meeting of the Club will be a gala holiday party.  Club members and guests welcome.  Clubhouse 3, Dining Room 1, from  7-9 p.m.  Some Club business will be conducted and nominations from the floor will be accepted for 2008 directors, election to be held in January.  The Nominating Committee presented its slate at the November 14 meeting.   Contact President Barbara Amster 460-0517 for more information.
 
January 2008 will be a busy month, with the Hillary Clinton Campaign visiting at the regular meeting on January 9 and Michael Dukakis as special guest at the Club Brunch on January 19.  The Brunch will be held in Clubhouse 7 and space is limited, so reservations are a must.  Cost will be $18 for members; $20 for non-members.  For information, call Susan Dearing at 855-6965.
Following the successful breakfast visit by presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich on Saturday, October 20, the Laguna Woods Democratic Club next hosts the Barack Obama for President campaign at its Wednesday, November 14, meeting in Clubhouse 3, Dining Room 1, at 7:15 p.m.  For more information, call Club President Barbara Amster at 460-0517.
 
A graduate of Harvard, Barack Obama was a civil rights attorney before serving the Illinois State Senate for eight years.  In 2004, he was elected to the United States Senate.  He is a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee which works to prepare the Veterans Administration for the return of thousands of veterans who will need care after the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  His 2006 bestseller book is titled, "The Audacity of Hope:  Reclaiming the American Dream," and represents his personal manifesto for his 2008 nomination run.  Obama has an extensive grassroots campaign organization, and the Club is fortunate to have Giovanii Jorquera, OC Coordinator, speak on his behalf.
 

The Laguna Woods Democratic Club has purchased a Bronze sponsorship for the 13th Annual Harry S. Truman Awards Dinner. Held at the Disneyland Hotel on Friday, October 19, this event features a 5:00 p.m. reception, 6:00 p.m. dinner, and special keynote speaker, presidential candidate Senator John Edwards. The dinner is presented by the Democratic Party of Orange County.

This year's honorees include Harry S. Truman Award Recipient, the Honorable Larry Agran, Irvine City Councilmember, the Samuel Gompers Award Recipient, Wayne J. Quint, Jr., President of the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs, and the Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Richard O'Neill, Former Chair of the California Democratic Party.

Cost to attend this function is $150 and checks should be made payable to the Laguna Woods Democratic Club and mailed to PO Box 2254, Laguna Hills 92654. For more information, contact Club President Barbara Amster at 460-0517.

October 21 Sunday: Democrats Host Congressman Dennis Kucinich

The Laguna Woods Democratic Club will host a speaking engagement and fundraiser on Saturday, October 20, for Congressman and presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio). The speech will be in Clubhouse 5 Main Lounge at 10:00 a.m. sharp. Doors open at 9:30. Club members and residents are welcome at this free event.

Following the Congressman's talk, there will be a private fundraiser in the community from 10:30 to 11:30. A contribution of $100 is suggested for attendance at this event. For more information, contact Susan Dearing at 949 855-6965.

Kucinich was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996 and has served the State of Ohio most of his adult life. He was formerly the Mayor of Cleveland and an Ohio State Senator. He has been an outspoken and oft-quoted critic of the Iraq War and a champion for single-payer health care for all Americans.

Any Club hosting or help offered to one campaign is offered equally to all others, as the Club does not endorse or support any candidate before the Democratic Party nominates its candidate.

Clubhouse 5 Main Lounge doors open at 8:45 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. for a continental breakfast; 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.open-mike comments from the audience; followed by speech by Congressman Kucinich at 10:00 a.m.

Lorraine Alkofer, Immediate Past President of the Laguna Woods Democratic Club, passed away September 8 after a bout with ovarian cancer. The Club remembers Lorraine for her dedicated efforts and contributions over many years and extends its heartfelt condolences to her husband Lawrence, daughters Karen and Lisa, sister Andrea and brother Donald Gunn.

A memorial service for Mrs. Alkofer was held on Saturday, September 29, in Clubhouse 3, Dining Room 1, at 4:30 p.m. Club members and friends are invited to attend and celebrate a life of service to others. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society. For more information, call Special Events Chair Susan Dearing at 949 855-6965.

Always active in Democratic Party affairs, Mrs. Alkofer was a delegate to the State Democratic Party Central Committee for five years and fundraising chair for the 70th Assembly District Democratic Action Committee. She was also a founding member of SoCal Grass Roots, a political action group formed in 2004 from the Kerry campaign.

Lorraine Gunn was born in New York on June 15, 1932, and married Lawrence Alkofer in 1953. His job as a civil engineer took them all over the world, often living in the Washington, D.C. area where Mrs. Alkofer was a delegate to the Virginia Democratic Caucus several times. They also lived overseas, including Iran during the revolution.

Both Lorraine and Lawrence Alkofer were members of the local Treble Clefs, a singing group for victims of Parkinson's Disease and their families, and she was also active in the Orange County Parkinson's Caregivers Association.

Mrs. Alkofer worked for the American Federation of Teachers, the Defense Department, the AFL-CIO, and in private industry. She was always involved in political campaigns, starting with Adlai Stevenson's presidential campaign. Her entire family worked for the Jimmy Carter presidential campaign. Those who knew her best will remember her as a great patriot who loved her country and had a great desire to serve others.