Get Out and Get Engaged!

[John Helge]

Manistee County Democrats: 

Well, another Victorian Sleighbell Weekend is in the books and a good time was had by all!  We hosted a pretty steady stream of visitors enjoying coffee, hot chocolate and cookies at the Manistee County Democratic Party River Street office Saturday afternoon.  We had a great view as the parade passed by and had some great conversations with folks who stopped in to let us know how much they appreciated seeing an active county Democratic Party in little old Manistee!  It is important to be active and visible in our community.  That is why we are keeping our office open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 5pm through the winter.  

We are planning to hold some events at the office during the winter months.  To help pay the rent we want to start a weekly Thursday night Euchre tournament in January.  The $25/team entry fee will enable you and your partner to join us for a good time, good conversation around the tables combined with pop, beer, wine, and snacks.  You and your partner may go home each Thursday a little richer due to your card playing skills!  Start getting ready so you don't mistakenly trump your partner's bower!  

We will also be holding some evening/weekend training and support sessions to help build our Precinct Delegate system in the county.  We are authorized by the Michigan Democratic Party to have 41 Precinct Delegates.  Each one of the 16 voting precincts in the county is authorized to have a minimum of two.  Today we have 17 active Precinct Delegates.  With training and support to better understand what a Precinct Delegate should be doing we intend to fill every slot with folks who are already recognized as trusted leaders in their neighborhoods.  If you are interested please let Dawn Bense (grandma....@gmail.com) or me know.  

The Feeding America Food Truck will be at the Lakeshore Church parking lot at 10am on Wednesday December 10th.  We can use your help to distribute over 8000 lbs of groceries to almost 400 food insecure families in Manistee County.  Dress warm and warm your heart by pitching in to help this important outreach program.  

We will be moving out of our high cost storage building into a donated space  If you can help us with your pickup truck or are able to just pitch in to help please meet at the River Street office at 1pm on Wednesday December 10^th at 1pm.  We really do not have much to move and with a good crew of helpers we should be done by 3pm.  This move will save us over $100/month, money that can be better utilized to support our candidates win in 2026.

We hope you can join us on Friday December 12^th at 6pm at the Manistee Township Hall (410 Holden Street behind the Parkdale pickleball courts) for our annual Holiday Potluck.  A famous Sanders' Ham will be provided and your dish to share will make this a feast fit for a "democratically elected official" (#NOKINGS!).  We will also be collecting breakfast cereal boxes and cans of hearty soup to help stock the Manistee County food pantries.  Come and enjoy an evening of holiday cheer with your friends who truly care and want to help others!

John M. Helge

johnm...@gmail.com

616-915-2403