Rise Up Join Up!

[John Helge]

Manistee County Democrats:

By now the adrenaline rush of the October 18^th NO KINGS protest rally in Manistee has probably passed through most of the 925+ folks who love America enough to rise up to protect our democracy, our constitution, and our freedom.  It will be important for us all to find ways to maintain the enthusiasm and engagement going forward in the midst of the continuing chaos, corruption, and cruelty of the Trump regime.  We hope these weekly newsletters will provide you with some ideas and opportunities to keep working for the greater good! 

Indivisible Group Meets Tonight!

Come out and join this group of happy warriors who collaborated in organizing the October 18 protest rally tonight at 6:30pm at the North Channel Brewery.  Tonight is all about continuing to organize and build commonality.  There will be letters to elected officials for you to sign demonstrating your concerns and dissatisfaction about how they refuse to speak truth to power.  

The Manistee Senior Center Needs Volunteers!

The Senior Nutrition Service (aka Meals on Wheels) needs delivery drivers to pick up the meals at the Manistee High School and deliver in town and in the countryside.  Most routes take less than two hours to complete.  They need substitute drivers to cover when regulars are not available. You do not need to sign up for a specific route or days, just be available to fill in.  They also need help serving the daily lunch at the Senior Center between 11:30am-1:00pm.  No heavy lifting or dishwashing required. Just serve and clean up with a smile and some kind words to those enjoying a hot meal. To volunteer please call Kristen at 231-723-6477 Ext 102. or email her at: mccoskm.gmail.com.

Feeding America Food Truck Needs $$

The loss of SNAP benefits due to the federal government shutdown will put a huge strain on local foodbanks.  Even after the shutdown the funding for SNAP has been cut severely to pay for the Big Billionaire Bailout Bill.  The Manistee Friendship Society will need to raise $20,000 to fund the monthly Feeding America Food Truck that delivers 10,000 lbs. of groceries to over 400 food insecure families in Manistee County.  They also maintain a food pantry for their clients who are challenged with mental and physical disabilities. Please consider making a donation to the Manistee County Friendship Society so they can continue this important service in Manistee County in 2026.  You can learn more about them on their website: https://manisteefriendshipsociety.org/ or phone them at 231-398-0434 or 231-655-3278.  

We have important ballot initiative petitions for you to sign!

Stop by the Manistee County Dems River Street office to sign the petitions to put Ranked Choice Voting (Bring Ranked Choice Voting to Michigan | Rank MI Vote), Money Out of Politics (Home - Mop Up Michigan), and Invest in MI Kids       ( Putting Kids First. Building a Stronger Michigan for Everyone.) on the 2026 ballot. 

We still need a storage building!

We are looking for a no/low cost building with a 10'x20' space where we can store our parade float trailer and some excess office equipment.  If you know of someone who is willing to lend us this space please contact John Helge at johnm...@gmail.com or 616-915-2403.  

River Street Office to Remain Open!

We have reached an agreement with our wonderful landlord at Ruddiblush Gallery that will enable us to keep the office at 319 River Street open through the 2026 election!  

We want to remain highly visible to voters, residents, and visitors in Manistee County.  Due to the success we have enjoyed this summer and fall we have made the commitment to remain open through the winter.  This will provide people in our community with a safe place to gather, discuss concerns, and find ways to help solve problems. 

We will need to find additional funding to support this commitment and we hope those who receive this email will be able to step up and contribute.  We make it easy to donate using this link: Donations 

John M. Helge

johnm...@gmail.com

616-915-2403