Past Events

Mar 28, 2015 – Amherst Democrats Biennial Caucus

The Amherst Democrats met on Saturday, March 28 at the Amherst library for our biennial caucus. New Officers and members at large were elected to replace retiring board members as follows:

Retiring Members                                                     New Members

Shep Melnick                                                                      Erin Smart Stapleton

Ray Iannuzzelli                                                                  Faye O’Neil

A presentation reviewing our accomplishments over the past two years was also made by outgoing chairman, Graham Smith. Graham will remain on the board as a member at large. The new executive committee consists of:

Shannon Chandley – Chair

Julie Radhakrishnan – Vice Chair

Dick Danzinger – Treasurer

Mary Arrowsmith – Secretary

Penny Eggleston

Peggy Harris

Erin Stapleton

Faye O’Neil

Graham Smith

Jan 29, 2015 – Kinder Morgan Pipeline Potluck

The Amherst and Milford Democrats sponsored a discussion of the proposed Kinder Morgan Gas Pipeline being planned for southern NH.

Joseph McCool of Amherst Citizens Natural Gas Pipeline Awareness spoke to nearly 50 residents of affected towns. He presented the facts and what we can do.

Facts:

• NH is a net exporter of energy
• the bulk of the pipeline gas will be earmarked for export
• the KM pipeline will be paid for by an electric utility surcharge, i.e. everyone will pay for the pipeline despite its minimal benefits to NH
• the original pipeline route through northern Massachusetts was rejected by citizens and politicians of that state before being proposed to come through southern NH
• Kinder Morgan has shown itself to be anything but a ‘good neighbor’ and has an abysmal safety record

Actions:

• voice concern about the pipeline with local, state, and federal representatives
• write fact based letters to local newspapers
• attend pipeline events, including: KM open houses and selectmen meetings

Sep 1, 2014 – Labor Day Barbecue

Local Democrats met and heard from our governor Maggie Hassan and US House Representative Annie Kuster during our end-of-summer Labor Day BBQ at the Amherst Country Club. The weather was warm, the food was delicious and plentiful. Also in attendance were local candidates for State House: Shannon Chandley and Julie Radhakrishnan, as well as candidates for Executive Council: Diane Sheehan and Jennifer Daler. Rounding out the speakers was Patty LaFrance a candidate for a second term as Hillsborough district attorney.

A special award was given to Deb Pignatelli for her 21 years of service to the State of New Hampshire. Deb we will miss you in office but hope to benefit from your years of experience.

July 4, 2014 – Amherst Parade

Despite the threatening weather, an enthusiastic crowd was on hand for this years parade. The Amherst Democrats won first place for best overall Float. We also served several hndred bottles of our delicious homemade root beer in our newly renovated stand.

This year’s parade theme was ‘ From Sea to Shinning Sea’. Our Float theme contained a slight twist: ‘Diversity in America –  From Sea to Shining Sea’ which we used to present positive messages of diversity and hope. Several of NH State dignitaries stopped by for root beer and a picture.

 

 

 

 

June 14, 2014 – Yard & Garage Sale

The second annual Amherst Democrats Yard & Garage sale was a huge success more than doubling sales from last year. The Yard sale could not have been such a success without the committed help of the entire Amherst Democrats Committee. A special thanks to Nancy Iannuzzelli for her zealous oversight of the event.

April 24, 2014 – Potluck

Boston College public policy scholar and former New Hampshire lawmaker R. Shep Melnick spoke at a potluck supper sponsored by the Amherst Democrats.

Professor Melnick discussed the problem of growing economic inequality in America. Prof. Melnick’s talk was well received by a group of local progressives.

April 17, 2014 – Amherst & Milford Candidate Recruitment

Curious progressives met at the Amherst Public Library to learn about the details of running for state office in NH. In attendance to answer questions were five members of the NH House of Representatives from local towns.

March 17, 2014 – St. Patrick’s Day Supper

The Amherst Democrats’ held another great St. Patrick’s Day dinner  at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Milford (UUCM). This years’ Irish themed dinner was prepared by chef Deb Maloney with help from Barbara Smith, Mary Arrowsmith, Nancy Iannuzzelli, Penny Eggleston, and Nancy Danzinger.

Our featured speaker was Terie Norelli, the Democratic speaker of the New Hampshire House of Representatives. Entertainment was provided by musicians Amy Conley and Katrine Dickau.

January 28, 2014 – The Future of Amherst

Hardy Amherst residents braved the frigid ‘polar vortex’ to share a warm meal and hear from Amherst Selectmen Dwight Brew and Mike Akillian discuss the new planning process for the Town, including:

• the new strategic planning process initiated this year
• how it has informed the proposed FY15 annual plan and budget
• what that budget contains
• how it may affect topics of importance to Amherst citizens

 

Nov 14, 2013 – The Impact of Recent Legislation on NH Citizens

Hillsborough County Attorney Patricia LaFrance spoke to a small but interested group on the impact to the state of NH of several pieces of O’Brien era legislation, including: Stand-your-ground gun laws, attempts to water down abuse laws, and drug abuse prevention.

October 30th Potluck Supper & Talk: Implementing ObamaCare in NH

Several dozen local Progressives heard Nashua Representative Cindy Rosenwald detail the rollout and benefits of ‘The Affordable Care Act’, also known lovingly, as ObamaCare.

Cindy sat on the Governor’s special commission to study expanding Medicaid in NH which recommended 6 – 2 in favor of expansion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 19th – Potluck Supper & Talk

Repealing New Hampshire’s Death Penalty in 2014

Over 30 progressives heard  our featured speaker, John – Michael Dumais, present facts and lead a discussion of the death penalty and the plans to abolish it in NH. John – Michael presented data showing the costs to administer and run the ‘death penalty’ to be higher than life imprisonment. Data also shows that the death penalty is not a deterrent to crime. The only argument proposed in support of the death penalty has been a moral one based on revenge.

July 4th – Amherst Democrats win ‘Best in Theme’ for 2013 July 4th Float

Float Description:

The Amherst Democrats have chosen to feature the good things that government does for us – things that we can’t do by ourselves.  Here we see Uncle Sam cooking up sizzling services that many of us could not do without.  While some describe government as some sort of enemy that is wasteful and overbearing, the Democrats of Amherst celebrate the work of our elected representatives who serve, often at wages below those they could command in the private sector. We salute the positive patriotism of past generations.

Led by our team captain, Jack Conaway, who also donned an Uncle Sam costume,

the Amherst Democrats conceived, planned, and constructed our first July 4th Float in many years.

The theme this year was ‘Having a Sizzling 4th’. Showing some of the benefits derived from our form of government, the Float team positioned signs extolling the many positive achievements enriching our lives, e.g. national highways, vehicle safety, clean air & water, etc.

The judges seemed to agree that our float best embodied this year’s theme and awarded us ‘Best in Theme’.

We also continued our tradition of selling root beer made locally by the Amherst Democrats.

Our root beer stand is known throughout the town and attracts some very important dignitaries.

 

 

We had many comments from Democrats, Independents, and Republicans congratulating us on the very positive nature of our float message in contrast to the poor taste displayed in the Republican float.

Float Messages:

Food Safety, Water Quality, The Web, Space Program, Disaster Relief, National Defense, National Parks, Homeland Security, Civil Rights, Veterans Services, Social Security, Medicare, Medical Research, Student Loans, Wildlife Protection, Postal Service, Weather service, Trade Negotiations, Consumer Protection, Work Safety, Vehicle Safety, National Highways, Clean Air & Water, Public Radio & TV, Disease Control, Trade Treaties

Amherst Democrats Yard-Garage Sale June 8th

The Amherst Democrats held fast to our planned Saturday morning Yard-Garage sale in the face of torrential rains for several days previously. Many value seeking enthusiasts turned-out to make our first event a rousing success.

May 23, 2013  Nick Toumpas Potluck: HHS and ObamaCare in NH

Nicholas A. Toumpas, Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, spoke to local Amherst & Milford NH residents about the role of his department in serving NH, as well as, a presentation and discussion of the implementation of the Affordable Care Act in NH. 

Nick discussed some of the roadblocks which the NH Legislature has thrown-up to impede progress in rolling-out the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid enhancements.

Amherst & Milford Democrats Potluck – March 28, 2013

Amherst & Milford democrats’ heard NH House Majority leader, Steve Shurtleff speak about the ongoing efforts to return the NH House to a place of congeniality and professionalism that works to benefit the people of NH. Steve spent over an hour answering questions from the audience of attentive progressives ranging from: Voter ID, Stand-Your-Ground, education, ALEC, and the Free-State movement.

Amherst Democrats Caucus – March 9, 2013

A caucus of Amherst Democrats (AD) was held at 10am on March 9, 2013 at the Amherst Town Library. The caucus elected committee members and officers for a two year term. A brief Year-in-Review was presented to highlight significant AD events and accomplishments in 2012.

 

 

Election Results:

Executive Committee officers

• Graham Smith – Chair
• Shannon Chandley – Vice Chair
• Jens Rieckmann – Secretary
• Richard Danzinger – Treasurer

Executive Committee Members

• Jack Conaway
• Julie Radhakrishnan
• Ray Iannuzzelli
• Peggy Harris
• Penny Eggleston

NHDP Convention Delegates

• Claudia Everest
• Nan Stearns
• Julie Radhakrishnan

Local Dems Celebrate November Victories – Dec 5, 2012

Over 100 Souhegan Valley Dems came together to celebrate the November election victories at local, state, and national levels. Annie Kuster joined many local candidates to thank her supporters and to join the first all female delegation to Washington.

October 24 Potluck Supper

Several dozen local progressives gathered to share in a potluck supper and participate in a Voter ID panel discussion led by Peter Leishman (State Rep from Peterborough & member of the elections committee in the House of Representatives), Jeanne Ludt (Supervisor of the Checklist), and Steve Coughlan (Amherst Town Moderator).

September 18, 2012 Potluck:

A dedicated group of progressives heard Mark Fernald, former candidate for governor, discuss the ‘no tax’ constitutional amendment that will be on the November ballot.

Amherst Democrats’ Summer Barbecue

Nearly 100 progressive Democrats and Independents attended the Amherst Democrats’ Summer Barbecue at The Amherst Country Club on Sunday, August 26, 2012. In addition, Paul Hodes band, “Northern Light” performed classic & modern rock-n-roll tunes.

 

Speakers included:

* Annie Kuster, candidate for Congress from 2Nd Congressional District ·
* Jackie Cilley, Maggie Hassan, and William Kennedy, candidates for NH Governor
* John Shonle, Len Gerzon, Steve Morgan, Shannon Chandley, candidates for NH House
* Deb Pignatelli, candidate for NH Executive Council
* Graham Smith, candidate for Hillsborough County Registrar of Probate
* Bill Barry, candidate for Hillsborough County Sheriff
* Susan Ladmer, candidate for Hillsborough County Commissioner
* Patty LaFrance and Bob Walsh, candidates for Hillsborough County District Attorney

2012 Amherst Town July 4th Celebration

For the sixth year, the Amherst Democratic Town Committee organized a root beer sale for the Amherst July 4th Celebration on the Town Green. The weather cooperated with a beautiful, warm day while parade goers crowded our booth in search of the well known ‘Democratic Root Beer’.

Shown here are Shannon Chandley, candidate for NH State House of Representatives and Nancy Iannuzzelli, letter writer extraordinaire.

Potluck Supper

Souhegan Valley Progressives gathered for a Potluck Supper on Wednesday, May 9 at the Milford UUCM (Unitarian Universalist Church of Milford 20 Elm Street, Milford, NH).

The featured speaker was William Kennedy, Democratic candidate for Governor of NH.

Amherst Democrats Town Caucus

March 24, 2012 – Amherst Democrats Caucused at the Amherst Library
to elect a board consisting of:

Graham Smith – Chair
Shannon Chandley – Vice Chair
Dick Danzinger – Treasurer
Jens Rieckmann – Secretary
Jack Conaway – Member
Julie Radhakrishnan – Member
Ray Iannuzzelli – Member
John David – Member
Addie Hutchison – Member

St. Patrick’s Day Supper

Eighty progressive revelers enjoyed a sumptuous Irish meal prepared by Master Chef Deb Maloney, listened to authentic Irish music by “Fine Folk”, and heard guest speaker Ann McLane Kuster demonstrate her intimate grasp of NH as well as national politics. An enjoyable evening was had by all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark Connolly,the former Deputy Secretary of State and Director of New Hampshire Bureau of Securities Regulation 2002 to 2009 spoke to Souhegan Valley Progressives on Wednesday, Jan 25, 2012 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Milford (UUCM). Mark discussed his views of The President’s State of the Union speech and of the Republican obstructionism in Washington and Concord. Mark is contemplating a gubernatorial run in New Hampshire.

Potluck Supper November 16, 2011

Maggie Hassen, a former State Senator and current candidate for governor, spoke to local Progressives answering questions about her candidacy and discussing challenges since the radical Republicans took over State government in NH.

 

 

Pictured L to R: Graham Smith, Maggie Hassen, John David, Deb Pignatelli

Potluck Supper Oct 26, 2011

Former State Senator, Jackie Cilley spoke to an enthusiastic group of progressives about the drastic changes taking place in Concord as the radical Republicans seek to impose their new sense of morality on NH.

Her message of continually challenging the myopic views of our Libertarian NH Legislature met with overwhelming support and approval.

Amherst Independence Day Celebration 2011

Another great July 4th parade & celebration in Amherst. The Amherst Democrats were well represented at our root beer booth this year. The warm weather guaranteed an early sell-out.

We were joined this by members of Organizing For America, President Obama’s re-election group.

As we closed our celebrations we reflect on the blessings of our nation and the challenges ahead in the coming year.

At our potluck supper on April 6, 2011, an energized audience of more than 60 Progressives heard former House Speaker Terie Norelli painted a sober picture of how NH will change under the current extreme ideological Republican rule.

Programs being cut:

* Educational: VoTech, UNH, and Community College aid
* Hospitals: cutting aid forcing hospitals to turn away
patients
* Childcare: cutting assistance to low income families
* Jobs & Economy: cutting innovative research & economic
development aid

Terrie’s message: Get involved and take back NH before The Republicans ruin it for our children.

Amherst Dems Potluck Dinner Dec 8, 2010

Following a chatty and delicious potluck supper,Dante Scala addressed a packed house presenting his analysis of politics in The Granite State from 1960 – today. Much interest and many questions followed the fact-filled talk.

Souhegan Valley Democrats Open Milford Office

Saturday, Sept 25 nearly 100 enthusiastic democratic supporters were on hand to open the local Milford office. The office will support local, state, and national candidates through phone banks, sign distribution, and canvassing. The office is located at 52 Nashua St in Milford (across from Library).

250th Amherst Anniversary & July Fourth Parade 2010

The Amherst Democrats celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Town of Amherst at the annual Fourth of July festivities.

Our new stand and homemade sugar-free root beer were a great hit. Along with our traditional flavor, the weather helped us sell out completely .

 

Proceeds will go to help District#6 Democratic House candidates.

Shannon Chandley NH House Representative District 6

Shannon cools down after she marched in the 2010 Amherst July Fourth Parade twice ; once as a sitting NH House member and then as a candidate for office in 2010.

What a gal!!!!!

2009 Labor Day Barbecue

In addition to US Congressman Paul Hodes (left) the Amherst & Milford Democrats were joined at the annual 2009 Labor Day Barbecue by the following dignitaries:

Ann McLane Kuster, Katrina Sweet, John DeJoie, Shannon Chandley, and Deb Pignatelli

July 4th 2009 Parade

The Amherst Democrats were visible in the Amherst July 4th parade. We sponsored a convertible carrying Iris Thompson who had turned 100 on July 3. We also continued selling our delicious homemade rootbeer on the Amherst Town Green along with the Milford Democrats who sold popsicles. The weather was perfect and everyone had a great time.

Historic Election of 2008

November 4, 2008 brought sweeping change to New Hampshire and the USA. People everywhere turned out to vote and register their displeasure with the Bush administration and the past eight years.

Barack Obama was elected the first black president of the United States. Both of NH’s Democratic Congressional Representatives (Paul Hodes & Carol Shea-Porter) were re-elected. Jeanne Shahenn defeated John Sununu in a reprise of the 2002 race.

July 4th 2008 parade in Amherst. Amherst Democrats for our second year bottled and sold delicious Incredi-Brew root beer on the Amherst green.

Souhegan Valley Democrats’ Office Opened in Milford, NH

The Souhegan Valley Democratic office opened in Milford on-the-oval June 14, 2008. The office will be a headquarters for local and state candidates as well as the regional Paul Hodes For Congress campaign. Staff volunteers are needed. Please contact office manager Ruth Heden at ( rsheden@aol.com), Graham Smith (g_v_s@mac.com), or your local committee chairperson.

Pot Luck Suppers

The Amherst Democrats hosted a potluck on January 22, 2009 at the Amherst Country Club. Kevin Landrigan, political reporter for the Nashua Telegraph, spoke from his 25+ years of experience in covering the state’s politics.The audience responded to Kevin’s talk with much interest and many questions.
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The Amherst Democrats hosted a potluck supper at 6pm on Thursday, April 17 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Milford. Following dinner several NH State Legislators spoke about the process of running and serving in the NH State Legislature.
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The Amherst Democrats hosted a potluck supper at the Amherst Country Club on Thursday, February 28, 2008. Our featured speaker, Arnie Arnesen, was rescheduled from January’s meeting. Arnie discussed her views of our recent New Hampshire primaries.
Board members were elected.
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The Amherst Democrats hosted a potluck supper at the Amherst Country Club on Thursday, January 31, 2008. Our featured speaker, Arnie Arnesen was unable to attend but resheduled for February (see above) During the meeting the Amherst town committee began the process of electing officers and board members for a two year term which begins in March. Nominations were accepted and will be voted on at a our next gathering on February 20th.
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Amherst Democrats Pot Luck Dinner – November 1, 2007 Amherst Country Club
Amherst Democrats and Progressives met at the Amherst Country Club on Thursday, November 1 for a pot luck supper with after dinner speaker.

Our speaker for the evening was Cornell Woolridge of New Hampshire for Health Care. New Hampshire for Health Care is uniting working families, small business owners, seniors, health care workers, community leaders, and policy makers to fight for affordable, quality health care that we can all count on. New Hampshire for Health Care is part of Americans for Health Care, a project of SEIU.

Labor Day Event 2007

The Amherst & Milford Democrats hosted over one hundred local progressives celebrating Labor Day 2007 at the bucolic Amherst Country Club. The festive crowd feasted on a scrumptous barbeque and heard from US Senatorial candidates Jay Buckey, Steve Marchand, and Katrina Swett as well as Congressman Paul Hodes and Granny D. Also speaking were representatives of presidential candidates Chris Dodd and Governor Richardson.

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