July 2021 Newsletter

Hill Country Chapter of

Texas Democratic Women

July 2021

Back to the Future

Hill Country Chapter of Texas Democratic Women

Will Return to the KROC

Looking forward to exciting programs and activities in the Fall, the HCCTDW board announces that we will sign an agreement with the KROC to hold monthly luncheon meetings, starting with September 7, 2021. Our group will meet on the first Tuesday of every month from September 2021 through May 2022, provided that meeting in person continues to be safe for our members.

Luncheon meals will include meat, vegetables, salad, bread, dessert and choice of beverages as before, for the same price: $15.00.The luncheon will be offered buffet style using equipment that includes “sneeze guards,” and other measures will be taken to provide a safe environment for members. Masks will be optional, but recommended for persons who have not received a COVID vaccine.

We will continue to enjoy the excellent audio-visual equipment at the KROC, with large screens and microphones to enhance presentations. The format of the meetings will be similar to the format of meetings prior to the lock-down in March 2020.

The HCCTDW board welcomes the return to in-person meetings for members who are eager to have social time in person. We are excited about the opportunity to provide entertaining and informative speakers and reports to inspire Democratic Women in Kerr, Gillespie and Bandera Counties.

Letter from the President

Dear Faithful Members,

What does it mean to be a “Member” of the Hill Country Chapter of Texas Democratic Women? To me, it means that I have a commitment to working with other Democrats for American ideals like equality, justice under law, and democracy. Our Texas Democratic Women chapter provides a place and time to be present with other committed Democrats, with the hope that pooling our time and money will accomplish some positive political goals.

Coming together has been a challenge for over a year, but the HCCTDW found ways to show the community and each other that we are still active and committed. Now that we are planning a return to luncheon meetings, our voices can be more audible and our togetherness can be felt more intensely. I am looking forward to hearing and seeing you in the KROC dining room.

We have encouraged many Democratic candidates with funds we raised mostly within our own ranks, through your generosity. Last November, Rebecca Bell-Metereau won a seat on the State Board of Education, and Her Honor Rebeca Martinez became the Chief Justice of the Texas 4th Court of Appeals. Both of these candidates have been favorites of our Democratic women through many cycles, winning and losing. They persisted and succeeded.

AND, we have our first female Vice President to keep our hopes for the future alive!

Stephanie Ertel

Officers Elected for 2021-2022 Year

Newly elected members of the HCCTDW Board met on Tuesday, June 29 to approve the contract for monthly luncheon meetings at the Kroc Center. Pictured are Stephanie Ertel, President; Julie Sentell, Treasurer; Lynette Wedig, Vice President and Linda Stegall, Secretary. Also serving on the board are Coral Adema, At-Large Member for Immigration Concerns; Mary Ellen Summerlin, Legislative Chair; Jeannie Berger, Public Relations Chair and Sylvia Ostos, Past President.

May 2021 Meeting at Riverside Nature Center

Treasurer Julie Sentell reports on the contributions made to candidates in 2020 state races, as well as the excellent financial condition of the HCCTDW, at the May meeting in the Pavilion at the Riverside Nature Center. The Nature Center provided a safe meeting venue for our November 2020 meeting as well as the January, April and May meetings in 2021.

Royce Brooks, Executive Director of Annie’s List, speaks to HCCTDW members assembled at the Riverside Nature Center for the May meeting, as President Biden and Vice President Harris look on. Our other Annie’s List speaker, Monica Gomez, looks on. Brooks and Gomez remarked that our meeting was their first time to speak to a meeting in person in 2021, and both reported back that they were very impressed with our spirit and accomplishments. The photos on the table are of Anna Osborn and Barbara Lowenthal, honored at the meeting in memory.

Membership 2021

If you would like to join HCCTDW, the Membership form is available at this link: Membership Form

Simply print the form and follow the directions.

2021 Fredericksburg Fourth of July Parade

The 2021 Fredericksburg Fourth of July Parade will take place on Sunday, July 4, at 1 p.m. along Main Street. You are invited to join our friends in Gillespie County for this celebration of our nation's Independence Day.

For more information, go to fbgtxparade.org

Relay for Life of Kerr County Rescheduled

The Democrat’s “Dems for a Cure” team is registered for Relay for Life of Kerr County, which has been rescheduled for Friday, September 17, 2021 at the Hill Country Youth Event Center. Our team will be the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as part of Relay’s “Everything Disney” theme this year. At the 2019 Relay, our team won an award for our outstanding participation. Contributions, including purchasing luminaries to honor loved ones affected by cancer, can be made on line at “Relay for Life of Kerr County” under our Dems for a Cure Team.