News & Events


October 30, 2019
After ten years, "It's a wrap!"
A bit more than ten years ago I began putting together a newsletter for our New Trier Dems organization. From the start, the primary purpose of the NTD News was to pass on information about events and opportunities that would be of interest to Democrats and Independents living in or near New Trier. Especially those who believe in the power of grassroots political participation. And that is still its purpose today

However, even in those early versions of our NTD News , I found myself writing a brief preface each week to set up those featured events, often encouraging some sort of action.

As the longtime readers among you know, those brief introductions eventually developed into full-blown essays — some much longer than I had planned, and probably longer than any of you wanted. You have my sincere apology for those times when my wordiness got the best of me.

But let’s face it. In the years I’ve been doing these commentaries, there’s been a tsunami of political subjects to get wordy about: The foolishness of George W. Bush, and the evilness of his Svengali Dick Cheney, recurring mass shootings and the insane proliferation of guns in America, the degradation of the world’s environment and the existential threat of climate change, blatant voter suppression in the North as well as the South., the erosion of women’s rights, the cowardice of Republican legislators afraid to do what’s best for our democracy, Vladimir Putin’s mysterious hold over our president…just think how much longer this wordy list could be!

And of course in recent years the most repeated subject for so many of my commentaries has been President Donald J. Trump, a narcissistic, sociopathic demagogue who is quite possibly the dumbest, most ill-equipped, destructive and dangerous president our nation has ever endured. I’m sure I’ve set a personal record for my use of the thesaurus in search of pejorative descriptors for this guy. No number of negative words can do him justice, although there is one word that might — impeachment.

With all that said, on a positive note I also want to point out that over those years, there have been political stories that have inspired us and kept us all hopeful for a better future. Barack Obama’s reelection in 2012 was no small feat. Then we saw the defeat of the last remaining Republican legislators representing any part of New Trier. In fact, our region is now blue all the way to the Wisconsin border. The mobilization of suburban women and the Democratic victories across America in 2016 have been a sign of positive things to come — if we Democrats all stay engaged. The energetic new Democratic voices in our U.S.Congress and among our Springfield legislators should fill us with hope. It’s all good stuff.

I know there is plenty more to talk about entering 2020. But as you can probably tell from the tone of my musings, I’ve decided I’m not going to be the person doing it. At least, not so publicly.

Perhaps it’s because I have a milestone birthday coming up that has me thinking about making new commitments and taking new paths. It could also be that I know a weekly commentary in a political world as polarized as ours can freeze a writer into rigid stances. After awhile the points a writer makes begin to sound redundant. Or, my retreat from the weekly ritual of a political commentary could simply be the result of Trump fatigue. Thinking deeply each week about issues being impacted by such a negative force is tiring, to say the least.

I still do plan to be communicating during the upcoming election year as I ring doorbells or write postcards for Democratic candidates. And who knows? There may be an event, a candidate, an issue next year that inspires a personal observation I feel I must share with all of you. In a year as wild as 2020 will be, that could very likely happen.

So now I want to say, “thank you,’” to people who have made my weekly efforts easier than they might have otherwise been: In the earliest days, longtime NTD leaders Joan Berman and Peggy Slater kept me confident I was on the right track. And throughout the press of completing these weekly newsletters I always knew I could ask for help and get it from our NTD President, Judy Mandel and before her, President Priscilla Sperling. I also knew that our NTD office managers, particularly the late, great Sharon Suzda and our present Office Manager Joan Fishman, could always be counted on for help when I asked. And, a couple election cycles ago, NTD Executive Board member Dan O’Brien took over the job of assembling the “news and events” portion of the NTD News , so I could have time to concentrate solely on commentary. (Dan also revamped the newsletter’s entire design to give it a contemporary Internet look.) — Thanks, to you all.

Finally, I want to thank each person who, over the years, took the time to tell me they enjoyed something I’d written. Some of you were old friends, some were people I had never met. You should all know your encouragement has meant a lot to me.

Nels Howard
NTD Member Since 1973
New Trier Democrats' Events
A Holiday Party With New Trier Democrats
Thursday, December 12th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

New Trier Democrats will provide the hors d'oeuvres, and drinks will be available for purchase. This event is not a fundraiser. It's just an opportunity to have fun and meet other area Democrats.

We will be collecting non-perishable canned and packaged food, useful paper goods, and toiletry items to donate to the New Trier Township Food Pantry.  A complete list of priority pantry items is here . Anything you can donate is greatly appreciated - let's help fill their shelves!
Other Events of Interest
Inclusion in our "Other Events of Interest" List – whether it’s a fundraising event for a specific candidate or an event concerning a particular issue – does not mean that the New Trier Democrats have endorsed that candidate or adopted that position on an issue. 
This Saturday, November 2, 2019: Wisconsin Voter ID Canvass With Indivisible Evanston

When : Saturday, November 2, 2019 – see signup for time options
Where : Kenosha, Racine, Elkhorn & Wauwatosa, WI – see signup for meeting location options
What : Join Indivisible Evanston on November 2 as they canvass in FOUR different counties as part of the WI Dems weekend of action. The WI Dems have requested that they send canvassers to all four locations, so please take that into account as you choose where to go. All predictive lists concur that Wisconsin, with just 10 electoral votes, could easily be the state that determines the 2020 presidential winner; our boots on the ground are needed to flip it! Sign up to CARAVAN with them from the DPOE to Racine or DRIVE DIRECTLY to either Kenosha, Racine, Elkhorn or Wauwatosa, WI on 11/2:  Sign up here.
This Saturday, November 2, 2019: Sister District Phone Bank to Flip Virginia Blue

When : Saturday, November 2, 2019 from 9:30am to 12:00pm
Where : Democratic Party of Evanston, 1806 Church Street, Evanston
What : Join Sister District at the Democratic Party of Evanston office to phone bank for Sister District candidates  Alex Askew  and  Ghazala Hashmi . The election is November 5, so this is Get Out the Vote phone banking! You’ll be calling identified supporters to remind them about the election and help them make a plan to vote. Both the VA House of Delegates and the VA Senate are two seats from flipping blue. They can train and coach you. Just bring your phone and headphones. If you prefer to work with a laptop or tablet, bring that along.  Register here .
Lauren Underwood
This Saturday & Sunday, November 2 & 3, 2019: Weekend of Action With Team Underwood

When : Saturday & Sunday, November 2 & 3, 2019 from 11:30am to 3:00pm each day
Where : Warrenville, Huntley and St. Charles – Sign up for more details on location
What : Team Lauren Underwood is hosting a Weekend of Action on November 2nd & 3rd in IL14. They’ll be gathering petition signatures to get Lauren and other Democrats on the ballot for this election – and they need YOUR help. Will you join them?

Kamala Harris
This Sunday, November 3, 2019: Glencoe Reception for Sen. Kamala Harris

When : Sunday, November 3, 2019 – time will be provided closer to event date
Where : Glencoe – address will be provided closer to event date
What : A reception in support of Kamala Harris For The People. Hosted by: Austin Baidas, Jennifer & Alex Brown, Alexandra Eidenberg, Representative Bob Morgan, Linda Rae Sher, Mayor Nancy Rotering, and Stacey Sherr Michelon & Jon Michelon.  RSVP here . If you have questions, please contact Rebecca Keate at [email protected].
This Sunday, November 3, 2019: Sister District Phone Bank to Flip Virginia Blue

When : Sunday, November 3, 2019 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Where : South Evanston (address provided upon RSVP)
What : Join Sister District at the Democratic Party of Evanston office to phone bank for Sister District candidates  Alex Askew  and  Ghazala Hashmi . The election is November 5, so this is Get Out the Vote phone banking! You’ll be calling identified supporters to remind them about the election and help them make a plan to vote. Both the VA House of Delegates and the VA Senate are two seats from flipping blue. They can train and coach you. Just bring your phone and headphones. If you prefer to work with a laptop or tablet, bring that along. RSVP to [email protected].
This Sunday, November 3, 2019: Northfield Township Judicial Panel and Petition Finale

When : Sunday, November 3, 2019 from 3:00pm to 4:30pm
Where : Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane, Northbrook
What : Democrats of Northfield Township and North Shore Democrats for Progress host a panel discussion and questions on the Illinois Courts and Elections. Panelists include Supreme Court Justice and Candidate P. Scott Neville, Appellate Judge and Candidate Michael Hyman, Circuit Court Judge and Candidate Kerrie Maloney Laytin, Circuit Court Judicial Candidate Araceli De La Cruz, and Subcircuit Judge and Candidate Patricia Fallon. Also an opportunity to sign petitions to get candidates on the ballot. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online .
Monday, November 4, 2019: Sister District Phone Bank to Flip Virginia Blue

When : Monday, November 4, 2019 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Where : Downtown Evanston (address provided upon RSVP)
What : Join Sister District at the Democratic Party of Evanston office to phone bank for Sister District candidates  Alex Askew  and  Ghazala Hashmi . The election is November 5, so this is Get Out the Vote phone banking! You’ll be calling identified supporters to remind them about the election and help them make a plan to vote. Both the VA House of Delegates and the VA Senate are two seats from flipping blue. They can train and coach you. Just bring your phone and headphones. If you prefer to work with a laptop or tablet, bring that along. RSVP to [email protected].
Bob Morgan
Monday, November 4, 2019: State Rep. Bob Morgan Fall Event

When : Monday, November 4, 2019 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Where : Glencoe home of Stacey Sher Michelon and Jon Michelon (Address upon RSVP)
What : Representative Bob Morgan of the 58th District’s final 2019 event in the district.  Link to RSVP online . For more information or to RSVP, please contact Joey Slater at [email protected] or (312) 448-8014.
Wednesday, November 6, 2019: Evanston Reception for U.S. Rep. Sean Casten IL-6

When : Wednesday, November 6, 2019 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Where : The home of Allison & Stephen Hackney, 2330 Orrington Ave, Evanston
What : A fundraiser reception for U.S. Rep. Sean Casten, Illinois’ 6th congressional district. To RSVP please use their  event webpage  or email Matthew Kipnis at [email protected].
Pete Buttigieg
Wednesday, November 6, 2019: Winnetka Reception for Pete Buttigieg

When : Wednesday, November 6. 2019 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where : Winnetka (address provided upon RSVP)
What : Join Mayor Pete for a conversation in Winnetka.  RSVP online . For questions, please email [email protected].
Saturday, November 9, 2019: Northwestern Football Tailgate Extravaganza With State Sen. Laura Fine

When : Saturday, November 9, 2019 (Game time to be announced; tailgate opens 90 minutes before kickoff)
Where : Mustards Last Stand, 1613 Central St., Evanston
What :  Tailgate before the Northwestern Wildcats face the Purdue Boilermakers. Tickets for just the tailgate, and for both the tailgate and the game, are available. RSVP required: [email protected].  Link to purchase tickets/sponsorships online . For more information, please contact Carly Halstead: [email protected] or 312-630-7700
Saturday, November 9, 2019: Glen Ellyn Reception for U.S. Rep. Sean Casten IL-6

When : Saturday, November 9, 2019 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where : Glen Ellyn – address provided upon RSVP
What : A fundraiser reception for U.S. Rep. Sean Casten, Illinois’ 6th congressional district. To RSVP please use their  event webpage  or email Genevieve Kristofek at [email protected].
Sunday, November 10, 2019: Evanston Reception for Marie Newman, Candidate for Congress IL-3

When : Sunday, November 10, 2019 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm
Where : Page 1 Books, 1808 Central Street, Evanston
What : Join Marie Newman, Democrat running for Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District for an afternoon of discussion! Hear from Marie as she shares her vision and plan to bring new change in IL-3. To buy a ticket in advance, click this link . If you have any questions, contact Mary-Margaret at [email protected]
Tuesday, November 12, 2019: Indivisible Evanston’s Phone Bank & Letter Write to Flip Wisconsin

When : Tuesday, November 12, 2019 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Where : 319 Wesley Ave, Evanston
What : Join Indivisible Evanston as they phone bank and letter write to help flip WI in 2020. If you are phone banking – please bring cell phone, earphones, charger & laptop! If you are letter writing – please bring “forever” stamps for first class letters or donate towards stamps at the meeting if possible. Thank you! For more information or to RSVP,  visit their Facebook event page.
Wednesday, November 13, 2019: Women for Toni Preckwinkle Luncheon

When : Wednesday, November 13, 2019 from 11:30am to 1:30pm; VIP Toast: 11:30am; Luncheon: 12:00 to 1:30pm
Where : Maggiano’s Little Italy, 516 N. Clark St., Chicago
What : A women’s luncheon for Toni Preckwinkle, President of the Cook County Board. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online  or contact Kelly Marie Murphy at [email protected] or call 224-999-4690.
Wednesday, November 20, 2019: Reception for Dr. Woody Myers, Candidate for Indiana Governor

When : Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 6:00pm
Where : Chicago (address provided upon RSVP)
What : Chicago reception in honor of  Dr. Woody Myers , Democratic candidate for Indiana Governor. For more information or to RSVP, contact Roz Skozen at [email protected] or 312.237.0436.
Friday, November 22, 2019: We Will Legislative Coffee Date With Rep. Bob Morgan

When : Friday, November 22, 2019 from 10:00am to 11:30am
Where : Hansa Coffee, 600 Walnut Ave, Lake Bluff
What : Join We Will for a Legislative Coffee Date Event with Representative Bob Morgan of the 58th District. Food, coffee, networking, comfy legislative chats, kids welcome.  Register here, and RSVP kid count too .
Robyn Gabel
Monday, November 25, 2019: We Will Legislative Coffee Date With Rep. Robyn Gabel

When : Monday, November 25, 2019 from 1:00 pm to 2:30pm
Where : Ayla’s Originals, 1511 Sherman Ave, Evanston
What : Join We Will for a Legislative Coffee Date Event with Representative Robyn Gabel of the 18th District. Food, coffee, networking, comfy legislative chats, kids welcome.  Register here, and RSVP kid count too .
Looking For Something To Do Now?

Help Text Bank For Democratic Candidates In Virginia State House Races With Sister District
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5th!

Text Banking is here!

You can sign up at  this form . They expect high demand for texting lists.
Please sign up to text ONLY for the two candidates, Alex Askew and Ghazala Hashmi, that our local Sister District is supporting!

Some things to know:

You need to do some reading and training on your own. This is done online. Texting will be done at specified times. You will sign up for a texting “event” and at the scheduled time, a batch of numbers will be released. Sign-up is available now. Texting will continue through Election Day. You must sign up and complete all training steps at least one week before your first texting event.

More details can be found in this Sister District/Red2Blue  Texting Guide .
Need help contacting your
representatives in government?

Visit our website for a complete list of everyone who represents the residents of New Trier Township - from Federal to Village level - and links to contact them.
Still not a member of the New Trier Democrats?
 
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will make a difference. Come join us!

When you're a member of the New Trier Democratic Organization, you have an active role in affecting the political process by: participating in grassroots campaigns, staying in touch with elected officials, and playing a role in deciding which candidates are endorsed. You'll also gain  free admission  to select forums and events throughout the year.    

Come be a part of New Trier Township's grassroots political community.    
New Trier Democrats memberships are on a calendar year basis. We encourage our members to renew their dues annually every January.
Paid for by the NTDO-FED and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is available on the Board’s official website (www.elections.il.gov) or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois.