GOOD NEWS ABOUT DEMOCRATS! December 23, 2015 FOUR YOUTH FEATURES – ENJOY THEM!

NCDP HOLIDAZZLE FUNDRAISING PARTY! Enthusiastic Democrats packed the Goodwin House in Raleigh for the NCDP’s Holidazzle Party on December 17th. Smiles and holiday joy were all over the State Headquarters. From the left in the picture above are Tosha Wilson, NCDP Deputy Executive Director Douglas Wilson, Goodwin House Committee Chair Julia Lee, Executive Director Kimberly Reynolds, Nancy Jane Hutchinson, and Wake County Commissioner Sig Hutchinson. Most of the pictures in this article were made by Maadhurya Photography of Cary.

Ian Oglesby, 13th Congressional District candidate Ron Sanyal, State Senate candidate Susan Evans, Anne Marie Fristoe, and Devon Roberts.

House Democratic Leader Larry Hall, Wake Democratic Men President David Bland, and Durham Mayor Bill Bell.

NCDP First Vice Chair Zack Hawkins led the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday” to Patsy Keever and Sharlese Hall.

Carla Marin is the lady

Wes Tripp of Halifax County

who formats this newsletter and sends it out statewide

and the Campbell Law School

every week.

Guilford County Young Democrats President Dave Wils, Wake County Party Chair Brian Fitzsimmons, Ron Sanyal, and State Senate candidate Andrew Barnhill

Carolina Fonseca, NCDP Chair Patsy Keever, and Maria Esther

NCDP Executive Director Kimberly Reynolds, Phillip Reynolds and Crystal Reynolds

Andy Miller, Orange County Commissioner candidate Matt Hughes Executive Director Kimberly Reynolds, and Deans Eatman of NC State

US Senate candidate Kevin Griffin of Durham

Cameron Lasater & State House candidate

State Senate candidate Ellis Hankins of Raleigh

Peggy Davis of Raleigh with Melvin Williams

Brian Farkas of Pitt County

Judge Mark Davis of the NC Court of Appeals, District Court Judge Anna Worley of Raleigh, Dustin Ingalls and Jessica Potter

THE PORTMANS HAVE A HOLIDAY PARTY! The last edition of this newsletter announced that Erv Portman has filed for a Wake County Commissioner seat. On December 19th Erv and his wife, Susan, hosted their annual Christmas Party at their brightly-decorated home in Cary. There was singing accompanied by a harp and a piano. In the picture above are Stan Williams, Erv Portman, Melvin Williams, Wake County Commissioner Jessica Holmes, Nancy Jane Hutchinson, Wake Commissioner Sig Hutchinson, and former Wake Commissioner Yvonne Brannon.

County Commissioner Jessica Holmes joined Enloe High School Senior Josh Martin for this picture at the Portman’s home. Josh has starred in many dramatic productions at Enloe and he is excited about the scholarship offers he is receiving from colleges and universities.

Sue Portman was a radiant hostess. Here she is with Jessica Holmes and Mrs. Santa Claus. We never found out the real name of the lady on the right. She would only say she was “Mrs. Claus.”

BRIAN FARKAS CAMPAIGNS IN WINTERVILLE! Pitt County State House of Representatives candidate Brian Farkas was right at home as he rode in the Winterville Christmas Parade. During this parade one lady wrote on Facebook that her children told her to vote for the candidates who threw out the most candy.

WAYNE GOODWIN – A RARE DEMOCRAT IN HIS OFFICE! He Calls On Democrats To Keep The Insurance Commissioner Post TRUE BLUE! Did you know that our own NC Insurance Commissioner, Wayne Goodwin, is the ONLY elected Democratic Insurance Commissioner in the entire South? Did you know that he is one of only two elected Democratic Insurance Commissioners east of Montana? Editor’s Note: The Republican Party focuses on controlling all Insurance Commissioner offices so the insurance companies can get all the policy increases they want. Two Republicans have filed to challenge Wayne in 2016. To volunteer for Wayne’s campaign for re-election, email him directly at [email protected]. To donate to Wayne’s campaign, go to: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/wayne-goodwin-2 To learn more about his heroic campaign, click this link: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/12/12/1459558/-Help-the-last-statewide-elected-DemocraticInsurance-Commissioner-in-the-South

CHRIS REY ON COVER OF LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES MAGAZINE! US Senate candidate Chris Rey was featured on the cover of the November/December issue of “Southern City” magazine which is published by the North Carolina League of Municipalities. The article gives a lot of information on the three-term Mayor of Spring Lake. Chris invites everyone to click this link and read this interesting article which is entitled “Born To Serve”: https://act.myngp.com/el/3198170469807161344/-1020888849808621568

HOLIDAY RECEPTION FOR LARRY HALL! Dr. and Mrs. Mark Mattoli hosted a Holiday Party in honor of House Democratic Leader Larry Hall at their home in Durham. Special guests were Superintendent of Public Instruction June Atkinson and Mickey Mitchell. In the picture above Representative Hall is in front of the Christmas tree with the hostess Mrs. Del Mattoli and Democratic star Ingrid Nurse at the joyful December 10 th party.

BILL AND ISABEL CUTLER RECEIVE “HENDERSON COUNTY DEMOCRAT OF THE YEAR!” AWARD! Lots of applause rang out when County Chair Mark Vernon Case announced that Bill and Isabel Cutler were going to receive the “DEMOCRAT OF THE YEAR AWARD” of the Henderson County Democratic Party. The award was presented jointly to this talented team. Bill is Chair of the Rugby Precinct and Isabel makes terrific pictures of all Henderson County Democratic Party events. She is one of our state’s most prolific contributors to “GOOD NEWS ABOUT DEMOCRATS”. Her pictures are always of excellent quality and she is careful to provide the name of every person in her pictures. In addition to the positions they hold, Bill and Isabel happily participate in all the activities of the Henderson County Democratic Party. All of the activities!

HENDERSON COUNTY HOLIDAY PARTY! This picture shows Henderson County Democrats loading their plates at their Holiday Party at the Congregational Church in Hendersonville. The party brought their 2015 activities to a happy conclusion. More pictures of this party are on the next two pages.

Jason Denton and Kerry Corliss brought lots of laughter to the Henderson Party with their comedy skit depicting two current political figures. Can you guess who they are portraying?

Madeline Royes, Bob Hartsell, 11th Congressional District candidate Tom Hill, Dot Williams, and Henderson County First Vice Chair Nancy Glowacki provided happy musical entertainment.

These dedicated folks were saluted for their successful leadership of the Fundraising Committee of the Henderson County Democratic Party.

Kathleen Gould was in charge of the 50/50 Drawing. She held the basket for this young

Mario and Sussana Polen enjoyed the occasion.

man to draw the winning ticket.

Getting ready for victories in 2016: The happiest part of the party was the presentation of Blue Apple Pledges by individual Democrats at the event. As each person filled out their Blue Apple Pledge card, this young man would hang the cards on the tree. Before they finished, the tree was covered with pledges!

SEEING HER MOTHER IN ACTION! Penny Nicholson of Washington State was finally able to see her mother, Judge Linda Stephens, in action for the first time at the NC Court of Appeals last week. Penny watched as her mother presided over a session of oral arguments at the Court of Appeals. Judge Stephens has rendered nine years of distinguished service on the Court of Appeals. She will be the Democratic candidate for re-election to her position on the ballot in November, 2016.

HALIFAX COUNTY DEMOCRATS! The Democratic Women of Halifax County were happily represented in the December 6 th Christmas Parade by Democratic Women President Sandra Bryant and Carolyn Pulley. Thanks to Deans Eatman for this picture and information.

DEMOCRATIC WOMEN OF ALAMANCE COUNTY! With over 500 members, the Democratic Women of Alamance County are the largest DW chapter in the state. Every December they enjoy “fighting” over Christmas presents at their annual Holiday Party. Here is how their competition works: Each member brings a beautifully wrapped $10 gift. At the party each member is asked to write down 3 numbers between 1 and 10. When a number is called, everyone who wrote down that number goes and picks up a gift. However, members can “steal” a package from another member if they think it might contain a better gift.

You might be able to see that one gift has money attached to it and some gifts have lottery tickets attached. The picture on the right shows the largest gift at the meeting. Past President Anna Gerow ended up getting it. (It contained lots of paper towels.) The Alamance DW member have lots of fun “stealing” from each other.

DURHAM AAC DOES HOMELESS VOTER REGISTRATION! The Durham County Chapter of the African American Caucus of the NCDP has started the “Hear My Voice – Count My Vote” project. It is a pilot program which is working to ensure that all people who have the right to vote can do so. By working to empower all eligible voters the Durham AAC is pushing for change in our most marginalized communities so that all people have a voice in determining our future. Durham AAC President Dr. Dorothy Powell says: “It will take large and united voices, votes, and demands for accountability from those most down-trodden to ensure that candidates most willing to fight for the vulnerable be elected and responsive to their base of growing support.” In the picture above Amilia Toupe is actively seeking out homeless people and registering them.

KIMBERLY AND PHILLIP AT THE WHITE HOUSE! NCDP Executive Director Kimberly Reynolds and her husband, Phillip Reynolds, were guests of President and Mrs. Obama at the White House last week.

THE JACKSONS HOST YOUNG DEMOCRATS PARTY! State Senator Jeff Jackson and his wife, Marisa, hosted a Holiday Party for the Young Democrats of Mecklenburg at their Charlotte home.

The smiles of the Young Democrats reveal their seasonal happiness and their excitement about helping produce Democratic victories in 2016!

BEAUFORT COUNTY DEMOCRATIC WOMEN ENJOY CHRISTMAS PARTY! Happy smiles and cheerful voices were featured at the Christmas Party of the Beaufort County Democratic Women in Washington, North Carolina. In the picture on the left Mavis Burns, County Party Chair Cathy Gaynor, Chelsey Harris, and Jamie Gaynor are standing beside the table of “Toys for Tots” that members brought. County Commissioner Ed Booth and his wife, Eltha Booth, are on the right.

Rose Andrews and her husband joined Sue Baines and her friend, Jackie, in this picture.

Cathy Gaynor posed between past County Chair Surry Everett and his wife, Dorothy.

NANCY NEHLS NELSON FILES FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER! Hundreds of outstanding North Carolina Democrats have filed for County Commissioner this month. One of those is Nancy Nehls Nelson of Weaverville who filed in Buncombe County Commissioner District Two. She is one of four Democrats seeking to unseat an incumbent GOP Commissioner. (By the way, her middle name is pronounced “kneels.”) A retired AT&T Bell Labs Project Manager, Nancy is committed to job growth, public safety and excellence in public education. She believes her skills in budgeting and oversight can be applied directly to county government. She is committed to serving as a fulltime County Commissioner.

Nancy has served on the boards of many civic organizations. For many years she was a Precinct Officer in a precinct which has 40 to 50 people at its annual precinct meetings. She lives in Weaverville with her husband, Curtis, and their two rescue dogs. She holds a B. A. from the University of Minnesota and a Masters Certificate from Stevens Institute of Technology. More information about her campaign is available at www.ElectNancyNehlsNelson.org and her Facebook page “ElectNancyNehlsNelson.”

YOUTH FEATURES! Senator Don Davis’ three sons happily gathered around their father for this picture in their Snow Hill home. From the left they are Ryan – age 17, Kyler – age 3, and Justin – age 9.

Mecklenburg County State Senator Jeff Jackson and his wife, Marisa, took their sons to talk with Santa. Haden and Santa have been friends for a long time. This was Owen’s first trip to see the jolly man in the red suit.

Raleigh Democrats Bess and Zeke Creech joined their daughters, Elizabeth (4) and Katie Worth (7) in a picture with Santa Claus.

Seventeen month old James Preston Hawkins of Durham visited Santa. Who knows, he may have had a long list of requests. James Preston is the son of NCDP First Vice Chair Zack Hawkins and his wife, Tracey.

Your Democratic Friend, Melvin Williams, Secretary North Carolina Democratic Party