Saturday, June 27
Flea Market: 8am–4pm
BBQ: noon til the chicken’s gone!
This Benzie Dems fundraising event is at Maley Park on US 31 in Honor. Along with the great chicken dinner, the Dems first ever flea-market and arts and crafts sale will be held all day in the park.
Anyone with arts, crafts, or other items to sell can register as a vendor for space in the park. Organizers will purchase timely print ads in local and regional newspapers and will use internet sites and local signage for publicity. This is the same day as the the Honor village yard sale and the same time as the BBQ, so there should be lots of visitors. Vendors may set up the night before (6pm–8pm). There is limited electric access for those wishing to camp out. All spaces must be reserved in advance (first come basis). $12.00 for a single space or $20.00 for a double space. All fees waived for approved nonprofit organizations. The 33 spaces will be numbered and assigned in advance. No refunds after June 1.
For more flea market information or to reserve a space, contact:
Susan Lemon:
phone: 231-325-6692
Membership drive continues
There are two ways you can help sustain our local Democratic Party effort. When you join the Michigan Democratic Party, Benzie Dems receive a portion of the dues back from the state party. This revenue helps fund our activities. If you haven’t already done so, please join today. The Michigan Democratic Party is located at 606 Townsend St., Lansing, MI 48933. Telephone: 517-371-5410; Email: midemparty@michigandems.com. Website: michigandems.com)
Locally, you can directly support the Benzie Democratic Party through a donation, which can be mailed to Benzie County Democratic Committee, PO Box 44, Honor, MI 49640. A donation of just five dollars will help cover the production and distribution costs of the newsletter. A larger donation will provide for party development and our campaign efforts. Please make your affordable contribution now to keep Benzie moving in a positive direction.
The effort to update our local contact information for members and other interested individuals continues. If you volunteer to make phone calls to check information, please contact Carroll Volpe by phone (325-6692) or email (mcvolpe@centurytel.net).
We can save both trees and money if you are able and willing to receive the Kicker via email. To do so, email Doreen Fitzgerald at (dodie.fitz@gmail.com).
Thanks for all your support!
Carroll Volpe Honored
Carroll Volpe of Honor was recognized April 25 for her 39 years of service to the Michigan Democratic Party, Benzie Democrats, and her community. She was chosen as the precinct worker honoree from the 2nd Congressional District and received the award at the state Democratic Jefferson-Jackon Day dinner in Detroit. The Benzie Dems Executive Board nominated her for the award, and chair Kathy Ralston accompanied her to the dinner.
“For 39 years, she has served ceaselessly, lending her wisdom and experience to untold candidates, volunteers, and activists,” her nomination letter said. “Those of us who have been touched by her guidance and mentorship will be forever grateful.”
Volpe joined the Michigan Democratic Party and the Benzie County Democrats in 1970. She became secretary of the Benzie Dems in the same year and remained in that position until 2008. For eight years she served as the chair of both the 1st and 9th Congressional district committees. For 12 years, she was a delegate to the Michigan Democratic State Central Committee and was a National Convention
Delegate in 1984. Locally, Volple has continuously been a leader, organizer, and anchor for the Benzie County Democrats. For 39 years she served as campaign office manager, county campaign coordinator, and secretary. She has been both chair and team member for innumerable individual campaign committees.
“It is in large part due to her steadfast dedication to the Democratic cause that Benzie County is now a swing county after 100 years as a Republican stronghold,” her nomination said.
Carroll is also a worker for the union cause. Notably, she co-founded the United Labor Food Bank in 1990. She then served as secretary and treasurer for the food bank for 12 years. She was also secretary and treasurer for the Bakery Confection and Tobacco Local 81 from 1973-1998. She is a general member of the AFL/CIO to the present day and served as a general board member for that organization from 1990-2000. From 1975-2000 she served as secretary and treasurer for Traverse Bay Central Labor Council.
For many years, Carroll has unselfishly contributed her skills and experience to the community through public service in local government. For Benzie County, she has served on the Jury Board from 1982 to the present. For a decade, she was clerk for her home village of Honor, where she has been a lifelong resident.
Volpe continues to serve on the Benzie Dems excecutive board and currently heads the membership committee.
