Just like Martin Luther King, I have a dream about the future of our Club and I hope that it is your dream too. My dream is that this Club grows in membership; grows in accomplishments; provides an environment for teamwork among the members; proves to be a huge presence in Cape Coral, wins the respect of the entire community; helps put many Democratic candidates in office from local to national; promotes the issues and principles of the Democratic party; provides an environment for teamwork among the member; participates with other local Democratic clubs and caucuses, the DEC of the Lee County Democratic Party and presidential campaigns; keeps the new members from the Obama campaign engaged after the election; hosts fabulous parties and fundraisers; and, provides a social network so that we have a little community inside a larger one.

Even though I've held this position for a short time, I already feel like the beginning of my dream is coming to fruition in small ways. It even feels like it has been much longer with all the happenings in the Presidential campaign and the Columbus Day events. I would like to especially thank Jim Getts, a former President of the Club, for being such a big help in being there whenever he is needed, like in helping take the tent down at the Columbus Day Event. I would like to thank Sharon Davies for stepping in to do the newsletter and Kathy and Nick Cifelli for making a generous donation to the club.

The Columbus Day Events were very successful. Thanks to all the supporters who worked the tent and the parade. Many thanks go to the following people who helped man the tent: Teresa Barruelo, Naomi Blank, Joyce Calabrese, Sharon Davies, Kitty Dwight, Jim Getts, and Ray (former Chair of the DEC) and Nancy Troy. (It is such a honor to have this couple as members of our organization.) We had plenty of banners to decorate the tent and carry in the parade. Our tent was always busy and we got new volunteers for the members for our Club and the Obama campaign.

Naomi Blank and Manny Vaisle, our new vice presidents - were a big help. Manny's daughters and Naomi's son and their friends helped carry the banners for the Democratic Club of Cape Coral, the Democratic Women's Club of Lee County and the Campaign for Senators Obama and Biden. Nick and Kathy Cifelli drove their convertible with the club banners carrying club officers. Jim Getts drove his new Focus decorated with Obama signs. Chris Wilson, from the Obama campaign, drove the Troys in his convertible decorated with Obama banners. Robert Neeld, campaigning for Congress, and John Glaser, campaigning for Property Appraiser, drove their vehicles. And, we had the "Republicans for Obama" group join us as well. Naomi had a bull horn, and she called out things like - "Had enough? Vote Democrat" - as we marched down the street. We felt like more than half the spectators were with us. We had marchers, including my daughter pushing a stroller with Gavin riding and Zack throwing candy, Joe Pirello and his children riding bicycles, and Mary Ann Farrarese, who is supportive in so many places.

I've been thrilled that we've had supporters from our club for the Obama campaign and the DEC precinct work. Naomi has hosted the big presidential/VP debates at the Broadway Palms and the Club House Restaurant. Sharon Davies has been a super volunteer and trainer at Obama headquarters. Teresa Calabrese, and Doreen and Bill Baer have worked their hearts out for Obama. Marian Davies and Miriam Kminek have been a team leader and captain. Cello Bennett, among others, has worked hard. This has not meant to be an exhaustive list. I am so grateful that we are getting a lot of Obama supporters joining our club and I hope to keep them engaged.

It was so exciting to attend the Joe Biden rallies. 5,000+ people attended the last event, proving that Democrats do live in Lee County and we aren’t hiding any more. I know we will begin electing many more Democrats to serve.

In conclusion, I'm open to suggestions about how we can make our club wildly successful and meetings interesting and productive. What speakers and programs would you like? How can we make our dream come true? I'm all ears.