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If you would like to support the Vermont Democratic Party AND the Chittenden County Democrats by making small monthly contributions, you can do so by making a People Powered Pledge. During the month of June, 25% of what you donate to the VDP through the People Powered Pledge will be set aside for the county of your choice -- hopefully Chittenden. Click here to make a pledge.

Ankeney picnic wrap-up

The Chittenden County Democrats enjoyed a beautiful afternoon at the Ankeney farm in St. George last Saturday. Speaker Symington gave a funny, interesting, and short (!!!) speech. Peter Freyne had a nice write-up about our event.

Mike Strizki, Chief Technology Officer of Renewable Energy International, drove up from New Jersey to talk with local Dems about the technology he has developed and its ramifications for our country's energy future. His demonstration with his hydrogen-powered toys and his presentation on how he developed his H2/Solar system to power his own home gave us an insight into the possibilities for our energy future. It was certainly an eye-opener considering that all we’ve heard about H2 technology until now was that it is impractical. Mike effectively demonstrated that is indeed practical if we could only turn our focus on making it affordable through mass production.

We were excited to also see Treasurer Jeb Spaulding, Senators Jim Condos, Ginny Lyons and Hinda Miller, and Representatives Helen Head, Jim Condon, Reg Godin, Joan Lenes and Scott Orr. See more photos at Chittenden Dems Ankeney Picnic 2007 .

We are grateful for the support that Cyndi Bingham, Jean Ankeney’s daughter, and her husband, Web, have given us in putting on this annual event.

If you couldn't make it, we'd love to see you at our next event - and we'd love your help with a contribution through the People Powered Pledge program.

Ankeney Picnic with Speaker Gaye Symington & energy innovator

For years, the Chittenden County Democrats have hosted a fundraiser at the St. George farm of former State Senator Jean Ankeney. This year, we are honored to have the Speaker of the Vermont House of Representatives Gaye Symington of Jericho as our guest of honor. Also attending with be energy innovator Mike Strizki, the engineer and inhabitant of America's first hydrogen-solar powered home.

Speaker Symington has again in 2007 displayed remarkable leadership. The Legislature has worked hard this session to address global issues like climate change, national issues like a resolution calling for the end to the war in Iraq, state issues like Vermonters' access to broadband and cellular service, local issues like South Burlington's revised charter, human rights issues like the anti-discrimination bill (despite the Governor's inexplicable veto last session), and pocketbook issues working towards solutions in our school budget system.

What: the Ankeney Picnic with Speaker Gaye Symington
When: Saturday, June 16th, 1-4pm
Where: Willow Brook Ln./Ayer Road, St. George, VT (directions below)

We hope you can join us for this great tradition, meet you legislators and community leaders, enjoy the Vermont summer, have a hot dog and listen to the music of Bill Myregaard & the Willoughbys.

This is a fundraiser, so we are asking for $15 per person or $25 for a family - though of course we welcome all comers.

Directions:
From I-89 South: Take Exit 12 off I-89 and
travel south for 4 miles on Route 2A. Turn
LEFT on Ayer Road and travel 1 mile to the
top of the hill. The Ankeney home is the
second on the LEFT after the top of the hill.

From I-89 North: Take Exit 11 off I-89 and
travel west for 2 miles on Route 2. Turn LEFT
at the white church onto Oak Hill Road and
travel south for 4 miles. Turn RIGHT on
Willow Brook Lane. The farm farm is .7 miles
ahead on the RIGHT.

Parking: Please park on the north side of the road, leaving enough room for cars to pass.

Legislators and County Dems discuss H.520

Chittenden County Democrats enjoyed another great discussion with key policy makers from our area on Monday night. County Democrats heard from Chairs of the Senate and House Energy and Natural Resources Committees, Senator Ginny Lyons and Rep. Robert Dostis (he represents Buels Gore as well as Waterbury, so we'll count him as a Chittenden County Democrat). Senator Lyons and Rep. Dostis lead an informative discussion of the issues and process surrounding H.520, the climate change legislation recently vetoed by the Governor.

The packed room was also happy to hear from other legislators (seven in total) in attendence. Included among these were two local legislators who voted against the bill originally: Rep. Jim Condon (Colchester) and Rep. Tim Jerman (Essex). They were willing to voice their opinions and listen to the opinions of others. Thank you to Tim, Jim and the other legislators - Lenes, Weston, and Zenie - for attending and given their constituents a chance to discuss the important issue of climate change and the landmark legislation recently passed.

Join us next month to hear from State Auditor Tom Salmon, July 9th at 7pm. He won one of the closest statewide races in Vermont's history; come and ask him what he's been up to since the recount.

BREAKING NEWS: Special Guest for the Ankeney Picnic

We are very pleased to announce that Michael Strizki will attend this year's Ankeney picnic. Mr. Strizki is a civil engineer from New Jersey who lives in America's first solar-hydrogen house. He was recently profiled in both the Christian Science Monitor and the New York Times Magazine.

The New York Times Magazine wrote, "Perhaps most important, Strizki's system can be adapted to existing homes… The Strizki home offers a greener world and the continued pursuit of happiness. Indeed, its premise and secret promise is to recommend two things that are dear to many Americans anyway: energy independence and the permission to keep all one's toys."

The Christian Science Monitor wrote, "Mr. Strizki's monthly utility bill is zero – he's off the power grid – and his system creates no carbon-dioxide emissions. Neither does the fuel-cell car parked in his garage, which runs off the hydrogen his system creates."

Please join us for the 7th annual Ankeney picnic at 1pm, on Saturday June 16th on Ayer Rd. in St. George. This is a fundraiser so we are asking for $15 per person 0r $25 per family.