Minutes - July 18, 2008
Minutes of Annual ADTC Picnic — 18 July 2008
Home of Rep. John and Rose Olver, Amherst, MA
Many thanks to John and Rose Olver for graciously hosting the annual
Amherst Democratic Town Committee picnic at their home again this year!
Drivers emerging from cars parked on the lush lemon thyme covering the
slope before the Olvers' house caught a heady whiff of its pungent scent
that Shakespeare seems to have loved. Whether it is wild thyme or tame
thyme, it set guests up for a fine party.
This year ADTC Chair Leo Maley and other ADTC officers expanded the
guest list to include Town Committee members from neighboring towns, and
the delegates to the National Convention.
Yes, the food smelled and tasted as good as always. Conversations were
vigorous.
When it was our traditional time for speeches, John had a novel and
highly effective technique for ensuring brevity. Being gone by dusk
was essential to avoid a bear who made an evening habit of strolling out
of the woods near the house. The thought of a bear does focus the
attention.
Having too good a time and not taking notes, I missed a lot of good
lines. But you know that it's always worthwhile in a number of ways to
hear Rep. Olver's take on Washington; and those of Senator Stan
Rosenberg and Rep. Ellen Story on Beacon Hill.
The National Convention rep for Hillary Clinton spoke effectively about
the need for unity. We've seen that working well.
Though the picnic was well attended. Yet there appeared not to be a
quorum of ADTC members at any one time. So there was no attempt to have
an official, even if bear-brief, meeting.
While storm clouds gathered, veteran political organizer Rose Olver and
other alert picnicers whisked the serving dishes unobtrusively into the
house.
When the storm broke before the bear of evening had emerged, therefore
all was dry and we hastened away in good order, glad to avoid both rain
and bear.
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah McKee, Scrivener