504 Democratic Club

June 2009 Executive Committee Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:30:00 +0000

MONDAY, June 8, 2009
Renwick Gardens Conference Room
332 East 29th Street
Between 1st and 2nd Avenues
New York, NY
Time: 6:00pm

Everyone is welcome!

The meeting dates for the 504 Democratic Club are shown on our Calendar page

504 Democratic Club 2009 Candidate Endorsement Screenings

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sun, 31 May 2009 21:00:00 +0000

If you are a candidate and would like to fill out a 504 Democratic Club questionnaire, 2009 questionnaires can now be found at the Questionnaires section.

Come to hear candidates speak about their positions on programs and issue of importance to the disability community.

Monday, June 1, 2009
6:00-9:30 PM
Janel Towers
801 Neill Avenue
Morris Park, Bronx (Matthews–Bronxdale Avenues)

Tuesday, June 2, 2009
6:00-9:30 PM
North General Hospital
1879 Madison Avenue (121st-122nd Streets)

Wednesday, June 3, 2009
6:00-9:30 PM
1199 SEIU
310 West 43rd Street
7th floor
Room 2A (8th-9th Avenues)

February 9, 2009 504 Democratic Club screening session recap

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 22:23:00 +0000

On Monday February 9, 2009, the 504 Democratic Club held its screening session for the February 24 City Council (Council District 21, 32 & 49) Special Election on February 24.

To be considered for an endorsement by the 504 Democratic Club, candidates must either completed the Club's questionnaire or be interviewed.

In the 21st Council District, Julissa Ferreras and Francisco Moya appeared for screening interviews. The 504 Democratic Club has endorsed Julissa Ferreras for the City Council in the 21st Council District.

In 32nd Council District screening questionnaire were submitted by Glen DiResto, Michael Ricatto and Lew Simon. The 504 Democratic Club has endorsed Lew Simon for City Council in the 32nd Council District.

No candidate from the 49th Council District either completed a questionnaire or appeared for an interview.

We thank all five candidates for participating in our screening process.

Please be sure to vote on February 24, 2009 if you are eligible to vote.

504 North Star Democratic Club - Sixth Annual Kwanzaa Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 01:30:00 +0000

Saturday, December 27, 2008
Minton's Playhouse
206 West 118th Street
New York, NY
Wheelchair Accessible Tickets $10 and must be purchased in advance.
$12 at the door.
For more information, please contact Chris Noel at 646-789-7962
Time: 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Everyone is welcome!

The events for the 504 Democratic Club and 504 North Star are shown on our Calendar page

URGENT: Access-A-Ride Users Needed for News Story

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:38:00 +0000

You can comment on this entry by posting a response at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/504Dems/message/8355

We have an inquiry from a reporter. Do you know of a disabled vet, preferably a wheelchair user, who uses Access-A-Ride (AAR) who would be adversely affected by the fare hike? Or, someone who uses AAR to go to and from employment who the additional cost of the trip would barely make working worth it.

They'd like to tail someone for a ride or two. Get a sense of what it is like.

We're looking for someone whose story would illustrate the bigger problems which would accompany phe proposed fare hike.

Please email me at Lawrence @ dnnyc.net (preferred) with contact information or call 212 - 284 - 4160 with any leads/questions.

Thanks. Much appreciated.

All best,
Lawrence

Photo Gallery of 504 Democratic Club in Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:00:00 +0000

The following photos have just been posted at our Photos section:

504 Democratic Club going to Florida
504 Democratic Club in Broward County

Americans with Disabilities for Obama: October 23, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 04:44:00 +0000

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS AND CREATING
EQUALITY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL
Benefiting the Obama Victory Fund

Please join Americans with Disabilities, Families, Friends and Advocates

October 23, 2008
6:00 – 8:00 PM
FoxKiser
750 17th Street NW
Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20006

Host Committee
House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer
U.S. Congressman Edward J. Markey
U.S. Congressman Keith Ellison

Polly Arango, Mazen Basrawi, Edward C. Bell, Peter Blanck, Catherine Brack, Marca Bristo, Catherine Campisi, Henry Claypool, Rebecca Cokley, Daniel Davis, Gerben & Janice DeJong, Fred Fay, David Ferleger, Daniel Fisher, James Gashel, Rebecca Hare, Allen C. Harris, Bonnie O'Day and Robert Hartt, Eve Hill, Marissa Johnson, June Isaacson Kailes, Janine Bertram Kemp, K. Charlie Lakin, Edward and Patricia Leahy, Paul Longmore, Bryon MacDonald, Kathy Martinez, Susan and Jamal Mazrui, Tom Nerney, Becky Ogle, Thomas Panek, Jorge Pineda, Jim Reed, Curtis Richards, Jeffrey Rosen, Marcie Roth, Katherine Seelman, Fred Schroeder, Natalie Shear, Karen Peltz Strauss, Sue Swenson, Marvin Wasserman, John Wyant, and Jonathan Young and Nellie Wild

Program

Congressman James R. Langevin

First Lady Anne Holton (Host Committee Member)

Michael Strautmanis, Senior Advisor,
former Chief Counsel to Sen. Obama

Support the Event
Host Committee: $1,000 and up
Sponsor: $250
Patron: $100 minimum to attend the event
Supporter: $25

All contributions can be made at: https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/OVFMidAtlantic?custom1=Breaking+Down+Barriers

Even if you CANNOT ATTEND, please still make your VOICES HEARD ON BEHALF OF THE DISABILITY COMMUNITY by contributing at:
https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/OVFMidAtlantic?custom1=Breaking+Down+Barriers

Please note that the amounts on the website pages are preset buttons that cannot be changed, so you should simply choose the "Other" option and insert the amount you wish to contribute.

RSVP to attend the event to: camilleforobama@gmail.com or (773) 718-2632

Categories for casting an absentee ballot in Ohio

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 07:32:00 +0000

by Edith Prentiss

I found this interesting! Read the New York Times article (picture of the day)

"No fault" absentee voting allows any registered Ohioan to vote in the presidential election between October 1 and the close of polls on November 4. In the past, voters could only cast early ballots if they were disabled, out of town on election day, an emergency response worker, senior citizen or in prison awaiting possible conviction for a felony.

You can comment on this entry by posting a response at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/504Dems/message/8038

Campaign assistance needed for Michael Katz

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 04:59:00 +0000

by Edith Prentiss

Michael Katz, 504 Democratic Club and many others' endorsee for Manhattan Borough-wide Civil Court Judge need some help before Tuesday's Primary! He particularly needs people who are able to make phone calls to voters.

E-mail Mr. Katz at michaellkatznyc @ gmail.com

You can comment on this entry by posting a response at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/504Dems/message/7907

Ballot Marketing Device (BMD) Counting Procedures

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 03:42:00 +0000

by Edith Prentiss

If you haven't read "Your Important Voting Information" that you received from the NYC Board of Elections, it is below. It clearly says our ballots will be counted with all other paper ballots. The reality is that we might as well use a paper ballot at our poll sites. But did anyone really expect more?

I still believe voting at a polling place is important and on especially on BMDs rather than lever machines. We need to show the rest of the voting public that first we vote and second we vote despite what more it takes for us to vote! Think of it as a public service announcement to the general population as to voting options and our commitment to an independent and private vote!

I certainly hope everyone votes on the BMD rather than by absentee ballot. I hope to see you on the BMD line on for both the Primary & General Elections!

"On the Accessible Ways to Vote in NYC

The ballot marking device (BMDs) assists voters with disabilities to vote independently ans privately. The BMDs allows voters to access and mark a ballot using:

Audio Headset
Touch Screen
Keypad
Sip & Puff Device
Rocker Paddle

BMDs assist voters in marking a ballot. BMD ballots will be countered with all other paper ballots. Voting on the BMD may take longer than voting on the lever machine.

For the 2008 Primary and General Elections, you may vote at your regular poll site using the lever or a BMD. If you are eligible to vote by absentee ballot, you may do so."

You can comment on this entry by posting a response at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/504Dems/message/7884

Photo Gallery of 504 Democratic Club's 2008 Endorsed Candidates online

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 03:47:00 +0000

The following photos have just been posted at our Photos section:

Michael Katz
Sheldon Silver
Sheldon Silver with the 504 Democratic Club
Kevin Powell
Steve Harrison
Devin Cohen with the 504 Democratic Club
Simcha Felder with the 504 Democratic Club

Seven State Senate Candidate Responses to Our Questionnaires online

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:55:00 +0000

The following responses to our questionnaires have just been posted at our Questionnaires section:

Shirley L. Huntley for State Senator, 10th State Senate District, Queens
Albert Baldeo previously for State Senator, 15th State Senate District, Queens
Simcha Felder for State Senator, 21st State Senate District, Brooklyn
Martin Connor for State Senator, 25th State Senate District, Manhattan/Brooklyn
Liz Krueger for State Senator, 26th State Senate District, Manhattan
Thomas K. Duane for State Senator, 29th State Senate District, Manhattan
Eric T. Schneiderman for State Senator, 31st State Senate District, Manhattan/Bronx

Five More Judicial Candidate Responses to Our Questionnaires online

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 23:04:00 +0000

The following responses to our questionnaires have just been posted at our Questionnaires section:

Maria Matos for Civil Court, Countywide, Bronx
Nancy Bannon for Civil Court, Countywide, Manhattan
Michael L. Katz for Civil Court, Countywide, Manhattan
John J. Reddy, Jr. for Surrogate Court, Countywide, Manhattan
Milton A. Tingling for Surrogate Court, Countywide, Manhattan

504ers in Denver

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:00:00 +0000

by Edith Prentiss

Hope you're all having a great time.

"Remember the Power of the Disability Vote!"

Tom Hunt who is in Denver with Rabbi Dennis Shulman (the candidate for Congress in NJ's 5th Congressional District) is interesting in being in contact with 504ers.

Please e-mail him at...

thomas.m.hunt @ gmail.com

You can comment on this entry by posting a response at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/504Dems/message/7868

Three Judicial Candidate Responses to Our Questionnaires online

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 22:36:00 +0000

The following responses to our questionnaires have just been posted at our Questionnaires section:

Alice Fisher Rubin for Civil Court, Countywide, Brooklyn
Devin P. Cohen for Civil Court, 1st Municipal District, Brooklyn
Lisa S. Ottley for Civil Court, 4th Municipal District, Brooklyn

504 Democratic Club Statement on withdrawal of endorsee Albert Baldeo

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 18:55:00 +0000

504 Democratic Club Vice President Michael J. Schweinsburg issued the following statement on behalf of the Club:

"The 504 Democratic Club was proud to endorse Albert Baldeo in his Senate race and we are equally proud of his decision to step aside in the interest of helping the Democratic Party attain control of the Senate.

The integrity he has displayed in his many dealings with 504, left us unsurprised he would make such a noble choice.

He was our endorsed candidate two years ago and we look forward to hearing from him again."

You can comment on this entry by posting a response at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/504Dems/message/7865

Primary 2008 - Coming to Your Neighborhood!

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 23:49:00 +0000

Dear Fellow 504 Members and Friends,

We are extremely pleased with the outcome of 504's endorsement balloting. Each candidate 504 endorsed won with overwhelming support from the membership.

As we are all in such strong agreement, the Board urges all members to join us in supporting our slate of candidates by hitting the campaign trail with them. [You can view the list of 504's Endorsed Candidates] Attached to this message is a calendar you can individualize with your volunteer commitments.

PDF document of the calendar (Make sure you have the Adobe Reader in order to view, print and/or save the document)

You can also download the Word DOC file version of the calendar

Please first consider the candidates in your district or borough as well as those campaigns of interest throughout the City. When you have entered your schedule, please copy it, for your records and send it back for us to work with. You can send updates of your calendar if your schedule changes or just call us and we'll enter it for you. If you are already working with a particular candidate on a regular basis, please indicate that on your calendar. Be sure to let them know you are a member of the 504 Democratic Club.

We will keep you updated as we are informed of events and appeal to you to get involved to ensure our strong slate of candidates gets elected. We are confidant that upon their election, each of our candidates will bring about positive change for the disability community. Your help will be vital to the success of their campaigns and make them Feel the Power of the Disability Vote.

Peace,
Michael J. Schweinsburg

You can comment on this entry by posting a response at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/504Dems/message/7861

Five More Candidate Responses to Our Questionnaires online

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 23:45:00 +0000

The following responses to our questionnaires have just been posted at our Questionnaires section:

Jerrold Nadler for Congressmember, 8th Congressional District, Manhattan
Steve Harrison for Congressmember, 13th Congressional District, Brooklyn/Staten Island
Carolyn B. Maloney for Congressmember, 14th Congressional District, Manhattan/Queens
Eliot L. Engel for Congressmember, 17th Congressional District, Bronx/Westchester/Rockland
Elizabeth S. Crowley for City Councilmember, 30th City Council District, Queens

Five More State Assembly Candidate Responses to Our Questionnaires online

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:50:00 +0000

The following responses to our questionnaires have just been posted at our Questionnaires section:

Micah Z. Kellner for Assemblymember, 65th Assembly District, Manhattan
Jonathan Bing for Assemblymember, 73rd Assembly District, Manhattan
Richard N. Gottfried for Assemblymember, 75th Assembly District, Manhattan
Michael A. Benjamin for Assemblymember, 79th Assembly District, Bronx
Jeffrey Dinowitz for Assemblymember, 81st Assembly District, Bronx

Two More State Assembly Candidate Responses to Our Questionnaires online

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 23:20:00 +0000

The following responses to our questionnaires have just been posted at our Questionnaires section:

Luke Henry for Assemblymember, 64th Assembly District, Manhattan
Paul Newell for Assemblymember, 64th Assembly District, Manhattan

Endorsements for Candidates in 2008 Elections

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 19:00:00 +0000

Pictured left-to-right (background): Verena Brown (Civil Court Countywide-Bronx), Senator Martin Connor (25th Senate Distict-Brooklyn and Manhattan), Michael Katz (Civil Court Countywide-Manhattan), A Harrison staffer holding a sign, Steven Harrison (13th Congressional District-Brooklyn and Staten Island), Assemblywoman Joan Millman (52nd Assembly District-Brooklyn), Zack Bommer (representing Speaker Sheldon Silver), JoAnne Simon (District Leader, 52nd Assembly District-Brooklyn)

Pictured left-to-right (foreground): Marty Sesmer (504 Treasurer), Michael J. Schweinsburg (504 Vice President), Senator Shirley Hunter (10th Senate District-Queens), Edith Prentiss (504 President), Lewis Goldstein (504 Board Member and Executive Committee member, State Committee)

The 504 Democratic Club (504) which works to turn disability rights into legislative and judicial priorities, today announced the endorsements of a strong slate of candidates in the September 9th primary battle, signifying a strong effort to elect candidates who have earned the endorsement in their races.

Endorsements are a key element of our strategy to craft a pro-disability agenda -- because we aggressively target candidates where it matters most, at the ballot box. This year 504 celebrates our 25th Anniversary and has a proud history of backing-up our endorsements with intensive involvement in the campaigns of our chosen candidates. Each year, our 300+ membership of politically involved disability rights activists works hard to elect and work with candidates on the campaign trail and after they have achieved elective office.

"504 is proud to endorse these candidates who are fighting for our vision on the campaign trail. We urge our membership and all those who share our concern for the over 20 percent of New York's population who comprise the disability community, to show these candidates how much their courage and leadership means to us by working hard for their election and contributing today," said Edith Prentiss, President of the Club.

View the list of candidates running in this fall's elections endorsed by the 504 Democratic Club.

Note: The 504 Democratic Club is now also on Yahoo! Groups, MySpace, and Facebook.

Seven State Assembly Candidate Responses to Our Questionnaires online

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 01:36:00 +0000

The following responses to our questionnaires have just been posted at our Questionnaires section:

Grace Meng for Assemblymember, 22nd Assembly District, Queens
Ellen Young for Assemblymember, 22nd Assembly District, Queens
Audrey Pheffer for Assemblymember, 23rd Assembly District, Queens
James F. Brennan for Assemblymember, 44th Assembly District, Brooklyn
Joan L. Millman for Assemblymember, 52nd Assembly District, Brooklyn
H.R. Clarke for Assemblymember, 59th Assembly District, Brooklyn
Alan Maisel for Assemblymember, 59th Assembly District, Brooklyn

504 Dems 2008 Election - Endorsements Press event

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 03:29:00 +0000

Please be sure to attend the press event at which we will announce our 2008 Election Endorsements

Date: Sunday, August 17, 2008
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: steps in front of City Hall in Manhattan

You can comment on this entry by posting a response at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/504Dems/message/7835

2008 Candidate Questionnaires

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 02:51:00 +0000

NOTE: All questionnaire links open in a new browser window for print output

Questionnaires for the candidates running for the office of:

504 North Star presents the 'Chess and the City' Fundraiser

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 23:45:00 +0000

PDF document of the flyer for this event
(Size of document: 2.79 MB; Make sure you have the Adobe Reader in order to view, print and/or save the document)

Time and Date:
12 Noon - 4:00 PM
Saturday, August 23, 2008

Featuring:
Live Jazz and R&B
50/50 Raffle for Prizes
Complimentary Wine and Cheese buffet
Chess competition will be available to all participants

$10 Minimum Donation/Gift
Please make all checks payable to "The 504 North Star Democratic Club"
15% of all collected monies will support the Barack Obama New York Delegation

Location:
The Legendary Jazz Lounge at Minton's Playhouse
206 West 118th Street
between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd and St. Nicholas Avenue

You can comment on this entry, or request for more information about this event, by posting a response at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/504Dems/message/7809