Monday, October 13, 2025

Resist Newsletter: Issue 9 Oct. 2025

   

HR Dems for Political Action

This newsletter will be sent out periodically to communicate political events in Collin County and resources for influencing key political figures.


The BIG THING This Week

NO KINGS Protest


The Democratic Club members at Heritage Ranch are joining the Collin County NO KINGS protest.  ALL are invited to join! 


When: The Collin County protest is from 12 noon until 2 p.m.

Saturday, October 18.  


Location: Corner of 380/75 Near Target Plaza | 2025 N Central Expy, McKinney, TX 75070 (park in Target Plaza). 


If you would like a ride from Heritage Ranch, or if you can drive a car to/from the protest, please contact Jill at jillp2006@yahoo.com


Some organizers are suggesting wearing costumes, as many in Portland, OR, are doing, in order to be seen as nonthreating.  Bad optics to arrest a princess or pumpkin!  However, do not wear a mask.


This is a great opportunity to participate in an important event that may contribute to slowing down the coup that is unfolding, supposedly out of the White House, by unelected Project 2025 proponents.


A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.


Read More About Events


More Events


OCTOBER 17 - The McKinney Democratic Club holds their Third Friday Happy Hour just down the road at Neon Cactus! This is a vibrant group of Democrats who are very welcoming. The Happy Hour starts at 7:00 p.m. If you’re an introvert, contact sharishaw@msn.com. We’ll go together! This is a great opportunity to expand our sphere of influence!


OCTOBER 20 - Postcard Party - Join us at Neon Cactus to write postcards reminding Virginia voters to support Democratic candidates in a key election.

There’s no charge for our reservation at Neon Cactus, but plan to order something while we’re there. RSVP by October 16 if you plan to join us at Neon Cactus! Cheryl Hargrove, cherylhargrove11@gmail.com 


NOVEMBER 4 - Texans will be asked to vote on 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution. These propositions cover a wide range of issues including property and tax relief, judicial reforms, water funding, parental rights, and border security. READ MORE


NOVEMBER 16 - Plan to attend the Democratic Club annual GALA on Sunday, November 16. Coming soon: Please keep an eye on your email for details and your requirement to RSVP. Let’s celebrate the opportunity to interact with like-minded people!


Read More About Events


Special Call to Members of the Club


Your Dem Club is seeking to expand the participation of members in leadership and active roles!  We have Standing Committees that facilitate the agenda of the Club.  If we can get 5-7 members to sign up for each committee, we can accomplish goals easily, with no one having too much to do.  As my Mom used to say: “Many hands make light work.”  


Below are the committees.  The Chair or Co-Chair of each committee is appointed by the President and approved by the Board.  PLEASE let Jo Thompson-Hes, JoThompsonHes@gmail.com, know if you are interested in any committee as Chair, Co-Chair, or Member. 


Communications Committee – Responsible for communications via Ranch Reporter, website, Facebook and email.  This is great for people who are good writers and good communicators.


Community Outreach Committee – Recommend charity(ies) to support.   Organize giving events for named charities, including communicating and soliciting donations at meetings and events.  This is great for people who are charity-minded and want to make a difference in the community.


Education Committee – This is a pivotal committee.  Responsible for choosing Progressive Book Club books and presenters.  Ensuring that the presentations are engaging.  Responsible for choosing/confirming guest speakers.  Serving as hosts to guest speakers.  This committee is great for people who have Progressive contacts beyond the borders of Heritage Ranch, or have ideas for relevant speakers.


Events Committee – Responsible for the logistics of every meeting and special event.  Includes working with HOA Facilities and Catering.  Responsible for decorating venues, when there is a special event.  Great for people good at detail AND for creative people who like to decorate.


Membership Committee -- Track membership information and maintain contact information.  Manage membership list at all times and provide same to Board.   Provide and oversee name badges.  Oversee member care, providing encouragement and support to members in need.  Great for detail-oriented people who can greet and recognize guests.  Member care is great for empathic people who can write heartfelt messages on cards.


Social Committee – The fun one!  Help plan and organize all social events. (Happy Hour, BBQ, pot lucks, Gala, etc.). Serve as hosts at each event, greeting and serving members and managing the event in real time.  Also, serve as greeters at regular Club meetings/events, making all people feel welcome and included.  Great for outgoing and creative people.  


Political Activities Committee – Keep members and board informed of upcoming political events and encourage participation.  Plan/organize political candidate forums. Editorial Comment:  Best Committee Ever.  Work hard, play hard.  Check out the photo below of refreshments at our Kick Off Meeting this Fall!


Learn More About Us

“Democracy includes work that is hard work, but it’s joyful work.”


Heather Cox Richardson

RESIST Newsletter

You are encouraged to submit events, articles, ideas for articles, and political actions/accomplishments. Send to the chair of the Political Actions Committee, Shari Shaw: sharishaw@msn.com

Read more at our webpage.




 

Monday, June 9, 2025

Resist Newsletter: Issue 8 June 2025

    

HR Dems for Political Action

This newsletter will be sent out periodically to communicate political events in Collin County and resources for influencing key political figures.

I


The BIG THING this week: 

NO KINGS ProtestJoin us!

This coming Saturday, June 14, will mark the day of the largest profusion of single-day protests yet.  Organizations in every state are preparing to take to the streets to denounce Trump's attempts to become a king or dictator (he missed out on Pope). 

According to Political Newsletter Axios, millions of people are estimated to protest in more than 1,500 cities across all 50 states and commonwealths.  This day was chosen for local anti-king protests to contrast with the military parade being held that day to recognize Trump's birthday.  No organized protests will be held in Washington D.C., because the organizers are looking for contrast, not conflict.

The Democrats at Heritage Ranch are joining the McKinney protest.  ALL are invited to join! 

  • The No-Kings Rally is from 10 am - 12:00 pm on Saturday, June 14.  
  • Location: Corner of 380/75 Near Target Plaza | 2025 N Central Expy, McKinney, TX 75070 (park in Target Plaza). 
  • Sign Making Party, Friday, June 13th at 2pm.  

If you would like to attend the sign-making party or need a ride from Heritage Ranch, or if you can drive a car to/from the protest, please contact Sharishaw@msn.com

We already have one car filled! This is a great opportunity to participate in this historic event.  Years
down the road, you AND your grandkids will be proud and will have a story to tell.

From our Collin County Party:  In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings. NO KINGS is a national day of action and mass mobilization in response to increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption from Trump and his allies. We’ve watched as they’ve cracked down on free speech, detained people for their political views, threatened to deport American citizens, and defied the courts. They’ve done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies.

A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.



Coffee, Conversation and Calls

Looking for an easy way to share your opinions with legislators?  Looking for a bit of social time with like-minded people?  Our Coffee, Conversation and Calls small group meetings are calling your name!

A small group of Dems gather in a club member’s home to learn how to use the 5 Calls app and make a few calls as a group.  While it’s certainly an easy app to learn on your own, it’s more fun to get used to it while sharing with other people.

The next meeting is June 17 (Tuesday) at 10 a.m. at the home of Jill Pendergast.  We have four slots left.  Please email her at jillp2006@yahoo.com if you would like to attend.  Honestly, this is the easiest and most fun way to make your voice heard by our legislators!



Here are other upcoming ways to join like-minded people and take action in Collin County:

Heritage Ranch Democratic Club

Wednesday, June 11, 4 p.m., Ballroom. Something new! Join Club Member Vickie Echols for an interactive book review. She will present Barbara McQuade’s book, An Attack from Within, How Disinformation is Sabotaging America, followed by a roundtable discussion/workshop.

Friday, June 13. Sign-making Party in preparation for
Saturday, June 14. No-Kings Rally, McKinney. Contact Sharishaw@msn.com

Tuesday, June 17. Join small groups for Coffee, Conversations and Calls. Groups of five to seven will meet to learn how to use the app 5 Calls, and make some calls together. Sign up for one of these friendly, stress-free sessions and MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! Home of Jill Pendergast. Contact Jill at Jillp2006@yahoo.com to claim a spot.


Collin County Events

Sat, Jun 14 @ 10am
No Kings- McKinney Protest ›

Sun, Jun 15 @ 12:30pm
Resistance Roundtable, Episode 3 ›

Sat, Jun 21 @ 5pm
Evan Hunt Fundraiser & Town Hall - McKinney ›


Sat, Jun 28 @ 9am
Texas Legislature Protest at Sen. Angela Paxton's Office and Watters Creek Village in Allen, TX ›


“I don’t accept the things I cannot change.  I change the things I cannot accept.”

Angela Davis



You are encouraged to submit events, articles, ideas for articles, and political actions/accomplishments.  Send to sharishaw@msn.com


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Issue 8, June 8, 2025


Thursday, May 15, 2025

Resist Newsletter: Issue 7 May 2025

    HR Dems for Political Action

This newsletter will be sent out periodically to

communicate political events in Collin County

and resources for influencing key political figures.

Issue 7, May 14, 2025

The BIG THING this week:  Local Election Results

The first thing to know is that YOUR VOTE COUNTS,

and that is clear in local elections. 

School bond proposition D (see below) passed by six votes!  

Aubrey Stock won handily with 67% of the vote.

The Lovejoy ISD Bond Package was made up of five propositions.

Four of them passed:

A  Passed – 52%  Facility/Transportation improvement

B  Passed – 56%  Technology updates and improvements

C  Failed – 52% against Improvements to track and concession stands 

D Passed – 50% (passed by 6 votes) Improvement to athletic facilities

E Passed –51%   Improvements to the existing natatorium 


Recommended candidate for Collin County College Bard -

Tamara Thomas - lost, garnering only 41.8% of the vote. 

Her opponent, Staci Weaver, is the Superintendent of Legacy Prep

Charter Academy, which scored F on the TEA School Report Card

for Student Achievement, and was “proudly endorsed” by Angela Paxton. 

Let’s keep an eye on this one. 


Here are some upcoming ways to join

like-minded people and take action!

Heritage Ranch Democratic Club:  Join small groups for Coffee, Conversations and Calls.  Groups of five to seven will meet to learn how to use the app 5 Calls, and make some calls together.  Sign up for one of these friendly, stress-free sessions and MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!  Contact sharishaw@msn.com

May 15, 10:00 a.m. Home of Chris Maxwell    There are three slots open for this gathering.  Contact Shari Shaw, 817-909-7965, or Chris Maxwell, 214-498-4171

June 17, 10:00 a.m. Home of Jill Pendergast 


County Events

Sat, Jun 21 @ 5pm
Evan Hunt Fundraiser & Town Hall - McKinney ›

Sat, Jun 7 @ 5pm
Evan Hunt Fundraiser & Town Hall - Prosper ›

Wed, May 21 @ 6pm Meet and Greet; 7pm Meeting
Kendall Scudder Meet and Great ›
Kendall Scudder is our new Texas Chair of the Democratic Party
  • May 21 at 6 p.m. 
  • It would be great to meet him and ask questions, even if you can’t stay for the 7 p.m. meeting. 

Wed, May 21 @ 7pm
Collin County Democratic Party May CEC Meeting ›

Thu, May 15 @ 6:30pm
Boots on the Ground 2025 Mixer ›

Some of the best protest signs/slogans

from around the country...

  • "I’ve seen smarter cabinets at IKEA"
  • "Ideally the president and the village idiot would be two different people. But here we are."
  • "Tax the rich, not the penguins"
  • "Trump is a dick-tator"
  • "Super callous fascist racist sexist Nazi POTUS"
  • "The only minorities destroying America are billionaires"


                                

Reminder: 

May Meeting – Democratic Club at Heritage Ranch

Understanding School Funding: Vouchers, Values, and Our Future

📅 When: Wednesday, May 21 at 6:00 PM

📍 Where: Heritage Ranch Clubhouse

🎤 Who: Guest Speaker Tracy Fisher

No RSVP needed - All are Welcome!

Join us for a timely and informative session as Tracy Fisher discusses school funding and the impact of vouchers. All are welcome for this engaging evening of civic learning and conversation. Cash Bar available.

See ALL events at the Democratic Club Website
https://demclubhr.com/events


You are encouraged to submit events, articles, ideas for articles, and political actions/accomplishments. Send to sharishaw@msn.com