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| From l-r: Glenn Geher, Juan Figueroa, Gladys Figueroa, Kevin Cahill, Andrew Zink, Cynthia Delgado, and Brian Flynn (photo credit Eileen McKenna) |
On August 20, the Plattekill Democratic Committee (chaired by the formidable RoseAnn Guerrieri) held a fundraiser at the Adair Vineyard - a picturesque vineyard and tasting room on the northern edge of the Town of Plattekill. Owned by Lori and Marc Stopkie for years now, and started by Plattekill resident and artist, Jim Adair (who lives just down the road), Adair is something of a hidden gem in our community.
With the Plattekill Dems all pitching in to make a slew of great appetizers and with a great turnout of guests along with many impassioned speakers, this event was an A+, helping to mobilize a highly poised slate of candidates who are working full guns to win local elections on November 7.
The local candidates who spoke included the following folks:
* Cynthia Delgado, candidate for Town Council (and long-standing Democratic incumbent)
* Gladys Figueroa, candidate for Town Council
* Juan Figueroa, candidate for Town Supervisor
* Pam Krimsky, candidate for county legislative seat in District 9
* and myself, Glenn Geher, candidate for county legislative seat in District 12
I am proud to be included in this group, which is comprised of people with heart, dedication, and a shared focus on working toward the greater good. This is a winning slate and I look forward to much success in November!
In addition to the candidates themselves, speakers at the event included some other high-profile candidates and elected leaders, including esteemed NYS Assemblymember Kevin Cahill, who spoke about the importance of winning local elections in effecting change at the national level, Congressional Candidate Brian Flynn, who spoke about the importance of American values and how we need to fight to keep them alive, and Ulster County Legislative Candidate (District 14) Andrew Zink, who spoke about the importance of Democrats with a singular mission working together, helping others across districts. In a word, these three speakers were nothing short of inspiring - and they helped everyone in the room genuinely appreciate our shared mission during an important time in history.
Consistent with Andrew Zink's message, I'd like to deeply thank Marc and Lori for opening their doors to the Plattekill Dems to hold this event. Having a large group descend into their space, partly during their open hours, clearly takes some doing - and not only did they do it, but they did it with a smile! Along with their assistant Ella, they poured many a wine sampling, donated six bottles to our silent auction, and worked with us throughout the event to make it a success.
When local businesses partner up with community organizations such as the Plattekill Democratic Committee, everybody wins.
Adair has a long-standing history of working with the community on all kinds of great initiatives. Most recently, they have been organizing and hosting an annual Puppy Up! event, which raises money to help advance cancer research by having researchers who study human cancers and researchers who study canine cancers collaborate and learn from each other to inform the work of the other field. I say this is a great cause. This event will take place on Sunday, September 24 at the Adair Vineyard - starting at 10am. Bring your dog! We hope to bring Nico and Cujo this year!
In sum, claps to Marc and Lori for their exemplary community-oriented approach to business - and for opening their doors to help make for a great fundraiser for the Plattekill Dems. And in case you're wondering, yes, we made some good money and we have some great plans! The Plattekill Dems are on the march!
p.s. there are lots of great wines coming out of Adair Vineyard - my favorite is the sweet berry-based blackberry kir!
