Gala Crowd Greets Candidates and Top Dems at Century Club

[Sept. 15, 2008] Nearly 150 Democrat and unaffiliated voters gathered at the Beck Road home of Nick and Tara Simeonides yesterday evening. While tempted by live music, delicious food and drink, the main draw for the event was a glittering roster of Democratic candidates and state leaders.

It was standing-room-only in the spacious family room as U.S. Congressional candidate Jim Himes (at right with the evening's host) led off with his take on the implications for Connecticut of such national issues as universal healthcare, energy independence and America's role in the global community. "We need to return to a point when people in Canada, China, Africa--and even Iraq--think of the United States, the first word that comes to mind is not 'Guantanamo,' but 'We hold these truths to be self evident, that all [men] are created equal.' " The crowd cheered.

Next up was Senate contender (CT-26) John Hartwell, who discussed his plans for improving transportation along the Route 7 corridor, preserving open space and watersheds, and addressing the lost jobs and economic blight that have afflicted Connecticut through the Republican administrations of Washington and Hartford.

Photo 2: Redding DTC Chair Karen Dolan, Denise Nappier, Jason Bartlett, Susan Bysiewicz, Richard Blumenthal, Nancy Wyman, with hosts Tara and Nick Simeonides.

THANKS TO THE CREW!

An event like the Century Club can be accomplished only with the help of many talented and willing volunteers. This year's party was ably run by Margi Esten, who received backup from:

Hosts: Tara, Nick & Andrew Simeonides
Auction coordinator: Siobhan Streams (who had support from Kurt, Evan & Alyssa)
Food preparation & set-up: Peter and Annette Bonfanti, Debbie & Joe Ventricelli, Ginny Cohen, Mary Lou Bourque
Food preparation: Elaine Mintz, Susan Green, Alice Smith, Julia Pemberton, Gil and Mary Dale Lancaster, Peggy Zamore, Jane Ross, Peg O'Donnell, Laurie Anderson and Brad Bottger
Food and clean up: Michelle Grande
Driving: Mark Lewis
Photography: Paula Darlington, Kevin, Emily D'Aulaire & Kathleen Joyce-Kirk

"Housing costs have risen so high that our kids, our police officers, and our teachers are finding it hard to live here," Hartwell said. "We need to promote vibrant, mixed use town centers and discourage large developments on open space that require expensive new infrastructure."

Hartwell was followed by Jason Bartlett, incumbent Representative for the 2nd Congressional District, who spoke of his efforts on behalf of conservation, specifically reining in southern development of Bethel's Francis Clarke Industrial Park due to concerns for the Redding watershed.

Also speaking throughout the evening were Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut Attorney General; Susan Bysiewicz, Secretary of State; Denise Nappier, State Treasurer; Nancy Wyman, State Comptroller; and George Jepsen, the former Connecticut Senate majority leader and former Democratic Party chairman.

For a photo album of the event, please link to Event Photo Archive.