County Democrats ‘Harvest the Vote!’ at Fall Fundraising Dinner
MILO — Piscataquis Democrats gathered for their annual Fall Fundraising Dinner “Harvest the Vote!” at the Three Rivers Kiwanis in Milo on Sept. 28. Those in attendance enjoyed a delicious dinner of local foods – roasted vegetables donated by area farmers and roast pork loin with gingerbread for dessert. A silent auction of donated items was held, and an Amish fruit basket filled with jam and pickles was auctioned live by MC Chris Almy and Andrea Thurlow raising another $170 for the Piscataquis Regional Food Center.
Laughter and applause filled the room prior to Almy introducing keynote speaker Forrest Genthner of Medford, a delegate for CD 2 to the Democratic National Convention. Genthner shared the energy and excitement of participating in the convention as a member of the Maine delegation who were front and center at the convention and frequently on camera by the networks. He challenged the crowd to channel that energy over the next several weeks as they work to elect Democrats up and down the ticket.
Genthner presented an American flag flown at the convention to the co-chairs of the Piscataquis County Democrats, Kim Merritt and Cindy Freeman Cyr, who accepted the gift on behalf of all members of the Piscataquis County Democratic Committee.
His remarks were followed by brief speeches by local candidates. Lou Siddell of Guilford, candidate for the Maine House from District 30, spoke of the importance of serving rural communities and his experience as a blueberry farmer and public servant. Joe Brown of Orneville Township, candidate for the Maine House from District 31, shared his deep roots in the Milo area and the importance of nurturing relationships in our communities. The final speaker was Dr. Richard Evans of Dover-Foxcroft, Senate District 4 candidate, who spoke of his experience growing up in poverty and his dedication to representing people in need. He emphasized the importance of education and his leadership as a surgeon and activist within the American Medical Association.
“Harvest the Vote!” raised $4,000 for the work of the Piscataquis County Democrats.