Political Calendar: Week of August 23, 2015

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Political Calendar for the Week of August 23, 2015:

Monday, August 24, Noon: Democrats of Greater Tucson luncheon, Dragon’s View Restaurant (400 N. Bonita, South of St. Mary’s Road between the Freeway and Grande Avenue, turn South at Furr’s Cafeteria). New price: buffet lunch is $10.00 cash, $12 credit; just a drink is $3.50. Featured speaker is former state Sen. Phil Lopes from Progressive Democrats of America on the “We want Bernie campaign.” Next Week: Newly appointed Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos.

Monday, August 24, 6:00 p.m.: Legislative District 3 meeting, at the Joel Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Avenue (parking under the library). For more information please contact Andrés Cano at andres@canoagroup.com or (520) 304-5778.

Tuesday, August 25 Tucson Mayor and City Council primary election. All voted ballots must be in the possession of the City Clerk by 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, August 25, 11:30 a.m.: Blue Tuesday Luncheon Forum, at the Starfire Golf Club, 11500 N. Hayden (Scottsdale). If you want lunch, you must RSVP so we can order for you! Email jctillotson@msn.com. $20 – cash only – at the door! (If you RSVP, and then find you can’t make it, PLEASE LET US KNOW, or we’ll have to pay for your uneaten lunch!)

Tuesday, August 25, Noon: Critical Issues Forum, at the Cochise County Democratic Party HQ, 1234 E. Fry Blvd., Sierra Vista.wed For more information please contact cochisecodems@gmail.com or (520) 458-9467.

Wednesday, August 26: Women’s Equality Day.

Wednesday, August 26, 10:30 a.m.: Democratic Women of the Prescott Area Luncheon, at the Centennial Center, 1989 Clubhouse Drive (Antelope Hills). Luncheon reservations are required. Cost is $15 for members and $17 for nonmembers. Email requests to DWPrescottArea@gmail.com or call (928) 458-5689 or (928) 848-2753.

Wednesday, August 26, 11:30 a.m.: AAUW Public Policy Luncheon, at the High Country Conference Center, NAU Campus. Featured speakers are Dr. Carolyn Warner, former Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction, Arizona State Representative Debbie McCune Davis, and State Representative Lela Alston. Tickets are $50, monies will be used for scholarships. Please RSVP to flagstaffaauw@yahoo.com by August 21, 2015.

Thursday, August 27, 8:00 a.m.: Democrats of the Red Rocks breakfast, at Olde Sedona Family Restaurant Bar & Grill, 1405 W. Hwy. 89A, Sedona. Admission is $12, includes buffet breakfast and gratuity. Doors open at 8;00 a.m. Please RSVP to (928) 274-6541.

Thursday, August 27, 3:00 p.m.: Marana Democrats meeting, at the Continental Reserve Urgent Care meeting room, 8333 N. Silverbell Road (on the southwest corner of Silverbell Road and Continental Reserve Loop). For more information please contact democratsofcasagrande@gmail.com or call(520)251-8247.

Thursday, August 27, 5:30 p.m.: Maricopa County Democratic Party Executive Committee meeting. Meet and greet (and dinner) begins at 5:30. Meeting begins promptly at 6:00 pm.

Thursday, August 27, 6:00 p.m.: Casa Grande Democrats meeting, at Bedillon’s Restaurant (Adobe Room), 800 N. Park Avenue, Casa Grande. For more information please contact Jack Guthrie at democratsofcasagrande@gmail.com and Like Us on Facebook.

Thursday, August 27, 7:00 p.m.: Heritage Highlands/Dove Mountain Democrats meeting, at the Heritage Highlands Clubhouse, 4949 West Heritage Club Boulevard (Marana). For more information please contact Dick Reddy at (520) 579-9460 Richard.Reddy@fredonia.edu.

Saturday, August 29, 3:00 p.m.: Tucson Margarita Party fundraiser for Ann Kirkpatrick, at the home of Nina Trasoff & Rodney Jilg. Featuring Ann’s very own Margarita recipe with an Arizona kick. $100 Guest, $250 Friend, $500 Supporter, $1,000 Sponsor. Please RSVP to Kevin Kirchmeier at Kevin@KirkpatrickforSenate.com or (928) 224-8523.

Sunday, August 30, 7:00 p.m.: Laughing Liberally Tucson returns to lampoon the national, state and local political scene. Come out and enjoy Tucson’s best and brightest comics as we try our best to save democracy…one laugh at a time. it’s FUN…it’s FREE…it’s Sky Bar Tucson. Last Sunday every month.

Special Announcements:

DCSRA Discussion Group

Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.: Democratic Club of the Santa Rita Area hosts a Current Events Discussion Group at the DCSRA Headquarters, Continental Shopping Plaza, 240 W. Continental Road (exit 63), Green Valley. Join us at the weekly meeting of the Democratic Headquarters Current Events Discussion Group. We’ll talk about some of the major events of the previous week, including but not limited to political topics, and try and go behind the news for a deeper understanding. For more information, please contact Jean Vickers jean.vickers@cox.net.

Drinking Liberally

Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m.: Drinking Liberally. Location TBA. An informal, inclusive progressive social group, and lively discussion. Contact: www.livingliberallytucson.org.

Beers … Democrats … You Happy Hour

Monday, August 31, 5:30 p.m.: Legislative District 3 hosts a “Beers …  Democrats … You” happy hour for new and future Democrats at the Barrio Brewing Company, 800 E. 16th Street, Tucson. Please join us so that we can welcome our new friends to the family and continue our efforts to recruit and retain Democratic support in LD3. RSVP to Chair@LD3Democrats.org. The first round is on us!

A Celebration to Thank Ron Barber For His Years of Service

Tuesday, September 1, 7:00 p.m.: PCDP hosts a celebration to thank Ron Barber for his years of service to Southern Arizona, at Maynards Courtyard, 400 N. Toole Avenue, Downtown Tucson. Hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, special guests: Congressman Raul Grijalva, Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild,  Tucson Council Members Shirley Scott, Regina Romero and Paul Cunningham, and state Reps. Bruce Wheeler and Randy Friese. Suggested contributions: $50, $100, $250. We will be collecting “Thank You” cards before and during the event. If you would like to send your in advance, please mail to: PCDP, P.O. Box 40211, Tucson, AZ 85717. Please RSVP to Shasta McManus at Shasta@PimaDems.org or (520) 326-3716.

Wednesday, September 2, 5:15 p.m.: Coconino County Democratic Party meeting, at Party HQ, 201 E. Birch Ave., Ste. 6, Flagstaff. For more information please call (928) 214-0393.

Friday, September 4 – Monday, September 7: Coconino County Fair at Fort Tuthill County Park, in Flagstaff, AZ.

Saturday, September 5, 10:00 a.m.: Legislative District 2 meeting, [in Tucson]. For more information please contact Tom Prezelski at fusilero@aol.com.

Saturday, September 5, 11:00 a.m.: Greater Huachuca Area Democrats meeting, at the Golden Corral Restaurant, 798 S. Highway 92, Sierra Vista. For more information please contact ghadc1@yahoo.com.

Legislative District 10 Town Hall

Saturday, September 5, 1:00 p.m.: Legislative District 10 Town Hall meeting, at the Kirk Bear Canyon Library, 8959 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson. Please join Senator David Bradley, and Representatives Bruce Wheeler and Stephanie Mach for a legislative update on current issues affecting the state. Public is invited to attend.

Saturday, September 5 – Monday, September 7: Sonoita Labor Day Rodeo held September 5-7, 2015. Over 700 entries & over $40,000 in cash & buckles awarded to the top contestants of the Southwest. Gates open daily at 10AM.

Sunday, September 6 – Sunday, September 13: 69th Annual Navajo Nation Fair, in Window Rock, AZ. 69th Annual Navajo Nation Fair – arts & crafts, baby contest, free BBQ, exhibits, concerts, horse racing, parade, Pow Wow, Open Indian and junior rodeos, traditional song & dance, fry bread contest, carnival, $2-4, 928-871-6647 or http://www.navajonationfair.com/ or http://www.navajonationparks.org.

Monday, September 7: Labor Day.

3rd Annual Arizona AFL-CIO Labor Day Breakfast

LaborDayMonday, September 7, 7:30 a.m.: 3rd Annual Arizona AFL-CIO Labor Day Breakfast, at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak, 7677 N. 16th Street, Phoenix. This event is where people from Labor, Community activists and Elected officials start their Labor Day holiday. This year, the Arizona AFL-CIO will honor three deserving leaders drawn from from Unions, Community Groups and Elected officials. Individual tickets are $120, sponsorship levels available.Tickets are available by calling 602-631-4488 or emailing Rebekah Friend at rfriend@azaflcio.org.

PALF 19th Annual Labor Day Picnic

Monday, September 7, 10:00 am-2:00 pm.: Pima Area Labor Federation hosts the 18th Annual Labor Day Picnic at the Reid Park bandshell, 22nd Street (at Alvernon Way) in Tucson. PALF Olympics, entertainment, speakers, free soft drinks & hot dogs. Groups interested in tabling the event should contact PALF headquarters at (520) 388-4139.

Monday, September 7, 10:00 am-7:00 pm.: Hayden Labor Day Picnic, at the Hayden Golf Course, 125 Golf Course Road, Hayden, AZ. Labor Day Picnic sponsored by Labor organizations in Pinal County. Come out and show your support for the Unions in Pinal County.

Wednesday, September 9 – Saturday, September 12: Apache County Fair, in Saint Johns, AZ.

Thursday, September 10, Noon: First meeting of the Democratic Party Activist Club (DPAC), at Busters (on the bar side), 1800 S. Milton Road, Flagstaff. We will have lunch and a discussion of the City Charter election on November 3. We want to encourage a large turnout to vote at this election. It will determine whether city elections will be in November on even (election) years or in May on odd–numbered years. This will have an impact on turnout and participation in the local elections. For more information please contact Sallie Kladnik at salliemk@aol.com.

Friday, September 11: Patriot Day.

Friday, September 11 – Sunday, September 13: Bisbee Blues Festival 2015.

Friday, September 11 – Sunday, September 13: Northern Gila County Fair, at the Payson Event Center, in Payson, AZ.

Friday, September 11 – Saturday, September 12: Sierra Vista Oktoberfest at Veterans’ Memorial Park, 3105 E. Fry Boulevard, Sierra Vista, AZ. Beer garden, german cuisine via food vendors, live entertainment from the Hamptons, kid’s carnival and arts & craft vendors.

Arizona Democratic Party Summer State Committee Meeting

Saturday, September 12, 9:00 a.m.: Arizona Democratic Party Summer State Committee meeting, at Coconino High School, 2801 Izabel Street, Flagstaff, AZ. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Caucus and committee meetings will be held from 9 a.m. to noon and the plenary session will be called to order promptly at 1:00 p.m. Any proposed resolutions for the State Committee’s consideration must be submitted “at least 40 days prior” to the meeting. Please submit any resolutions for consideration to secretary@azdem.org no later than August 3, 2015.For those planning on overnighting in Flagstaff, please plan to book early, as rooms fill-up quickly and nightly rates rise during this time of year.

Wednesday, September 16 – Sunday, September 20: Navajo County Fair, at the Navajo County Fairgrounds, in Holbrook, AZ.

Thursday, September 17: Constitution Day. Constitution Day and Citizenship Day commemorates the day the U.S. Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution in 1787.

Thursday, September 17 – Sunday, September 20: Gila County Fair, at the Gila County Fairgrounds just north of Globe, AZ on US 60.

Thursday, September 17 – Sunday, September 20: Greenlee County Fair at the Greenlee County Fairgrounds, 1248 Fairgrounds Road, Duncan, AZ.

Thursday, September 17 – Sunday, September 20: Mohave County Fair, at 2600 Fairgrounds Blvd., in Kingman, AZ.

Thursday, September 17, 8:00 a.m.: Democrats of the Red Rocks breakfast, at Olde Sedona Family Restaurant Bar & Grill, 1405 W. Hwy. 89A, Sedona. Admission is $12, includes buffet breakfast and gratuity. Featured speaker is Tallie Segel, assistant to oak Creek Watershed Council, on water quality and availability in the Verde Valley. Doors open at 8;00 a.m. Please RSVP to (928) 274-6541.

Friday, September 18 – Sunday, September 20: Santa Cruz County Fair & Rodeo, at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Sonoita, AZ.

Saturday, September 19 – Sunday, September 20: Oktoberfest on Mount Lemmon, 10300 Ski Run Road, Mt. Lemmon (Tucson). Free admission. $5 parking and highway fees. Enjoy a festival of German food and music in the forest at Mount Lemmon Ski Valley during the last two weekends in September and first two weekends in October: Sept. 19-20, Sept. 26-27, Oct. 3-4 and Oct. 10-11, 2015. No dogs admitted, please. For more information please call (520) 576-1400 or (520) 576-1321.

Democrats of Greater Tucson Annual Awards Luncheon

Sunday, September 20, Noon: Democrats of Greater Tucson Awards Luncheon, at Hotel Tucson – City Center, 475 N. Granada Avenue, Tucson, AZ. Luncheon from 12 Noon until 2:00 PM check-in begins at 11:00 AM. Master of Ceremonies is David Fitzsimmons. Keynote speaker is Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick. Alice Papcun Lifetime Achievement Award: Herschella Horton; Maurice Grossman Community outreach Award: Luci Messing; Steve Emerine Election integrity Award: Sandra Spangler; introducing the inaugural Albert M. Elias Democratic Business Leader Award. Individual tickets are $65, table of 10 is $650. Sponsorship levels are available. VIP Reception at 10:00 a.m. in The Buckley Room. Champagne, mimosas and fresh fruit. An additional ticket for $35. To order online go to https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/dgt2015. Please order by September 13. For more information please contact Jeremy Lasher at (520) 609-7641.

Tuesday, September 22: National Voter Registration Day 2015.

Wednesday, September 23, 9:15 a.m. (EST): White House Welcoming Ceremony for Pope Francis, and personal meeting with President Barack Obama.

Wednesday, September 23, 10:30 a.m.: Democratic Women of the Prescott Area Luncheon, at the Centennial Center, 1989 Clubhouse Drive (Antelope Hills). Luncheon reservations are required. Cost is $15 for members and $17 for nonmembers. Email requests to DWPrescottArea@gmail.com or call (928) 458-5689 or (928) 848-2753.

Thursday, September 24 – Sunday, September 27: Cochise County Fair, at the Cochise County Fairgrounds on Leslie Canyon Road, just north of Douglas, AZ.

Thursday, September 24, 9:20 a.m. (EST): Pope Francis addresses a joint session of the United States Congress (this promises to be must see TV).

Friday, September 25, 8:30 a.m. (EST): Pope Francis addresses the United Nations General Assembly in New York (climate change conference).

1st Annual Tucson LGBTQA Black & White Ball

Friday, September 25, 6:30 p.m.: 1st Annual Tucson LGBTQA Black & White Ball, at the Inn Suites Hotel, Tucson City Center, 475 N. Granada Avenue. 1st Annual Tucson LGBTQA Black & White Ball benefiting the Tucson LGBT Freedom Day Parade Committee and PowerSource. On top of a fun filled evening of socializing, entertainment, and good food; join us in recognizing community leaders and organizations that have made a difference in our community with the 1st Annual T.O.R.C.H. (Tucson Organization Recognizing Community Help) Awards. Additionally, look forward to great prizes/silent auction throughout the evening. The evening will culminate with music and dancing to top off the celebration. This is a Black Tie affair. Come dressed to the nines. Ticket Prices (include dinner):$20 Single, $30 Couple, VIP (Includes Swag Bag, Prime Seating, and Meet & Greet)$30 Single, $50 Couple; Tables (10 Tickets) $200 Regular, $300 VIP. Purchase tickets online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1909898.

Saturday, September 26, Noon: Fiesta Sahuarita 2015, at Anamax Park in Sahuarita. Water park, kids rides, carnival games, arts and crafts, food & drink. Fun for the whole family.

Saturday, September 26, 3:00 p.m.: (Special Date) Democratic Club of the Santa Rita Area meeting at the DCSRA Headquarters (upstairs meeting room), Continental Shopping Plaza, 240 W. Continental Road (exit 63), Green Valley. Featured speaker is Pima County Supervisor Richard Elías for a Q & A on the Pima County Bonds election. A reception will follow the meeting.

Thursday, October 1 – Sunday, October 4: Yavapai County Fair, at the Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo Grounds, in Prescott, AZ.

Thursday, October 1 – Sunday, October 4: Rex Allen Days, at 1500 N. Circle I Road (Willcox). The Town of Willcox celebrates the music and life of hometown hero, the actor/singing cowboy Rex Allen, with a rodeo, parade, dances, and cowboy poetry readings.

Yavapai County Democratic Party Annual Truman-Clinton Dinner

Friday, October 2, 5;30 p.m.: Yavapai County Democratic Party Annual Truman-Clinton Dinner, at the Centennial Center, Antelope Hills Golf Course, 1 Perkins Drive, Prescott. Keynote Speaker Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick. Details TBA.

Saturday, October 3, 11:00 a.m.: Flagstaff Oktoberfest at Wheeler Park, Flagstaff AZ. The event supports the Flagstaff Sunrise Lions Club. Live polka music, German beer, and free root beer floats for kids in the root beer garden. Contests for yodeling, costume, brat eating and beer hoisting.

Saturday, October 3: SanTan Oktoberfest SanTan Brewing’s 8th Annual Oktoberfest in Downtown Chandler, 3 S. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, AZ. Leading the entertainment lineup is the nationally recognized Matisyahu, Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers and local favorite acts. This year’s event will highlight beer games, Von Hanson’s brat eating contest, and family zone.

Saturday, October 3: Baja Oktoberfest at Veterans Memorial Stadium, 2500 E. Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ. Baja Oktoberfest will feature all Tucson breweries and craft breweries across the state. The Arizona Craft Breweries guild has invited all Arizona breweries to participate and selected a few out of state breweries to join the fun. This is the largest celebration of Arizona craft beer event in Tucson. Details TBA.

Monday, October 5: Voter Registration Cutoff Date for Tucson Mayor and City Council election.

Thursday, October 8 – Sunday, October 11: Graham County Fair at the Graham County Fairgrounds, 527 E. Armory Road, Safford AZ.

Friday, October 9 – Sunday, October 11: Tucson Meet Yourself Festival, 115 N. Church Avenue, Tucson, AZ . Southern Arizona’s diverse folk and ethnic communities are celebrated with performances and demonstrations, food vendors, and more at this family-friendly festival in downtown Tucson. Admission: Free for spectators. For more information see Tucson Meet Yourself.

Friday, October 9, 5:30 p.m.: Tucson LGBT Freedom Day Parade, in Downtown Tucson.  A parade that celebrates the true diversity of Tucson where all are welcome to participate and attend without prejudice against who they are or who they love.  We need volunteers, sponsors and participants! www.tucsonlgbtfreedomdayparade.org.

Saturday, October 10 – Sunday, October 11: Butterfield Overland Stage Days & Rodeo – City of Benson. The two day Butterfield Rodeo will be held at the Arena Bar and Rodeo Grounds, 250 N. Prickly Pear.

Saturday, October 10, 6:00 p.m.: Pride on Parade 2015, on 4th Avenue in cooperation with the 4th Avenue Merchants Association and Sky Bar, Tucson. For more information see http://tucsonpride.org/.

Sunday, October 11, 10:00 a.m.: Democrats of the Red Rocks Annual Picnic 2015, at the Living Springs Camp, 3500 N. State Rte. 89A, Sedona, AZ. Details TBA.

Wednesday, October 14: Ballots will be mailed for the Tucson Mayor and City Council election.

Friday, October 16 – Sunday, October 18: Helldorado Days in Tombstone, AZ.

Saturday, October 17, Noon: Pride in The Desert 2015, at the Kino Sports Complex, 2500 E. Ajo Way, Tucson. Tucson Pride, proudly presents Tucson’s 38th annual LGBT Pride festival. Gates open at 12 noon. Admission: $12.00, Military (active and retired), Seniors (55+) and Students $8.00 (ID’s required for all $8.00 admissions). Those age 12 and under are free. General information: http://tucsonpride.org/pride2015.html. Vendor & Sponsor information: http://tucsonpride.org/sponsorsandvendors.html.

Saturday, October 17, 6:00 p.m.: 29th Annual Great Tucson Beer Festival, at the soccer ball park (2900 East Ajo Way), across the street from Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium. A marvellous evening of beer tasting, (over 200 to chose from!), nibbling on morsels of excellent food provided by local eateries plus entertainment – the band 80’s and Gentlemen headlines. All of this is included in your ticket price! There’s lots of additional entertainment – we’re having an Oktoberfest costume contest among other things! There are two tiers of ticketing – general admission (entry at 6 pm, with an exception of 1-31 July when GA tickets get you in at 5.30 pm) and VIP (early entry always at 4.30 pm). A VIP ticket offers extra benefits – more food and tasting selections. Each tier also has a designated driver option. Check out our buy tickets page for the pricing details.

Tuesday, November 3: ELECTION DAY for Tucson Mayor and City Council election, and Pima County Bond election. Polls close at 7:00 p.m.