 | The Oakhurst Democratic Club traces its origins back to May 2002, when a Sierra Star article called upon interested residents to convene at the Oakhurst Library and form a Democratic Club. Founding members included John Cameron, Bill and Jan Fjellbo, Ed and Shirley Bailey, Ginger Julian, Frances Hagen, Kirk and Monika Moulin, Lowell and Kaye Christie, Bruce and Pat McNichols, Bob and Ginny Odell, Clariss Cassin, Hank and Nancy Lyday, Jery Lacayo, Jim Landis, Joe and Ingrid Fox, Ellie Schermerhorn, and Scott Hill. |
By September of the same year, the club was officially established, and elections were held appointing Bob Odell as President, Joe Fox as Vice President, Ginger Julian as 2nd Vice President, Clariss Cassin as Recording Secretary-Treasurer, and Frances Hagen as Corresponding Secretary. Monthly meetings were scheduled for the second Thursday of each month at the Oakhurst Library.
From its inception, the club has been actively involved in community affairs. Early activities included sponsoring floats in local parades and hosting educational events. In January 2003, the club established a Yahoo reflector site and affiliated with the California Democratic Council. By April 2003, the club adopted its first set of by-laws, setting a precedent for governance.
Throughout the years, the club expanded its influence and membership. Notable milestones include hosting major fundraisers, expanding the Eleanor Roosevelt Service Awards, and actively engaging in political discourse through debates and candidate forums. Membership reached significant numbers, reflecting a growing interest in Democratic ideals and community involvement.
Today, the Oakhurst Democratic Club remains steadfast in its mission to promote Democratic values, engage in meaningful dialogue, and contribute positively to the community of Oakhurst and beyond.
Timeline
-
May 2002: Initial meeting at Oakhurst Library with founding members including John Cameron, Bill and Jan Fjellbo, Ed and Shirley Bailey, Ginger Julian, Frances Hagen, Kirk and Monika Moulin, Lowell and Kaye Christie, Bruce and Pat McNichols, Bob and Ginny Odell, Clariss Cassin, Hank and Nancy Lyday, Jery Lacayo, Jim Landis, Joe and Ingrid Fox, Ellie Schermerhorn, and Scott Hill.
-
September 2002: Official formation of the club; inaugural elections appoint Bob Odell (President), Joe Fox (Vice President), Ginger Julian (2nd Vice President), Clariss Cassin (Recording Secretary-Treasurer), and Frances Hagen (Corresponding Secretary). Monthly meetings begin at Oakhurst Library.
-
September 2002: The club sponsors a float in the Mountain Heritage Days Parade.
-
November 2002: Scott Hill assumes Recording Secretary duties.
-
January 2003: Establishment of a Yahoo reflector site and affiliation with the California Democratic Council.
-
April 2003: Adoption of club by-laws.
-
June 2003: Elections confirm Bob Odell as President, Joe Fox as Vice President, Ginger Julian as 2nd Vice President, Scott Hill as Secretary, and Clariss Cassin as Treasurer.
-
October 2003: Executive Committee discussions and by-laws amendments at Yosemite Roasting.
-
November 2003: Inaugural breakfast meeting at Ol’ Kettle Restaurant; Clariss Cassin resigns as Treasurer.
-
December 2003: Strategic planning session; Ginger Julian resigns as 2nd Vice President to pursue Coarsegold club formation.
-
January 2004: Launch of new yosemitedems website; Executive Committee formalized with a quorum set at 3 members; election of Clariss Cassin and Ed Bailey as At Large members.
-
March 2004: Membership reaches 57.
-
August 2004: Successful fundraiser at Chukchansi Casino’s Fireside Blues.
-
June 2005: Ginny Terrell assumes presidency.
-
October 2005: Awards Committee established; criteria development begins.
-
December 2005: Approval of Eleanor Roosevelt Service Award criteria.
-
February 2006: Jamie Blair initiates Eleanor Roosevelt Service Awards fund with $500 donation.
-
May 2006: Patricia Byers awarded first Eleanor Roosevelt Community Service Award.
-
August 2009: Membership expands to 86.
-
September 2009: By-laws revisions; establishment of Officers and Executive Committee structure.
-
June 2011: Scott Hill re-elected as Secretary-Treasurer; board includes Peter Cavanaugh, Eileen Cavanaugh, Ed Estes, and Charles Richie.
-
September 2012: Reception for Democratic candidate Jack Uppal opposing Tom McClintock.
-
June 2013: Scott Hill continues as Secretary-Treasurer; board welcomes Peter Cavanaugh, Eileen Cavanaugh, Ed Estes, and David Lopez.
-
February 2014: Club hosts Madera County District Attorney candidates debate.
-
June 2016: Retirement of Scott Hill and Ed Estes; Charles Bednar and Nancy Bednar join the board.
-
November 2017: Membership peaks at 172; events include “Coffee with the Candidates” and co-sponsored Issues Forum with the Democratic Club of Coarsegold.
-
January 2018: Pre-endorsement voting for California Assembly, Senate, and US Representative candidates.
auth: Ellie Schermerhorn, May, 2011
revsn: Charlie Bednar, 2011, 2018