BUCKFIELD – Oxford County Democrats will meet on Thursday, Sept. 18, at the Buckfield Municipal Office building for a potluck supper at 5:30 p.m. and regular meeting at 6:30.

Attendance by anyone interested in electing Democratic candidates is encouraged. Those coming for supper are asked to bring a food item to share.

Aymie Walsh, executive director of the Maine Democratic Party will be the speaker and will provide information on the caucus process and plans for the 2004 convention.

Representatives from the various presidential campaigns have been invited to update the county committee on activities taking place this fall. Congressman Mike Michaud’s office will be represented. Terry Hayes of Buckfield and Rep. Rosita Gagne-Friel have made arrangements for the meeting.

Recent activities of the Oxford County Democrats include the August meeting, which was held on Thursday, Aug. 21, in Waterford, with Lynn Baker and the Waterford Democrats making meeting arrangements. Valerie Landry of CasinosNo was the speaker. The legislative special session prevented Sen. Bruce Bryant and Reps. John Patrick and Rosita Gagne-Friel from attending. Chairwoman Cathy Newell gave their reports

Sen. Bruce Bryant and Rep. John Patrick joined Maine’s two congressmen, Tom Allen and Mike Michaud, during their tour of the Rumford area on Aug. 27. The visit included the River Valley Technology Center, chaired by Bryant with Patrick as a board member. Michaud singled out Bryant and Patrick for their forceful leadership in working with civic leaders and River Valley Growth Council staff in securing more than $1.6 million in grants for the Technology Center and for the Pyrolysis facility.

The county Democrats participated in the Buckfield Labor Day celebration. Bryant and Gagne-Friel marched in the parade, joined by local Democrat Terry Hayes, and Patrick drove the float while Lanette, Larissa and Logan Bryant tossed candy. The Democrats’ booth, staffed by Cathy Newell, featured the free raffle and straw poll for 2004.

The 2004 Presidential campaigns are holding regular meet-ups in Oxford County. There have been well-attended local meet-ups for Dennis Kucinich and Howard Dean, with others planned for John Kerry. Information about this exciting method of generating grass-roots support is available on the candidates’ Web sites.

County Democrats will sponsor Governor’s Night Thursday, Oct, 16. There will be a reception for Gov. John Baldacci at the home of Jennifer Kreckel, followed by a chicken parmesan dinner at the Eagles Hall. Also to be honored are Sen. Bruce Bryant and Rep. John Patrick and Rosita Gagne-Friel. Co-chairs for the Governors Night are Newell, Patrick and Linda Petrie of Mexico. Pam Pace of Dixfield is chairing the silent auction which will be featured at the dinner. For more information or to help with this event, contact the co-chairs.

Newell is looking for help at the booths at the Oxford County and Fryeburg fairs, and for volunteers interested in assisting with the upcoming caucus process. Contact her at 875-2116, or [email protected].