| SEPTEMBER 2025 NEWSLETTER |
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Look, we won't lie to you. 2025 has been tough. You know it, we know it, everyone knows it. There's plenty to worry about in the world right now. But, damn, are we lucky to live where we do and get to organize alongside such an incredible community. See below for all the reasons that's true just this month: two big rallies in WNC, our postcard party, the Hunger Walk, Save a Life Day distributing NARCAN, and another Pride Open Mic Night, just to name a few. So when it all starts to feel like too much, close the laptop, turn off the tv, throw your phone across the room and show up. And if nothing below grabs you? Start something, and we'll be right there with you! |
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4th Amendment Workplace Training |
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Thanks to everyone who joined us for our Fourth Amendment workplace training and info session with El Centro of Henderson County! We had a strong turnout of people who are now ready to help us connect with local employers and staff, to share how federal agents have been carrying out unconstitutional searches and seizures, and the simple steps businesses can take to stand up for workers, customers, and their own rights. Next up: we'll be organizing a canvassing day to put these skills into action! Together, we'll visit businesses, share resources so they can learn their rights, and keep building the movement for immigrant justice locally. If you didn't join us this time but want to lend a hand, it's not too late. Email Andy at [email protected] to get involved! |
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UPDATED GROUP RULES FOR OUR PRIVATE FACEBOOK PAGE We appreciate all who are engaging (posting, reading, liking and commenting) in these troublesome times. There are numerous sources for national news; our emphasis is on local information and solutions. There’s been an influx of videos, some over 30 minutes. Please keep videos regional and less than 5 minutes in length. We’re already overwhelmed as it is. |
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If you’d like to join our Facebook page, go to FB and type in Progressive Alliance of Henderson County. Be sure to answer BOTH questions. |
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Tom moved around a great deal as a child. He and his four siblings were all born in different locations ranging from Upstate New York to Baltimore, MD. He usually tells people he's from Stamford, CT where he lived in grade school. Tom's parents weren't particularly political, but he recalls two political experiences. First: His mother rushed home from vacation to watch (in black-and-white!) Dwight Eisenhower's acceptance speech at the 1956 Republican National Convention. Second: A guest of his parents initiated a dinner-table debate in 1960 about JFK's presidential qualifications. When Tom was a child in the 1950s he enjoyed watching Hopalong Cassidy, The Lone Ranger, and Gene Autry on television so, of course, he wanted to be a cowboy, along with all his "red-blooded" American peers! He was raised Catholic, until leaving the church at 17, and so also wanted to be a priest. Tom attended Kenyon College in Gambier, OH; a small liberal arts college, relatively unknown outside of the region, but known locally as "The Ivy League College of the Midwest!" Initially, Tom wanted to be an economist, but his high school nemesis Math "torpedoed" those plans. As a lifelong bookworm, Tom switched to an English major with a Psychology minor. Once an English major, Tom took courses in Black Literature and Women’s Literature that had a lasting influence on his thinking. The Vietnam War continued throughout his high school and college years, so Tom fully expected to be drafted after graduation. His first political act was to join a protest after the shootings at Kent State: "I considered attending that university… so I could have been there then." Tom unintentionally became a journalist after graduation. The draft had ended, Watergate was a major issue, and he wanted to make a positive difference in the world. He started small before working his way up to several large publications including the then-new USA Today, then US News & World Report, and finally the Washington Post. As an adult, Tom has moved 14 times and lived all up and down the East Coast "from Connecticut to New Hampshire, down to Florida, up to Northern Virginia right outside Washington, DC, back to Connecticut, then down here." Tom and his wife Vikki moved to Henderson County 11 years ago to be closer to their older daughter in Nashville and younger daughter and "the world's best grandson" who live in Fletcher. Tom loves to travel and ride his Harley motorcycle with his grandson. He is passionate about building community and that passion has informed his life decisions. Since retiring 25 years ago, he's been on boards of community groups and has helped organize several local rallies and visibility events over the past six months. Tom became more involved with the PAHC following Trump's inauguration in January. Having gone back and forth between political parties in the past, he's been unaffiliated since moving to NC. He says, "Progressive Alliance is the perfect fit for me. I love the people [and] their passion, commitment, thoughtfulness, and caring." |
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OUR MISSION: The Progressive Alliance of Henderson County (PAHC) compassionately advocates for justice, dignity, inclusion and sustainable, healthy communities for all. OUR VISION: To connect residents of Henderson County and vicinity through grassroots civic engagement, education, outreach and volunteerism. Visit our website for more photos, events, and links to like-minded groups. |
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The PAHC core leadership group (currently Betsy Alger, Jesse Bailey, Chris Berg, Nancy & Neil Brown, Sheila Clendenning, Padma Dyvine, Laura Miklowitz, Andy Myers, David Watson, and Paul Weichselbaum) working together diligently to strengthen our impact, has created mission and vision statements for the group.
Please speak to any of us if you can offer your ideas and time about the future of Henderson County. |
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Copyright © *2019-2025* *Progressive Alliance of Henderson County* |
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