Submitted article
SHELBY – Dozens of Democrats from Richland, Ashland, and Crawford counties streamed into Shelby last Thursday evening. The occasion was the 46th anniversary of the organization of the Shelby Area Democratic Club. A festive dinner and program were held at the historic Girl Scout Little House.
“Our minutes tell us that on July 11, 1968, thirty people gathered in Seltzer Park to discuss forming a Democratic club in the Shelby area,” stated Garland John Gates, the club’s current president. “Since that time, our group has been active in politics at all levels, especially at the local level.”
“Mr. LD Ball, elected in 1968 as the club’s ‘first vice president,’ attended this year’s celebration,” added Gates. “We were deeply honored to have one of our founding officers join us.”
The “Democratic Glee Club” returned for a second year as the featured program. It sang patriotic and historical favorites such as “Yankee Doodle,” “Solidarity Forever,” “Happy Days Are Here Again,” and “We Shall Overcome.”
The “Most Faithful Order of the Brass Donkey” was inaugurated with Lucas area resident Joe Mudra as the first inductee. Mr. Mudra serves as the longtime chairperson of the Richland County Democratic Party.
“Joe is a highly competent leader and a true friend of the Shelby Area Democratic Club,” Gates noted. “He has indeed earned this honor.”
Attending the anniversary celebration were three local candidates: Don Bryant, candidate for the Ohio House; Phil Scott, candidate for county commissioner; and Phil Naumoff, candidate for common pleas court judge. Officeholders present included Shelby councilmembers Pat Carlisle, Harold Shasky, and Mr. Gates; elections board member Mr. Mudra; jury commissioner Ron Davis; civil service commissioner Patti Welch; Mid-Ohio ESC board member Linda McFarland, and state Democratic central committeewoman Paula Watson.
The evening concluded with a highly successful silent auction.