Daily Archives: 05/13/2008

(Community Matters) I’ve studied up just a bit on those listed as potential Obama VP picks here , so no way could I not accept Tommie & Lynn Meredith’s invitation for dinner with Montana’s Governor Brian Schweitzer. Steven was bummed he couldn’t go – left for an east coast tour yesterday morning. The Meredith’s have gotten to know Gov. Schweitzer during summers at their extraordinary ranch on the Blackfoot River near Ovando.

Gov. Brian Schweitzer, Justin Smith & Will Meredith

Gov. Schweitzer is mentioned in many lists as a potential running mate with Senator Obama. Easy to see why since he’s an everyman kinda guy, completely comfortable shooting the s#%t or discussing economic policy. As governor, he’s cut taxes, created more jobs at better wages than any other governor, invested heavily in alternative energy, invested heavily in K – 12th grade and higher education, improved Montana’s bond rating and achieved the lowest unemployment rate in a very long time.

Justin Smith’s a good friend of Will’s. Believe we’d met when Will was honored for his community contributions at PeopleFund’s recent event. Nevertheless, we bonded last night and he’s going to get involved in helping with the June 19 (oops) 9th Obama event in Austin (David Axelrod speaking).

Blaine & Alexa Wesner & Lynn Meredith

Tom Meredith & Ben Barnes

Franklin & Marc

Alex & Marc Winkelman

(Community Matters) Joined Bettye Nowlin and friends at yesterday’s There’s No Such Thing as a Free Lunch luncheon benefitting People’s Community Clinic. Recently wrote about their very good work here.

The luncheon raised over $300,000 – amazing. Though, not really such a big surprise since two of my favorite women/major philanthropic powerhouses, Bettye Nowlin and Nona Niland, helped organize the event. Enjoyed being seated next to both.

Council member Sheryl Cole & Bettye Nowlin

Lee Walker & Dr. Eduardo Sanchez (yesterday’s keynote)

Clay Cary & city council candidate Laura Morrison –
who’d never met before so no endorsement implied. Well, yeah my endorsement. I think the office is hers.

Winstead partners: Alex Gonzales, Martha Smiley & Mike Cook

(Community Matters) Most mornings (like 5 out of 7), I’m at Starbucks when they open at 5:30am. I have so many at-home options for making good coffee; however, I just love the kids who work there. How cool to be greeted & engaged by, usually, bright cheery faces so early every morning. There’s a new guy (James) who noticed my Running of the Bulls t-shirt this morning. He couldn’t believe someone would have actually done so. Well, the t-shirt is really from a 2003 Austin ARC fundraiser. But, I was able to regale him and the rest of the crew with real, Pamplona running with the bulls stories. Hmm, still not sure what the heck got into me to do that but glad as heck I did when I could still run!