For those of you with graduates who are missing out on their in-person ceremonies, know that they aren’t forgotten and we are all very proud of them. On Saturday, May 16th, at 8PM EDT, President Obama will deliver a prime-time commencement address that will be carried live on most national TV stations. It will also be streamed digitally. He will be joined by the Jonas Brothers, Lena Waithe, Pharell Williams, Megan Rapinoe and others. It is being hosted by XQ Institute, LeBron James Family Foundation, and the Entertainment Industry Foundation. This is just one of 3 events the Obamas are holding to honor 2020 graduates. Learn about the virtual graduation ceremony here. Even if you don’t have a graduate, won’t it be nice to witness a real leader in action once again!
Actions for Week of May 10, 2020
Why You Vote Project – In honor of women earning the right to vote a century ago (thanks heavens for Feb and Harry Burns), the Maryville Daily Times wants to hear why you vote. Everyone (men and women) are invited to send their submissions to [email protected]. You can also send or drop off your submission to The Daily Times, 307 E. Harper Ave. Maryville 37804. Please ask your friends to join in. The Daily Times plans to do an article on this subject as we approach the August 18th centennial anniversary.
Absentee Ballots Available – As of May 8th, you can apply for an absentee ballot for the August 6th State and Federal Primary, and County General Election. If you are concerned about voting in person, here are the allowed reasons in TN for obtaining an absentee ballot: 1) will be out of the county during early voting & election day; 2) 60 years of age or older; 3) assigned to jury duty; 4) hospitalized, sickness or physical disability; 5) caretaker of hospitalized, 6) ill or disabled person; 7) disability that makes my polling place inaccessible; 8) permanent absentee voter (requires a separate application from a doctor); 9) candidate for officer; 10) religious holiday exemption; or 11) poll worker. You can download the application from the Blount County Election Commission website or visit GoVoteTN.
May 28th, Thurs 7PM: Huddle Meeting. Speaker is Pennie Sena of American Promise. Meeting will be held via Zoom. American Promise support the 28th Amendment that will end the ability for large monetary donations to influence elections.
June 5th, Fri All Day: Wear Orange. June 5th is National Gun Violence Awareness Day, when we Wear Orange to honor the more than 100 Americans shot and killed every day and the hundreds more who are wounded. This is the kick off of #WearOrange weekend.
Future Huddle Meeting Dates: We meet in Dorothy Herron Room A at Blount County Public Library on the last Thursday of the month. Please save these future meeting dates: May 28 (American Promise), June 25 (Legislative Summary/Indivisible Update), July 30 (Candidate Forum), Aug 27 (RescuingHealth.org), Sept 24, Oct 29.
Have a great week! Stay well and thanks for all you do! Enjoy this virtual performance of Give a Little Love from the Rubin Family & Friends.