Harwich Democrats Honor Two at JFK Presidents’ Day Brunch

Ed McManus & Shelia House

HARWICH – Cape Cod Democrats gathered in Harwich Saturday for the 19th Annual JFK President’s Day Brunch to talk politics and hand out their annual Community Service and Democrat of the Year Awards.

Cape and Islands State Senator Julian Cyr was the keynote speaker.

Cyr remembered the legacy of former President John F. Kennedy and wondered where the next “JFK” type politician was.

He also talked about a toxic environment in politics today and ways to move beyond it.

He suggested the “JFK” of today may be in the spirit of the young people today who have been speaking out about the vulnerability of youth. ‘You see the resolve in the millenials,”  he said.

He criticized the NRA with turning common sense gun control into a cultural litmus test.

Cyr said Democrats were gaining ground by capturing more seats at the local level on Cape Cod and urged them to continue to do so in the future.

He said they have to seize the moment now.

“What we’ve got to keep doing here as Democrats, here in Harwich and across the whole region, is continue to seize this moment,” said Cyr. “Take this opportunity to really prepare for what we know is coming in 2018.”

Other Democrats in attendance included Yarmouth Selectmen Mark Forest, Harwich Assembly of Delegate Ed McManus and Harwich Democratic Town Committee Chair Ray Gottwald among many others.

Sheila House, Harwich’s youth counselor received the Community Service Award, while Peg Rose was honored as Democrat of the Year.

House said helping teens in Harwich was a passion.

“It was the way that Harwich chose to respond to some tragic losses and I’m always so touched how supportive they are of kids,” said House.

Rose was recognized for decades of community involvement in Harwich.

She has been a member of the League of Women Voters, Harwich Historical Society, Guild of Harwich Artists and was previously honored as Harwich Conservation Trust Volunteer of the Year and the Harwich High School Hall of Fame.

Rose said Harwich Democrats have made great strides over the years.

“I do remember when the Harwich Democratic Town Committee could hold their meeting in a broom closet and there would still be room for the brooms,” said Rose.

By JUSTIN SAUNDERS and MATT PITTA, CapeCod.com Newscenter

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