| 2025 was a lot. A year of unprecedented attacks on our democratic norms, and our communities, especially immigrant families. Daily reminders of just how much damage the wrong people in power can do. And it was also a year of hope, of perseverance, solidarity, and people choosing to show up for each other anyway.
As we look back on 2025 and imagine what’s ahead, it’s easy to get lost in all the ways we’ve fallen short. But it’s just as important to remember how powerful we were, and still are, when we show up together.
If you’re reading this and feeling unsure about what to do or how to get involved, reach out. Everything PAHC does began with an individual taking a first step. If there’s something you think we should be doing that we aren’t yet, start it, and tell us how we can support you. |
|
We truly are all in the together. We thank and applaud our volunteers. |
|
FA LA LA LA LA
We skipped writing postcards in December, but not our sense of community. New and old friends gathered at The Local Table for cheer and camaraderie.
A wonderful and tasty time was had by all. |
|
SEASON'S GREETINGS: Our cheeks are nice and rosy and comfy cozy are we.
(Laura Miklowitz & Sheila Clendenning) |
|
Volunteers are urgently needed to staff and lead voter outreach and education efforts for the 2026 midterm elections.
While many of us may sit back and think that voters are sufficiently self-motivated to show up in droves and vote out POTUS’ minions, the 2024 election showed Progressives that dismal voter turnout will doom our agenda.
Help is needed to: And, perhaps most importantly, get the word out to loyal voters about recent NCGA shenanigans that may greatly affect whose vote gets counted in November, such as: Partisan gerrymandering, approved by SCOTUS, to change Congressional district lines and make GOP candidates more easily electable. Counter the mis-education efforts of the State Board of Elections, newly staffed with election deniers Act as watchdogs for County Boards of Election as they validate and count ballots
You may have better ideas. Great! Start working them!
Questions, or to get on an info distribution list as the Committee forms? Contact us and we will take it from there. Many thanks. |
|
THE PAHC LIAISON COMMITTEE |
|
To describe what PAHC Liaison Committee is we have to start with what it isn’t. In 2017/18 it seemed helpful to support postcard writing through in-person meetings with elected representatives. It was thought possible to communicate PAHC’s concerns and recommendations that way. Maybe the political divide wasn’t insurmountable; perhaps we could get a hearing with these official or their staff. Liaison Committee represented PAHC at these meetings.
By 2020 this model was shredded, if it was ever realistic. Our Congressional representatives---Meadows to Cawthorn to Edwards---did not listen to constituents. Early dialogues with NC General Assembly members terminated in 2020 with the election of members who only met with constituents echoing their pro-MAGA ideology. And/or offering campaign donations.
Liaison evolved. We now do outreach that expresses PAHC goals and objectives by supporting relationships in the Henderson community. PAHC, as a whole, has ongoing relationships with Safelight, Moms Demand Action, Hendersonville Pride, Public School Strong, Social Justice Network, PERSIST, Indivisible of Henderson County, and others.
The four current members of Liaison---Betsy, Chris, Padma, and Paul---work to develop and help sustain advocacy and support with an expansive group of partners: PFlag, Carolina Abortion Fund, Henderson County Department of Public Health, CIMA/Compas and others dedicated to protection of and advocacy for the Latino community, NAACP, League of Women Voters, Henderson County Democratic Party, Just Economics. What Liaison does adds to what has already been doing PAHC in our community.
There’s even a return to our roots, exploring how we might connect with Gov. Stein’s and AG Jackson’s regional offices---seeking to address what’s important for Henderson County. In the ongoing work of collaboration new Liaison members are always welcome.
Respectfully, Paul Weichselbaum |
|
Melinda Lowrance grew up right here in Hendersonville and wanted to be a nurse when she grew up. Her parents were involved in politics, getting people to the polls to vote. She may not have become a nurse, but she’s been tending to our community for many years.
She attended the Ninth Avenue School from first through 8th grade, Hendersonville High School from 9th through 12th grade, then Cecils Junior College and A-B Tech.
When Melinda was in high school, she worked as the first Black cashier at the local Winn-Dixie grocery store. She's had many different roles throughout her working life: office worker, telephone operator, insurance agent, the first Black office personnel at Kanuga Conference Center and banking. She is also an entrepreneur, having started Mop Head Cleaning some 35 years ago.
Her hobbies include sewing, reading, and helping others.
Melinda says of her life: "My life journey has been one of interacting with people who think like me and are passionate. I have met Senators and [members of the] House of Representatives. I’ve been to States all over the USA and even went to the Bahamas where I learned a little about the Government as to how they treat their Citizens."
She became a member of the NAACP in 1970 when the first branch was organized in Hendersonville. She has served positions of Education Chair, Secretary, Vice President and President. Under Dr. Barber's leadership, she was appointed District 1 Director and also helped to establish seven more branches in WNC. Melinda was unanimously appointed to fill a vacated seat on The Hendersonville City council and served on the (sadly now defunct) Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Committee
She is passionate about preserving Hendersonville's history and culture and believes there should be equity and fairness for all. She became involved with the Progressive Alliance when the Henderson County NAACP "became a partner with PAHC through mutual passion for Social Justice.”
She would love to see the Progressive Alliance continue emphasizing equality, equity, inclusion, and basic human rights.
Her closing statement is lovely and is included in its entirety: "I try to be a unifier. I have somewhat of a suspicious nature, but most of all I try not to be judgmental. My Faith sustains me. I want my works to speak for me and open doors that were closed so that others may be able to achieve."
*To learn more about the Ninth Avenue School, please check out the website for Henderson County’s Black History Research Committee at blackhistories.org where you'll find an article about the school. The article is also available in the book A Brief History of the Black Presence in Henderson County by Gary Franklin Green, a copy of which is available at the Henderson County Library. Additionally, there is a recent documentary about the Ninth Avenue School by local filmmaker David Weintraub entitled Coloring Beyond the Lines. |
|
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. |
|
The PAHC core leadership group (currently Betsy Alger, Chris Berg, Nancy & Neil Brown, Sheila Clendenning, Padma Dyvine, Laura Miklowitz, Andy Myers, 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. |
|
Copyright © *2019-2026* *Progressive Alliance of Henderson County* |
|
|
| |
|
|
