Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul led the Club in the Pledge of Allegiance at the January meeting of the Evans Democratic Club.  Hochul talked about her changes to the Clerk's office, including saving $1,000,000 by moving a downtown DMV office into the Rath Building.  She is committed to maintaining a DMV office in the Evans Town Hall for the convenience of Southtowns residents.  She thanked everyone who contibuted to the success of the petition drive to stop the State from requiring new license plates, which would have meant new fees that car owners would have to pay.  

A committee was appointed to assess and possibly update the Club's by-laws.  That committee will be chaired by Cheryl Grassi and she will be assisted by Becky Pordum, PJ and Nancy McNaughton, and Karen Erickson.  The club's swearing-in of officer was adjourned since Town Clerk Jonica DiMartino had a meeting at the Town Hall concerning a grant she is looking to obtain for the Town.  New members PJ Griffin and Nancy Griffin were welcomed to the Club.  PJ is a retired English teacher; Nancy is a retired home economics teacher.

Reports of elected officials were presented by Town Supervisor Fran Pordum and Deputy Town Supervisor Paul Cooper.

Pordum updated the Club on Wal-mart's decision to pull out of developing a store in the Town of Evans.  He noted the new garbage collection contract.  Allied won't pick up containers with wax coatings.  When it comes to objects like sour cream containers, the rule of thumb is that they don't take anything where the opening is wider than the bottom.  Cooper congratulated Karen Connors Erickson on her 10 years as a Deputy Town Supervisor.  He noted that Town Board meetings will include two times for public comment: 1) first on agenda items and 2) then for non-agenda items after the agenda is completed.  That way people who are present for an agenda items can be finished and on their way without waiting for those who want to comment on non-agenda items.  Board meetings will be held every 3rd week. 

Town Hall hours are 8 to 4 on Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Fri.; on Wed., its 8 - 6 p.m.  DMV hours are 8 to 3:45 on Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Fri.; on Wed., its 8 - 5:45 p.m.

Evans Democratic Town Chair Robert "Bob" Catalino discussed committee efforts, membership renewal, 2010 elections, and opportunities for short-term work with the Census.

At the close of Club business, there was a birthday party and cake for Bob Catalino, who had just celebrated his 75th birthday.  The February meeting will be held at the VFW on Tuesday, February 16, at 7:30 p.m.